The Alaska daily empire., 1917-05-19

Well, Tom; any mail for me-"
 The speaker was John Hale, a lit tle wiry man, who was sitting smok- ing his pipe contentedly on the door step of the cabin he shared with his partner, Tom Faggus.
 They were miners and were work ing a claim which was situated in small valley, four miles from the little town of Snowgulch. The ca bin was in a little cleared place among the big trees, right close to the creek which ran through the val ley Down the side-hall ran sever al small streams where the men had a number of cuts.
 Both men were secretly making entries to the government for anoth- CT rich placer claim in the north end of the valley, which Hale had dis covered. Faggus, however, found out about this and also sent in an application for it. Hale having ap- piled first, was now waiting expec- tantly to hear from the land office.
 Ou tulS pdIliCuldI tNcl1lU5, dltcl they stopped working, Tom had vol unteered to go down to the post-of- flee at Snowgulch while Hale pre- pared dinner. This seemer strange to John, because he usually had to go to get the mail.
 The fact that Faggus had bucked he fierce wind and rain to get the mail indicated that something un- isual was in the air, and Hale looked curiously at the dripping man to whom he was forced to repeat his question.
 q say, did you get any mail for me?"
 No, Hale," replied Faggus, "only letter from a friend of mine"
 "Well. come in to dinner; l am hungry"
 They entered cabin which was Ire. Guns, fishing poles, bear skins, ducks wings, and other trophies decorated the wall. In one corner of the room was small Yukon stove, which was now burning mer- lily with a pot of coffee and a ket- wall was bristling with pegs, upon which were hung hats, coats, socks, md boots, apparently drying out. Near the stove was homemade ta- ole and chairs, and two hunks.
 In the opposite corner was the toh xrhio ua1n hah was covered with oilcloth which was cracked and stained from hard us age. Two plates, two cups. and two knives and forks, etc, were set and steaming venison mulligan was n the center of the table.
 Faggus sniffed hungrily as the )dor met him in the doorway. He took off his coat and hung it be- hind the stove, as it was dripping wet from the heavy rain.
 They both sat down and ate their linner silently Hale was in no good 1umor after failing to hear from he government, and after bolting his neal, went out to the creek to get l pail of water.
 Its very queer" he thought to himself, why they don't write. A letter was due from them week ago."
 Tt is sure some rain" he said aloud as he came in. Coming down about four buckets to the foot"
 Yes" replied Faggus. "and blow ing about ninety per on the road. thought I never would make it here"
 Well, guess I'll have to drive another nail behind the stove to dry my coat. got soused just going out to the creek"
 q smell something burnin," nut tered Hale. as he picked up the hammer and fumbled in the nail box.
 Gee, Whiz," exclaimed Tom. "It's my coat, tool"
 Hale jumped for the stove and jerked the coat from behind the red hot stovepipe.
 God night! You shouldn't have"
 Plop; out on the stove fell a large envelope, ana as LUCK Wouiu have it. face down. Hale snatched it up as quickly as he could, but at that it was burned a little. The name and address was burned off, but up in the left-hand corner there was Tn ten days return to U. s. Land Department. Ketchikan, Alaska"
 Why. where did you get that let ter. I believe it belongs to me-" cried Hale, as he started opening it..
 Don't you dare open that; it's my own private property"
 Disregrading this protest. Hale calmly tore it open. He caught a glimpse of his own name at the top of the page. By this time Faggus was upon him, and had him by the waist. bearing him nearer and near CT the red-hot stove. Hale knew there was only one way of saving himself, so he let go the hammer full upon Faggus' bare head. Tom fell, but in an instant rose. half stunned, and staggered towards the <yrvv~ rI~ YTy <va nrvU