Evening journal., 1915-03-05

"And you and |, Sir Donald. being the
third parties. had better handle this
deal. Do you agree to that. John?"
I'D like TO Just get my hands on that
fellow once more" was the hoarse re-
sponse There would be no further
need Of this deal as you call it"
"Yes and the fat would be In the
fire." Everett replied.
Dorr finally agreed to maintain
strict neutrality and Ruth gratefully
accepted the offer to conduct her ar
airs as Sir Donald and Everett should
judge best.
That night they left for Silent Val
ley.
Tom Kane received them joyfully
and informed Ruth that Mrs. Darnell
had especially seen TO it that the bun
galow was ready for her.
He was full OF other news. but both
Sir Donald and Everett put him or
and set about their business.
1t was strange conference that met
that night in the office. On one side
were Harry Wilkerson and Mrs. Oar
nell. on the other Everett and Faver-
sham. the latter looking so intensely
bored that shrewd Mrs. Darnell in
stantly made up her mind that she and
Wnkerson would have to accept bitter
terms.
Sir Donald was only too evidently
waiting for formalities to be over be-
fore be said the few words necessary
for him to say as Ruth's representa-
tive.
Wilkerson himself felt. too, that he
was at last playing a game where all
the cards were to be face up on the
board.
When Everett had coldly and def
nitely set the situation before them
wilkerson sat motionless and in ST.
lence for a moment
His shlfty eyes did not meet the gaze
Of the three who looked 70 him for his
yes or no. When he spoke it was
with a dash Of his old effrontery.
II understand the proposal" he said.
working his lean. brown fingers back
and forth over a blue print on the
desk. I'VE quit. give you the plans,
and you give us"-he suddenly leaned
over and darted a bright glance into
Everett's eyes-"you give us i5hGff"
Everett was prepared for the ques-
ton and answered it promptly. wen
give you $4,000 cash and won't prose
rute you"
WIlkerson shook his head.
"YOu understand that half this mine
was mine by rights when Tom Gallon
took It for himself by shooting me and
leaving me to die on the desert. Fifty
thousand? Pah"
"And immunity from prosecution"
stated Sir Donald impassively.
Wilkerson swung on him. thrusting
bis lean. furious face close TO the Eng
lishman's calm. unperturbed counte-
nance.
what have you to do with thIs?" he
snarled.
Faversham did not shift bis position
nor change his tone II have Miss
Gallons promise 70 mSrry me-"
There was a sudden silence, broken
only when Wilkersons dry throat ut
tered a triumphant croak.
Mrs. Darnell looked at Faversham
with her tawny eyes filled with dull
embers OF passion. Everett sat as If
stunned.
$50 John Dorr gets the kicks and
you get the halfpencew said Wilker
son wildly. Il have cursed him, but
all my curses couldn't have punished
him worse. Why" he went on half
Historically. 1.-THE poor fool loves her"
Again silence.
This time Everett broke IT, saying
stifiy: "You understand our PROPOSE
tion. Do you accept IT."
Mrs. Darnell laid her hand on Wilker.
sons arm. and he seemed to fall into
a profound reverie.
They could see the lights and shad
ows fit over his saturnine visage the
sparkle of his eyes dying into a mere
dreamy glow. the sudden Tightening
OF his thin lips. the working OF his
hands.
Finally he reused himself as by al
effort.
Il think l ought to have more" h'
said quietly. There are signs Of golC
on one part of this property which ha;
never been worked. 1t is nowhere neai
the place marked in the plans. as yol
will easily see. You understand tina
Tom Gallon and were partners wheI
he located that rich ore. Never mind
Bygones are bygones. But wan
$4,000 and that little claim. It ma!
not amount to anything, but then agaiI
it may. Fifty thousand is soon spent
A mine is a mine"
The plansw demanded Sir Donald.
Wilkerson pulled out of his shir
bosom an oilskin folded around
square paper. He laid this ON the ia
BILE.
There they are" he said. as thougl