Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-05-25
CHAPTER Xxx.
Four Years Old.

-Four Years Old.
- MOKE wrote the document,
wherein Wild Water agreed 10
- take every egg delivered 10 him
at $40 per egg provided that
the two dozen advanced to him
brought about a reconciliation with
Lucille Arral.
Wild Water paused with uplifted pen
a. he was about to sign. Hold on"
he said. "When l buy eggs I buy good
eggs. II I find one bad egg you've got
to come back with the SO l paid fol-
#"
That's all right" Smoke placatsd
ITS only fair"
Smoke inserted the word "good" In
the contract, and Wild Water sullenly
signed. received the trial two dozen in
a tin pail. pulled on his mittens and
opened the door.
"Goodby. you robbers" he growled
back at them and slammed the door.
Smoke was a witness to the play
next morning at slavovitch's. He sat,
as Wild Waters guest. at the table ad'
Joining Lucille Arrars. Almost to the
letter, as she had forecast II, did the
scene come OF.
"Haven't you found any eggs YETI
she murmured plaintively to the waiter.
"No, ma'am." came the answer.
"They say somebody's cornered every
egg In Dawson. Mr.. slavovitch is try
ing to buy a few just especially for
you. But the fellow that's got the cor
ner won't let loose"
It was at this juncture that Wild
Water beckoned the proprietor tn him
and, with one hand on nN shoulder.
drew his head down. "Look here,
slavovitch," Wild Water whispered
hoarsely. II turned over a couple Of
dozen eggs to you last night Where
are theyT
In the safe, all but that six have
all thawed and ready for you any
time you sing out"
II don't want 'em for myself" Wild
Water breathed In still lower voice.
"shirr 'em up and present 'em to Miss
Arral there"
"Ill attend to It personally myself"
Slavovitch assured him.
AN don't forget-compliments OF
me-" Wild Water concluded, relaxing
his OBTAINING clutch on the proprietor's
shoulder.
Pretty Lucille Arral was gazing for.
lornly at the strip Of breakfast bacon
and the timed mashed potatoes on her
plate when slavovitch placed before
her two shirred eggs.
compliments Of Mr.. Wild Water"
they at the next table heard him say.
Smoke acknowledged to himself that
It was a fine bit Of acting-the quick.
Joyous fash In the face Of her. the i'm
pulsive turn Of the head. the spontane-
ous forerunner Of a smile that was
only checked by superb self control
which resolutely drew her face back
20 that she could say something to the
restaurant proprietor.
Smoke felt the kick Of Wild Waters
moccasined foot under the table.
'Will she eat 'em-that's the ques-
tion-will she eat 'emT the latter
whispered agonizingly.
And with sidelong glances they saw
Lucille Arral hesitate, almost push the
dish from her, then surrender to its
lure.
"T1l take them eggs," Wild Water
said to Smoke. The contract holds.
Did you see herr Did you see herf
She almost smiled. I know her. It's
all fxed. Two more eggs tomorrow
an she'll forgive an make up. II she
wasn't here I'd shake hands, Smoke,
I'm that grateful. You amt robber;
you're philanthropist."
Smoke returned jubilantly up the hill
to the cabin only to find Shorty In
black despair.
ats all OF with the big swede," he
groaned. 1.-THE corners busted. What
dye think run into? A geezer with
three thousan' eggs-d'ye get me?-
three thousan' an Just freighted In
from Forty Mile"
"Gautereaux's his name, q whackin
big, blue eyed French Canadian husky.
It was our cornerin' eggs that got him
started. He knowed about them three
thousan' at Forty Mile an Just went
an got 'em. Show 'em to me- says.
An he did There was his dog teams
an a couple Of Indian drivers restin'
down the bank where they'd just
pulled in from Forty Mile. An on the
sleds was soap boxes-teeny wooden
soap boxes.
I'VE took one out behind ice jam
In the middle Of the river an busted 1t