The new era., 1909-09-02

were few changes of raiment In Jack
Cleland's travelling trunk, but there
were other things more useful to him
in the way of gambling paraphernalia.
Floyd demanded three rooms in the
hotel and by paying an exorbitant
price was able to get one large enough
ton to the living rooms required for
the two partners.
The morning after the arrival Of
these two modern Jasons in the new
gold fields Maj. Skinner was sitting
in his up-to-date ofiice next door to
the State bank building. He had just
finished digesting the statement of
his financial condition which his one
clerk had prepared for him and was
full of proud satisfaction. Things
were indeed coming his way Every
thing his indian fingers touched had
seemed to turn to gold within the past
six months. Wherefore the major
wore pleased expression when Doc
Floyd. new arrival from the east In
search of mining Investments, was
ushered into his presence by his sec
retary and man of all work.
The neatly engraved card which
Floyd presented gave no inkling of
his business to the man of affairs in
Rawhide. but the presence of its
bearer was at once commanding and
engaging. The major at once put him
down as one we'll able to take care
OF his end Of any deal into which he
might enter. He was fiattered when
Floyd told him that he had sought him
out in quest of advice.
Il am indeed, pleased to be a; your
service, sir the mining man an
nounced. at the same time producing
box of the best cigars that could be
had in San Francisco and inviting
his caller to smoke. What can l do
for you?"
II understand that you own the
controlling interest in little piece
OIL property down In Goldfield. called
the Shawlneck," said Floyd. Il don't
think much of the propert which I
looked over few days ago. even II 1t
does seem to be we'll located. How
ever. I've seen some of the stock GER
tiflcates and they are a work of art.
I'd buy a wagon load of them or so II
the price was right"
The major noted the smile on the
face Of his caller and wondered what
game he was up against He was keen
enough to know that here was a man
who would not buy q gold brick. yet
here he was speaking of purchasing
worthless stock. He decided that
there was no use in claiming any
value for the Shawlneck mine. Be-
ing in a good humor, however, he an
nounced:
well, II you want to buy me out.
| reckon we won't have much trouble
in making trade. Why, I'd almost
play you a game of seven up for the
whole layout"
"Ha. ha," laughed Floyd. so you're
game for little sporting proposition,
are you? always did like to see a
man who would take chance. I've
been taking them all my life."
well. I've about quit taking
chances" returned the Pecksnihian
Mai. Skinner You see don't
have to take many chances any
more I've got mine here that
is going to yield me a million
II 1 get a cent out of 1t. I'm al
ready more than a hundred thousand
to the good now and only have one
partner to cut up the profits with. It's
the first mining venture l was ever
Interested in where wouldn't sell my
last share of stock II could find q
buyer take 1t that you want to
get hold of the Shawlneck property
just as promoting propositions. Be-
fore we talk about that. however, I
want to show you a real mine in the
Hetty Granger"
Il should be pleased to see it." as
sented Floyd as he followed the min
ing man to an automobile which stood
in front of the office.
1t was indeed a paying mine that
Floyd was shown and when he hinted
that he would like to buy an interest
in the property, at the same time dis
playing some thousands of dollars in
bantering spirit. although the avari-
cious eyes of the major gazed greedily
at the money he asserted that he did
not wish to sell any part of the mine.
He declared that they were taking
out on an average of $500 worth Of
ore a day and expected to strike .
richer vein at any time.
"All right. then" laughed Floyd. III
you won't sell me any of the real
goods suppose I'll have to do busi-
ness with you on the Goldfield prop
erty. II you will take me back to my
hotel should be pleased to have
you Join me at lunch and we can talk
It over"
With the third bottle OF wine. Mai.
Skinner began to warm towards his
host, and 1t was not until they had
lit their cigars that Floyd reverted
to the topic of the shawlneck deal.
Before we go any further. I'll tell
you that only want that Goldaeld
property because there is already q