The L'Anse sentinel., 1916-08-30

hard, dry. opep-lipped breath Of the
first stage of characterization. The
colonel, who was In the lead. checked
and started upon discovering astride
OF a rock a pleasant-vissged young
man of a familiar American type.
whose appearance was in nowise re-
markable except as to locality. With
a grunt that might have been greet
ing, but was more probably surprise.
the newcomer passed the seated man.
Captain Funcke he did not see at all.
That astute hunter had dropped be-
hind bowlder.
At the brink of the tenaja the colo
mel stopped dead. Then with an out
burst of flaming language he leaped
in, burrowing among the rocks.
Dry" he yelled, lifting a furious
and appalled, face to his companion.
Fred stood staring from Average
Jones to his three canteens. There
was a murderous look on his sinister
face.
"Here. colonel" he said. Here's
drink for u.s."
For SALE" added Average Jones.
calmly.
| People don't buy water in this coun-
try"
you're not people," returned Aver
age Jones cheerfully. You're a cor
poration; a soulless corporation. The
North Pinto Gold Mining company"
whats that" cried the colonel
thickly.
!, His hand flew back to his belt. Then
1t dropped, limp at his side, for he was
gazing into the two barrels of a shot
gun, which, materializing over a rock.
were pointing accurately and discon-
certingly at the pit OF his stomach.
From behind the gun Captain Funcke's
quiet voice remarked:
81 wouldn't, colonel. AS for you"
he added, turning to the other way
farer, who carried a rife. you want
to remember that shotgun has two
barrels, usually both loaded"
Stepping forward, Average Jones
lifted" the financier's weapon. Then
he deprived Fred of his rife amid a
surprisingly brilliant outburst of verbal
pyrotechnics.
'Now we can. talk business comfort
ably" he observed.
81 can't talk at all pretty quick il
don't git moistener," said Fred pit
eously.
Pouring out scant cupful OF water
into his hat. Average Jones handed it
over. Drink slowly" he advised.
you've got about hundred dollars
worth there at present quotations"
Colonel Richford's head went up
with Jerk.
Hundred dollars worth" he
croaked. his eyes fiery with suspicion.
dying of thirst?"
"No, don't propose to hold up two
men for anything. ! propose to deal
with the president and treasurer of
the North Pinto Gold Mining company.
The nearest available supply of water
is some ten hours distant / am able
to offer you a small supply at the low
rate CT ten thousand dollars. may
add that-er-certified checks will
er-be accepted"
For two hours the colonel, with tho
occasional objurgatory assistance OF
his partner, talked, begged, argued,
threatened, and even wept. By the end
of that time his tongue was making
sounds like mufIied castanet, and his
/ resolution was scorched out of him.
: you've got u.s." he croaked. Here's
your checks. Give me the water"
. I'm proper and legal form, please"
said Average Jones.
He produced contract and foun-
tain-pen. The contract was duly
signed and witnessed. 1t provided for
, the transfer of the water, in consider
alton of one revolver and ten thou
sand dollars in checks. These checks
were indorsed- to A. V. r. f. jones.
whereupon he turned over the pail OF
, water and the largest canteen to the
parched miners. Then, sorting out the
checks. he pocketed two aggregating
, five thousand dollars, tore up three,
| and holding the other in his hand,
| turned to Captain Funcke.
| "Will five hundred dollars pay you
for keeping young Hoff down here a
couple of months and making the be-
| ginning of a man Of him?" he asked.
, Yes, and MORE" replied the cap.
tain.
Its a co." said Average Jones. I'D
, like to make the job complete"
, Then, courteously bidding the North
. Pinto Gold Mining company farewell.
[ the two water-dealers clambered up
, the rocks and disappeared beyond the
!, abrupt skyline.
:
t Once again DR.. Conrad Hoff sat
: in the private Office of Average Jones.
, Advisor. The young man was thin
l ner, browner and harder OF fiber than
8 the Jones of two weeks previous. Doc
tor Hoff looked him over with shrewd
: eyes.
4 'Is that so?" The doctors voice
;, had taken on a sneering intonation.
q you come back here with your job
~ g-yr-