The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1936-04-09

TledSe
Right! q. . This is the best stand of
maple I've seen in this country. Look
at the bird's-eye tree, there. Two good
veneer logs in it."
1t was late afternoon when they
beached the canoe on their return.
We've time to look at the cabin
now" Nan told him, nodding toward
the log structure on the high bank;
and she led the way.
Beside the door was a rack of i'm
plements for use in fighting fires.
The door itself was unlocked. "My
father didn't like locks, in the bush"
she explained. "Our men use this camp
some but they always leave it open so
anyone in need of shelter can get in"
The place was amply furnished,
blankets on the hunks, insect nets
hanging above them; cooking utensils
and a goodly supply of unperishable
staples on shelves above the stove.
Its snug camp" Nan said. You'll
be comfortable here. Kerry"
He scratched a temple thoughtfully.
'D'you mind if l use my own out
-fit?"
why, no! Don't you fancy this
Campo"
"Oh, it's got shingles and glass in 1t.
I'd rather set up myself on one of those
islands"
Certainly, If you want it that way.
1 used to come here with my father,
but now the place has been a little
spoiled for me. You see, Holt
stayed here alone the night Father was
killed and if it hadn't been for wise old
Ezra he'd have been carted in to Jail
and held while"
You think a lot of Holt, don't your
"Of course! Why shouldn't 1? He's
the most loyal boy in the world. He's
worked his head off for me-"
Anybody would" he said and
wondered why she colored quickly and
looked at him almost defensively when
she spoke of Holt Stuart.
Other cars were there when they
drove up to headquarters. One was
Ezra Adams battered roadster and the
old doctor looked up from tinkering
with the motor in a way which COM
manded Kerry's interest.
But Nan, with a wave to Ezra, was
more intent on the group about the
other.
"Oh, there's Mr.. Dexter, up from
Chicago" she said excitedly. "That
means he's ready to closer Her face
clOuded. "And day before yesterday
l mailed Tod West a formal request
for permission to deed that section.
It's our first chance at a real sale.
Oh, hope it won't be blockedw
who's sick, Ezra?" Young asked, as
Nan walked rapidly on to greet the
others.
Nobody much, except this 'tarnal
motor" he said loudly. Then, with
caution: Come close, Kerry! Stick
your head down here with me, like you
were trying to help me tinker at some
thin"
The bullet that killed Cash." he
whispered, was fired from Tod Vests
pistolw
For a moment Young did not re-
ply; savage triumph swept him, fol-
lowed by a sinking sensation. Tod
West, the slayer of Mans father and,
perhaps, the slayer of her hopes as
well! He knew that even despite her
misgivings, the girl was hoping that
West would be generous enough to per-
NIT her to close the deal which this
evening seemed to be in prospect. And
it was such fOrlorn hope.
WELL" he said, shat gives US a
course to steer, Ezra ~
whats the first mover"
ITO watch him. What else can we
do? If he's started using that money,
he'll keep on; anyhow, that's a good
bet. We've got to locate it before we
tip our hand"
But suppose he suspects and lights
out?"
Kerry twisted his head doubtfully.
HE won't light out so long as there's
a hope left. All he has worked and
schemed and killed for is in this coun-
try. A man of his age doesn't run
away from it so long as there's a chance
of hanging on.
Now, can get Jim Hinkle to trail
him. He won't suspect Jim. That can
be fixed up. With me out of the pic
ture for few days, maybe he'll feel
more free to act. I'll see to it that
plenty of folks know I'm to be gone
for a while"
II swear it's going to be up to you,
son!" the old man said 81 get all
fiuttery inside, now, thinking about
what might happen and about what
you and I've got to make happen!"
Nan Downer sat disconsolately at
her desk that evening. The man Dex-
ter and his companions had gone from
the dinner-table down to the river.
Soon they would return and want to
talk business :. . and as yet she was
not able to talk in conclusive terms.
She had an opportunity to bring to
realization some of the dreams she had
shared with her father, but not yet the
legal right!
She had been conscious for mo-
ment of another's presence, but did not
look up at once When she did. it was
into the flushed face of Tod West.
''Oh!' she cried, and rose quickly
from her chair.
Surprised, eh?" he asked and
stepped closer. why surprised? /
got letter from you yesterday"
Now, she caught the reek of whisky
on his breath.
'Well. you want my answer now?"
he tainted.
yves, Tod. r.. you see, I've a
chance to sell two sections at a very
fine figure. Under our agreement"
"You can't, sell damn foot of
land!" he cut in. mo, Miss Nan Down
er, you can't sell one damn foot of