St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1911-05-03

II can't help that. He was just
common sailor who had run away from
his ship and was gold mining in Cali
fornia. And when he and his partner
struck it rich father borrowed money,
headed a company and bought them
out. That mine was the Excelsior, and
it's just as productive today as it ever
was. | rather think Atkins must be
very sorry he sold. ] suppose. by
right, should be very grateful to your
distinguished representative"
We'll, do declare! Sho, sho! Amt
that funny. now? He's never said
word about it at home | don't be-
lieve there's soul in Bayport knows
that We all thought twas south sea
tradin' that boosted Heman And your
own dad! declare. this is a small
worldi"
ITS odd father never told you about
it. It's one Of the old gentleman's pet
stories. He came west in 1850 and
was running a little shipping store in
Frisco. He met Atkins and the other
young sailor, his partner. before they
left their ship. They were in the
store buying various things, and
father got to know them pretty well
Then they ran away to the diggings-
you simply couldn't keep crew in
those times-and he didn't see them
again for a good while. Then they
came in one day and showed him
specimens from claim they had back
in the mountains. They were mighty
good specimens. and what they said
about the claim convinced father that
they had a valuable property. So he
went to see few we'll to do friends
Of his. and the outcome was that a
party was made up to go and inspect
The young fellows were willing to sell
out, for it was quartz working. and
they hadn't the money to CARRY it on
1.-The inspection showed that the
claim was likely to be even better
than they thought. so, after some bar
gaining, the deal was completed. They
sold out for $4,000. and it was the
best trade father ever made. He's SO
proud of his judgment and foresight
In making it that / wonder he never
told you the story"
He never did. When was this?''
in "a. What?"
81 didn't speak The date seemed
kind of familiar to me. that's all
Seems as if | heard it recent. but
can't remember when. Seventy-fye
thousand. hey? Well. that want so
bad. was it? With that for nest egg.
no wonder Heman's managed to hatch
a pretty respectable brood Of dollars"
''Oh. the whole seventy-6ve wasn't
his, of course. Half belonged to his
partner but the poor devil didn't live
to enjoy it, After the articles were
signed and before the money was paid
over be was taken sick with a fever
and died.
Hey? He did? With a feverY'
YES. but he left pretty good leg
acy to his heirs. didn't he? For COM
mon sailor or second mattel believe
that's what he was-$3 800 is doing
well. 1t must have come as big
surprise to them. The whole sum was
paid to Atkins. who What's the
matter with your"
Captain Cy was leaning back in his
chair. He was as white as the table
cloth.
man anxiously. Take some water.
Shall CALI
The captain waved his hand.
mo, nor he stammered. mo: I'm
all right. Do you-for the Lords sake
tell me this. What was the name of
this partner that died?''
Mr.. Everdean looked curiously at his
friend before he answered.
"Sure you're not sick?' he asked.
well. all right. The partners name?
Why. I've heard it often enough. It's
on the deed of sale that father has
framed in his room at home. The old
gentleman is as proud of that as any
thing in the house. The name was
vas
"For God sake" cried CAPTAIN Cv
don't say twas John Thayer, cause
If you do shan't believe it,
That's what it was-John Thayer
How did you guess? Did you know
him? remember now that he was
another down easter. like Atkins
The captain did not answer He
clasped his forehead with both hands
and leaned his elbows on the table
EVerdean was plainly alarmed
I'm going TO call a DOCTOR" he be-
gan. rising But Captain Cy waved
him back again.
''Set stillr' he ordered .'Set still,
tell you. You say the whole seventy
five thousand was paid TO Heman. but
that John Thayer signed the bill of
sale afore he died as half partner and
your dads got the original deed and
and-he remembers the whole bust
ness?'
Yes. he's got the deed-framed It's
On record. too. of course Remembers?
should say he did. He'll talk for
week on that subject If you give him
a chance"
The captain sprang to his feet His
chair tipped backward and fell TO the
floor An obsequious waiter ran TO
right Ii. but Captain Cy paid no at
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