Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1915-10-28

versation. Her change of at
titude did not go unobserved, and both
Everett and Dorr were puzzled.
Everett saw that there was another
mystery Of which he knew nothing and
instantly and in the most businesslike
manne turned to Ruth and said:
"Now, all this subject to your ap-
proval, Miss Ruth. You know you are
practically of age"
She looked at Everett steadily and
said in a low tone. Il think Sir Donald
Faversham should be consulted"
But he has nothing John began.
He has everything to do with this
plan," Ruth said steadily.
II know he's done a lot" Dorr STAN
mered, feeling the ground give under
his feet. but in this NATTER
Il think Miss Ruth is perfectly
right" Everett said quickly. trying not
to let the pity he felt for John show in
his eyes. Let us call him. by all
means"
Sir Donald had kept himself most
discreetly in the background for many
weeks. Only the constant oversight
for her comfort showed Ruth that she
was never out of his mind
She could not even think Of him
without q throb Of gratitude.
And now when all u be made
plain and she must live up to her own
promise she steeled herself for the or
deal
Sir Donald listened to Everett's plan
and approved it thoroughly.
And now that we have decided
what to do" he concluded, II think we
should Immediately go to the mine and
make the-ah-the deal. 1 by no means
like this affair, and the sooner it is
over with the better"
Good" said Everett, much relieved.
And you and l, Sir Donald, being the
third parties. had better handle this
deal. Do you agree to that, John?"
I'D like to just get my hands on that
fellow once more" was the hoarse re-
Spouse. There would be no further
need Of this deal as you call it."
Eyes and the fat would be in the
fire." Everett replied
Dorr finally agreed to maintain a
strict neutrality and Ruth gratefully
accepted the offer to conduct her af-
airs as Sir Donald and Everett should
judge best
That night they left for Silent Val
ley.
Tom Kane received them joyfully
and informed Ruth that Mrs. DarneIl
had especially seen to it that the bun
galow was ready for her.
He was full Of other news. but both
Sir Donald and Everett put him off
and set about their business.
1t was a strange conference that met
that night in the Office. On one side
were Harry Wilkerson and Mrs. OAR
nell, on the other Everett and Faver-
sham. the latter looking so intensely
bored that shrewd Mrs. Darnell in
stantly made up her mind that she and
Wilkerson would have to accept bitter
terms.
Sir Donald was only too evidently
waiting for formalities to be over be-
fore he said the few words necessary
for him to say as Ruth's representa-
tive.
Wilkerson himself felt. TOO, that he
was at last playing a game where all
the cards We're to be face up on the
board.
When Everett had coldly and def
nitely set the situation before them
Wilkerson sat motionless and in 81
lence for a moment.
His shifty eyes did not meet the gaze
of the three who looked to him for his
yes or no. When he spoke it was
with a dash of his old effrontery.
II understand the proposal" he said,
working his lean. brown fingers back
and forth over a blue print on the
desk. I'VE quit, give you the plans.
and you give us"-he suddenly leaned
over and darted a bright glance into
Everett's eyes-"you give us ,ohat9"
Everett was prepared for the ques-
ton and answered it promptly. We'll
give you $4,000 cash and won't prose-
cute you"
WilkersOn shook his head.
you understand that half this mine
was mine by rights when Tom Gallon
took it for himself by shooting me and
leaving me to die on the desert. Fifty
thousand? PAIL"
"And immunity from prosecution"
stated Sir Donald impassively.
Wilkerson swung on him. thrusting
his lean. furious face close to the Eng
lishman's calm. unperturbed counte-
nance.
What have you to do with this?" he
snarled.
Faversham did not shift his position
nor change his tone. II have Miss
Gallon's.promise to marry me-"
There was a sudden silence, broken
only when Wilkerson's dry throat Ut
tered a triumphant croak.
Mrs. Darnell looked ut Faversham
with her tawny eyes filed with dull
embers OF passion. Everett sat as IL
stunned.
ac N.--