Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-01-27

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 be was dismayed to
see that 20 work was being done. The
machinery was idle, and the miners
were loa1ing about the streets or gath
cred in little sullen groups They eyed
him curiOusly. but when he asked for
Tubbs they made no comment nor ask
ed any questions.
Following their directions, he soon
found himself ON 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 gruf1y what he wanted.
Drake produced Wnkerson'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 Tubbs 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 a drink with his host A
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 werc hardly out Of his
mouth before there was the noise of
boots on the porch. and Tubbs smiled
in sickly fashion.
II guess they spotted you right on. :"
he said.
what do they wantY' demanded
Drake as 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.
"Humphv'
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 disesting it said, Going to
start up and pay wages?"
I'm not acquainted with the situa-
ton yet" was the evasive reply. III
60 over things with Mr. Tubbs tonight
and then in 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 at Tubbs in some dismay.
The engineer was so relieved at hav'
ing some one else to bear the burden
Of responsibility that he refused to be
worried.
Have another drink. partner he
said familiarly. land forget it till to-
morrow"
After a very poor meal which Tubbs
scraped up the two sat down and
smoked. Tubbs' tongue gradually ioos
ened under the influence Of many more
drinks, and before 10 O'Clock brought
up a waning moon Drake knew great
deal that made him uncomfortable. He
resolved to shift the burden to Wilker
sons shoulders as quickly as possible
The next morning did not bring
cheer. His head ached from the fumes
Of Bill Tubs whisky. and the chill OF
the mountain air was not dissipated by
a cold breakfast. And before the sur
had risen above the peak Of the noun
tain the miners had approached hin