Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-22
CHAPT Err Xxx.
The Fake 10 Exposed

ward. and the embarrassed
Thorn. who had acted as spokes-
man. was boosted to table.
Under Murray's encouragement he
stammeTed out the story Of his good
fortune. the tale running straight
enough to fan excitement into a blaze
There was no disposition to doubt, for
news OF this sort is only TOO sure OF
credence
When the speaker had finished O'Neil
inquired;
Are you an experienced quartz min
er? Do you know ore when yon
see it,
sure worked in the Jumbo. at
GoldGe.d. New, up to last year. So
djl Baker"
When did You so into the White
vive- country"
August"
How did you go in?''
We packed IN. When our grub ran
out we killed our horses and cached
the meat for dog feed"
rs there any other dog feed there?'
NO, sir"
ANY people?"
Not n soul. The country is open to
country too. We seen quartz indica-
tons everywhere. I reckon this speaks
for itself" Thorn significantly held up
his ore samples. We've made our To-
cations. You fellows is welcome to
TIE rest. First come. first served"
There was an eager scramble for the
specimens on the part Of those nearest
the speaker. After a moment Murray
Did you fellows ever see any rock
like that"
One Of his workmen answered:
Il have"
Where
In the Jumbo. at Goldfeld. I high
graded there in the early days"
There was q laugh at this Thorn
flushed angrily Well" he rejoined,
we've got the same formation over
there in the White river. It's just like
GoldfeId. It'll be the same kind of a
camp, too, when the news gets out"
O'NeiI broke in smoothly to say:
Most Of our fellows have no dogs
1t will take them three weeks 10 cover
the trail. They'll have to spend three
weeks in there, then three weeks more
coming out-over two months alto
gether- They can't haul enough grub
TO do them" He turned to his employ
ees and said graveIy: You'd better
think it over. boys. Those who have
teams can make 1t. but the rest of you
viii get left Do you think the chance
IS worth all that work and sufferiRg:"
The bridge workers shifted uncom-
fortably on their feet. Then a voice
exclaimed:
Don't worry, boss. Wen make it
somehow"
Thorn says there's nobody over
there" Murray continued. But that
seems strange. for I happen to know
of half n dozen outfits at the head Of
the White river. Jack Dalton has had
a gang working there for four years"
Dalton was a famous character in
thS north, one of the most intrepid OF
the early pioneers, and the mention of
his name brought n hush. A large part
of the audience realized the truth of
O'Seils last statement yet resented
having it thrust upon them. Thorn
and Baker were scowlinG. Gray had
just entered the room and was signal
ing to his chief. and O'Nei realized
that he must score a triumph quickly
If he wished to hold the attention OF
his men. He resumed gravely:
IF this strike was genuine wouldn't
argue but it isn't" A confusion OF
startled protests rose; the two miners
burst out Indignantly. But O'Neil,
raising his voice for the first time.
managed TO make himself heard.
Those jewelry samples came from
Nevada" he cried Il recognized them
myself this afternoon. and here's an
other fellow who can't be fooled.
Thorn told you he used to work in
Goldfeld. You can draw your own
conclusions"
The temper OF the crowd changed
instantly. Jeers, groans. Kisses arose.
The men were on their feet now and
growing notsier every moment. Baker
and Thorn were glaring balefuIy at
their accuser. But Gray succeeded in
shouldering his way forward and whis-
pered TO O'Neil, who turned suddenly
and faced the men again.
Just q minute" he shouted. You
heard Thorn say he and Baker went
prospecting IN August. Well. we've
Just had Cortez on the cable and learn
that they were working for Gordon IN
Ill two weeks ago" A sudden silence
fell. Murray smiled down at the two
strangers. What do you say TO that?"