Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-31
Drawing by N. c. Wyeth
CHAPTER x. icon tinued)

TONG before they reached the crest Of the hill they
l heard the heavy Shots telling them that the two
men left behind had blown the last rock barrier
of their great work.
Hardpan grumbled somewhat because they had not
waited for his return; but they fastened their steps
and hurried the divide anxious to see the effect
of the blasts and whether the coerdam had wthsood
the shock. Down the verge of the shaft they saw
Hank and Osborne waving their hats and cheering 1t
was plain that the shots had been By the
time the three tralers arrived the old mule was beng
hitched in to hoist up the rock blown and they could
stand and look downward at the opening 1t was GER
tain that the shots had been effective.
They cleared away the waste and, with four men
working put in the last of holes that, when loaded
and fired, would blow out the last fragment necessary
to This shot they would leave until Eve Wa
and the engineer arrived The occasion was too
moentous not to celebrate They forgot the missing
Bill Ridley they drove home the steel that bit and
chuned into the moist rocky footwas and they drove
deeply to make of their result
They laid off work after the holes were loaded, and
had their meal after which they waited for their
visitors Jim endeavored to put on brave front Not
the fight to hold his own the excitement OF the
preceding twentyour hours, the suspicious aroused
by Ridleys behavior could make him forget, as the
hour of Ewes appearance approached that he was still
dazed by bow-by the upsettlng OF a heart hope.
THEY came at last and Hardpan led the way to bid
them welcome with Jim, dallying more slowly than
was his WON'T at the veterans heels. Eve walked IN
'front.' clad as if for gala occasion, and behind her,
looking tired and disturbed the engineer, carry
ing good-sized basket.
as it ready? Is it all ready?" demanded the girl,
running little to meet them.
at Sure are!' exclaimed the old miner, and she
seized both his hands.
aOh am as glad as if had the launching of battle
shp! she declared, and then turned to Jim Her face
suddenly became grave and anxious. why, Jim, she
asked awhat is the trouble? You look unhappy. You
are worried What is it? Can't you tell me? I'm
partner in this enterprise You couldn't have wished
for its more than have!" ,
Her words cut him; but he tried bravely to assume
an air of content aNo, Miss Waters he began; but
she interrupted
al haven't done anything, have 1? You have been
calling me Eve, lately, haven't you! took That as
sign of partnership"
He remembered now that he had called her that,
he would have been familiar with comrade whom he
loved and whom he intended to marry. He flushed and
masked his heartache under jest.
"If called you that he said ut was because was
very fresh and thoughtless man. But nasmuch as
I've got into the habit, I'll stop trying to be formal on
this day of days, and continue to call you Eve Yes,
have been waiting for the magic blast tor the break
ing of the bottle over the ships prov, for the words
wishing this enterprise success. Oh, Holloway, m a
poor host-and ungrateful!
He spoke meaningly and walked to greet the
engineer, who put the basket down and looked at him
searchingly.
1--WE took your advice, Jim said rapidly in an under
tone "This ground is claimed
The engineer smiled and nodded, passed trivial
remark about the rain of the preceding night, and
picked up his hamper and started onward.
AS they approached the works Frenchy, standing on
the rim, heard to say in hoarse mutter, Take on
hats you felers when the young lady gets here
Show her you wasn't dragged up sheep ranch!'
The hats came off awkwardly, and the three miners
very gravey shook hands with the sponsor for the
tunnel thong htfully wpng them their overas before
doing So Jim had an instant's fear that they might
forget and spit into their palms if they were about
to seize hammer handle.
20 ahead and fire." Jim said quietly and Frenchy
- dropped down the ladder, took candle, and gnted
each fuse.
They sputtered sharply as he climbed upward and
the entire staff of the mine and its visitors reteated to
safe distance. The loud, open explosion came, fol
dropped spashing into the little lake, fell heavily
on the ground round the mouth of the shaft the slow