The Muskogee cimeter. [volume] (Muskogee, Indian Territory, Okla.) 1901-19??, 1908-09-18

trunk. To contemplate the possibili-
ties before him. he let his hands fall
from the ax-helve, that stood stifiy
out from the tree. and stepped back a
pace.
While regarding the situation In this
contemplative spirit. he caught sight OF
a covered wagon driven downfall to-
ward his camp. He remained inactive,
awaiting the passage Of the wagon and
its occupant That did not occur. The
wagon, instead, drew In and came to a
stand-still. The driver dismounted
and approached. glancing curiously at
the Ak extended from the tree. He
greeted Thomas Wickersham. who re-
turned the greeting and then simply
stood waiting. This last-csmsr, the
elder Of the two by several years,
seemed greatly embarrassed. but at
length said:
IL clearly perceive that you are en-.
titled to the reasons for my appear
ing here. but I must say that am at
loss to state them, not 80 much be-
cause they are not clear to me, az by
reason of the unexpected appearance
here of fulfillment Of certain designs
by another that l supposed could only
possibly be entertained by mlself
Il find that you have proceeded here
to the same extent and practically In
the same manner / had designed to
do. even to your beginning to fell the
tree before US. You have preceded me
here. and are entitled to the rights Of
prior possessor. will state my
case, and we can then decide to what
extent II interferes with any claims
you may have and desire to retain:
II am a farmer. as you may con-
lecture. and my home Is at Rapid
Jack. in Nebraska. The gold fever
that has swept the west found me dis
tracted from my usual routine Of du-
ties by the frequent occurrence Of a
dream that presented each time the
same features. never deviating. Of q
mountain scene, crossed by ravine
in which stood huge tree. that l felled
and found hollow. but filled with gold
that flowed out at my feet. In possess
Ing myself Of this treasure. l invari-
ably awoke. 1t must. Of course, be
clear to you that the tree you have be-
gun to fell Is the tree Of my dream"
Thomas Wickersham listened to this
revelation with amazement, and 1t was
no sooner concluded than he related
his own experience. and 1t was prompt
ly concluded between them that the
search should be conducted jointly.
The team was unhitched and provid
ed for, the elder man drew from his
wagon an ak. and the two men ap
preached the tree where the handle
Of Thomas Wickersham's az still stood
out at right-angles tc the trunk. The
elder one said:
II observe by your ak that you chop
left-handed; l am a right-handed chop
per; l will stand opposite. so we can
double-team and strike time-about."
The younger man, asserting, drew
out his ak and simply exclaiming
Chip I'M" struck the tree blow that
was followed by a stroke from the 9th
notch was hacked In the trunk of the
tree. Then the elder suddenly ex
claimed: "Chip!" and followed this by
sinking his ak above the notch, SO al
to chip out between.
The elder at once withdrew his Al
as that Of the younger sank In thu
cash. but the younger failed to with
draw his mplement-failed even to at
tempt to draw it--and. crashing >upoI
the head Of the one In the tree. show
ering sparks Of fire. fell the edge o
the descending az Of the elder, wht
looked quickly up. to be met by an I'm
accountable look ON the face Of tn,
younger. who staggered forward. ant
shouted:
snnhID