Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1915-09-09

ou l,vnalu maue Il rev peasant re-
marks and then excused himself. His
quick ems told him that Everett
had come on business and that he
would be one too many.
II don't know that l have anything
new and startling to tell you." Everett
told Ruth in answer to her question.
Il know a dozen places where l can
raise the money to finance your mine,
but we must have the deeds, papers
and surveys first. And they're gone,
I understand"
eyes," Dorr replied bitterly, Il sup
pose Wilkerson has them. I ought to
have been on his trail long ago."
Everett glanced at Ruth and saw the
Encouragement on her face. He went
quickly on: However. I've made tenn
porary arrangements which will re-
lieve you Of all trouble for the present.
Miss Gallon. I'll talk over the business
details with John and Tom Kane"
She Enlightened and laid one hand
af~fectionately on Johns arm. Il knew
everything would come out all right
w llC1l OOuli LOoh Olu oiC Su1u ooICly.
For two days Harry Wilkerson work
ed steadily and secretly in his room.
At last his task was done.
mo one can ever prove that old Tom
Gallon didn't draw that deed himself"
Wilkerson said triumphantly. "And it
makes me the owner Of the Master
Key mine. Jean. And, once in charge.
I'll make us both worth millions!
Them
She shrank back ut 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 is
out, all right" he told her. You see.
Kane didn't turn up to prosecute the
case, aud 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 u.s."
"Dorr and the rest are still ut Bever-
ly Hills" she inquired.
"Sure!" he said scornfully. They're
they think has money. They figure on
getting him to finance them, I 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 had 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 room.
why must I always have to use
fools" she murmured bitterly. "a
lovely pair-Wilkerson and Drakew!
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 loatng about the streets or gath
cred in little sullen groups. They eyed
him c%uriously, 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 shufling of
heavy boots; then the door opened, and
an u%nshaved. bloated faced man asked
him gruffly what he wanted.
Drake produced Wilkerson's wire,
and instantly the engineer showed re-
lief.
Come in. Come I'M" he said.
Come in and have 4 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 a do something with these fell
lows. I've done my best, and I can't
do any more"
The words We're 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 Off"
he said.
"What do they want?' demanded
Drake as there came a pounding on
the door.
Two miners entered and Tubhc in