The Prescott daily news., 1915-06-17


 He put the gun down quietly and dropped his chin on his breast, He re- alized that his years of struggle had broken down the indOmitable spirit of his youth and his pride. He was an old man; he could not keep Wilkerson from coming back.
 Harry Wilkerson saw that face at the window, and his smile hardened. He thought he would take Gallon by surprise possibly. but before he rapped time to clutch the key-"The Master Key" to the riches in San JacintO mine-and hurriedly thrust it into a drawer in the desk and shut 1t from sight
 As the door swung open the two men looked at each other. Then the younger man said softly, "PardnerP'
 "Pardner" said Gallon, as if incred- ulous He called to his aid all his frail physical strength to face the final ca tastrophe-
 "Still partners" said Wilkerson, step- ping on in and closing the door; "still partners in The Master Keyr"
 Involuntarily Gallon clutched at his throat, where that golden key hung so long Could he live to fight this thing through? The agony in his chest was unbearable. What do you want?" he asked hoarsely.
 Wilkerson flung his riding Quirt on the table and pulled of his gantlets. "Well," he drawled, partner, l guess there are several things l want" He fixed his dark eyes on the old man. And there's one thing I'm going to have, and that's my share of The Master Key"
 "Your share?" parried Gallon.
 My share-' said Wilkerson, realiz- ing that he controlled the situation. "I have returned for my just due!
 "Now, listen. partner. I am going to stand no nonsense"
 What have you been doing all these years" the old man asked duly. "Why haven't you been here before?" 'None of your business" snarled VII. kerson. "All I've got to say is that
 
 back after finding out that you made a strike, the find you made when we were partners. How did you get back here?"
 Gallon looked at his enemy with the simplicity of an old man telling proved truth. "They were all my friends" he said.
 ,r{o de denly changed voice, and, thrusting his contorted face close to Gallons, "I don't care about your friends, but you better care about the enemy you made"
 For one instant the mine owners face grew stern and pitiless. But be heard step on the outside porch. and his face softened
 My God. Harry; did 1t for the girlm
 The evil soul of Wilkerson 6ared be- hind those cold eyes of his. and for the first time in his life he told the truth of his inmost heart, And l must have my share of The Master Key to buy woman"
 What wOmanT
 WilkerSon leaned forward. and his lips hiSsed hate as he returned: Do you remember that woman in Valle Vista five years ago-that woman you thought your little daughter too good to speak to? It was you who drove her out of camp, and now"-he smiled fatuitously-"shes rich and in New York, and she hates you!
 Gallon bowed his head
 What is 1t you want, Harry" he whispered huskily.
 The other man pulled a paper out of his pocket and threw 1t on the ta- ble. There's contract for you to sign"
 At this moment the door opened, and Ruth entered. She stared a mo- ment at the visitor and then looked anxiously at her father, who said:
 ''This is an old partner of mine, Ruthy-Harry Wikerson."
 Ruth shyly looked at the tall strang- CT and then shook hands with him. He held her gentle fingers second too long Her face flushed, and she retired without a backward glance.
 Without paying any more attention to the old man, who had now subsid- ed into chair by the table, Wilker- son walked to the window and watch ed the slim, girlish figure of the young girl tripping down the hill. Then he swung on the old man harshly: "Well. need q job. You need new super intendent, don't you? I guess I'll take the place."
 He stepped quickly to the window once more. This time he saw Ruth, with Tom Kane. the old cook. and an