The daily Alaskan., 1910-03-28

so rapidly achieved Let him stop cavillng. said the virtuous Harrington to himself, and seek success by lead ing a sober life. as he did
 Feeling that he had been insulted, Burlington thereafter confined his communications with Hartford to a curt How are youT accompanied by a barcy perceptible nod when they chanced to meet. It was with a good deal of surprise. therefore, that Hart ford. glaucing up from his rather di. lapidated desk as he heard the door open, perceived Harrington entering bis office. One had not to look at Bar rlngton twice to be convinced that he was badly frightened. Ills eyes, which ordinarily regarded those about him with an air of easy t0lcration, were wide with terror. and his well chisel. ed features, cuStomarily wearing an air of placid couceit. were now white and drawn. His manner toward Hart ford was no longer Supcrcilious. A. bis carefully constructed attitude of dignity had vanished.
 You've been in this part of the country longer than l have. Hartford said he "I want your advice as a. a friend, you know"
 Hartford nodded and withdrew his pipe from his lips.
 Sure" said be succlnctly, What's the row?"
 "Why, you sec" said Harrington, "il seems that in filing the papers for Jim Busby on that last mining claim of his I made a slight error. have been doing large business, you know, uartCord-a very large busincss-aud 1t was inevitable that | should make a mistake occasionally. It seems that some interruptions persons have taken advantage of this purely technical slip and have jumped Busbys claim, and he is very much exercised about it."
 "I should think he might be-" Hart ford observed.
 "Yes." repeated Harrington, "he is much exercised and quite unrcason- able about it. He came into my office a few moments ago and demand cd an explanation. Of course 1 couldn't tell him anything except that it was just a mistake such as any man might make, and he said I was lying to him. He said I was too smart to make a fool break like that and that l was in with the gang that were trying to do him out of a claim that would have made him rich. argued with him the best l could but 1t didn't budge him. He said he didn't see that it made much difference, anyhow, whcth- CT I was a fool or a kulve, because either way l hadn't any right to live, and he wound up by saying that he'd just go down to the Jolly Dog and get a few drinks to put him In the right frame of mind and then he'd come back and reduce the membership of the Gilt Gulch bar by one
 It is significant of Hartiords broad and tolerant temperament that he did not remind Harrington that he had previously predicted such a catastro- phc as had now befallen. Neverthe- less slight glImmcr of amusement stole across his face.
 "So you want my advice, do you? he asked.
 "I should appreciate 1t very much" said Harrington.
 Well, you shall have it," said Hart ford laconicany, rapping the bowl of his pipe against the heel of his shoe. If Jim Busby were out gunuing for me and l couldn't shoot any better than you can, and l had a comfortable little sum saved, as you have, and there were pretty girl in New Eng land who didn't know any better than to love me, as she does you, I'd so east on the half past train, and wouldn't hurry back"
 But the trouble is" Harrington ex- plained, "Susie-NIiss Cutler, that is will be here on the train that gets in at 2:JO. The trains pass on the first siding out, you know. The fact is we are to be married day after tomorrow at noon. You'll pardon my emitting to send you an invitation, won't you? It was quite unintenuonal. I've been so busy
 "Oh," Hartford broke in, with dep- recatory wave of his arm, you need not apologize. It's just one of those little mistakes a busy man is bound to make every now and then. l haven't Busbys disposition. I'll forgive you"
 Then Hartford looked at his watch and found that it was twenty minutes past 9.
 'YouW have to move lively, my boy" he said keep an eye open for Jim, and if the coast is clear take the 2:3O. If 1t isn't, walk over to Sand City and take the next one there"
 But about Susie" Burlington re monstrated.
 "Pshaw" growled Hartford. That's easy enough Leave a note for her with the station master, telling her to go back to Colorado Springs and you'll meet her there. If you don't have time to write note, have the station mas ter tell her you've been called away on a life and death matter and that she's