The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-03-28

This might have appeared rash L
the uninitiated, but, while there was
good deal of buying of stones con
veyed illicitly out OF the compounds
there had never been the theft of
recorded stone. except for the pseudo
theft from the bank. Public opinion
rendered such an act almost impos
sible. Diamonds were the one com
modify that were safe from robbers IL
Malopo.
The machinery arrived as soon a:
the building was finished. Then fol
lowed a week of the hardest kind OF
work, at the end of which Winton had
clear idea Of the process of diamond
mining. All operations at Malopo were
of crude and primitive kind, even his
own, since the grounds had not vet
proved themselves sufficiently to Justify
the introduction of expensive APP
paratus.
In substance, the clay was simply
dug up and sent to the surface in
winches, consisting each of drum
rotating on shaft, on which the hoist
ing rope wound. The material was
then carried in large barrows TO the
distributing grounds where. after some
disintegration had been effected by ex-
posture to sun and air, II was crushed
and fed into the washing troughs, in
which the stones and heavy minerals
were separated from the lighter de-
posts by revolving toothed arms. The
refuse was then picked over by the ma
tives in the compounds.
Winton entered into contract with
local concern that controlled the
water supply by means Of shafts sunk
into the river bed two or three miles
outside the town. This was the most
important feature of the working Of
the claim. Without water he would
be unable to begin operations or to
continue them.
At last, stopping to take breath, Win
ton found that nothing was needed for
the beginning of the mining work ex-
cept the arrival of the natives. Three
gangs were expected, and might arrive
any day.
He turned his thoughts again to
Seaton. A compound manager was, of
course, necessary for the overseeing of
the workers, and he resolved to offer
old Seaton the position which be had
reDtally reserved for him. Seaton was
knu-pn as a man eminently qualified
for the position, but owing to his habits
none would employ him.
II was nearly three weeks since Win
for certain that the girl and her father
were still in Malopo. He was thinking
of inquiring for the old man when be
was surprised by a visit from him at
an early hour in the morning.
Daddy Seaton was wearing new
suit, he was perfectly sober, and looked
almost respectable.
'Mr. Garrett, | don't suppose you'll
know who am" he began but every
body in Malopo knows me, ind they'll !
tell you that there amt bhtter work
nan than Stanford Seaton when he |
caves liquor alone. That's been my |
)ane-but, then, I've had a heap of |
rouble, sir"
Looking for a job?' asked Winton. !
"And employers fight shy of me be-
.ause of my weakness" continued Sea-
on frankly. determined to put his story
n his own way. But l can say there
sn't a man in Malopo understands the
natives better | heard you wanted a
manager, and if you'll give
ne q chance you won't regret 1t.
hall never touch drink again. I've had
nough Of 1t. sir"
"rll try you, Seaton." answered Win
on. Report for work tomorrow morn
ng; and you can move into that cot
age as soon as you like"
II was on the tip of his tongue to
id "and your daughter" But Winton
autiously refrained. When he set
bout a thing he had all the method and
of his father. who had been
financial power in New York before
combine broke him. WintOn was re-
Dlved either TO win Sbeila or to probe
lie situation and discover the secret
f the girls fascination over him.
His heart cried out for her. but his
cad warned him of his unwisdom.
nd WintOn. ike most men. was
waved by both, only with him they
ere in unusual equipoise.
He unlocked the cottage door AND
# Seaton inspecting the inside. re-
rning to work in his Office. About an
)ur later. seeing the cottage door
ide open and supposing that Seaton ,
I'd left the key. in the lock, he went ,
'er TO closeftRe place. He looked in ,
de and saw me old man lying upon :
e floor hopelessly drunk, an empty
title of trade gin beside him.
Seaton had certainly not had the bot
! about him when he arrived. There
rs only one place where he could
We got 1t. and that was on the adjoin
2 clair.