Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1922-12-20
"yes. Coin 10 Snowy Gulch. "


M 10 Saltsville way myself, but
won't have no river 10 tow me. Iv'
got to do my own paddlin'. Thanl
the lord I'm only goin' a small par
of the way"
my pards got an old craft, ant
he and 1 are goin' to pack II ou
next trip" The stranger paused
blinking his eyes. Say. partners
you don't want 10 sell your boat, dc
you?"
Ezram stated his figure. and Ben
was prone TO believe that he had
adopted a highwayman for a buddy
The amount named was nearly twice
that which they had paid. And 70
his vast amusement the stranger ac-
cepted the offer in his nextbreath.
so you don't know any folks in
Snowy Gulch, then?" the stranger
had asked politely. But you'll get
acquainted soon enough"
1--WE got a letter to Teller named
Morris" Ezram replied. And I've
heard OF one or two more men, too
jeffrey Nelson was one of EN-"
you'll find Morris in town all
right" the stranger ventured to as
sure him. He lives right next TO
Nelson's. And-say-whRt do you
know about this man Neilson7"
"Oh. nothin at all. Why2"
IF you fellows is prospectin' JEFF
ferry Nelson is a first-class man to
stay away from-and his understrap-
pers, too-Ray Brent and Chan
nt,. .r,t Of t,r,-,,
right now. They skinned out all in
bunch a few weeks ago-and l
can't tell you what kind OF a scent
they got"
Ezram felt cold 20 the marrow Of
his bones. He glanced covertly at
Ben; fortunately his partner was
busy among the supplies and was
not listening 10 this conversation.
You don't know where they
went. do your" he asked.
mot exactly. They took up this
Pass and over TO Yuga River-the
country that kind OF a crazy old chap
!, named Hiram Melville. who died
here a few weeks ago, has always
prospected."
The stranger marveled that his
old listener should have suddenly
gone quite pale.
Ezram had only a moments fur
Their conversation with his new
friend. He put two or three ques-
tions-in a rather curious. hushed
voice-and got his answer.
What have you and your poor
victim been talking about. all this
Timer" Ben asked.
"Oh just a gab-fest-a tat-i-tat
as you'd call Il. But you know,
Ben. I've got a idea all a-sudden."
Ben Strengthened. lighted his pipe.
and prepared to listen. This old
boy tells me that we'd save Just
twelve miles by striking Off from
here instead OF going into town
Snowy Gulch Is six miles, and we
have to come back to this very
place. What's the use OF goln' into
town at all?"
Good heavens EFT Have you
forgotten we've got 10 get supplies?
And your brothers gun-and his
dog?"
Yes. I know-one OF us has. But.
Ben, It seems 70 me that one of us
ought to strike off now and figure
out the way and sort OF get locat-
ed"
"Oh. It would be all right " Ben
began rather doubtfuily. Il don't
see that much is to be gained by
II. But I'll strike off on foot. IL you
want me TO-"
Ezram's mind was flashing with
thoughts like lightning, and his an
swer was ready. ben. n you don't
mind. I'll do that" he said.
But you'd yet a ride. ~ you
waited"
II hate a horse. anyway"
you've surely changed lot since
the war"
~ was thrown off not long ago
and have been leery OF the dunn
things ever since"
Ezram was wholly deliberate. He
knew what waited him on arrival at
his brothers claim. Jeffery Nelson
and his gang had assembled there
had already jumped the claim Just
as his brother had warned him that
they would do; and cody and quiet
" he had resolved to face them
alone.
He made hts pack-a few simple
provisions wrapped IN his blanket
and knife and camp axe swung or
his belt He took his trusted pipa-
because he knew well that ne could
never acquit himself credltably 70 a
Agh- without a few lungfuis OF 20
oacco smoke ars,--aad re also took
his rins. You keep this copy .. the
letter" He handed Ben the copy no
had maco o. Hirnm's Will. I'm tho.
worst hand Tor iosin' things you ever
seen"
They said their simple gooibys,
shaking hands over e pile OF stores.
I've ol,y got one dozen; place 10
keep things safe" Ezra ooaHdcd,
end that amt so ALTERED decent
either. When 7 get any papers TIA:
are extra precious. always rick
ON down the leg OF thczc n.sh cd
boots. bctwoon the cock and the
leather. But It's TOO much worl to
take the boot off now. SO rou kes,
Tho let.a-"
II suppose you've got million
dollar bank motto hidden down there
acw." Ben remarked