Gilpin observer., 1916-12-14

pOScU HUI Ouly VI uTCulnS DuC OF men
from whom moro sense might have
been expected.
One Of these, bulky, brutal-looking
fellow named Jim Wade, was by the
way Of being humorist. There was
not really an ounce of fun in the
mans composition. His wit was
heavy as his huge fist, and sheer fear
Of him was mainly responsible for the
laughter which greeted his ponderous
Jokes. When, therefore, he came up
to the Japanese, grabbed him by the
shoulders with one huge paw, and
with the other lifted up his hat, "just
to see how the little monkeys hair
f1ts," the mob shrieked with laughter.
Osuka, really merry little fellow,
affected to treat the incident as COM
ical, grinned widely, snatched his hat
from Waide's hand and strobe OF at q
rapid pace.
The scattered houses Of the village
soon gave way to a bare and rocky
headland. The tide was out and a
stretch Of firm white sand, inter-
spersed with broken reefs, offered an
inviting stroll, because every Japan
csc loves the sea, and the smell Of
brine is as incense to his nostrils.
Burton, meanwhile, was closeted
with Captain Rogers, a rough, plain
spoken old seadog, who left him in
no doubt whatsoever as to the NAL
practices described in the letter.
"It's this way, Mr.. Burton" he said,
nnnNtnQtfnO rrylf
thoughtful puffs at his black pipe.
me and my mates have nothing to
complain of. We're paid market rates
for what we ketch. But the thievin'
is done by this yer West when it
comes to weighin' in. Only half the
stuff is credited to the company. The
rest goes into his own pocket. It's a
sin an shame. If anybody should
benefit by the success of your stock
holders it should be we fishermen, but
1 hate to see any kind of lie bein'
carried through so brazenly, an you
losin' money all the time. Now, If
you want proof Of what I'm sayin'
here it is" and he held out a slip of
paper containing various dates and
weights. "There you'll find the full
amount Of the ketch made by my own
boat in her last fourteen trips. Take
that with you, go into Vests office an
examine his books. You'll see then
I'm tellin' you the gospel truth"
"This is very distressing matter"
said John, thoughtfully, yet you have
convinced me that you are not
man who would act without reason"
AN that's a fact, sir" agreed
Rogers solemnly. II wouldn't butt in
If l didn't hate shams, an that's all
there is to it."
The speakers were interrupted by
crash of broken crockery. John looked
around and saw that rather pretty
girl, whom he took to be the old skip
pers daughter, was washing the china
used for supper and had allowed q
dish to slip through her fingers.
A shrill voice came from some near
by scullery.
There you go again, Marjorie I" 1t
said. "Wool-gatherin', as usual, I sup
pose? For goodness sake, leave them
pots alone till have time to attend
to EN-"
Evidently this was the mother. The
girl blushed at finding Burton's eyes
on her and resumed the washing-up
process. Again did her father and
Burton go into the details of the rob-
berry which the former alleged against
the company's managers and yet
second time did a dish crash to the
stone floor.
Then Mrs. Rogers appeared, flaming
of face and irate of eye. Marjorie
was expelled from the kitchen igno-
minlously and ordered to go to her
room, where she was told, she would
be better employed fixing up gew-
gaws for that there dance, which her
mind must be so set on"
Burton was rather taken by the
girls appearance, SO he interfered
now solely with the object of rescuing
her from parental displeasure.
TITS fine evening"" he said cheer
fully, "and I think I understand all
that I need know before taking things
up with Mr.. West. Perhaps this
young lady-she Is your daughter, I
SupPosef-WiiI De GOOD enough TO
come out with me for half an hour
and show me my bearings, IL that is
the correct nautical phrase, Captain
Rogers?"
AS the two passed through the vii.
lage street there was much covert
speculation concerning Johns identity,
and discreet inquiry was made ut his
lodgings, where his name was forth
coming.
Thus It became known that the cap
itallst mainly responsible for financing
the Emerson Fisheries company was
In the village and, in due course, the
Information reached the ears Of the
one man deeply interested In It.
That man was Richard West, q