Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-01-24

| how 10 you huON
81 don't know. but Fraser does. Hes
known her for years. Haven't you
Fraser" But the adventurer's face was
like wood AS they turned toward him.
Il don't know nothing replied
"Fingerless" Fraser. with an admira-
ble show Of ignorance.
We'll. judge for yourself" Clyde
turned again to Emerson. who Is
she: Where did she come from: What
| is she doing here alone: Answer that.
Now. she's interested in this deal just
as much as any Of us. and if you don't
ask ner TO take hand I'm going TO
put it up to ler myself"
You'll do nothing Of the sort! Boyd
, cried Savagely.
Clyde rose hastily. and his voice was
Shaking with excitement as he STAN
mered:
See here. Boyd. you're TO blame for
this trouble. and now you either get US
out Of It or buy my stock"
You know that ] can't buy your
stock"
Then I'll sell wherever can. I've
been stung, and want my money.
Only. remember, ! offered the stock 10
you first"
You've got swell chance TO make
a turn in Kalvik," said Fraser. why
don't you take II to Marsh:'
Il WILL" declared Alton.
You wouldn't do trick like that?'
Emerson questioned quickly.
why not? You won't listen to my
advice. You're playing with other peo-
ple's money. and 1t doesn't matter TO
you whether you win or lose. II this
ENTERPRISE fails suppose you can pro-
| mote another"
Get OUT" Boyd ordered. in such
| tone that the speaker obeyed with ludi-
crous haste
"Did you know Cherry before you
came TO Kalvik:' Boyd asked. search
Ing his companions face with a look
the man could not evade.
"Only casual"
"Where:"
Nome the year Of the big rush
During the mining troubles. eh:"
Sure"
What was she doing?"
Winding her business. She's good at
that" Fraser's eyes had become green
| and tishy. as usual.
"What do you know about her.?
We'll, | know that lot OF fellows
would go through for her at the drop
Of hat She could have most any
thing they've got. guess. Most any
| Of them miners at Nome would give
his right eye or his only child. or any
| little thing like that. II she asked It,"
What elSe:"
We'll. she was always considered a
right good looking party
Yes. yes; Of course. But what do
you know about the girl herself? Who
| Is she? What is her histcryT'
Now. sir. I'm an awful poor detec-
tive" confessed "Fingerless" Fraser.
1--WE often noticed that about myself
| II was the kind that goes shopping
around into other peoples business,
listening TO all the gossip I'm told, I'd
make a good witness. But ! amt. NO..
| sir, I'm rotten witness"
| Despite this indirect rebuke. Boyd
might have continued his questioning
had not George Balt's heavy step
rounded outside. A moment later the
big fellow entered.
"What did you find at the traps"'
asked Emerson eagerly.
Nothing" George spoke shortly
The fish struck in this morning. out
our trap Is corked." He wrenched on
his rubber boots and flung them saw
agely under bench.
"What luck with the boats"
mot much. Marsh's men are trying
10 surround our gill meters. and We
mint got enough boats to protect our
selves" He looked up meaningly from
under his heavy brows and inquired
How much longer are we going to
stand for this!"
"What do you mean? I've got men
out hunting fer new hands"
"You know what I mean" the giant
rumbled, his red eyes flaming. "Yot
and can get Willis Marsh"
Emerson shot a quick glance at Fra
ser, who was staring 6xedly at BIZ
George.
Hes got US right enough, and It:
bound to come to killing some day
so the sooner the better" the fisher
man ran on. I'VE can get him toniEh
II you say so. Are you in on it?'
Boyd faced the window slowly. whil'
the others followed him with anxious
eyes. Inside the room deathlike 81
lence settled.
Moreover. Mildred Wayland was sool
TO arrive-the yacht was expecte'
daily-and she would find him fall
ure. What was worse. she would 6n'
that Marsh had vanquished him. Sh
would turn neutrality-suspicious. to tn
very man who had contrived his un
doing. At thought Of this a sort o
desperation seemed to master him; b
began to mutter aloud
What did you say?" queried Bait
81 said that you are right The tim
is close at hand for some sort or
reckoning" answered Boyd in harsh
strained voice.
"Goodw
Emerson was upon the point OF turn
ing when his eyes fell upon a pictur
that made him start, then gaze NOR
intently. Out upon the placid waters
abreast Of the plant. the launch II
which Cherry had departed was ar
preaching, and 1t was loaded dow,
with men. Not only were they crowd
ed upon the craft itself, but trailin
behind It like the tail Of kite was
long line Of canoes. and these ais
were peopled
Look yonder" cried Boyd.
"WhatY'
| Cherry has got-a crew. bis voic
broke, and he bolted toward the doc