Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-11

the cards were to be face up on the
board.
When Everett had coldly and def
nitely set the situation before them
Wilkerson sat motionless and in ST.
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 q blue print on the
desk. I'VE quit. give you the plans.
and you give us"-he suddenly leaned
over and darted bright glance into
Everett's eyes-"you give us ph0tg
Everett was prepared for the ques-
ton and answered it promptly. Wen
give you $4,000 cash and won't prose-
cute you ....
Wilkersoa sheok his head.
q "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? Pah."
"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 bis position
nor change his tone. II have Miss
Gallons promise to marry me-"
There was sudden silence, broken
only when Wilkerson's dry throat ut
tered triumphant croak.
Mrs Darnell looked at Faversham
with her tawny eyes filed with dull
embers Of passion. Everett sat as il
stunned.
so John Dorr gets the kicks and
you get the halfpence!' said Wilker-
son wildly. Il have cursed him, but
all my curses couldn't have punished
him worse. Why" be went on half
Historically, 1.-THE poor fool loves her"
Again silence.
This time Everett broke it, saying
stifily: you understand our PROPOSE
ton. Do you accept it:'
Mrs. Darnell laid her hand on Wilker-
sons arm, and he seemed to fall Into
a profound reverie.
They could see the lights and shad-
Ows fit over his saturnine viSage. the
sparkle Of his eyes dying into mere
dreamy glow. the sudden Tightening
Of his thin lips. the working Of his
hands.
Finally he reused himself as by an
effort.
II think / ought to have more" be
said quietly. There are signs of gold
on one part of this property which has
never been worked. 1t is nowhere near
the place marked in the plans. as you
will easily see. You understand that
Tom Gallon and We're partners when
he located that rich ore. Never mind
Bygones are bygones. But l want
$4,000 and that little claim. 1t may
not ameunt to anything, but then again
it may. Fifty thousand is soon spent
| A mine Is mine"
1.-THE plans" demanded Sir Donald.
Wilkerson pulled out Of his shirt
bosom an oiiskin folded around q
square paper. He laid this on the Ia.
BILE.
There they are" be said. as though
driven to bay.
Mrs. Darnell's movement Of protes,
did not escape either Everett or Faver'
sham. They looked at the little packet
that had cost 80 much agony and
bloodsbed. ...'-.-
1T is IA gentleman's agreement
said Sir Donald presently. taking Out
his check book.
The money passed, and then Everett,
picked up the oilskin packet and put
it in his pocket.
1.-THE deeds and the master key" b
said gently.
Mrs. Darnell's face became splendid
in Its futile rage. She tore the ribbon
from about her throbbing throat and
flung the key on the table.
Sir Donald picked it up carefully and
rose. At the same moment Everett
pocketed the deeds and started for thu