Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1915-01-28

doing a service to some one he could
not see. Sir Donald looked at the
queer matches. not knowing the pecul-
iarlties OF the western sulphur article.
and in spite Of himself Kane had to
instruct him to pull or one Of the
matches and strike t. When Sir Dom
aid choked and sputtered over an in
haiation of birthstone Tom looked pro-
foundly concerned.
They're leetle strong for some
people," he remarked pityingly.
"Strongr' answered Faversham, WHIP
ing his eyes. II should jolly well say
they weret'
Their conversation had attracted
Ruth'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 1t 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 awfuIly 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 to have a great bearing on
the lives Of both Ruth and John. II
had ripened into 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 q 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 good
lot of common sense"
Il 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. If | only knew
what Wilkerson was doing! II Everett
would only Gomez
The wish was fulfilled that afternoon
when George Everett turned up and
was warmly greeted by both Kane
and Dorr. After few words he asked
for Ruth.
"You can see that she's all right"
John answered quietly, pointing to her
as she came up the steps with Sir
Donald. Both were in 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 md that he
would be one too many.
II don't know that have anything
new and startling to tell you" Everett
told Ruth i'm answer to her question.
81 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.
! 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
on her face. He went
quickly on: However. I've made tenn
porary arrangements which will re-
lieve you OF all trouble for the present.
Miss Gallon. III talk over the business
details with John and Tom Kane"
She frightened and laid one hand
affectionately on Johns arm. 81 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 trlumphantly. And 1t
makes me the owner OF the Master
Key mine. Jean. And. once in charge.
III make MS both worth millions.
Then
She shrank back at the fame in his
gaze upon her.
snow. what are You going to doT
she demanded. attempting to bring the
conversation back into business chan
nels.
He bit his nails savagely. Drake is
out, all right" he told her. ''You see.
Kane didn't turn up to prosecute the
rase. 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 us"
"Dorr and the rest are still at Bever-
H..