The Holbrook news., 1922-11-17


 rell'l ave 'er adjudged insane if it She'll never give no more testimony. I've been talking with 'im-'e stepped in just after you came upstairs. It's only crazy woman"
 But they took her word for 1t, Harry. They believed her. And they gave the verdict-against my father v
 'T know. I was there, right beside you. I 'eard it. But it'll come out right. some way"
 There was moment of silence, then gripping fear at the heart of Fairchild.
 Just how crazy Is she, Harryf"
 "'Er7 Plumb daftl Of course. as Mother 'Oward says, there's times when she's straight-but they don't last long. And, if she'd given Ter tes- timony in writing, Mother 'Oward says it all might ave been different, and we'd not ave lad anything to worry about"
 "In writing?"
 "Yes, she's 'arfway sane then. It seems 'er minds disconnected, some wye. don't know 'ow-Mother 'Oward's got the ole lingo, and every body in town knows about 1t. When ever anybody wants to get anything real straight from Crazy Laura, they make Ger write it. That part of Ter brain seems all right. She remem- bers everything she does then and low crazy 1t is. and tells you all about it. Notice low flustered up she got when the coroner asked 'er about that book?"
 "I wonder what 1t would really tell?"
 Harry chuckled.
 "NObOdy knows Nobody's ever seen it. Not even Squint Rodaine. I guess it's part of Ter right brain that tells Ter to keep 1t secret I'm going to bed now. So re you. And you're going to sleep. Good night"
 He went out of the room then, and Fairchild, obedient to the big Cornish mans command sought rest. But it was hard struggle. Morning came, and he joined Harry at breakfast, fac ing the curious glances of the other boarders, staving off their inquiries and their lily couched cancellations. not voiced in so many words, the con- viction was present that Crazy Laura had told at least a semblance of the truth, and that the dOvetailing incl dents of the past fitted into a we'll connected story for which there must be some foundation. There were those who were plainly curious; there were others who professed not to be- lieve the testimony and who talked loudly of action against the coroner for having introduced the evidence of woman known by every one to be lacking in balanced mentality. There were others who. by their remarks, showed that they were concealing the real truth of their thoughts and only using a cloak of interest to guide them to other food for the carrion proclivities of theY minds
 An hour later H&rry, wandering by the younger mans side,- strove for words and at last uttered them.
 q know it's disagreeable," came finally. "But its necessary. You 'aven't quit?'
 Quit what?'
 "The mine. You're going to keep on. ain't yOu?"
 Fairchild gritted his teeth and was silent. The answer needed strength. Finally 1t came.
 Harry, are you with mel"
 "I ain't stopped yeti"
 "Then that's the answer. As long as there's bit of fight left in us, we'll keep at that mine"
 Harry hitched at his trousers.
 They've got that blooming skeleton out by this time. Pm willing to start any time you say"
 The breath went over Fairchild's teeth In long. slow intake. He clenched his hands and held them trembling before him for a lengthy moment. Then he turned to his part ner.
 'Give me an hour," he begged. "Tll go then-but 1t takes a little grit to-"
 "Who's Fairchild hereT A messen- ger boy was making his way along the curb with telegram. Robert stretched forth hand in surprise.
 "I am. Why"
 The answer came as the boy showed forth the yellow envelope. Fairchild, wondering. read:
 Please come to Denver at once. Have most important information for you.
 "R. V. BARNHAM,
 HI. & R. Building"