New Britain herald., 1929-12-30
uf s TON
 of ofHONOR
bu Ruth OxoA6

fore giving any sign he had heard.
 "Sheb-oh, he's my pal and gen
 eral factotum - an old gold hunter
 I ran across down in the foothiIl
 years ago. Hes stuck to me ever
 since, as faithfully as his old dog, Japheth, sticks 10 him. I put up
 the grub stake as he calls it. and
 he goes right on prospecting-"
 You mean there's still gold in
 these mountains" Anne intcrjccte,l.
 Yes, plenty of it, Shcb says. l and he has been prospecting !n the Siorras for almost 40 years" Lighting cigar, he watched Anne devour ,hc food. He wondered
 what she was doing at the lodge, what connection she really had with Morse and if she knew ot Morse's schcming and planning. He was about to question her when Anne finished and set down her cup, Then, before ne could speak, ringing blow against the side of the cliff drew their attention.
 Sounds like Sheb-" he re- marked and as he moved toward the cage 10 look, there was a louder noise, and part of the cliff crum- bled.
 Its Shcb all right" he corrobo rated smilinsly. then in q louder icn". Hey, there old man. what are you trying to do? Pull down the whole mountain2"
 Anne leaned forward and gazed cautiously over the edge. She be- held the most crooked, shaggiest old man she had ever seen. as he crawled from under the landslide of rock and earth.
 He stooned and dragged out an old hound dog, as lank, as raw bonod and as shaggy as himself.
 That's Japheth," Anne's con1- panion explained. "They haven't been separated night or day for almost 10 years. Better not let them see you - they're inveterate "oman-haters, both of them."
 see--' Anne unused aloud, "it runs in the family"
 He laughed. By no means"
 Nevertheless, Anne drew farther back out of view but heard the shrill, piping voice of the prospec- tor.
 Young man, ef I sees fit to pull the hull durn mountain down on me, 1t ain't nobuddy's business but mine, is it?"
 Not as long as you don't pull anybody else down with you" the man on the cliff acknowledged.
 Sheb suddenly threw down his shovel and hauled something out of the dirt. It was Annc's tam o. 
 He has Tound your hat. I'll 70 town and get it." and started off put Anne shook her head cmphat- cally.
 He repacked his knapsacll and 'ose to go. Anne extended her hand with frank friendlincss.
 T don't know how to thank you, T." she said.
 You needn't" he broke in. Any one would do the same"
 Anne started to draw away hnr land but he held it, raised it to his lps and kissed it deliberately.
 Goodbye Miss-Eve" He sweut 'ff his hat, turned and strode off ID the trail, without a backward dance.
 Anne stood motionless, watching lntll his big, easily swinging body vas lost around curve in the rall. Her skin was on fire with hat last hateful glance; her hand tunG as if it had been plunged nto q bed of nettles. Her pride and anity had been outraged
 Blting her lips fiercely to keen ack the angry tears sne turned 0 discover the old gold miner and IS dog just clambering up over he edge of the cliff. They advanced 'arlly. On a long forked stick in ront of him, Sheb carried Anne's am-o' -shanter.
 He proffere1 it-still warily. Anne ook it with the briefest thanks ulled it down over her disordered ar and looked about for her loves. Sheb draped his lanky b.dv eSllgently against tree.
 Missy" he said solemnly, "tes' ou take my advice an leave in i'm be"
 Anne busily engaged in putting her gloves which she had To-