The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1915-08-13
James Pike
OF Pikevlle
BY EVERETT P. CLARKE.

WIS us DlS IL rascal as ever llVeI.
There was not an ounce of gold within
two miles Of the place except what
Jim had put there from some other
mine, but it was enough when mixed
with a certain red ore there was Oh the
property he had staked out to sell to
others to convince hungry gold hunters
that he had struck it rich.
When therefore he gave out that he
had several hundred acres and couldn't
work more than one acre himself every
body clamored to buy a small slice OF
his surplus. 1t required n lot OF per-
suading to induce him to sell. and
every time lie sold IL lot he seemed to
be heartbroken. There goes for
tun',' he would say, "just because
haven't the funds to get it out O. the
ground"
Nevertheless Jim was always per-
suaded, and If the would be purchaser
hadn't the cash to buy with he would
just as favor-take anything he could
get He sold one man who was down
on his luck lot fifty feet by fifty for
revolver. This transaction was talk
ed about, and any man who had n
horse, watch or an old fiddle would
with it.
But none Of these investors got any
gold out Of their lots. First there was
grumbling: then there was cursing, and
at last there was a putting together OF
heads, and the opinion was promulgat-
ed that Pike had swindled the pur-
chasers. Those who had bought the
best and largest tracts for cash con-
suited as to how they could get their
money back; those who had bought
with cats and dogs were not so
wrought up, but among the whole there
grew up disposition to prevent Pike
from getting away from the place with
the booty.
Pike had a deep insight into human
nature. 1t was his opinion that those
who have been swindled once might be
swindled again. Moreover, he believed
that it is easier to swindle a commu-
nifty than an individual. That's the
plan," he said, ION which promoters
work. If Tom is satisfied that q GER
tain scheme is n good one Dick is ready
to follow Tom, and the two together
bring in Harry. Tom. Dick and Harry
bring in the multitude"
by one swindle made a nucleus for
another, he bethought himself what
that other one should be. The object
Of his second scheme was not to take
any more money out of the citizens of
Pikeville, for he had got about all there
was. What he desired was to get away
with his plunder.
He gave out that in the kindness of
his heart he had taken many odds and
ends for his property for which he
had no use. He had decided to lump
them and rattle them. He thought
there were $1,000 worth of them, but
he would call it $500
Those who had invested money in
Pikeville lots scorned to invest in
Pixies lottery. Those who had lost
nothing Of moment, thinking that these
neighbOrs had bought with more val
liable articles than himself and that
the collection would be a fine thing to
have, took shares. In this way 300
shares were sold to the most gullible
of the population. Pike not only took
the remaining 200 shares himself, but
pledged himself If he won to put the
names of those holding shares in q hat
name. To the person whose name
was drawn he would turn over the ar
ticles ratfled for.
This seemed SO fair. so generous,
that 1t caused quite revulsion in
Fixes favor. Those who had sneered
mt him did not do SO any more for
fear Of exciting hostility against them
selves. Indeed. there were several
fights between scoffers and sharehold-
ers in the lottery.
While the shares were being sub
scribed for the articles to be raffied
were exhibited. In Pixies yard were
two horses, both blind. a COW, three
dogs and goat. In his living room
were fishing rods, musical Instruments,
several articles Of furniture, some rugs
much worn-and small articles of
every description down to jewsharp
When the collection had been ex-
hibited long enough to give every one
sight. though too short to enable any
one to judge of its worthlessness. It
was announced that the drawing would |
take place the next evening at o'clock. |
A little girl six years Sld was blind |
folded, plug hat with 500 names I'm |
N-2OO being Pike's-was placed be- |
fore her, she put In her hand and drew |
out the name Of James Pike.
Mr.. Pike stepped forth and said that |
he had understood there was some |
error in the names in the hat. that |
they would be carefully examined and |
the final drawing would take place at |
10 o'clock the next morning There |
was cheer at this. and the generous |