The weekly tribune and the Cape County herald. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1914-1918, 1915-01-22

She shrank back at the flame in his
gaze upon her.
Now, what are you going to do?
she demanded. attempting to bring the
conversation back into business chan
nels.
He bit his nails savagely. Drake Il
out. all right" he told her. "You see,
Kane didn't turn mp to prosecute the
case. and they turned him loose. What
do you say to my wiring him to go and
take charge of the mine while we de-
eide just what to do? He can see
what's going on and warn US"
"Dorr and the rest are still at Be7er-
y Hills?" she inquired.
"Surer' he said scornfully. They're
tieing up with some blooded Britisher
they think has money. They figure on
getting him to finance them, 1 reckon.
And l happen to know that Sir Donald
couldn't finance anybody. We needn't
worry about Dorr.''
Mrs. Darnell remained in thoughtful
silence awhile and then agreed to the
suggestion. WilkersOn immediately
wrote the message:
Charles Drake, San Francisco Cal:
Go to Silent Valley at once and take
charge of Master Key mine until you
hear further from me. Am wiring Tubbs,
engineer, to this effect.
HARRY WILKINSON.
When he bad sent this and a mes
sage to Tubbs he resumed his gloating
contemplation of his forged deeds. He
did not see the look of burning scorn
on Jeans face as she left the roem.
why must | always have TO use
fools?" she murmured bitterly. "a
lovely pair Wilkerson and Drakep'
Drake did not hesitate when he re-
ceived Wilkerson's telegram. He took
the next train for Silent Valley and on
arrival there procured a rig and drove
TO the mine
On his arrival he was dismayed to
see that no work WAS being done. The
machinery was idle, and the miners
were loafing about the streets OF gath
cred in little sullen groups. They eyed
him curiOusiy. but when he asked for
Tubbs they made no comment nor ask
ed any questions.
Following their directions. be soon
found himself Oh the porch of what
had been John DORIS house. He
Knocked, and there was shutting of
heavy boots; then the door opened. and
an unshaved, bloated faced man asked
him gruffiy what he wanted.
Drake produced Wilkerson's wire.
and instantly the engineer showed re-
lief.
Come in. Come in!' he said
Come in and have a drink
The interior of the cabin showed that
Bill Tubs had apparently been merely
camping out in his new quarters with
out regard to the decencies. But Drake
was not squeamish after his long trip
and shared drink with his host. 4
few words served to put the situation
before him.
There amt no money to pay the
men; the stores closed; the cook shan
ty amt running; Wilkerson is away;
DOrr hasn't turned up with the money
he promised, and I'm just kind of sit
ting on the lid while the pot boils.
I'm mighty glad to see you. Maybe
YOU can do something with these fell
lows. I've done my best. and l can't
do any more"
The words were hardly out of his
kho p
boots on the porch. and Tubbs smiled
in Sickly fashion.
Il guess they spotted you right off,
he said.
what do they want?" demanded
Drake "a there came a pounding on
the door.
Two miners entered, and Tubbs in
troduced them to Drake.
This is the new boss. boys" he said.
Who sent you here?" was the first
question asked.
"Wilkerson." responded Drake.
"Humphr'
I'm just here to take charge tempo
rarily," Drake went on hastily, not
liking the ugly tone Of the mans
voice.
The other man took this information
and after digesting it said. Going to
start up and pay wages?"
I'm not acquainted with the situa-
ton yet" was the evasive reply. IN
go over things with Mr.. Tubbs tonight,
and then i'll the morning I'll see what
is to be DONE"
The first thing is to give US money
and food was the curt answer The
men stamped out, leaving Drake to
look ut Tubbs in some diSmay.
The engineer was so relieved at hay-
ing some one else to bear the burden
Of responsibility that he refused to be
Have another drink. partner" he |
said Familiarity. land forget it till to-
After a very poor meal which TubbS |
;craped up the two sat down and |
smoked. Tubs tongue gradually !oos-
sned under the influence of many more |
10