Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1915-01-22

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 triumphnntly. And II
makes me the owner OF the Master
Key mine. Jean. And. once in charge.
I'll make ms both worth millions'
Then
She shrank back at the fame in his
gaze upon bcr
Now. what are you going 10 dor
she demanded. attempting TO bring the
conversation back into business chan
nels.
"Dorr and the rest are still at Beve--
~ HillsY" she 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, | 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 wILKERsoN.
When he had sent this and a mes
sage to Tubbs he resumed his gloating
contemplation OF his forged deeds. lie
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 be re-
ceiyed 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 shufIllng of
heavy boots; then the door opened. and
an unshaved. bloated faced man asked
him grufily what he wanted.
Drake produced Wllkerson's wire.
and instantly the engineer showed re-
lief.
Come in. Come I'M" he said.
Come In and have drinkv
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 n 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; Wikerson 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"
The words were hardly out Of his
mouth before there was the noise OF
boots on the porch, aud Tubbs smiled
In sickly fashion.
IL guess they spotted you right on"
he said
what do they wantY' demanded
Drake as there came 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 lirst
question asked
"Wilkerson." responded Drake.
"Humphr'
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 Il said. Going to
start up and pay wagesT
I'm not acquainted with the situa-
ton yet" was the evasive reply "rll
go over things with Mr.. Tubbs tonight,
and then in the morning III 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 dismay.
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 familiarly, "and forget it till to-
morrow"
After a very poor meal which Tubbs
scraped up the two sat down and
smoked. Tubbs' tongue gradually loos-
ened under the influence Of many>more