The Forrest City times., 1908-07-17

valley where tbe summer road lay twice cOach's length beneath the winter snow road-Stella trembled with fear and prayed that Uncle Billy's passengers might be men of courage and strength, young men. Poor Uncle Billy. He was so old,
 Fifty, forty-even the prime of life is old age to youth so lately embarked on the souls voyage.
 Stella turned from the dark land, scape to read again Gideons letter that had come the day before, sn. other perturbing portent.
 It was dated at Virginia City For tune has been good to me, sweet Star" he wrote; so good that pour libations to her shrine and trust her to give me in due time the one great gift that is all of life for me.
 I'm glad I dared fate. Such in- credible luck I've had. l was pros. pecting in the gorge just above your fathers old, worked-out mine, and in dilapidated cabin-built since we left there, it was-I found cigar Sox with a lot of bullion in it. It must have been years there; for it was half. covered with pine needles fallen through a hole in the roof
 T came to this city, sold the stuff bought stocks, sold them. bought again. and have now $5,000 good money in the bank, besides more that I've saved and my stock. That five thousand shall not be touched It Is to found a home, our home. Tn studying men. I'm trying to learn the things you'd have me know, and 60 something that you won't be ashamed of. think it will be teaming. Thers are couple of outfits here that go ct sheriff's sale tomorrow. If l can get them cheap enough, and trusty men. I'll buy. and lease other teams.
 And soon I'm coming to you-when I'm used to my cane; and my clothes and l are older friends; and when I've picked up few more points on stocks and men.
 There's some secret on foot. Cad wallader has been here for a week or two. He was blowing harder than ever when he left two days ago: said Virginia was doomed, mines worked out, and a lot more. That means something's in the wind l look for a strike somewhere-the announcement of it, rather. It has already happened. I'm sure; but the owners are keeping dark till they can buy in all the stock at bedrock figures.
 Goodnight, little Star. These long weeks have been years 10 me. When come you'll see a different Gideon the same heart. though-and you'll think me better than the old Gideon your lover always"
 It was his first mans letter to Stel. ia. She marveled at his fiuency. yet recalled their childish game of post, office and his smoothly worded though ink-blotted epistles.
 Who was Gideon? Many times she had asked this question of him. once of her father. He told her that Gideon was waif, and bade her think of something else.
 She started rom the window with sudden, unaiming energy, as if she would shake free a hand already grasling her. The sharp rap and dull thump of Alvin's alternating cruteh and shoe came down the street. wei eoxss sounds to hey.
 Like draught of cool air on a hc4 cheek came his merry voice.
 Are you here. Miss Stellar" he asked, poking his head through the door into the dim room. You stood at the window a minute ago"
 Yes; and so glad to see you, AL win. Come in"
 T can't stop minute Here's some stuff that's been on my mind ever since it went through on the wire be fore daylight yesterday. It's Choctav 10 me. Some mans cipher. all right; but I'll bet cookie that's Blowhars Cad's signature. i"
 Stella looked up quickly. apprehsu sion in her face. That means---