Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-03-25
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
TIE KNIFE.
~ N every community. be it ever 80
al small. there are undesirable citf.
IA zens. and while the little party
was still at breakfast ON the fol-
lowing morning three such members
If society came around the cabin and
let fall their packs. greeting the occu-
pants boisterously.
We'll, well!!' said Lee. coming to the
door. You're travelin' kind Of early,
amt you:"
Yes, early and late" one of them
laughed. while the other two sprawled
about as If to rest.
How far are you goin'T'
Not far" the spokesman answered.
we want Il piece Of this creek"
What are you goin' to do with It'll"
"Cut that out. Lee. We're OIL"
"Who wised you up to this?" IN
CURED the miner angrlly.
Never mind who put US Jerry.
Weir here, amt wei"
The harm was done. and there was
no use in concealment, so Lee re-
,uc;antjy told them Of his discovery
Ind warned them Of the stakes al
ready placed.
IN step along with tho boys and
show them where our upper stakes
are" volunteered Stark. and Runnion
offered to do the same. adding that 1t
wero best to mako sure Of no conflict
- carly In the Eame. The i've disap-
pcared into the woods. leaving the
theirs at the cabin to make prepara-
lions for the homoward trip.
II don't like the look Of this" OBJ
served the lieutenant thoughtfully.
I'm afraid there's some kind Of a Job
on foot"
There's nothing they can DO" Gallo
answered, We've got our ground
staked out, and it's up to them to
choose what's left"
They were nearly ready to set out
for Nambeau when the five men re.
turned.
Before you CO." said Stark. II thinl.
we'd better organize our mining dis
trict There are enough present to do
IT,"
1--WE can make the kind Of laws we
want before the gang M along"
Runnion chimed in, aid elect a re-
corder who Will give Us a square deal"
"1ll agree If we give Lee the job"
taid Gale. TITS coming to him as the
.aiscovcrer. and I reckon the money
will be handy. seeing tho hard luck
Ae's played in"
The group assembled in .he cleared
space before the cabin 20 make rules
and regulations governing the district,
for 1t is a custom in all mining sec
tons removed from authority for the
laws governing the size Of claims, the
amount of assessment work, the size
Of the recorders fees, the character Of
these who may hold mines and such
other questions as arise.
1t was Of wondrous interest to Ne.
portant matters, and she took pride In
voting on every question. but Burrell.
who observed tho proceedings from
neutral ground, could not shake of the
notion that all was not right. Things
moved too smoothly. 1t looked as II
there had been q rehearsal. Lee. Po-
loon and tho trader. however. seemed
not to notice 1t.
The surprise came when they had
completed the organization of tho dis
trict and had nearly finished adopting
bylaws.
Runnion moved tho adoption Of a
rule that no women be allowed to 10.
cate mining claims, and n Of the
strangers seconded 1t.
"What's that?" said Lee. raising his
one eye from the notebook In which
MS secretary ha was transcribing the
minutes.
ut isn't right to let women In ON a
mans game" said Runnion.
That's my idea," echoed tue W.
Dnder.
~ s'pose this Is aimed at my GIRL"
said Gale, springing to his feet. III
might have known you buns Gere up
to some crooked work."
Poleon likewise rose and ranged him.
self with the trader.
I'D .n ln~e k..e a.. 1Akee nANR