White Pine news weekly mining review. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

could make sure tnat The man was
dead a couple of the Mexicans had
quickly slipped down the hill to him.
They found him still alive. without
paying any attention to John DORIS
men. who were still doubtful Of the
outcome Of the battle. they dragged
their fallen leader away and up into
their own temporary camp.
1t was not long before Wilkerson re
viyed. He was terribly bruised and
almost insane from physical pain and
Wild rage at his defeat. II was with
difficulty that the unsmiling outlaws
restrained him. Their chief took upon
himself the task of making 1t plain to
Wikerson that this was no time for
rash and u~norganized attack.
They have beaten US so far. %senor."
he said quietly. and you are very
sick. Tomorrow we shall see"
The next mornings sun had scarcely
touched the peaks of the mountains
when Wilkerson stretched his stiff,
sore limbs and began u fresh campaign.
He made 1t clear to the leader OF the
Mexican outlaws that they must work
swiftly.
at won't be long before the news Of
this fighting gets out and the authori-
ties take a hand he said. But If we
can just get this mine into our posses
sion In the next three days | can hire
you and your men as peaceable work
men and swear that Dorr and his gang
are trying To take our property away
by force. | guess my word will be as
good as his
VERY we'll" agreed the Mexican
after th~oughtfully considering the mat
ter. I'VE can get back into Mexico In
twenty-four hours from here. So long
as you pay us and let us-what do
you call it-loot. my men are with
you
Wilkerson covertly studied the des-
p%erado's impassive visage. Jose Vfgas
bore a renowned name on the border
for daring. shrewdness and wicked
ness. He was known as The Merci-
less For five years he had had a
price set on his head. yet because Of
the loyalty of his adherents and his
own fearlessness be had escaped.
No man better fitted for sinister
purpose could have been found. Yet
mingled with Wilkerson's satisfaction
at ha wing snch n tool to his hand was
a dread OF the man himself. and his
ing the camp when 1t was captured
gave him a sense Of nausea.
After all. they were Americans down
there IN the Master Key camp.
Through his binoculars he could see
Ruth ON the porch of the bungalow.
Vigas. too. saw her. lie took no pains
to conceal the cruel interest In his eyes
The next few days resulted I'm little
advantage 10 either side. John Dorr
could not reopen the mine nor even
send in for much needed supplies be
cause OF the constant menace of the
ortla ws. who occasionally fred scat
tering shots down into the gulch as a
warning that they were vigilant
On the other hand. Wilkerson found
II impossible to seize the camp with
out precipitating a battle, from which
he shrank. Deeply involved AS be al
ready was In crime. he dreaded to
cross the border line which would for.
ever place him beyond the pale and
make him an outlaw.
Instead. he used every method to
put himself outwardly In the right. He
sent plea after plea to the sheriff Of
the county TO come and restore order,
asserting that he had been driven from
MS rightfN property by violence and
tnat the situation was such that, with
Out Interference from the authorities,
there would be serious trouble and
very likely bloodshed.
These pleas availed only partially.
The sheriff made a trip into the mine.
talked with John Dorr and Tom Kane
and then sought out wilkerson.
IT looks to me as II this was q case
Tor the courts" he said slowly when
be had examined Wilkerson's forged
deeds. II knew old Gallon pretty well,
and he thought a sight OF that Ruth
girl. Fact is, he told me he intended
her to have the mine and left II to her
IN his will. Now you toddle along
with these papers and want to take 1t
away from her"
Gallon and ! were partners years
ago." Wilkerson insisted. I'VE located
this mine together. and when ! came
back he gave me over my share"
But you want it ALL" the sherinl
said obviously.
Sure; It's all mine." persisted the
other. Didn't Gallon use all the mon
ey he got put Of Il while I was awav3