The Holbrook news., 1922-10-13

not counted upon he decay of more than a quarter of q century, the slow. but sure dripping of water which had seeped through the hills and made the mine one vast well, instead of the free open gateway to riches which he had planned upon An hour of thought and Fairchild ceased trying to look into the future. obeying. instead, the insistent changing of the dinner bell from downstairs. Slowly he opened the door of his room. trudged down the stalrcase-then stopped in bewil- derment. Harry stood before him, in all the splendor that a miner can know.
 He had bought a new suit. brilliant blue, almost electric in its flashiness, nor mad he been careful as to style. The cut of the trousers was somewhat along the lines of fifteen years be- fore, with their peg tops and heavy cuffs. Beneath the vest. a glowing. watermelon-pink shirt glared forth from the protection of a purple tie. A wonderful creation was on his head, dented In four places. each separated with almost mathematical precision. Below the cuffs of the trousers were bright, tan. bump-toed shoes. Harry was a complete picture of sartorial elegance. according to his own dreams. What was more. to complete 1t all. upon the third finger of his right hand was a diamond. bulbous and yellow and throwing off a dull radiance like the glow of burnt-out arc light; full of flaws. 1t Is true. off Color to great degree, but a diamond nevertheless. And Harry evidently realized 1t.
 "Ain't the cuckoo?" he boomed. as Fairchild stared at him. "Ain't I? l 'ad to ave a outfit, and
 ''It might as we'll be now!" he par aphrased, to the tune of the age whitened sextette from "Floradora." And look at the sparklerl Look at iti''
 'But-but how did you do it?" came gaspingly. q thought"
 "Installments the Cornishman burst out. "Ten per cent down and the rest when they catch me. Install ments!" He jabbed forth a heavy finger and punched Fairchild in the ribs. "Where's Mother 'Oward? Won't I knock Ger eyes out?''
 Fairchild laughed-he couldn't help it-in spite of the fact that five hun dred dollars might have gone a long way toward unwatering that shaft. Harry was Harry-he had done enough in crossing the seas to help him. And already, in the eyes of FaIrchild. Harry was swiftly approaching that place where he could do no wrong.
 You're wonderful, Harry" came at last. The Cornishman puffed with pride
 "Tm cEckoow he admitted. "Where's Mother 'Oward? Where's 'Oward. Won't I knock Ger eyes out, now?"
 And he boomed forvard toward the dining room, to find there men he had known in other Jays, :O shake hands with them and to bang them on the back. to sight Blindeye Bozeman and Taylor Bill sitting hunched over their meal In the corner and to go effusively toward them. "'Arry" was playing no favorites in his 'ome-coming."
 Jovially he leaned over the table of Bozeman and Bill, after he had dis played himself before Mother Howard and received her sanction of his selec- tions in dress. Happily he boomed forth the information that Fairchild and he were back to work the Blue Poppy mine and that they already had made trip of inspection.
 Fairchild finished his meal and waited. But Harry talked on. Boze- man and Bill left the dining room again to make a report to the narrow faced Squint Rodaine. Harry did not even notice them. And as long as a man stayed to answer his queries, just so long did Harry remain, at last to rise, brush a few crumbs from his suit, press his new hat gently upon his head with both hands and start forth once more on his rounds of saying hello. And there was nothing for Fairchild to do but to wait as patiently as possible for his return.
 The afternoon grew old. Harry did not come back. The sun set and din- ner was served. But Harry was not there to eat it. Dusk came, and then, over the continued absence of his eccentric partner. Fairchild start ed uptown.
 The usual groups were in front of the stores, and before the largest of them Fairchild stopped
 Do any of you happen to know fellow named Harry Harkins?" he asked somewhat anyiOuSly The an-