The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1924-07-04
CHAPTER vIl-continued.

UP TO this time 1ranSley naQ not
thought seriously of matrimony. A
wife and children he regarded as de-
sirable appendages for declining years
for the quiet and shade of that eve
ming toward which every active man
looks with such irrational confidence
But for the heat of the day-for the
climb up the hill-they would be I'M
necessary encumbrances. Transley al
ways took practical view of these
matters. 1t need hardly be stated that
he had never been In love; in fact,
Transley would have secuted the idea
of any passion which would throw the
practical to the winds. That was
thing for weaklings, and, possibly, for
women.
But his attachment for Zen was
very practical matter. Zen was the
only heir to the YD. wealth. She
would bring to her husband capital
and credit which Transley could use
to good advantage In his business. She
would also bring personality-a de-
lightful individuality-of which any
man might be proud. She had that
fine combination of attractions which
is expressed In the word charm She
had health. constitution, beauty. She
had courage and sympathy. She had
qualities of leadership. She would
bring to him not only the material
means TO build a house, but the spir-
itual qualities which make home.
She would make him the envy of all
his acquaintance. And jealous man
loves TO be envied.
So after the work on the excava-
lions had been properly started Trans
ley turned over the detail to the al
ways dependable Linder, and, remark
ing that he had not had final settle
ment with Y.D., set out for the ranch
In the foothills. While spending the
long autumn day alone in the buggy
he was able to turn over and develop
plans on an even more ambitious scale
than had occurred to him amid the
hustle of his men and horses
The valley was lying very warm
and beautiful in yellow light, and the
setting sun was just capping the
mountains with gold and painting
great splashes of copper and bronze
on the few clouds becalmed in the
heavens, when Tr"~.sley's tired team
logged In a";oIg the cluster of build
ings known as the Y.D. The rancher
G6t him at the bunk-house. He
greeted Transley with a firm grip OF
his great palm, and with jaws open
in suggestion Of sort of carnivorous
hospitality.
Come up to the house. Transley,'
he said, turning the horses over to
the attention of a ranch hand Sup.
per is just ready, an the women will
be glad to see you"
Zen, walking with limp, met them
at the gate. Transley's eyes treasured
him that he had not been led astray
by any process of idealization; Ter
was all his mind had been picturins
her. She was worth the effort In.
deed, a strange sensation of tender.
ness suffused him as he walked by
her side TO the door, supporting hel
little with his hand. There they
were ushered in by the rancher's wife
and Zen herself showed Transle, t.
cool room where were white towels
and soft water from the river and
quiet and restful furnishings. Trans
ley congratulated himself that ht
could hardly hope to be better re
ceived.
After supper he had social drink
with Y.D., and then the two sat OF
the veranda and smoked and dis
cussed business. Transley found YD
more liberal in the adjustment thar
he had expected. He had not We
realized to what an extent he had wor
the old rancher's confidence. ant
YD. was a man who, when his conf
dence had been won, never hagglet
over details. He was willing to com