The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-12-16
BEGIN HERE TODAY

BEGIN HERE TODAY
BEN DARBY, a prisoner, is ca
amined IN the presence Of
GOVERNOR MCNAMARA by a
famous alienist named
FOREST. The governor Is con.
WINGED that the convict Is a vic.
tim Of ainnesla and paroles Oar.
by to
EZRA MELVILLE, an old friend
OF the prisoner. The tow mc7
journey to Seattle where Mel.
willie unfolds his plans to Ben
and shows him a letter from his
brother,
HIRAM MELVILLE, written on
the latters' death bed. The let
ter stated that while. prospect
Ing near the Yuga River be had
come upon q pocket worth near.
~ a quarter Of a million dol
lars. Hiram begged that his
brother come Immediately aud
take possession of the claim,
the only, condition beilg that
Ezra should care for his pot,
Fenris. Melville offers Ben a
free partnership and Ben ac-
cepts with deepest gratitude.
Ray Brent is in7love with Bea-
trice. he meets her In front Of a
hotel and offers TO escort her
home,
GO ON WITH THE STORY
Ray Brent's voice had an unde-
niable ring Of power. 1t was deep.
ly bass, evidently the voice Of a
passionate, reckless, brutal man.
The man fell in beside her, his
powerful frame overshadowing
hers. you're Just letting ME bc.
cause I'm going up there anyway,
eh?" he asked.
The girl paused, as II in appeal,
RAY, we've thrashed that out
long ago." she responded. II wish
you wouldn't keep talking about
II. II you want to walk with
me-"
All right, put you'll be chang
Ing your mind one OF these days"
Rays voice rang In the silence,
indicating utter indifference 70
the fact that many Of the loung.
ers on the street we're listening 10
the little scene.
They followed the board side
walk into the shadows, finally
turning in at a ramshackle, three.
room house.
The girl turned to 60 In but tho
man held fast to her arm. wait
Just a minute, Bee," he urged,
Tive got ono thing more to say to
you"
when l want something, / don t
know how to quit till get II. It's
part OF my nature. Your pop knows
that-and that's why he's made me
bis pardner in q big deal"
1.-THE strong man gets what no
want you. And III
get you. too - Just like I get this
kiss"
But she was a northern girl,
trained in self-deFense. AS he freed
her, her strong. slender arm SWUNG
out and up-with really startling
force.
"You little-devil!"
The tempest Of the forest was
upon her, and her eyes blazed as
she hastened around the house.
CHAPTER III.
Beatrice Nelson's Faith.
Jeffery Nelson and Chan Hem.
inway were already In session
when Ray Brent, his face flushed
and his eyes still angry and red.
Joined them Nelson was a tall,
gaunt man, well past fifty-froni
his manner evidently the leader OF
the three. He had heavy, grtzzled
brows and rather quiet eyes. No
torious as he was through the
northern provinces he was infinite
ly to be preferred to Chan Hemin.
way, who sat at his left, who, a
weaker man than either Ray or
Nelson, was simply a tool In the
Iatter's hand.
where's Beatrice?" Nelson ask.
ed at once. 81 thought I heard her
voice."
Ray searched for a reply, aud in
the silence all three heard the girls
tread as she went around the
house. She's going in the back
door. Likely she didn't want 10
disturb u.s."
Ray looked up TO find Neilsou's
eyes firmly fixed upon his face.
Try hard as he might he couldn't
restrain a surge Of color in his
cheeks. yes, and what's the rest
Of it," Nelson asked.
"Nothing-I know Of"
You've got some white marks
on your cheeks-where It amt
red. The kid can slap, can't She
Ray flushed deeper, but the lines
OF Nelson's face began to deepen
and draw. Then his voice broke In
a great, hearty chuckle.
Cool down, boy-wait till you
hear everything I've got to tell
youS and you'll feel better. OF
course you know what It's about"
7 suppose-Hiram Melville's
That's It. You know he's always
had an idea that the Yuga country
was worth prospecting. but we al.
ways laughed at him. OF course II
Is a pocket country. but It's my