Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1924-10-23

to the men who do the work.
II don't know. That doesn't
seem fair. But I'm not wise
enough to know how to make that
right. The law is the law. ! can't 90
back Of that
Cant your ! can. Who makes the
Iawsr He asked It almost harshly.
The people. I suppose"
Nothing OF the kind. The opera
tors control the legislatures and put
through whatever bills they please.
The whole machinery Of government
Is owned BY our masters. What can
we DOR
II don't know"
Neither do I-except what I am
doing. II IL against the law. all right,
but try to see that the workmen get
some Of the profits they earn"
would the operators--what would
they do II they proved you guilty of
highgradingY'
at is hard to prove. Ore can't cas-
lily be Identified"
He smiled down upon her with the
easy recklessness that distinguished
him. II don't think II would have run
quite to a prison sentence. The bur-
den Of proof lies on the accuser. Be
cause I am in possession OF rich ore,
Il does not follow that did not come
by Il legitimately. Ore can't be sworn
10 like bric-a.brac. may have shipped
this In from South Africa. 30 far as
the law knows. Bleyer knows that !
figure he would have played his hand
In the Goldbanks way"
"And how would that ber'
"He would forget the law. too, just
as we've done on our side. A posse
OF men would have fallen on me maybe
after had got out Of town. and they
would have been masked so that
could not swear to them"
"why, this II highway robbery"
He laughed. "we don't use such
big words out here ma'am. Just q
hold.up--a perfectly legitimate one.
from Bleyer's viewpoint--and II would
have left me broke"
Broker"
He nodded. dead broke. I've got
twenty thousand dollars invested In
that ore--every cent I've got In the
world"
"You paid that 10 the miners for III"
"we pay atty per cent Of what IL
coming 70 the men as soon rs rough
assay ID made. the other fifty after
we get the smelter returns. That
wagon load OF ore IL worth--unless
miss my guess badly--about sixty
thousand dollars"
-Dear me. so much as thatr She
could not quite keep note Of sar-
casp out of her voice. "And have you
Il In a safety deposit vaultr'
His cool gaze took her In quietly.
He was willing to bet his last dollar
on her loyalty. and II was like him to
back his judgment In one wild throw.
"Not exactly. II 10 lying In a pile Of
hay In my barn. all sacked up ready
for shipment"
"waitlng there for anybody that
wants IT," she suggested.
"For anybody that wants II worse
than do" he corrected. the lighting
CLEAN In his eyes.
'Tve n right to ask one thing of
you--that there will be no bloodshed
tonight because Of what have told
you"
There viii be none Of my seeking"
he replied grimly.
"No. That's not enough. You must
ind q way to avoid It."
by handing over my hard-earned
dishonest profits to the virtuous verin.
derf" no asked dryly.
II don't care how. But won't have
on my shoulders murder"
that's right hard word. neigh
bor." he said. falling again into the
western drawl he sometimes used as
a mark OF his friendship for her. "But
have II your own way. I'll not even
tote n gat."
thank you" She gave him brisk
little nod, suddenly choked up In her
throat. and turned TO go.
Jack fell into step beside her. "Have
lost my little friendr he asked.
She swallowed twice and walked on
without looking at him. But every
nerve OF her was conscious OF his slim.
ulat.ng presence. Since the inner man
found expression. In that 1.-THE body
with the undulating flow OF we'll
packed muscles. In the spare head set
so finely on the perfect shoulders. In
the steady eyes 80 frank and self.
reliant. surely he was not unworthy
the friendship Of any woman. But he
had Just confessed himself thief.
What right had he to ask or she to
give so muchf
Her hand went out In an lmpetuous
little gesture Of despair. How do
know You are doing wrong. but
oh. why do you do such thlngsr
ITS In my blood not TO let prudence
stop me when I've made up my mind
to thing. My father was that way.
TN trying In a rough way 70 right an
injustice-and like the excitement
and dare say like the loot. too" he
finished with reckless laugh.
Il wish could show you how
wrong you are" she cried In a low
voice.
You can't m go my own way.
But yon are going TO let me come and