The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-05-21

Cnke charge OF GQe mine WINE we Qo-
eide just what to dor He can see
what's going on ard warn u.s.
'Dorr and the rest are still at Bever.
ly Hills?" she inqui. ed.
"Surew he said srornfully. They're
ieing up with some blooded Britisher
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.''
Mrs. Darnell remained in thoughtful
silence 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 Tubbs
engineer. to this effect.
HARRY WILKINSON.
When he had sent this and a 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
foolsT she murmured bitterly. "a
lovely pair-Wilkerson and Draker'
Drake did not hesitate when he re-
ceived Wilkerson's telegram. He took
the next train for Silent Valley and on
arrival there procured a 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 shuffling of
heavy boots; then the door opened. and
an unshaved, bloated faced man asked
him grufly what he wanted.
Drake produced Wllkerson's wire,
and instantly the engineer showed re-
lief.
Come in! Come in! 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 squsamish 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 fell
lows. I've done my best. and l can't
do any more"
The words were hardly out of his
mouth before there was the noise of
boots on the porch. and Tubbs smiled
In sickly fashion.
Il guess they spotted you right or"
he said.
What do they want2" 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
rartly," Drake went on hastily, not
liking the ugly tone of the mans
voice.
The other man took this information
and after digesting 1t said. Going to
start up and pay wages?"
I'm not acquainted with the situn-
ton yet" was the evasive reply. "rIl
go over things with Mr.. Tubbs tonight,
and then In the morning I'll see what
is to be done"
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 dlsmay.
The engineer was so relieved at hav-
ing some one else to bear the burden
of responsibility that he refused to be
worried
"Have another drink. partner" he
said Familiarity, "and forget 1t till to
morrow"
After very poor meal which Tubbs
scraped up the two sat down and
smoked Tubs tongue gradually loos
ened under the influence of many more
drinks. and before 10 o'clock brought
up waning moon Drake knew 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.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Tha Battle In the Mine.