The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1919-11-06
ed to him and his heirs forever,

After that, everyone forgot the
Vallejo Noel for a while. | believe
Dom David forgot it, too, for he
was busy with many things. For
years ago, my state, the state of
which Dom David was then gov
ernor, was desolate by a frightful
drouth and famine. The people
were unprepared to meet such a
calamity how could they be other
wise? 1t was frightful, it was
terrible! | was 20 that year, and
it was my first year as Dom Day
ids secretary. All, the night he
first dictated his glorious address
to me and | graspcd his intention /.
In the library we were, then a
room only half completed. But
let nae tell you of it's as he rose
in the chamber, and spoke to his
colleagues. Pedro" Valdez turned
to the servant, bring here a bot
tie OF Veuve Cliquot, but do not
open it." He smiled at Bruce,
his black eyes kindiing.
1.-The chamber, Senior Bruce,
had met to discuss the taking. of
measures and morrowing money to
meet expenses and relieve the suf-
ferings of the people. which were
horrible. Do you know what a
two-year drought is? The loss of
two years harvests, the cattle
dead in thousands, the people dy-
ing of hunger along the roads to
the cities-where there is no food
forthem if they do arrive. It was
so then! Men despaired. When
Dom David rose | was in the bal
lery. He told, Senior, how he had
discovered diamond bearing cley
in the great tract Of land belong
ing to him, how he had sent for
experts and had the place exam
med, how it promised to be rich as
certain world famous fields, and
already had yielded gems Of
size: Can you guess what he sid,
Senior Bruce?"
"He offered to supply the
money needed" guessed Bruce.
"That was generous!"
"No, Senior! He returned to
the state all that tract of land
which was his, reserving for him
self only a fifth part Of the future
revenues from it. Yes, he gave up
to the people Of this state the Noel
mines, saying the grant was made
in ignorance of it's value, and that
he could not keep it with honor
amid the peoples necessity"
"Gave-up-?"
Absolutely! He gave it, to be
used for the present relief and fu-
ture development of the state.
And that gift was the gift of life
to many; fortune to many others
like my own family, whose estates
must have persisted otherwise.
What sums the state borrowed, the
mines paid off in a short time.
Since then our country blossoms
with improvements, public works,
benefits from the revenue of that
gift. The Noel mines have yielded
growth and commerce and pros
perity; have gathered a hundred
interests around them. In more
directions and branches than one
can measure, they extend, those
interests; steamboat lines, rail
ways, population of empty lands.
And the people, they 10 not for
get. They will never forget.
Pedro, open! Senior Bruce, 1
drink with you to the health Of
his excellenoy, Dom David
Noel
The cork few promptly under
the ready hand of Pedro, poised
for the command. And, mindful
of a certain empty cell-Corey
Bruce very willingly stood up OPP
posite the ebuliient Valdez and
drank the toast.
The breeze huttered long sprays
Of carmine blossoms against the
veranda screen. Valdez touched
his forehead with a scented hand
kerchief and selnected "a cigaret
before sitting down
After ali, today is as hot as an
mented, with a return to his usual
omnibus full of DEVILS" he com
nonchalance. And there is much
work to be done before night,
Half an hour to recover from my
drive and my luncheon, and Their
[ must be about my affairs"
Bruce hesitated, recalling q re
mark of Valdez when they frs
met in the library. He was eager
to aid, yet doubtful Of his Offer,
reception.
Can | helpq Z he ventured. -
should like to, if I may"
But certainly the other vel
I nOmad thu ~,,nruocfinu ttTc ~.