Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-24

house that suuated silent and undsturbed out under the
Storm hunched itself from the elements.
CHAPTER X.
MO one was absent from the breakfast table in the
morning, and II there any anxiety In the mind
of anyone it not noticeable. Indeed, general air
of expectancy prevailed for this the day when the
big work was to be consummated. 1t was therefore
something of a surprise when Ridley, rising from the
table, asked casually of Jim whether the full force would
be needed to blow out the last barrier.
"Why, no. Jim replied in fact we cant use the full
force that job The holes drilled, and all that
mains them then muck out. Why?"
@Well, that being the case, and me not havin had
1ayo for two straight months, think III 60 over to
the MaripoSa lumber mills and some old pals of
mine, Ridley said.
The Mariposa mills were nearly fifteen miles away
and the opposite side of that chain Of hills 1t was
the first time anyone had been that Ridley had
friends there but, the CUSTOM it was each
mans right to keep his affairs to himself.
Al see objection to your going, Jim replied; but
Hardpan blurted out:
"What! You amt goin' to stay and the last shot?"
mo, can what she's done when l get back"
Ridley answered, without looking at anyone Of those
at the table. HI'1l be back tomorrer forenoon"
"Bc pretty wet walkin'," suggested Hank.
dyes; but she'll dry out in hour So Suns
shnin clear this mornin and there amt cloud in the
sky anywhere" Ridley said, he passed through the
door and toward the clubhouse.
Half hour later he reappeared dressed in what the
Others facetously termed his "town clothes which
consisted of ready made suit, clean white hat with
big brm and patent leather shoes with yellow tops He
was smoking cigar evidently saved for some gala
sion, and walked away the trail without much
backward glance at the plant his fellow workers
"There is that is certainly interested in his
work and the of the property! remarked Hard
pan wrathfully, watching Rdleys back it disap-
peared behind the heavy trees. "And I'm gon to cut
him off the list right now if you're agreeable, Jm.
"You do than that, far as I'm concerned.
think at the end of the first cleanup he might do pretty
we'll with his time
YOU see, Boys" Hardpan announced in explanation,
"mc an Jim decided sometime ago that, seem as
how square and decent you ellers had all been sticn
to us through all the lean times and kckn'
work. slow pay that we'd cut the pay of this claim
when got to the gold just four ways, me an Jim
to take threequarers and then divide the other fourth
with you boys bonus That's what I'm alludin at
when say Bill Rdleys is scratched in that deal
The men stood and looked at one another for few
moments with open mouths. They were astonshed
less. The first find tongue said, "Thanks!" The
second said, "That's right liberal of you all,
and Frenchy said:
"Wcl, Hardpan, seem you and me are oldtlme
friends and Jim and me have known each other about
eight years. and | amt been havin' any hell
roarn luck I'll say this: If she makes good all
think and hope she WILL I'm glad to be cut in Twould
be about much money as I'd ever need. But if she
shows up to be poor mans mne don't want cussed
cent! You've been right decent to all of u.s.
The others found tongue to approve of this sentiment
and they went down to the work to fire the last shot
Jim and his partner stopping behind, overheard some
Of their comments and had occasion to smile at each
other with happiness The men were already building
air castles with their incoming share OF wealth, which
they agreed could scarcely be less than five thou