Mohave County miner and our mineral wealth., 1918-08-24
THE FIGHTING TRAIL"
 E,,;o ndo 4 Half
Episode 4, ''The Other Half"
Continued from the last issue)

Father! Fatherw she whispered, her throat closing on the words as she realized that Don Carlos had reached the end.
 Ybarra looked up at her and smiled bravely. His outstretched hand held a fluttering, bulky manuscript. The other envelope lay on the floor beside him. Then, as if exerting all his en- efgy, he spoke with quivering lips.
 "Nan, dear," he said tenderly, q am not your father. Don't let them get tits yours. Read this-read it, and know Iloved you as my child. This is the story it will explain"
 Ybarra pushed the yellow papers in to her hand and fell backward to the floor.
 Nan and Gwyn gazed at each other for a moment with look filled half with uncomprehensive mystery, half with amazement. Ybarra's parting confession had so shocked and as- founded her that she could find no words to voice her feelings. Gwyn, .n the short time that he had known her, had naturally enough not learned the secrets of her heart. Moreover, the tense excitement had remained at such high pitch ever since he had met her that he had not been able to study the girl. He could see, of course, that the revelation made by 1barra as he was dying had thorough ly upset Nan, but, as he had not learn- ed exactly in what light she had look ed upon her supposed father, he deem- ed it wisest not to speak until he knew her sentiments. The two looked down again at the manuscript before them. Gwyn held in his hand the second envelope, while they read: "My Dearly Beloved Nan:
 "You will not read this until have passed beyond either your blame or your approval. Although, as you will find, am not your father, have tried to take his place, for l loved you as my own, both for my own sake and because loved your mother.
 "Years ago the death of my father placed me in possession of vast estates in Chihuahua in Mexico. The main es- tate was comprised chiefly of farm land from which I derived large in- come. Among my most devoted ser wants was one whom you know, an h. dian.--Yaqui Joe. He was at that time and afterward, most loyal associate.
 
 "While I was living on my estate there came to me one day an Ameri- can, a Southerner, named George Wythe, who was seeking investment. He bore letter from a friend of mine asking me to advise him. With him was only one person, his daughter, Francis, very beautiful girl of 20 years. Should you be curious as to her features, you have but to look in the mirror. Upon my invitation, Wythe and his daughter decided to re- !-.aln &s my home until they should be ready to return to the states.
 q was enthralled by the beauty and charm of Wythe's daughter. My de- votion grew each time I spoke with her until l admitted that I loved her and was joyous when she told me that the love was returned.
 About this time New York friend of mine, James Lawton, came on visit. He was a rather wild youth whom had not seen for some years, and was on visit to Mexico. He de- cided also to stay with me. It was but very short time before he let it be openly known that he, too, was in love with Frances. paid little atten- tion, however, feeling sure that my suit was safe.
 "One evening, about month after Lawton's arrival, he learned that Wythe's passion was gambling, and engaged him in a game of cards, at high stakes. 1 merely watched; I never gambled. The game was long and. disastrous to Wythe. He lost all of the money which he had brought with him to invest.
 "When I returned, some time later, I was astounded. The words that