The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-04-09

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 at Bever5
lily Hills ?" she inquired.
"Surey' he said scornfully. They're
tieing up with: some blooded tBritisher
they think has money. They figure on
getting him to finance them, l reckon.
And l happen to know that Sir Donald
couldn't finance anybody. We needn't
worry about Dorr.'' "a
I Mrs. Darnell remained in thoughtful
yilence 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 Tubhs.
| engineer, to this effect.
-E.<.Ez d. HARRY wILKERsoN.
When he had sent this and 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 always have to use
fools?'', she murmured bitterly. "a
lovely Wilkerson and Drake!'
Drake did not hesitate when he re-
ceived Wilkerson's telegram. He took
the next train for Silent Valley and on
arrival there procured 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 loafing 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 grufAy 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 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 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 fel-
lows I've done my best, and can't
do any more" l.
The words were 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 of, ;,
/ he said. ~ 81. ..
what do they want?' 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.
"Humph!'
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 digesting it said, "Going to
start up and pay wages?"
I'm not acquainted. with the. situa-
ton yet" was the evasive reply. "I'll
go over things with Mr.. Tubbs tonight,
and then in the morning. I'll see what
is to be done" >>@''@ss
1.-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. r - II. -
"Have another drink, partner he
said Familiarity. land forget it till to-
morrow" go
After very poor meal which Tubbs
scraped up the two sat down and
smoked. Tubbs' tongue gradually loos-
ened under the influence Of many more
drinks, and before 10 O'clock brought
i up a waning moon Drake knew a 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 Tubbs' whisky, and the chill Of
the mountain air was not dissipated by
a cold breakfast. And before the sun
had risen above the peak Of the noun
tain the miners had approached him
with questions. ,z.. =. s@ SIS SIS;
CHAPTER XVIII.
4. The Battle In the Mine.
{ C0 Tor an hour or so Drake equiv
I'll coated and tried to postpone
| action. But it was made
9 plain to him that he could
i not avoid action. The starving men
| were in no hum0r for words. They
i n Ia