The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1915-02-06

Strong" answered F~aversham. wip
ing his eyes. II should jolly well say
they were!'
Their conversation had attracted
Rutli's attention. and she and John
both looked back. John smiled faint
ly. but Ruth was indignant.
Tom did that on purpose she said.
I'm ashamed of him"
How IL happened only Sir Donald
could have told, but within three min
utes he was exchanging remarks about
the scenery with them all. And
there's an awfully jolly bit just over
the other way" he said to Ruth
The Ice was broken. and Ruth
promptly accepted the implied invita-
ton to see this specially lovely scene
and Sir Donald led the way, talking
With her. After an instant's hesita-
ton John and Kane followed.
The acquaintance thus made was
destined 10 have Il great bearing Oh
the lives OF both Ruth and John. 1t
had ripened into a genuine liking on
Ruth's part before the dance that night
was over.
The next morning John and Tom met
Ruth walking with Sir Donald about
the hotel grounds, and the young man
could not help showing In both voice
and manner that he was little pleased
that Ruth should have so suddenly
taken up with a stranger.
Remember. she's only "A girl" Tom
warned him. feeling his mood. She's
been brought up In the mountains. and
she's as friendly as a pup. | don't like
the way the man puts petticoats on his
feet and I'm used to being looked at
with two eyes. but Ruth is all right.
You must remember that young as she
is and inexperienced. she has a good
lot of common sense
II suppose it's foolish of me-" John
answered, But I'm used to activity.
and this dawdling about doesn't suit
me and that makes me generally cross
and unreasonable. IL | only knew
what Wilkerson was doing, If Everett
" ould only Gomez
The wish was fulfilled that afternoon
when George Everett turned up and
was warmly greeted by both Kane
and Dorr. After n few words he asked
for Ruth.
"You can see that she's all right"
John answered quietly, pointing TO her
tas she came up the steps with Sir
Donald. Both were ia tennis garb. and
Ruth was delightfully."- flushed.
Sir Donald made a few pleasant re
marks and then excused himself. His
quick senses told him that Everett
had come on business and that he
would be one too many.
II don't know that l have anything
new and startling to tell you" Everett
told Ruth I'm answer to her question.
II know a dozen places where | can
raise the money to finance your mine,
but we must have the deeds, papers
and surveys first. And they're gone.
I understand"
YES" Dorr replied bitterly, Il sup
pose Wilkerson has them. ] ought TO
have been on his trail long ago"
Everett glanced at Ruth and saw the
Encouragement on her face. lie went
quickly on: However. I've made tenn
porary arrangements which will re
iieve you or all trouble for the present.
Miss Gallon. I'll talk over the business
details with John and Tom Kane"
She frightened and laid one hand
affectionately on Johns arm. II knew
everything would come out all right
when John took hold" she said softly.
For two days Harry Wilkerson work
ed steadily and secretly in his room.
At last his task was done.
mo one can ever prove that old Tom
Gallon didn't draw that deed himself
Wilkerson said triumphantly. And II
makes me the owner OF the 'Mastcs
Key mine, Jean. And, once In charge.
I'll make MS both worth millions.
Them
She shrank back at the flame in mis-
gaze upon her.
Now. what are you going to doT
she demanded, attempting to bring the
conversation back into business chan.
nels.
He bit his nails savageIy. Drake l.
out. all right" he told her. You see,
Kane didn't turn up to prosecute the
case, and they turned him loose. What
do you say to my wiring him to go and
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 Beyer.
ly Hills?" size inquired.
'Sure!' he said scornfully. They're
tieing up with some blooded Britisher
they think has money. They figure on
getting him to finance them, i reckon.
And 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
"