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diff --git a/old/52458.txt b/old/52458.txt deleted file mode 100644 index eac2873..0000000 --- a/old/52458.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7321 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of My "Pardner" and I, by Willis George Emerson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: My "Pardner" and I - Gray Rocks, A Story Of The Middle-West, Illustrated - -Author: Willis George Emerson - -Release Date: June 30, 2016 [EBook #52458] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY "PARDNER" AND I *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - - - - -MY "PARDNER" AND I - -(_Gray Rocks_) - -A Story Of The Middle-West - -Illustrated - -By Willis George Emerson - -Chicago: Laird & Lee, Publishers - -1894 - - - -```"Beneath yon rocky peak that hides - -```In fleecy clouds its snow-flecked crest; - -```Beneath those crimson crags abides - -```The fairest queen of all the West." - - - -[Illustration: 0009] - - -[Illustration: 0010] - - -[Illustration: 0011] - - - - -PREFACE. - -The breaking of a twig in some vast forest, or the dull echo of a -miner's pick in a rugged mountain canyon, alike suggest the solitude -of Nature. The unwritten history of mining prospectors who search for -yellow gold, or the advance guards of our civilization in the rich -valleys of the West, are replete-with interest and dramatic incident. -The "boom" town builder also plays a most conspicuous part in this -unwritten drama. - -There are no frayed-out remnants of a former greatness to be found on -the frontier. A man sells for his intrinsic worth--no more, no less. -Conditions that made men great in former generations are here active. -and develop manhood in its highest form. - -There is hardly a cross-road hamlet without its hotel, and usually a -"Dick Ballard" presides. "Brainy men." such as composed the Waterville -Town Company, may be found wherever a new town is building, while a -"Rufus Grim" is usually the autocrat of the mining camp. - -The old "Colonel" represents a class of sturdy miners whose untiring -labor occasionally gives to the world the golden keys of some fabulously -rich discovery; while the greater number dedicate their lives to a -fruitless search for hidden treasures, and finally die of disappointment -and a broken heart. - -"Louise," in her unswerving devotion to her father, is a specimen of -superior womanhood whose duplicate may be found in many a ranchman's -home throughout the nestling valleys of our y re at West. - -Sometimes I imagine I was with "J. Arthur Boast" in his hiding place -when he wrote that last letter and saw the spectral ghost that ever kept -him company. The retribution perhaps was just, yet my sympathy lingers -around the old prospect shaft. - -Many of my readers will doubtless desire to express their criticism of -GRAY ROCKS. Nothing will afford me more pleasure than to receive just -criticisms, for it will at least enable me to escape similar errors in -other stories that I am now engaged in writing. - -Sincerely, - -WILLIS GEORGE EMERSON. - -ELM REST, August 20, 1894. - -No. 1363 Central Park Boulevard, Chicago. - - - - -PARTIAL LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - I. The Mr. Gilder for Whom I am Looking is a Much Older Gentleman.....14 - - II. He Clasped Vance's Hand Warmly....................................21 - - III. A Letter Was Handed to Him.......................................30 - - IV. My Salary Has Been Raised,........................................37 - - V. Hello, Pardner! How D'Ye Do........................................41 - - VI. He Offered Vance Some Havanas,....................................50 - - VII. This 'ere Town is Comin' Out of the Kinks in Fine Shape..........60 - - VIII. He Forgot Time,.................................................68 - - IX. I Am Going to Give Him a Piece of My Mind.........................70 - - X. Vance Turned and Saw J. Arthur Boast...............................82 - - XI. "You're the Young Man, I Reckon," Said Grim, "From New York,".....87 - - XII. Don't You Think I Am Horrid to Go on Talking this Way to You?....96 - - XIII. The Stage Ride.................................................108 - - XIV. Gentlemen, We Deliberate Upon the Destiny of Waterville.........114 - - XV. Vance Was Presented to Miss Virginia Bonifield,..................121 - - XVI. We Have Cross-cut Into Whar' the Vein Ought to Be...............135 - - XVII. "Lost Your Position?" Said Louise, with Unmistakable Concern...143 - - XVIII. Vance Handed Marcus Donald a Copy.............................151 - - XIX. They Are the Brainiest Lot of Men This Country Has Produced.....162 - - XX. They Started Pell-mell Down the Mountain Load....................171 - - XXI. You Will Not Be Angry With Father, Will You?....................179 - - XXII. There Are Times, When It's Necessary to Put My Foot Down.......189 - - XXIII. "Yes," Whispered Bertha, "I Love You So Much,"................207 - - XXIV. A Dark Form Crouched Near,.....................................215 - - XXV. Where Is the Powder?............................................228 - - XXVI. A Guilty Conscience Needs No Accuser...........................236 - - XXVII. Such Tender Things of Earth Are Sanctified in Heaven..........253 - - - - -CHAPTER I.--VANCE GILDER. - - -[Illustration: 9019] - -ANCE GILDER {11}had an ambition. It was to be a great journalist. - -The sunshine that gleamed in at his western windows disclosed -most luxurious apartments--indicating refinement and culture. The -bric-a-brac; the leathern walls stamped with gilt; the frieze of -palm-leaves; the chandelier; the richly carved book-case, filled with -tawny-covered volumes; the upright piano, and a guitar which stood -sentinel-like in a retired corner; together with India rugs and tiger -skins on the floor before an open grate, half hidden by a large Japanese -fan--bespoke wealth as well as refined taste. - -Seated at an open escritoire with writing materials before him, on the -evening of a June day, was Vance Gilder. - -He was not more than twenty-five, of medium height, dark brown hair, -soft and wavy as the silk of Indian corn, large brown eyes, a clear -complexion, an aquiline nose, {12}and a rather heavy, dark moustache, -which in part hid a well-formed mouth. - -Before him lay numerous packages of papers, but they were not claiming -his attention. He was perusing a billet-doux written in a lady's hand. - -There was a refinement and gentleness in his face, while his dress and -surroundings indicated a serious elegance, rich but unaffected. - -"Who can she be?" was the exclamation that escaped him as he again read -the letter which he held in his hand. - -Tossing it down, he walked back and forth across the room with -measured strides. - -Stopping before the mantel, he lighted a cigar. "Louise Bonifield," he -ejaculated, between puffs of smoke, which he blew away in rings toward -the ceiling, "where have I met her? - - -[Illustration: 9020] - - -Where have I seen that name?" - -Walking back to the escritoire, he took up the letter and read aloud: - - -Murray Hill Hotel, June 18. - -Kind Sir: - -Father and I arrived in the city last night. He wishes me to call on -you at three o'clock this afternoon; business of special importance to -himself. - -Respectfully, - -LOUISE BONIFIELD. - -To Vance Gilder, Esq. - - -"No," he said aloud, "I do not remember Miss Louise Bonifield. It is -doubtless very stupid of me, and all that, but if ever I even heard the -name before, it certainly has {13}passed from my memory. She says three -o'clock," and glancing at the French time-piece which helped to make up -the furniture of his room, he saw it was preparing to strike the hour of -three. - -Scarcely had the sound of the mellow cathedral bell died away, when the -door-bell clanged out like a harsh echo of the clock's last stroke. - -[Illustration: 9021] - -The servant brought in a card bearing the name of "Louise Bonifield," -and received instructions to admit the visitor at once. - -The rustling of skirts was soon heard in the hallway. - -With the deportment of a queen, she accepted the proffered chair and -raised to Vance's face a pair of laughing blue eyes that might be -dangerous. The parting of her rosy lips displayed her ivory teeth -to advantage, while her evident embarrassment tinged with pink her -beautiful cheeks. - -"I called," she stammered, "to see Mr. Vance Gilder." - -"At your service," he replied, bowing low. - -"But really, sir, are you Mr. Gilder?" - -"I believe," he replied, "that I enjoy the doubtful honor of that -appellation." - -The half-hesitation of the visitor as she stood in the open door might -have suggested momentary confusion, but reassurance seemed to assert -itself as she complied with the melodious invitation of Vance Gilder to -enter and be seated. - -This vision of loveliness that entered the bachelor apartments of Vance -Gilder might have been eighteen years old, but certainly no more. In -stature she was of medium height, rather slender, and sustained herself -{14}"It must be," she faltered, with increasing embarrassment, "all a -mistake." - -[Illustration: 0022] - -Vance Gilder, with all his boasted matter-of-fact principles, was -wonderfully interested in his fair visitor. She evidently was a stranger -in the city, or a skilled actress. In referring to her afterwards, he -spoke of her as a "dream of loveliness." - -He was too chivalrous to permit his visitor's embarrassment to increase -if he could help it and quickly {15}assured her that it was not a very -serious mistake, and asked in what way he could serve her, at the -same time saying he regretted exceedingly that he did not answer the -description of the Vance Gilder for whom she was seeking. - -"The Mr. Gilder for whom I am looking," said his fair visitor, "is a -much older gentleman than you. He visited father some three years ago, -at Gold Bluff, Idaho, and owns an interest in Gray Rocks, my father's -mine. My father is very anxious to meet Mr. Gilder; in fact, we have -come all the way from Idaho expressly for that purpose. He would have -called in person, but was taken ill last evening--so ill, indeed, that -we found it necessary to summon a physician. We are stopping at the -Murray Hill Hotel. I fear my father will be greatly disappointed." - -A shade of sadness stole over the usually buoyant face of Vance Gilder. - -"I think I understand," said he. "I bear the name of my father, who, -after spending several months in the mining districts of Idaho, went -to California, where he remained over a year, endeavoring to regain -his health. He returned home a little less than two years ago and died -within two months after his arrival. - -"As his living representative, and in honor of his memory," said he, -with feeling, "if there is any way in which he could have served you -or your father, had he lived, I will volunteer, to the extent of my -ability, to act in his stead." - -"It certainly is very kind of you," she replied, "but I am distressed at -this intelligence, and know my father will be also. We learned to think -a great deal of Mr. Gilder {16}during his few months' stay at Gold -Bluff. You can certainly do my father a great service by calling on -him." - -"I shall take great pleasure," said Vance, in his earnest way, "in -doing so. I am employed on the _Banner_, and my duties will prevent -me calling before tomorrow at ten o'clock, but at that hour, tell your -father he may expect me." - -She had risen while he was speaking, and with a face full of sympathy -and kindness, thanked him for his promise; and before he realized what -was transpiring, the hall door closed and she was gone. - -The house from which she had taken her leave was one of the best -overlooking Central Park, in New York City. Vance Gilder, the elder, was -a man of great determination of character, and had accumulated a fortune -while yet in the prime of life. He built for himself this house. It was -surrounded by elegantly kept gardens and velvet lawns. - -He retired from business late in the '60's, intending to devote himself -to his wife and only son, then a mere child, and his library. Scarcely -a year of such enjoyment was allowed him before his wife sickened and -died, leaving him his son and his fortune. It was hardly more than -natural that he should lavish a great deal of attention and wealth upon -his child. - -As his son grew to manhood, his father discovered a recklessness and -extravagance which was sadly at variance with those economic principles -which he himself had so studiously practiced. Vance stood fairly well -in his classes, and after graduating at Princeton, went abroad, visiting -the principal cities of Europe, and spending money in such a lavish way -that at the expiration of a {17}year his father summoned him home and -remonstrated with him severely on his manner of living and his expensive -habits. - -Piqued at the rebuke, he quarreled with his father, and started out to -make his way in the world alone. The estrangement was of short duration, -however, and soon after the reconciliation he secured a position on the -__Banner_ _, and assiduously devoted himself to the study of journalism. -He gave up his follies and fast living, and found more enjoyment in -his work on the _Banner_ than he had ever found in swell dinners and -midnight carousals at his club. - - - - -CHAPTER II.--THE OLD MINER. - - -[Illustration: 9026] - -ROOM {18}in which we have introduced Vance Gilder to the reader, in the -home overlooking Central Park, had been his from childhood, and -furnished by his father in its present luxurious style, as a reward for -his devotion to the profession of journalism. - -His father had invested his income in real estate, and in the lapse of -years found himself possessed of a fortune many times greater than he -had ever anticipated. He traveled a great deal over the west, and at -Gold Bluff, Idaho, he found in Ben Bonifield, the owner of Gray Rocks, a -playmate of his youth. - -Ben Bonifield had staked out a claim which he called "Gray Rocks," and -had worked away for several years with pick and shovel, believing that -some day he would "strike it rich"--and from the output of other mining -properties in that vicinity, it seemed as if his expectations might be -realized some day. - -He deeded a half interest in his mine to the elder Gilder, in -consideration of certain moneys advanced him to develop the property. -This one investment was the only one that Mr. Gilder ever made outside -of New York {19}City, and it is quite probable that in making this one -it was not so much an investment as a desire to assist his boyhood's -friend. The deed which Ben Bonifield gave had been duly recorded, but in -his travels on the Pacific coast he had in some way mislaid it, and on -his return to New York City he had died without ever having mentioned -the matter to his son. When his father died, Vance was bowed down with -grief, while the old Scotch house-keeper and her husband could not have -mourned more sincerely had the elder Gilder been related by the nearest -ties of blood. - -Vance found his father had not only left a fortune, but also a will. The -date of this instrument showed that it was executed during the months -of their estrangement, and had never been changed. The important part of -the will, for this narrative, was a clause limiting Vance to an annuity -of $5,000, provided he remained at the old homestead and gave employment -and a home to the Scotch house-keeper and her husband; but the title to -the vast property which he owned was not to pass into his custody until -he was forty years of age. - -To the credit of the son, it can be said that he entertained no enmity -towards his father because of this provision, but regarded it as simple -justice. In the meantime, he devoted himself with more energy than ever -to his profession, was economical in his habits, and had the consolation -of knowing that he was being advanced from time to time on the _Banner_, -until he was now regarded as one of the most trusted men on that great -journal. - -To be a member of the _Banner_ staff of newsgatherers was a position -to be envied by those similarly employed on less imposing journals. -His associates--the city {20}editor, the religious editor, the -dramatic critic, the police reporter, and the heads of several other -departments--were in the habit of discussing the topics of the times -from a strictly democratic standpoint, with the regularity with which -day follows night. - -The "old man," or managing editor, could not take a deeper interest in -the columns of the _Banner_ than did his faithful coterie of assistants. -The managing editor prided himself on his ability to recognize and -command intellectual forces. - -With the breaking of the dawn anew paper, filled with news deftly -gathered from the four corners of the earth, was ushered into life, -teeming with the world's history of a day, to be discussed by the -banker, the politician, and the professional and non-professional -classes over the breakfast-table. Each issue was a daily history -possessing a soul and character distinctly its own, which collectively -made up the policy of one of the greatest journals of New York City. -Before high noon of each day a newspaper has generally served its -purpose--dies; is a thing of the past, and the record of events found in -its columns becomes ancient history. - -The following morning at ten o'clock, agreeable to his promise, Vance -Gilder was at the Murray Hill Hotel, and sent up his card to Ben -Bonifield. Instead of receiving in his room, the old gentleman joined -Vance in the lobby. He was a typical character--once seen, never -forgotten. An old Virginian by birth and education, he still retained -the courtly polish of one of the southern aristocracy, which many years -of mining life had not been able to wholly destroy. In stature he was -fully six feet, and rather portly; his oval face was smooth-shaven, save -an {21}iron-gray moustache. He wore his hair rather long, and the rim -of his black felt hat was broad as a sombrero. His Prince Albert coat -of broad-cloth was of old-time date, and suggested a revival of ancient -gentility. - -"Glad to see yo', suh; am delighted to meet a son of my old friend, -Colonel Gilder." - -[Illustration: 0029] - -He clasped Vance's hand warmly, and his face was full of sympathy as -he referred to the recent information he had received concerning Mr. -Gilder's death. They {22}soon found seats in a retired corner of the -lobby, and after assuring Vance that he had entirely recovered from his -recent illness, the old gentleman plunged into business. - -"Yo' know, of cou'se, that yo'r father owned a one-half interest in Gray -Rocks?" - -"No, I was not aware of the fact until your daughter named it to me -yesterday," replied Vance. - -"Yo' su'prise me, suh, yo' really do," said the old miner, "but it is -true, nevertheless, and the deed is on record; and what is mo', suh, -Gray Rocks is destined to be the richest gold mine in Idaho. Yo' see, I -have been workin' away on Gray Rocks for seven years--kep' right at it, -winter an' summer, and while I have not 'struck it' yet, I am positive, -suh, that if I had a little mo' money to push the work, my most sanguine -expectations would be mo' than re'lized. We are now on the 200 foot -level, but it seems, suh, it is not deep enough. A most wonderful -showin', in my opinion, suh, will be made when the 300 foot level is -reached, and we have cross-cut into the vein." - -"I am not very well versed in regard to mining, in fact know next to -nothing about it, but of course, as I am a half owner in a gold mine, I -am naturally interested in having it developed." - -"Well, suh," said the old gentleman, "yo' see I am. I know all about -mines. Yes, suh, I assure yo, on my honor, that I can tell 'pay dirt' as -far as I can see it, suh, if I am sixty-five years old, Yo' see, suh," -continued the old miner, "let us suppose this table is the top of the -mountain. Now, where I place this ink-stand, is Gray Rocks; just beyond, -here where I lay this pen-stalk, is the Peacock mine. It joins us -directly on the nawth. The {23}Excelsior is at this point, where I lay -my eye-glasses, directly south of Gray Rocks. Both of them, suh, are -payin' immense dividends, and befo' a year, with proper management, Gray -Rocks will be doin' the same. When he learned, suh, that I only had a -half interest, he refused to talk with me any mo' about it. He said he -wanted all or none. Confidentially, Mr. Gilder, I consider old Grim the -most ill-mannered man in the Fish River minin' district, and us miners, -suh, usually form a pretty correct idea of mankind in gene'l. I have -been minin' it now fo' over thirty years, and while I have never 'struck -it' yet, I assure yo' on my word, suh, that I have mo' confidence in -Gray Rocks to-day than ever befo'." - -"Of course, Col. Bonifield," said Vance, "I know nothing about your -technical expressions of 'sinking-shafts,' 'cross-cutting,' and all -that sort of thing, but I remember now of my father speaking of you on -several occasions, and I doubt not, if he were living, he would gladly -assist you in any way in his power. Personally, my means are limited, -but if your wants are not too great, I will gladly give you my -assistance." - -"Give me yo're hand, suh! Why, Mr. Gilder, yo're a gentleman that I'm -proud to meet, suh. - -"What we must do, suh, is to sink the shaft on Gray Rocks to a 300 foot -level, and we will cross-cut into a vein of wealth, suh, that will -make yo' rich as a Vanterbilt. Yes, suh; take my word fo' it. Now," he -continued, "there is old Grim; he owns a majority of the stock in the -Peacock, and he wanted to buy out Gray Rocks, but {24}of the old school, -belonging to one of the oldest and proudest families of Virginia--yes, -suh. Now, you have a half interest in Gray Rocks, and if yo' can furnish -the money, Mr. Gilder, to sink the shaft to the 300 foot level, I will -go back to Gold Bluff and immediately commence the work--and mind, Mr. -Gilder, I give yo' my word that yo' will never lose a dollar; no, suh, -Gray Rocks is a sure winner. The claim is patented and our title is -perfect; but we must do mo', suh; we must sink our shaft, and it costs -money to sink shafts, and a pow'ful sight of hard work into the bargain, -suh. I came to New York especially to see yo're father and have him help -me by advancin' a little mo' money. He paid me $1,000, suh, fo' a half -interest in Gray Rocks. I told him, and I tell yo' now, it will bring -yo' a million. Yes, suh, I pledge yo' my word it will." - -The old gentleman's words, his enthusiasm, his southern courtliness, -and his unmistakable belief in Gray Rocks, carried Vance quite away, in -anticipation of his half-ownership in a gold mine. He mentally computed -the amount of money he had in the bank, and felt that he would willingly -check out his last half-dollar to sink the shaft on Gray Rocks to a 300 -foot level. - -He had to his credit in the Chemical National Bank some fifteen thousand -dollars, and finally ventured to ask about how much it would take to do -the work. - -"Why, yo' see, suh," replied the old miner, "the mo' a fellow has, the -quicker he can sink a shaft. Now, I could get along at present with, say -$1,500, but $2,000 would be betteh, and $2,500 would be a great plenty." - -"Very well," replied Vance, "I'll advance you $2,500, and can bring it -to you within a couple of hours." - -{25}The old gentleman was highly delighted with Vance's ready -acquiescence in the matter, and shook his hand warmly, assuring him that -he was a very true Virginian. Taking his leave, he quitted the hotel, -and in less than two hours paid to Col. Bonifield $2,500. - -The old gentleman was very urgent for Vance to remain and lunch with -him. - -"My Louise, suh," he said, "will be delighted to see yo'. - -[Illustration: 8033] - -Now, suh, there's one girl in a thousand. I call her a diamond in the -rough, suh. She stays by the old man, and has just as much faith in the -ultimate outcome of Gray Rocks as I have, I sometimes think, suh, that I -ought not to keep her away so far from civil'zation, so to speak, among -the mountains; but she says, 'We will wait until we strike it.' I assure -yo', suh, she is a wonderful comfort to me." - -Vance endeavored to persuade the old gentleman to bring his daughter and -stop at his house for a few days, but the old miner explained that his -stay could not be prolonged; that he was impatient to begin work on -the mine, sinking the shaft to the 300 foot level, and then commence -cross-cutting. He insisted that he must start for Gold Bluff by the -evening train. - -Ascending to the ladies' parlor, Vance waited until the old miner -brought his daughter to bid him good-bye. As she came into the room on -the arm of her stately father, Vance had hard work to convince himself -that such a queenly girl as stood before him could have grown to such -loveliness among the mountains of the northwest. - - - - -CHAPTER III.--THE BANNER FORCE. - - -[Illustration: 9034] - -GREAT {26}metropolitan journal like the _Banner_, has a tendency to -swallow up individual characteristics in its own self-importance. A man -may be ever so clever with his pen, and contribute the most readable -articles day after day and year after year, and yet not one reader in -ten thousand has any idea whose composition he is perusing. - -Vance Gilder was only one of the force, and yet he was a favorite with -his associates. He sometimes dreamed of promotion, and the time when -he would be a correspondent of note, or possibly at the head of some -important department on that great paper. Visions of special work which -would call him not only to different parts of his own country, but to -foreign parts as well, charmed him into contentment and renewed energy. - -Only once during his connection with the _Banner_ had he made anything -like a "hit." He had on one solitary occasion succeeded in "scooping" -the other New York journals in a most masterly manner. Indeed, to Vance -belonged the credit of having completely humiliated the other dailies -with an article under flaming headlines and double-leaded. As a -compensation, he was sent for by {27}the chief, and received that august -person's special thanks. This was a mark of distinction, for it was -seldom that he paid compliments. On the other hand, if the work was not -up to the standard, the staff generally heard from him in a volley of -profanity that caused them to doubt the permanency of their positions. - -On the night after Ben Bonfield started for Gold Bluff, Vance found -himself thinking a great deal about Gray Rocks. To a young man of -twenty-five, fifteen years seems a long time to wait for the possession -of one's property. There is a certain fascination about the idea of -owning a gold mine, and this charm had taken possession of Vance to a -degree far beyond that which he was willing to admit, and between the -lines of copy, he speculated on the future and built many castles in the -air. - -The half interest which his father owned in Gray Rocks had not been -named in the will, and as Vance was his only heir, it naturally occurred -to him that in case the old miner should "strike it rich," he would find -himself with a handsome competency long before his fortieth birthday. - -For the first time during the years of his connection with the _Banner_, -a feeling of dissatisfaction stole over him, and he was glad Colonel -Bonfield had been so prompt in returning to Gold Bluff, for he felt -the work of sinking the shaft on Gray Rocks should be commenced at the -earliest possible moment. There was also a feeling of regret deep down -in his heart that he had not had an opportunity to know more of the fair -Louise, the remembrance of whose laughing blue eyes and perfect freedom -from affectation hovered near him with a distinctness that he had never -before experienced with any of his young lady friends. {28}He was in -this state of mind when the police reporter came in and declared that he -was disgusted with the scarcity of crime. - -"I say, Vance," said he, "it's getting to be a pretty pass when a fellow -has to rummage all over the city for a few crumbs of accidental deaths, -street brawls and shooting affairs." - -[Illustration: 9036] - -Before Vance had time to reply, the religious editor commenced swearing -about the uninteresting sermons he was compelled to write of late. - -The dramatic critic observed that lie presumed writing sermons was a -rather stupid business, but if the reading public could endure them, the -religious editor ought to be able to, at $60 a week. - -The religious editor said, "by Gad! old boy, you're about right," and -begged a cigarette of the dramatic critic, declaring that he did not -know with whom he would rather smoke than a representative of the -footlights. He then slapped Vance on the shoulder in a jocular way, and -asked him what made him so quiet. - -"Scoops are scarce," replied Vance, without lifting his eyes from the -copy he was revising. - -"Scarce!" chimed in the city editor, "I should say so. We have not had -such a thing as a 'scoop' about the office for six months." - -"Journalism," observed the dramatic critic, "is, without question, the -king of professions. Here we see life in its every phase." - -"I am beginning to think," said Vance, "that journalism is a drudgery -without hope or reward." - -"You astonish me," replied the religious editor. "Why, Vance," he -continued, knocking the ashes from his cigarette, "a fellow with as -bright a future in the profession as you have, making such a remark -as that, causes me to think you are growing cynical. Think of the -opportunities which journalism affords." - -"What opportunities," replied Vance, "have I, or you, or any other -members of the staff, excepting those we have no right to take advantage -of? I freely admit that there is a fascination about the profession of -journalism; an influence, if you please, that holds us in the rut, much -the same as the current of a mighty river--always drawing everything -into the center where the current is swiftest--but the individuality of -the most talented among us is completely lost in the great octopus that -we are _daily_ and nightly striving with our best efforts of brawn and -brain to keep supplied with news." - -"Bravo!" shouted the police reporter. "There is not an ordinary -prize-fighter in the land but has more individual reputation than any of -us. Vance is about right in his position." - -At this juncture of their conversation, a note was handed to Vance. -It was a polite request to report at the chief's private room at ten -o'clock the next morning. After hastily glancing over it, Vance read it -aloud. - -"I say, Vance, old boy, that's a little rough; and still," continued the -religious editor, between vigorous puffs of his cigarette, "it may be a -step up." - -It was an open question with members of the force whether a formal -summons into the presence of the chief, without any intimation of the -nature of the interview, was a good omen or otherwise. - -"Possibly," responded Vance, "but I rather surmise it is a step out." - -[Illustration: 0038] - -"The evil is sufficient unto the day thereof," observed the dramatic -critic. "It is twelve o'clock, boys; let us adjourn to the 'realm of -pie,' and there we will discuss the unlooked-for summons." - -A half dozen as jolly young fellows as could be found anywhere, were -soon seated in a private room at Thompson's cafe, partaking of the -reporter's stereotyped lunch. {31}As a result of their deliberations, -there were many hopeful expressions made for the benefit of Vance. There -was an under-current, however, of unmistakable belief, which Vance was -not slow to perceive and share, that his interview with the chief would -not result satisfactorily. - -The dramatic critic soon drifted to the leeward of the question, and -with almost forced vivaciousness recounted the latest hit of a jolly -little soubrette dancer at Madison Square Gardens. His description was -not only interesting, but a welcome diversion from the somber subject -that might mean a separation of Vance from the staff. The religious -editor took up the cue where the dramatic critic let go, and commenced -swearing in newspaper parlance about the unsatisfactory work he was -doing in his department. - -[Illustration: 8039] - -The police reporter came in for a description of a "knock-out" he had -witnessed in the Bowery, and for the edification of his associates, -explained the difference between a "shoulder-strike" and an "undercut." - -On returning to their respective posts of duty, there was but little -said, but it was noticeable that Vance was bid good night with more -consideration than usual. - -As Vance hurried along toward the elevated road, his thoughts were again -filled with that demure little Louise, a product of the great mountains -of the west. With her had come a hope--perhaps only a visionary -one--stimulated by the enthusiasm of the old miner. He did not pause to -analyze {32}the sustaining hope which he experienced; he only knew that -it took off the keen edge of anxiety which otherwise he would have felt -concerning his coming interview with the chief. - - - - -CHAPTER IV--A SUPPER PARTY. - - -[Illustration: 9041] - -T TEN {33}O'CLOCK the following morning, Vance sent in his card to the -chief, and was immediately admitted to his presence. "Good morning, Mr. -Gilder." - -"Good morning, sir," was Vance's prompt reply. - -"I sent for you," said the chief, as he industriously looked over a -bundle of papers on his desk, "To discuss a matter I have had in mind -for some time." - -"Yes, sir," was Vance's laconic reply. - -The chief having found the paper he evidently had been searching for, -motioned Vance to be seated, and turning to him, asked: - -"Have you ever traveled much in the west?" - -"Have never been west of Buffalo." - -"Your work," observed the chief, "has been very satisfactory--I may say, -especially so--and it is the policy of the _Banner_ not only to reward -those who have talent, but also to keep pace with the times, and give -its readers reliable information upon all questions of moment and -importance. The great Northwest has been opening up for the last half -century. There have been booms and counter-booms out in that country, -spasmodically, for {34}many years, and a great many fortunes have been -lost by ill advised investors, but I am not personally familiar with -anyone who has bettered his condition in western speculations. Just -at the present time the northwest is attracting, as you are doubtless -aware, considerable attention, and the effort to popularize it by the -western press, seems unabating. Our eastern people, even some of the -oldest families of New York, are becoming poisoned with the virus of -western investments. My private opinion is that instead of receiving -dividends on these holdings, they will lose principal and all. - -"We want," said he, "a level-headed correspondent in that western -country. Mark, I say level-headed, for the reason that not infrequently -an eastern man, especially if he is unacquainted with the wonderland of -the west, loses his head, figuratively speaking, and becomes won over -by the fairy tales of prospective wealth, as told by the average real -estate boomer. - -"You, Mr. Gilder," said the chief, eying Vance with great directness, -"have been selected for this important position of trust. I might," he -continued, as if it were an afterthought, "modify my remarks by saying -there are some places in the west worthy of credence, possessing real -merit; but in nine cases out of ten, the new towns that are ringing -up throughout the north western portion of the United States are, in my -judgment, intangible as moonshine. In short, there is entirely too much -capital flowing from the east into those wildcat western speculations, -and we desire to give a series of letters descriptive of that country -to the readers of the _Banner_, containing the facts stripped of all -allurement, and dissuade them from such unstable investments as are -daily being made. - -{35}"I deem," continued the chief, "these few suggestions necessary for -your good in governing the character of your correspondence from that -western country to the columns of the _Banner_. I shall expect you to be -ready tomorrow evening, and start on the six o'clock train. As you will -probably be away for some time, it would be well for you to arrange your -private affairs accordingly. - -[Illustration: 8043] - -Call tomorrow at eleven o'clock, and I will have ready the necessary -credentials, transports and instructions." - -Vance bowed his acquiescence and turned to go, when the chief said, "By -the way, instead of $40 a week, your present salary, you will receive -$60 and expenses, which doubtless will be satisfactory." - -Vance attempted to express his appreciation of the confidence that had -been reposed in him, of so important an undertaking; but the chief waved -him to silence and muttered something about "time being money," and at -once turned to other affairs that were awaiting his attention. - -That afternoon Vance was not found among the staff, and a new man -occupied his chair. He called on Thomas Patten, Esq., the attorney -who had represented the Gilder family for many years, and named in his -father's will as trustee, and explained to him his promotion, telling -him he would start for the west the next evening. - -His old associates at the _Banner_ were asking questions of one another -as to what had transpired between Vance and the chief, but no one seemed -to know anything about it, except that a new man was on duty and Vance -absent. - -{36}At half past eleven o'clock that night the dramatic critic hurried -in from the street and passed word around among the coterie that a -surprise was waiting for them over at Thompson's cafe. Thompson's is, -and has been for many years, a favorite resort for newspaper men. Vance -Gilder was well known to the manager as a member of the _Banner_ staff, -and when that afternoon he requested that a lunch something better than -the ordinary be prepared, he was assured that everything would be in -readiness. - -The dramatic critic ushered his associates into a private room precisely -at twelve o'clock. Vance was in waiting, and a warm greeting was -exchanged. The religious editor declared that he believed a conspiracy -of gigantic proportions had been laid to entrap the meek and lowly, but, -nevertheless, he took his place with alacrity at the table to enjoy the -modest but excellent feast prepared for the occasion. - -A few bottles of rare old wine added interest to the surprise which Vance -had so cleverly arranged. After the glasses had been tilled and drained, -the political editor moved that an explanation was in order. - -"My friends," said Vance, "the most important disclosure I have to make -is that my salary has been raised to $60 a week." - -The religious editor said, "By Gad," and fell from his chair, declaring -that his nerves were so unstrung that it would require another glass of -wine to restore them. After Vance had carefully narrated his interview -with the chief, he received the hearty congratulations of his -associates. Each vied with the others in wishing him unbounded success -as a western correspondent for the _Banner_. {37}"I understand," said -the political editor, after clearing his throat with a glass of wine, -"that the west is teeming with opportunities in a political way; and I -would not be surprised," he added, "if the Honorable Vance Gilder would -be the next thing we hear of, as mayor of some municipality in the Rocky -Mountain region, or possibly as a member of Congress from the Third -District." - -[Illustration: 0045] - -"Or still better," observed the religious editor, "president of one -of those bonanza gold mines that advertise {38}themselves as being the -greatest dividend paying properties in the world." - -"What's the matter," said the police reporter, "of being moderate in -your expectations? Suppose Vance secures the position of judge of the -police court in one of those western towns, where from a dozen to twenty -drunks and brawls occur every twenty-four hours--ye gods! what a country -for rich morsels of crime!" - -It was conceded by all that Vance would have abundant opportunity -for making investments here and there in the growing west that would -materially increase his financial prospects. - -[Illustration: 8046] - -"Sixty dollars," said the dramatic critic, as he finished his third -glass of wine, "is quite a step up, but evidently a mere bagatelle to -the 'pick-ups' on the side, in a new country that is just developing -like the west is at the present time." - -That Vance was one of the luckiest fellows living was the verdict of all -his associates. After the lunch had been disposed of and a good-night -glass of wine drunk to Vance's success, he bade his companions -good-night, and was soon being driven rapidly up Eighth Avenue to -Central Park, west. - -On reaching his room he began to feel more than ever that he had -awakened to find himself famous, and that a great honor had been thrust -upon him. - -His gratitude to his chief was unbounded, but like the young and -ambitious everywhere, his own personal advancement in a financial sense -was a consideration not to be overlooked. {39}While he knew personally -very little about the Western country, the many allusions of his -companions to the rare opportunities which awaited him in the new world -he was about to visit filled him with a vague, indescribable sense of -importance. - -As he retired for the night, he assured himself that Gold Bluff, Idaho, -would be one of his objective points, and hoped he would be there when -the shaft reached the 300 foot level. He was beginning to share the old -miner's enthusiasm and confidence in Gray Rocks. - -He drifted away into a restful sleep, while visions of a lovely girl in -early womanhood, with beautiful blue eyes, "gentle grace and sovereign -sweetness," rose in a mist before him, and he dreamed he was at Gold -Bluff. - - - - -CHAPTER V.--AN ODD CHARACTER. - - -[Illustration: 9048] - -TRIP from New York to the inter-mountain country of the west, with the -present railroad facilities of palatial Pullmans and dining cars, is now -an every-day affair. The traveler is surrounded by every comfort. Vance -Gilder was more than ever in love with the change, as the cars rumbled -on through dell and forest, across broad stretches of beautiful valley -country, and ever and anon rushing over an iron bridge that spanned some -beautiful stream of water, some of them calm and peaceful, and others -rushing madly along, breaking into white spray over rocky ripples, and -then hurrying on again as if they were running a race with time. - -As he approached the Rocky Mountain country, and for the first time in -his life gazed upon that mighty range of Nature's towering masonry, he -was almost intoxicated with the new sights to be seen on the "crown of -the continent." - -Notwithstanding his enjoyment of the new and varied scenery, he was glad -enough to abandon the cars at Butte City, after four days and nights of -continuous riding. - -Butte City is said to be, not only the greatest mining {41}camp in -Montana, but the greatest in the world. They boast of the many millions -that are brought to the light of day by the magic wand of the miner's -pick. Vance found lodging at the Mercury Hotel, and early the next -morning, after breakfasting heartily, started for a walk. - -[Illustration: 0049] - -The town is built on a side-hill, gently rising from the depot grounds -westward to a very considerable elevation. He paused now and then to -inspect the architecture of some of the buildings, and then looked away -toward the smelter districts, at the black clouds of smoke which the -{42}chimneys were belching forth, and falling over the city like a veil -of mourning. - -Presently he was accosted by an individual of grizzly beard and -good-matured countenance, who said: "Hello, pard; how d'ye do? Sizin' -up these diggins' be ye?" - -As Vance eyed his questioner rather critically and acknowledged the -salutation, the fellow reached him a card which bore the name "Hank -Casey." While Vance was glancing at the card, his new acquaintance said: - -"I reckon you be from down east? I come from thar a long time ago. -You'll notice from my card that I'm in the real estate business; also -have some fine minin' propositions." - -"Yes," replied Vance, "I am from the east, but do not know as I care to -make any investments." - -"Well, now, look'ee? here, stranger. I 'spect I might give you a pinter -or two that may not come amiss. This 'ere town is chuck up full of dead -beats and black legs, who make it their business to run every new feller -in that comes from down east. Now Hank Casey do a straight-for'ard, -legitimate business--that's me," said he, as he tucked his thumbs into -the armholes of his vest and straightened himself to his fullest height. - -Vance was amused by this odd character, and determined to learn from -him what he could concerning Butte City and the claims made for it. He -therefore asked, "What population have you and what are your resources?" - -"Over fifty thousand people, above an' below. You see, thar's several -thousand of us in this town below ground, workin' away with shovel an' -pick. I reckon as how you'll see a fair sample of our miners if you're -on the {43}streets tonight. As for resources--why, pardner, thar's no -end to 'em. We took out mighty near forty million dollars from our mines -last year, an' thar's ore enough in sight to keep on minin' at the same -rate for a hundred years to come. What d'ye think o' that?" - -Vance replied that it certainly was a most extraordinary statement. - -[Illustration: 8051] - -"What other towns have you in this state," asked Vance. - -"None to speak of," was the prompt reply. "Butte City is the pertest -town in any o' these western diggings. Thar's not another town in -Montana as can tech one side of us, for money, marbles, or chalk. To be -sure," he went on, in a condescending tone, "we have lots o' towns in -this 'ere state, sech as they be; lots o' minin' camps, but they are -merely blacksmith-shops-on-the-crossroads,' compared with Butte City. -D'ye see that Corner lot over thar'? Five years ago I owned the ground -whar' that buildin' stands. I bought it for $300, held it just thirteen -months, and sold it for $4,000 spot cash." - -"Why that was an immense profit," said Vance, with more interest than he -had yet manifested in Hank Casey's description of Butte City. Hank Casey -smiled contentedly and expectorated an accumulation of tobacco juice -with a resounding "pit-tew" on the side walk, and said: "You call that -a good profit? Why, pardner, I bought stock in the Blackbird mine at -twelve cents a share when the company was fust organized, and now its -worth $300 a share and payin' an immense dividend monthly. That's what I -call a good investment; but as fer that speck," {44}said he, jerking -his thumb over his shoulder at the corner lot, "that don't amount to -nothin'." - -"Do you know where Gold Bluff, Idaho, is?" asked Vance. - -"I reckon I ought to know," replied the boomer; "me an' Steve Gibbons -were the fust prospectors in that 'neck o' the woods.' Steve an' I claim -to own the Peacock, but old Rufus Grim, the biggest scoundrel in Idaho -yes, the biggest in this whole minin' country claims to own it, and has -got possession, and I've learned, in this western country 'specially, -that possession is not only nine points of the law, but mighty near ten. -Of course, a gold mine like the Peacock is a mighty handy thing to have -in the family, but as a general rule, they're mighty unsartin. Give me -a silver or copper mine every time." - -Vance assured his new-found acquaintance that he was under many -obligations for the information received, and said he hoped to meet him -again. Hank Casey, however, was not to be disposed of in this way, -and walked along with Vance. Presently he called his attention to some -vacant lots across the street. - -"D'ye see them lots over thar? I can sell you one o' them fifty-foot -lots at $3,500. an I'll bet diamonds against peanuts it'll be a rich -buy at $10,000 before two years. By the way, stranger, what's the matter -with you takin a leetle 'flyer' in Butte City dirt? Buy a few lots, stop -here with us for six months, sell 'em out agin for 100 per cent, profit, -an' that'll pay all the expenses of your western trip. See? said he, -touching Vance gently in the ribs with his elbow. - -"Yes; I see," said Vance, "I see very clearly, or would, {45}were it not -for the smoke. It smells like sulphur. Does it come from some of your -mills or smelters?" - -"Now, look'ee here, pard, you're just like every other down-easter. -They're always kickin' 'bout this smoke. - -[Illustration: 9053] - -Now, let me tell you; if we didn't have that 'ar smoke we wouldn't have -any Butte City, and besides, it kills the bacteria, molecules, an' -all that sort o thing. It's mighty healthy here, I can tell you, an' a -mighty pert town into the bargain." - -Vance coughed immoderately, but Hank Casey who was acclimated, assured -him that he was at that moment breathing the healthiest air that ever -his lungs were filled with. - -In the course of their walk, the boomer kept up a constant conversation, -explaining different points of interest, pointing out the different -mining properties in sight and telling their names, until Vance felt -that he had been very fortunate in falling in with one so conversant -with Butte City. At parting, Vance bade his new-found friend good day, -and promised to call at his office before leaving the city. - -When he returned to the hotel, he commenced his first letter to the -_Banner_, but it was not finished until late that night. When it -appeared in the great New York journal it surprised, in point of -brilliancy and interest, even his warmest friends. His descriptions were -so vivid and lifelike, and his characters so droll, and withal teeming -with information, that a score of letters came to the managing editor, -assuring him of the great pleasure and profit they had experienced in -its perusal. Of course, Vance knew {46}nothing of this at the time, -but devoted himself with unceasing diligence in searching out reliable -information, and then training it into weekly letters. - -Butte City began to impress him as a place of more importance than he -had at first thought. He learned that almost one million of dollars was -paid out monthly to the miners alone, and they, as a class, are "hail -fellows well met," who believe in the doctrine of keeping money in -constant circulation. - -He noticed in many of the mercantile houses that when the day clerks -went off duty at six o'clock in the evening, another set of clerks came -on, and the shops and stores, by the aid of brilliant electric lights, -continued business twenty-four hours out of the day the year around. - -Vance frequently thought of his conversation with the managing editor, -and what he had said about western towns and the over-enthusiastic town -boomer. In Hank Casey he felt he had found a typical character -that fully came up to all the managing editor had inferred, and had -frequently used him as an inspiration, but was becoming more and more -convinced that Butte City was one of those solid, substantial places -which the managing editor had classed as exceptions to the rule. - - - - -CHAPTER VI--THE TOWN BOOMER. - - -[Illustration: 9055] - -BOUT TWO WEEKS after Vance Gilder arrived in Butte City, he noticed one -morning that everybody was talking about a new town, and each was asking -the others what they thought about it. Glancing at the hotel register, -he saw the name, Homer Winthrop, of Waterville, Idaho. - -In looking over the _Butte City Miner_ and the _Inter-Mountain Blade_, -both healthy dailies and well edited, he was somewhat astonished to -find a full-page advertisement in each of the papers, setting forth -in blazing splendor the great Thief River Valley, and signed by Homer -Winthrop as agent, announcing that he would be at the Mercury Hotel -for a short time, and inviting those who were interested in investing a -little money in a purely agricultural city, to come early and "get in on -the ground floor." - -The advertisement represented Waterville as being in the midst of the -great Thief River Valley, with the largest water power in the country, -surrounded by an agricultural district of two million acres of the -richest land the sun ever shone down upon. He termed the new town of -{48}Waterville the "City of Destiny," and said the price of town lots -would quadruple in a few years' time. - -Vance was at once interested. "Here," said he to himself, "is a genuine -town boomer, and as the fellow is stopping at this hotel, it will be an -easy matter to learn just how this boom business is operated. It will -make an excellent article for the _Banner_." - -Accordingly, about eleven o'clock that forenoon he called to see the -irrepressible town boomer and hear what sort of a marvelous story he had -to tell about Waterville. - -[Illustration: 8056] - -He was quickly admitted into a reception room by a young gentleman who -assured him that Mr. Winthrop would soon be at leisure, and begged him -to be seated, calling his attention to the numerous maps on the walls, -one of which covered nearly the entire side of the room. - -Winthrop's young assistant seemed to know his business, and at once -commenced the preliminary skirmish of interesting Vance in the great -Thief River Valley, and especially town lots in Waterville; but as Vance -did not evince any inclination to purchase, the young fellow endeavored -to so impress him by calling his attention to the advertisements in the -morning papers. Every once in a while he would tip-toe over to the -door where the great town-boomer, Homer Winthrop, was holding a private -conversation with a would-be purchaser. He would put his ear to the -keyhole and listen for a moment, and then come tip-toeing back and -assure Vance Mr. Winthrop would soon be at leisure. - -Presently the door opened and a gentleman in miner's garb came out, and -Vance was immediately shown in. As he entered the private room of Homer -Winthrop, he involuntarily paused to study, if but for a moment, the -face of the man who had arrived in Butte City late the night before, and -now had everyone in the place agog over the prospects of a new town that -had just been laid out on paper in the Thief River Valley. - -Homer Winthrop, with all the easy grace of a Chesterfield, motioned his -visitor to a seat, pushing a box of very superior Havanas toward him, -and invited him to join him in burning a weed. He was a man above the -average height, inclined to be rather slender, and possessed a rather -good looking face, beaming with good nature and apparent frankness; -a pair of intelligent dark eyes that laughed and smiled with as much -expression as the face, changeable, however, into intenseness and -earnestness seldom met with; a broad, intellectual forehead; a rather -square chin, indicating great determination of character. To this add -a luxuriant head of dark hair, and moustache, otherwise a clean-shaven -face, and the reader will have a fair idea of his appearance. - -He was evidently an adept in reading human nature, and knew his man -on sight; had seen much of western life--and yet it required no second -interview to discover in him the polished manners and easy grace of one -who has seen much of refinement and culture. He could have entered into -the gaieties of a reception in a Fifth Avenue mansion with as little -effort as he had stirred up a city of 50,000 people in a few hours -over the magnificent prospects of a new town that was just budding into -existence. - -[Illustration: 0058] - -Vance accepted the proffered cigar, and they easily engaged in -conversation. They discussed the great out put of ore from the mines of -Butte City, and the wonder{50}ful development of the western country -during recent years; the magnificent mining properties that had been -opened up; and, in fact, nearly everything except Waterville and the -great Thief River Valley. Homer Winthrop with the skill of a tactician, -narrated incidents and legends of different miners who had devoted a -lifetime in searching for the precious metal and finally "struck it -rich" in some out-of-the-way, unexpected place. - -Vance finally inquired in regard to the new town of {51}Waterville, and -was not a little surprised at the conservative reply he received, wholly -devoid of any enthusiasm. - -"Oh," said Winthrop, "we have a very excellent agricultural country in -the valley. We are building our new town of Waterville on the rapids of -the Thief River. It has, perhaps, the greatest water power of any inland -city in the United States. Many believe a great citv will eventually be -built at that point. We also have a great deal of capital invested in -the construction of irrigating canals, reclaiming the valley lands from -their present arid condition and converting them into productive farms." -He also went on, in a voice full of rhythm that was almost musical in -its intonation, explaining in a modest way why many people believed in -the future of the place, touching on the numerous natural resources that -were apparent to everyone sufficiently interested to visit the valley -and see for himself. - -Vance was deeply interested in Homer Winthrop's appearance, and later -found himself charmed with his new acquaintance more than he cared to -admit, even to himself. On taking his leave, he promised to call again -the next day. As Vance stepped into the reception room, he found -it almost filled with miners and tradesmen who were waiting for an -interview' with Mr. Winthrop, and he rightly guessed that a profitable -business was being done. - -In thinking over his interview with the town boomer of Waterville, -Vance was compelled to admit that he was one of the most attractive -individuals with whom he had ever come in contact. That afternoon he -finished a letter to the _Banner_, but it contained no reference to -Waterville. - -The result of his second interview was that he accepted an invitation -to visit the new town, which was some two {52}hundred miles distant. -Agreeable to this arrangement, they left Butte City early one morning, -and that evening reached Waterville. - -Vance was not particularly attracted by the general appearance and "lay" -of the new town site. It appeared crude and unfinished, and abounded -with sage brush and sand. The waters of the rapids, however, in their -mad rushing as they went foaming down the narrows like race horses, -impressed him with a belief that nothing had been overdrawn in regard -to this great natural power, which had been idling its time away for -centuries. - -[Illustration: 9060] - -Homer stood by his side on the rocky bank, but said nothing. - -Presently Vance looked up and said: "What a wonderful power is going to -waste in these rapids!" - -"It will soon be harnessed," replied Winthrop, "and this vast power -utilized in many manufacturing enterprises. I do not feel," he -continued, "that I am over-estimating facts, Mr. Gilder, when I say -there is power enough here to turn every spindle in every woolen mill -and factory in the United States." - -"My only surprise," replied Vance, "is that these waters have not been -put to use long before this." - -That night at the hotel Vance felt he was indeed "roughing it." He rose -in the morning feeling but little refreshed, and sat down to a very -unpalatable breakfast, and immediately afterwards started with Homer -Winthrop on a drive through the valley. - -The farmers were busy harvesting their grain, and on {53}inquiry they -learned the yield of wheat was from forty to seventy bushels to the -acre, and that oats yielded from sixty to one hundred bushels to the -acre. Vance was greatly astonished, and became almost enthusiastic over -the agricultural possibilities of the valley. - -"Why," said he, "Mr. Winthrop, there is no question but this is destined -to be one of the richest agricultural valleys in the world. In my work -on the _Banner_ I have had occasion to look up statistics on grain -products, and if these farmers are telling the truth in regard to the -yield of their crops, there is no other place like it in the United -States." - -A moment after, he was chagrined to think he had given way to such -a burst of enthusiasm. It would have been better for him to remain -a listener, and allow Winthrop to grow enthusiastic in praise of the -country. Winthrop, however, took no advantage of Vance's earnestness. - -The day was a perfect one; the sun was shining, and yet there was a -cool, invigorating breeze sweeping gently down from the snow-capped -Tetons. Driving rapidly and pleasantly along, they at last found -themselves near the foot-hills on a slight elevation overlooking -the valley to the west. Alighting from the carriage, Vance followed -Winthrop's lead, and soon they found themselves on a table rock, at a -sufficient elevation to see for many miles to the north, south and west. -For a few minutes Vance contemplated the sight in silence, and then -said: "This is indeed a grand sight." Turning to Winthrop, he continued: - -"I have seen many beautiful sights--the Green and White Mountains of New -England, the Cumberland of {54}Virginia, and the mighty Rocky Mountains -through Colorado but standing here on the foot hills, with the mountains -rising behind us to the sky, with their hoary crests even on this July -day capped with snow, and these mountain streams, foaming cataracts, all -shimmering in the sunshine, making sweet and restful harmony in their -ceaseless flow, surpasses anything I have ever seen. The valley itself -looks like a vast green sward stretching before us like a map. The -yellow shocks of golden grain in the farming districts are suggestive -of what may be in years to come. No man can look upon such a promising -picture and not be convinced of the commercial importance which will -attend the development of this valley." - -During Vance's outburst of ecstacy, Homer Winthrop said nothing, merely -acquiescing, in a modest way, to all Vance expressed. - -Returning to Waterville, they partook of a sumptuous repast, which -Winthrop had ordered especially prepared, Consisting principally of -mountain trout, caught that morning in the Thief River. - -After lunch Vance accepted an invitation to smoke and walk out over the -town site. - -"This," said Winthrop, "is block fourteen of Eagle's addition. You see it -is less than three blocks from the center of the town. It is one of the -choicest blocks we have. If you want me to give you some advice, Mr. -Gilder, I will do so, and say, buy a few of these lots. The price is -only $100 each, and, in my judgment, they will be worth $500 before five -years from to-day." - -Vance looked away into the distance at the farm lands, and the music of -the sickle was borne lazily to him by a gentle breeze; then he turned -his gaze toward the river, where the roaring waters were crowding down -the rapids, proclaiming in thundering tones that Waterville was an -exception to the rule. After a little he turned to Homer Winthrop and -said: "I have been advised to keep clear of these new towns. The person -who gave me this advice told me there were a few honorable exceptions to -the rule. I must believe, from what I have seen, that Waterville is an -exception. I will take twenty-five of these lots, and you may fix up the -deed for them as soon as possible." - -The deed and abstract were delivered to Vance that afternoon, and his -check for $2,500 was duly deposited in Homer Winthrop's pocket. - -"I may have been foolish," said Vance, "to act so hastily in this -matter." - -Winthrop turned to him, and placing a hand on either shoulder, looked -squarely into his companion's eyes, and said: - -"My belief, Mr. Gilder, is that you have acted wisely, and if you -will keep these lots five years, you will thank me for suggesting -the advisability of making the purchase. I have but one request to -make--that you will wait five years before passing judgment on my -advice." - -"Your request is cheerfully granted," replied Vance with great -earnestness, and the two men clasped hands, and a bond of friendship was -thereby woven. - - - - -CHAPTER VII.--A VISIT TO WATERVILLE - - -[Illustration: 9064] - -NEW WESTERN TOWN is usually provided with a public square, and the -business houses and shops are arranged along the four sides of it in -sentinel-like position, the corner lots going at a premium, and where -the most substantial buildings are erected. Waterville, however could -not boast of a public square, but it had two iron bridges spanning the -Thief River. - -A large stone grist mill had been built on the side of the river -opposite the town, and on the elevated ground beyond, it was said the -State Agricultural College was to be built. - -It was a favorite pastime with the real estate agents to sit on the -depot platform, and while waiting for the incoming trains, to whittle -pine sticks into shavings, telling of the different manufactories, state -institutions, colleges and asylums, etc., that would be located in the -near future at Waterville. - -That evening after Vance had made his purchase of town lots he strolled -away by himself across the great iron bridge, and gave himself up to -meditation. Had he acted wisely? Would Waterville after all prove -a "boom town" and his investment a losing one? Was Homer Winthrop, -{57}with his suave manners and great earnestness, which at times seemed -to carry conviction to the hearts of all who heard him express -himself, the noble specimen of manhood he appeared to be, or were his -fascinations merely the arts of the ordinary skilled western boomer? -Would the managing editor approve his action in purchasing lots in such -a new and undeveloped place as Waterville? - -It is a common experience with mankind, that after a doubtful -transaction has been consummated, we can deliberate with far more -intentness of thought than before the trade was made. - -A peculiarity of a western town is its plentifulness of real estate -agents, who seem to travel in swarms, and find an abiding place in the -town that promises the greatest activity. - -[Illustration: 9065] - -After a reaction sets in and hard times overtake them, this peculiar -class usually pick up their "ink-horns" and fly, as from a pestilence. - -Another peculiarity is, that if a trade is made with a "tender-foot" -everyone in the village usually knows of it in a very few hours. - -As Vance was returning from his walk he was met on the outskirts of the -village by a number of this class of hangers-on, who make their living -by selling town lots on commission. Each one was desirous of saying -"just a word" to Vance in private. - -The story of one was practically the story of all. They advised him -to stop and think what he was losing by not buying more property in -Waterville. One particularly long, lank individual, who wore a sombrero -and high-{58}topped boots, assured him that "the opportunity of a -lifetime was at that very minute knocking at his door; it might never -come again." - -"You might go away from Waterville," said he, "and come back here in -a few mouths' time, and you'll find the town lots I can sell you to-day -for a mere song, going at ten times the price that you can buy them for -now. My name is Steve Gibbons, and I presume I am doing the biggest -real estate business in Waterville. I sell more lots than any other half -dozen agents in town. You've made a great mistake, Mr. Gilder," said he, -"in buying of the Town Company. Of course, this is confidential, but if -you had come to me instead of buying of Winthrop, I could have saved you -big money." - -"What do you mean by 'the company'?" asked Vance. - -"Why, you see, the Waterville Town Company own mighty near all the -property in town. - -[Illustration: 9066] - -That man Winthrop is a member of the company. Now, while I have not as -many lots for sale as the Town Company, my prices beat them all holler." - -"Do you think," asked Vance, "that Mr. Winthrop charged me too much for -my lots?" - -"Think!" said Steve Gibbons, "think? why, pardner, all the agents in -town are laughin' about it; he took you in." - -Vance bit his lips, and mentally concluded to investigate very -thoroughly before he quit Waterville. - -"You see," Gibbons went on, "all us fellers are down on the Town -Company. We don't like corporations, nohow; they don't give us -honorable-intentioned fellers a fair chance. We are the men that's -buildin' up this here town--givin' it the bone, and the sinew, and the -standin', so to speak. Don't you see?" - -"Yes," said Vance, "I understand," and begging to be excused, he turned -and walked away from the "honorable-intentioned" Steve Gibbons, and soon -after sought the privacy of his own room in the Ballard House. - -Dick Ballard was a Grand Army man, and kept the only hotel of any -importance in Waterville. The only thing first-class about it was the -price for lodging. Immediately after the average traveler settled his -bill at the Ballard, there was generally a half-distinct impression -in his mind that he had been stopping at a first-class hotel, but the -remembrance of three kinds of meat cooked in the same kettle was not -easily forgotten. - -As Vance sat in his room, in anything but a pleasant frame of mind, -there came a gentle knock on his door. He quickly admitted his visitor, -and found it was Dick Ballard, the proprietor. - -"I reckon," said he, as soon as he stepped in, "you'll be one of us by -and by. Bought property already, and a mighty good buy you've made of -it, too. Oh, you know a good thing when you see it; you bet yer life you -do." - -"Do you think," said Vance, "the lots I purchased were reasonable at the -price?" - -"I should say so; yes, sir, mighty cheap. This here town is comin out -of the kinks in fine shape. We'll have a drum corps in our State militia -before another year; you bet we will. I presume you know we have the -finest drilled company at Waterville, outside the regular army, in the -state?" - -"I have been told," said Vance, "that I paid too much {60}for the -property. I am more interested in learning the truth or untruth of the -statement than I am about your militia company." - -[Illustration: 0068] - -"Who told you that:" asked Ballard, with indignation. As Vance did not -answer, the hotel proprietor went on to say: "I'll bet it was J. Arthur -Boast. Now, look'ee here, Mr. Gilder, you can't believe everything these -fellers tell you." - -The truth of this remark pressed itself on Vance so {61}forcibly, and -his indignation getting the better of him, he turned upon Dick Ballard -and said bitterly: - -"Who in thunderation can I believe?" - -"You can believe me, sir, and I'll produce prima facie evidence of -everything I say. This town is all right; your investment is a good one, -and the man who says it is not is surely trying to stick his nose into -other people's business--but, say, hold on a minute," said Ballard, as -if he had forgotten something, "will you take a drink?" and he produced -a bottle from his pocket. - -"No, thank you," said Vance. - -"Well, if you don't mind, I will," said the landlord, as he proceeded to -treat himself to a liberal portion of the contents of his bottle. - -"Now," said he, as he sat down smacking his lips, "everything I tell you -is prima facie. I know how it is; some of these fellows have been trying -to make you dissatisfied with your purchase. I am not selling town -lots. My business is to run this hotel and see that everybody has a fair -deal." - -"Who is the Town Company?" asked Vance. - -"The Town Company, sir, consists of some of the most remarkable men in -this country. They are strong men, brainy men; they are hustlers; and -I," said Ballard, rising to his feet, "I am their friend. This man, -Homer Winthrop," he went on, "carries more gray matter about on his -brain than all the shark real estate agents in Waterville put together. -He is one of the company, but you'll see them all before long; and when -you do, I know you'll agree with me in saying they are the cleanest -cut lot of men on the continent. Winthrop is a great man, but there are -others in the company that are a mighty {62}sight stronger than he is. -They are all men of honor, and their integrity is prima facie." - -"Prima facie" seemed to be a favorite expression of Dick Ballard's. -After he had delivered himself in the strongest language at his command, -he treated himself to another drink and retired. - -Vance sat far into the night, looking out at his window into the mellow -moonlight, listening to the ceaseless roar of the waters and the yelping -coyotes in the distance, which were answered by half a dozen dogs in -different parts of the town. At times he regretted his purchase, and -again he felt it must, in the very nature of things, increase many times -in value in a few years. - -The moon came up the eastern sky, and seemed to hang in space like -a ball of fire, beckoning him to return to his eastern home before -disaster overtook him. The three great Tetons of the mountain range -bearing their name stood out in bold relief, throwing long, menacing -shadows directly towards him. The shimmering of the soft moonbeams -glistened on the restless waters of the musical river, whose alluring -song of promise and power was wafted to him on the night wind. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII.--AT THE MINE - - -[Illustration: 9071] - -HE {63}next morning Vance was rather late in rising. Soon after he had -taken his seat at the breakfast table, he was joined by an individual -small in stature but tastily dressed. His eyes were restless, and he -seemed on the point of making an observation several times before he -finally did so. - -"Very pleasant morning," said he, looking up at - -Vance and then hastily glancing at the sunshine that streamed in at the -window. - -"Yes, delightful," was Vance's reply. - -Presently the stranger observed: "Sunny days are the rule, cloudy days -the exception, at Waterville. At least that's my experience during a -year's sojourn among the good people of this village." There was a -quaking sound in the fellow's voice that attracted Vance's attention, -because it was different from others more than because there was -anything charming about it. Vance wondered if this individual was not -also in the real estate business. It seemed as if every one with whom -you come in contact was a real estate agent. He was on the point of -asking him what line of business he {64}was engaged in, when the fellow, -looking up from his plate, said, "Real estate is my line. My office is -just across the street; you can see my sign from the window." Looking -out at the window, Vance saw a large real estate sign, with gold letters -on a black back-ground, bearing the name of "J. Arthur Boast." - -"You are Mr. Boast, I presume," said Vance, turning from the window. - -"J. Arthur Boast, at your service." - -Half an hour later Vance Gilder was seated in the real estate office of -J. Arthur Boast, looking over his special bargain list; not with a view -of buying, but rather to gain information. - -[Illustration: 9072] - -Boast talked a great deal, and in his fawning, insinuating manner, -advised Vance, without saying so in so many words, to keep his eyes open -when dealing with the Town Company. After Vance had carefully scanned -his list of town lots, he was better satisfied than ever with his -purchases. - -Taking a bottle from his desk, Boast held it up toward the sunlight, -and asked Vance if he would have some "red liquor." Vance declined with -thanks. Boast walked back and forth with the bottle in his hand, and in -a quaking voice, meant to be confidential, told Vance that he had got -to quit drinking; that red liquor was getting an awful hold on him. -He seemed to be desirous of giving the impression that he was a hard -drinker. Finally he poured out some of the contents of the bottle into -a glass, and drank it down at one swallow. Afterwards he seemed quite -wretched and his eyes were filled {65}with tears. Vance concluded, -notwithstanding all he had said against himself, that J. Arthur Boast -was not a drinking man. - -"That liquor is all right," said Boast; "a very superior article, but -it is a little early in the day for me to commence. It always half -strangles me in the morning." - -As Vance was seeking information from which he could draw his own -conclusions, he gave Boast all the opportunities possible to express -himself in regard to Waterville and its people. - -[Illustration: 8073] - -The fellow said nothing positive, yet there was an evil vein of -insinuation in all that he did say not only in regard to the Waterville -Town Company and every other real estate agent, but also against -everybody in the town generally. Vance very much disliked the fellow, -and afterwards learned that he was universally disliked and shunned by -everyone in Waterville. - -Instead of returning to Butte City with Winthrop that afternoon, Vance -remained in Waterville, and arranged to take the early stage next -morning for Gold Bluff, which was located some sixty miles northwest of -Waterville, in the Fish River Mining District. He arrived in that Idaho -mining town late the following night, registered at the Bluff House, and -after a late supper retired to his room for a much needed rest. - -The next morning he found, on inquiry, that Ben Bonifield's mine was -located about half a mile from town upon the mountain side, and he -at once started out in {66}that direction, to see how the work on the -shaft, bound for the 300 foot level, was progressing. - -The town of Gold Bluff was cozily nestled in a little valley, with -abrupt mountains lowering away to the sky on either side of it. The -mountains were covered with spruce and pine and mountain poplars up to -the snow line, above which the barren rocks rose majestically towards -the heavens. A refreshing stream meandered its course through the town, -on one side of which were stores and shops, and on the other residences. -Vance noticed that some of them were of modern architecture and neatly -painted, while others were primitive in the extreme--relics of early -mining; days. The town was rather quaint and picturesque, and made more -so by a profusion of shade trees. - -"Good morning," said Vance, as he came up to Ben Bonifield, who, in -miner's costume, was working vigorously away at the frame-work of the -shaft over Gray Rocks. The old man looked up with an astonished air, and -said: - -[Illustration: 8074] - -"Good mawnin', suh." Then, recognizing his visitor, he threw down his -hammer and gave Vance's hand such a squeeze in his powerful grasp that -it almost made him cry out with pain. - -"Why, suh," cried the old miner, "I am almost pa'alyzed to see yo'. I -am indeed, suh. Mr. Gilder, I welcome yo' suh, to Gold Bluff and to -Gray Rocks. Here, suh, are our possessions," waving his hand toward -the shaft. "Immediately upon my return from the city, Mr. Gilder, we -commenced work in earnest, suh, and befo' many weeks, I am proud to say, -suh, we will reach the 300 foot level and be ready to cross-cut into -the vein, suh. Yo' don't know," said the old miner, again taking Vance's -hand, "how proud I am--yes, proud, suh, proud to be honored with a visit -from yo', I very much desire that yo' pu'son'lly inspect the mine; and -there is no better time than the present." - -Vance entered heartily into the tour of inspection, and at the old -miner's invitation, went down in the bucket, where the miners were at -work. The old gentleman kept him there until he had explained everything -to the minutest detail, and when Vance at last reached the top of the -shaft he felt he had a far better idea of sinking shafts on mines than -ever before. - -"Come," said the old miner, "my Louise will be most delighted to see -yo', suh; she will indeed." Then turning, he gave some instruction -to his foreman, telling him he would not return that afternoon, and -together the old gentleman and Vance walked down the mountain side to -the village of Gold bluff. - -The old miner's residence was a modest one, situated well back from the -street, near some huge boulders--a natural pyramid of rocks, while a -beautiful little spring of water flowed from near its base. There was a -very pretty yard in front, filled with growing evergreens and mountain -ash. - -"I planted these trees myself, suh," said the old miner, "years ago. -They remind me of my old Virginia home. I was the fust one to set out -shade trees in Gold Bluff; yes, still, the fust one." - -As Vance entered the yard, he paused a moment to contemplate the beauty -and home-like appearance of the {68}yard, and Ben Bonifield's home, -with its wide porches in front literally covered with honeysuckles, ivy, -and vining roses. - -[Illustration: 0076] - -Vance found Louise dressed as a mountain maid, instead of the -fashionable young lady who had called on him in his New York home. She -was not such a woman as poets rave about, and yet, withal, there was a -grace--a charm--about her, that commanded admiration. Her hair, in the -sunlight, was like one beautiful sheen of gold, {69}with little ringlets -here and there; her complexion was pink and white, and when under deep -excitement a ruddy glow would mantle her cheeks. Her nose, while well -formed, neither large nor small, was quite ordinary. Her mouth was a -perfect Cupid's bow, with lips like two red cherries. As Vance conversed -with her that afternoon, he forgot the hair, forgot the delicately -formed, rosy lips, forgot even the glow of pink which came and went over -her fair cheeks, in looking into her talking eyes--so clear, so blue, -and yet to trustful; even forgot the long brown lashes that fringed -them with gentle protection. Her eyes were the crowning feature of her -expressive face, which may not have been a beautiful one in the parlance -of fashion, yet it was one that a student of human nature would term -a face of intelligence; and after all, to the cultured, is there aught -more beautiful? - -As Vance sat with the old miner and his daughter on the porch of their -cozy dwelling that afternoon, he forgot time. The sun went down behind -the western mountains, leaving the beauty of an afterglow reflected on -the waters of the mountain brooklet. The moon that was climbing up over -the eastern hills threw its rays aslant through the clinging roses that -grew in profusion about the porch. A feeling of peace, and possibly -a dangerous contentment, stole into his heart, and he murmured a -thanksgiving to the fates. The unseen, potent force that binds us -all, sooner or later, with a silken cord, was thonging him to a future -destiny. - - - - -CHAPTER IX.--THE STAGE DRIVER. - - -[Illustration: 9078] - -ROM {70}Gold Bluff Vance sent to the _Banner_ one of his strongest -descriptive letters. The inspiration of the new west, with its gorges, -mountains, beautiful valleys and gurgling streams abounding with trout, -tinged its every sentence. - -His vivacious style, which had won for him the place he occupied on the -_Banner_, was reinforced with the new and intoxicating sights of -the picturesque. For two weeks he did little else than tramp through -valleys, following up mountain streams on fishing jaunts, and felt that -he was "roughing it" in a most delightful fashion. One night, coming in -from a long tramp far up in the mountains, he found a large bundle of -mail awaiting him that had been forwarded from Butte Citv. Among his -letters was one from the chief, which read as follows: - -_Banner_ Office, - -New York City, July - -Dear Sir: - -Your letters to the _Banner_, in one sense of the word, are all and even -more than I expected. They are giving excellent satisfaction. As yet -you have expressed no decided opinion in regard to the desirability of -Western investments. - -My ideas are to educate our readers against unstable investments. Nine -out of every ten of the mining shafts in Montana, {71}in my judgment, -have had more money put into them than ever has or ever will be taken -out. You will also find many Western towns where they are selling lots -at from one to two hundred dollars each, which, in reality, would be -expensive property to own at the government price of $1.25 per acre. Of -course, there are, perhaps, a few honorable exceptions. - -To Vance Gilder, Esq. - -Respectfully, - -J. R. S., Chief. - -When one is seeking an excuse for his convictions, especially if -they are as strong as Vance's had become in regard to Butte City and -Waterville, the one little sentence, "Of course, there are, perhaps, a -few honorable exceptions," in the chief's letter saves him a great -deal of worry. Vance was too light hearted to be cast down by the -half-criticism of the class of correspondence he was sending in. - -He had an engagement that evening with Louise Bonifield and her father; -indeed, his was a standing invitation at the Bonifields', and almost -every afternoon since his arrival at Gold Bluff found him at their -mountain home. - -[Illustration: 9079] - -As he started from the hotel he was accosted by a familiar voice: -"Hello, pard; how d' ye do?" and Steve Gibbons thrust out his long arm -to shake Vance's hand in western fashion. He still wore his sombrero and -high-topped boots. - -Vance assured Gibbons that he was delighted to see him. - -"I knew you would be," said Gibbons, "You see, I have given up the real -estate t {72}business clown at Waterville, and am turned stage driver. -Of course, every man in this 'ere country is lookin' for promotion. I -don't reckon I'm any smarter than other people, but I've had my eye on -this job for several months; but you can bet your life them other real -estate agents didn't know nothin' about it. I tell you, pardner, it's a -mighty elevatin' position to drive a six-horse team through these deep -mountain gorges in all kinds of wind and weather. Had to give a mighty -stout bond, too, for we handle all the express matter, and there's a -good deal of gold dust hauled down from this 'ere camp." - -Vance was glad to meet anyone, however slight the acquaintance had been, -and in the course of their conversation Steve Gibbons confessed to him -that he was "givin' it to him just a leetle" in regard to the town lots -which Vance had purchased of the Town Company. - -"You see," said he, "the facts are, the Town Company of Waterville has -made that 'ere town, and are still makin' it. It's a mighty pert place, -and is growin' perter all the time." - -Vance mentally wondered if all the "honest intentioned" fellows of -Waterville would talk in the same way about the Town Company if they -were occupying positions where their interests were no longer adverse to -the Company's. - -"Then you don't think I paid too much for my lots?" asked Vance, -looking up with a quizzical expression. - -"No," said Steve Gibbons, "them lots are all right, pardner, and will -make you a barrel if you hold on to 'em. They sold 'em to you cheap -enough. That was just a leetle competition talk I was givin' you that -night down at Waterville. Business is business, you know, {73}when you -are sellin' town lots, and a man has got to talk for hisself. I really -did want to sell you some lots, that's a fact, 'cause I wanted to rake -in the commission; but it's all over with now. I have throwed up the -whole darned business of sellin' lots since I was promoted. Old Dick -Ballard," said he, "is jest as _prima facie_ as ever, and says his -company is the finest drilled militia in the state. By the way," he -continued, "the Town Company has had a meetin', and the people are -feelin' mighty good jess now'." - -"How's that?" asked Vance. - -"Oh," replied Gibbons, "about once a month the Town Company have a -meetin', and pass resolutions, declar' dividends and get up a new' -prospectus of different manufacturin' enterprises that's goin' to -be built thar; also, of colleges and state institutions that will be -located at Waterville this comin' year, and that always makes the people -feel high-spirited for the next week or ten days, anyhow. Most of the -people go on a spree after one o' them encouragin' meetin's." - -"I presume," said Vance, "that Homer Winthrop is one of the leading -spirits of the Company." - -"He is one of the Company," said Gibbons, as he filled his pipe and lit -it, "but he lacks a good deal, I can tell you, of bein' the biggest toad -in the puddle. There's old Colonel Alexander, he's the fellow that -lays out the plans on a gigantic scale. Then there's General Ira House. -I 'spect he has the biggest reputation of any town boomer on the western -half of the continent--I allow as what he has. And when you're talkin' -about smart ones, you don't want to forget B. Webster Legal; he's the -corporation attorney, and you can bet your last {74}half dollar the -company will never run agin' any shoals as long as he stands at the -wheel and writes up contracts. Oh, he's a hummer, and no mistake." - -"It's reported down thar' that half a dozen different railroad companies -are tryin' mighty hard to get him for their attorney, but he saws, 'Not -much; I have cast my fortune with my friends and with Waterville, and -I'll stick by the enterprise as long as a town lot can be sold.'" - -"The Town Company is mighty cute," he went on, "they never have any law -suits, 'cause their contracts are drawn up with knots tied knee deep all -over the fellow they're dealin' with." - -It is probable that Steve Gibbons would have gone on indefinitely had -not Vance begged to be excused, pleading a previous engagement. They -bade each other good night, Gibbons starting for the stables to look -after his horses, and Vance walked leisurely along toward the Bonifield's -home. - -That afternoon Louise had accepted his invitation to go on a fishing -jaunt some day during the week to a place called Silver Point Lake, some -two miles away. - -[Illustration: 8082] - -Her simplicity of manner and frankness, though possessing, withal, a -demure humor, which was one of her charming characteristics, had greatly -fascinated him. - -They were standing on the cottage porch in the soft summer twilight, -while a mountain breeze was tossing the ringlets of Louise's hair about, -as if coquetting with them. Vance was studying her face while she was -looking far away toward the western {75}mountains, where the sun had -left a reddened glow on the sky, which, he said, was a promise of fair -weather for the fishing excursion the next day. Presently, a creaky -voice commenced calling: - -"Louise! Louise! where is your par?" and before Vance's fair companion -could explain, a woman well advanced in years came out on the porch, and -seemed surprised at seeing Vance, and eyed him critically. - -"Aunt Sally," said Louise, "this is Mr. Gilder, papa's friend. Mr. -Gilder, this is my Aunt Sally, father's sister." - -Aunt Sally acknowledged the introduction with a stately bow. Her apparel -was of the fashion of a quarter of a century ago. - -"Am very glad to see you, suh," she said, addressing Vance. "I -understand you are interested with my brother in his mine. I can give -you, Mr. Gilder, some very excellent advice; I can, indeed, suh, but I -will defer it until some other time." Then turning to Louise, she said, -"Do you know where your par's gone?" - -"I do not," replied Louise, sweetly, "I think he will be here in a few -moments." - -"I just allow he's grub-stakin' some of them pesky prospectin' miners -again," cried Aunt Sally. "Mr. Gilder," she continued, "I have to watch -over my brother very closely, I do, indeed, suh. He's been plantin' -money all over these mountains for many years, but there's no crop ever -been harvested. I allow I'll give him a piece of my mind when he comes -home." Saying this, she turned and disappeared into the house. Louise -was evidently confused, and regretted her aunt's words, while Vance was -at a loss to understand the import of the spinster s remarks. - -{76}"I am very sorry, Mr. Gilder," said Louise--and he noticed she was -trembling like a frightened bird--"sorry that Aunt Sally should so far -forget herself as to speak so before a stranger." - -[Illustration: 0084] - -Vance declared there was no reason for being disturbed, but Louise was -not wholly reassured by his words. "I know papa will be very angry with -Aunt Sally." - -"There surely is no cause for that," replied Vance. - -{77}"You see," said Louise, "mamma died when Virginia and I were little -girls, and Aunt Sally has been a mother to us. Ever since papa commenced -work on Gray Rocks she has continually opposed him. She says he will -never find a dollar s worth of gold if he sinks his shaft a thousand -feet. I sometimes think she has influenced sister Virgie. Sister is away -from home now, teaching school at Waterville. I do not know whether papa -is wrong or not, but if he is, then I am also, for I believe with all my -heart that some time papa will find the wealth he has so persistently -labored for so many years. And I sincerely hope," she continued, laying -her hand on Vance's arm and looking pleadingly up into his face, "that -you will not be influenced by anything that Aunt Sally may have said, -will you?" - -Vance was only human; he could not withstand such an appeal, If doubts -had ever come to him, the trembling girl at his side, by her looks and -words, had put them to flight. "No," he replied, "my faith is as firm as -the rocks in your father's mine." - - - - -CHAPTER X.--PROPERTY HAS GONE UP. - - -[Illustration: 9086] - -MMEDIATELY {78}after breakfast the following morning, Vance was waited -upon by Col. Bonifield. The old miner bore a troubled expression on his -face. Vance invited him to his room. - -"Mr. Gilder," said the old miner, as he raised himself to his full -height, and with the dignity of a general addressed Vance: "I assure -yo', suh, I am greatly pained at the uncalled fo' remarks which my -sister made in yo'r presence last evening; I am indeed, suh. - -"I assure you," replied Vance, "there is no occasion to refer to the -matter at all. I assured your daughter, and I now assure you, that I -have every confidence in the mine, and will continue to have until you -yourself have sufficient reason to shake your faith. I certainly cannot -say more, and under the circumstances could not say less." - -"Mr. Gilder," said the old miner, "yo', suh, are a very honorable -gentleman, and I am very proud of my partnership with yo'; I am indeed, -suh. In regard to my sister--in her younger days, I assure yo', she -was one of the most rema'kable women of Virginia; yes, suh, a vehy -rema'kable woman. She certainly has been a true sister to me, suh, and a -faithful mother to my daughters, but in {79}some way she disbelieves in -Gray Rocks, and would yo' believe it, suh, she has gone so far at -times as to intimate that I am crazy as a March hare in regard to ever -'strikin' it rich' on our minin' property; yes, suh, she certainly has -said some vehy bitter things against Gray Rocks, but fo' all that, -she is a vehy rema'kable woman, even to this day. Yes, suh, quite -rema'kable." - -"I now have a matter, Mr. Gilder," he continued, "of vehy great -importance to discuss with yo." Vance offered the old miner a cigar, -which he accepted, and soon they were discussing the "important matter," -which of course referred to Gray Rocks. - -[Illustration: 8087] - -"We are not far away, Mr. Gilder, from the 300 foot level. Our machinery -and pumps, suh, have been workin' rema'kably well. Two weeks mo' and our -shaft will be finished; yes, suh, finished. Then we will cross-cut, and -my opinion is, it will be well fo' yo' to remain in Gold Bluff and -be ready to send in yo'r resignation as cor'spondent of that New York -paper; yes, suh that is my advice. It is only proper, suh, that yo' -should enjoy the riches that await yo'." - -"But supposing, Col. Bonifield," said Vance, "supposing that you do not -find any pay ore when you crosscut into the vein, as you say; in that -event, I suppose you agree with me that it would be a pretty good idea -for me to hold my position on the _Banner?_" - -"Of cou'se, suh," replied the old miner, "but there is but one chance in -ten thousand that we won't strike it. I admit of this one chance against -us, suh, fo' the sake of {80}argument alone. Mr. Grim is now takin' out -of the Peacock some of the richest ore I ever saw in my life, he is indeed, -suh--and his mine joins ours, as yo' know, directly on the nawth." - -Vance was silent for a few moments, and then said: "In the event, Col. -Bonifield, we do not strike it; what then? Will you be discouraged?" - -"No, suh; if we fail at the 300 foot level, suh, and yo' can furnish -the money, we will start the next mornin' fo' the 400 foot level; but -I assure yo', suh, I have no idea yo 'll have to furnish any mo' money. -Gray Rocks is a sure winner; it is indeed, suh. The oldest miners in -the camp say that if we stick to Gray Rocks it will be worth mo' in five -years than Rufus Grim's Peacock mine. When I was yo'r age, Mr. Gilder," -he continued, blowing a cloud of smoke away out of the window toward -Gray Rocks, "I could not have stuck to that property year after year as -I have been doin'. Why suh, it took a quarter of a century's experience -fo' me to learn that a rollin' stone gathers no moss'; it did indeed, -suh. Now I have observed the fellows that strike it, in nine cases out -of ten, are the ones who follow up and hold on after they once strike -a trail. Why, suh, if yo' had seen the float rock that I found befo' -stakin' out Gray Rocks, yo' would know why I believe there is an entire -hill full of wealth over yonder." - -While they were talking there came a gentle rap on the door. Vance -called out for them to "come in. The door opened, and a boy sidled into -the room with a letter in his hand and asked for Col. Bonifield. - -"At yo'r service, suh," said the old miner' rising with much dignity. -"Thank yo', suh," said he, taking the {81}letter. The boy took himself -off, closing the door behind him, while the colonel, adjusting his -glasses, read aloud the address, "Miss Louise Bonifield." - -Dropping his glasses from his eyes, he placed the letter in his pocket -and said: "Mr. Boast has evidently returned to Gold Bluff." - -"Mr. Boast, did you say?" asked Vance. - -"Yes, suh, Mr. Boast--a young man in whom I have only the slightest -confidence. His full name is J. Arthur Boast. His father, Colonel Boast, -lives on a ranch about three miles from here." - -Vance could never explain why, but the unfavorable opinion he had formed -of J. Arthur Boast while at Waterville was in the twinkling of an eye -changed to hatred. Soon after, Colonel Bonifield took his departure, and -Vance commenced preparing for his next day's fishing-jaunt. His door had -been left ajar, and presently he heard a squeaky, ill-omened voice that -he well remembered. - -"How do you do, Mr. Gilder?" - -Vance turned and saw J. Arthur Boast standing at his door. "How do you -do," said Vance, rather abruptly. - -"I did not expect to find you at Gold Bluff," said Boast in an -insinuating tone of voice. - -"Why not?" said Vance; without deigning to look up. - -"Oh, you eastern fellows, and newspaper men in particular, never stay -very long in one place. So you've met my old mining friend, Colonel -Bonifield?" - -"Yes," replied Vance. - -"I presume you've met his daughter, Miss Louise?" As he made this remark -he looked out of the corners of his restless eyes in a manner that was -intended to be cunning. {82}Vance was full of resentment, and dared not -trust himself to make and immediate reply. Presently Boast continued: -"They are old friends, of mine; a most respectable family. I used to -live in Gold Bluff; may live here again. One can't say what may happen, -you know." - -[Illustration: 0090] - -"I thought," said Vance, "you were in love with Waterville." - -"One's in love where one's possessions are, don't you see?" - -Vance did not reply to the question, but busied himself with his fishing -tackle. Presently Boast took a bottle from his pocket, and said: - -"Will you have a drink of red liquor Vance replied in the negative. - -"Well, I suppose," said Boast, "I ought not to drink so much. The truth -is, I am a pretty devilish hard citizen. I am drinking entirely too much -of the stuff, but no one takes interest enough in me to tell me so; yet -I know I'm going to the bad. The habit is formed and what is a fellow -going to do about it?" - -He waited some time for a reply, but as Vance made none, he proceeded to -pour out a small portion of the contents of the bottle into a glass, and -then added some water to it and stood looking out of the window. - -"Won't you be seated?" asked Vance. - -"Thank you, I believe I will," replied Boast, and sat down with the -glass of liquor in his hand, and said nothing for several minutes. He -acted as if he dreaded the ordeal of swallowing the portion, but felt it -would not do to set it aside after all he had said in regard to being -a hard drinker. Finally he gulped it down at a single swallow, and then -drank a great quantity of water immediately afterward. He strangled -considerably and his eyes became very red, and evidently was glad the -trial was over. Presently he said: - -"Mr. Gilder, there are things going to happen down at Waterville in -the next ninety days that will surprise everyone. Some very large -manufacturing enterprises wall soon be located there." - -"That certainly is very welcome news," replied Vance, "as a property -owner in the new city, I am naturally interested in its development." - - -{84}"Property has gone up ten per cent since you were there." - -"Is that so?" said Vance, looking up in some surprise. "Of course," -Boast continued, "I am selling my special bargain list at the same old -prices, but the Company and other real estate agents who have desk room -here and there over the town, are trying very hard to inflate prices. I -am holding them level, however, and intend to keep on doing so. I don't -propose having Waterville killed by a lot of town boomers, who are -trying to get prices away above intrinsic values." - -"It is very fortunate," replied Vance, "that Waterville has such a -conservative citizen as yourself." - -"It's very complimentary for you to say so, I am sure," replied Boast. -"Of course. Mr. Gilder, I would not say anything detrimental about -anyone." - -"Certainly not," replied Vance. The tenor of his conversation was -decidedly wicked in its insinuations; indeed, one to hear him talk would -naturally think the destiny of Waterville rested entirely with J. Arthur -Boast. Presently, in a high, creaking voice, he said: - -"How do you like Miss Louise?" - -"Miss Louise?" repeated Vance, with a perplexed look on his face. - -"Yes, Miss Louise Bonifield. How do you like her? Pretty fair specimen -for the west, ain't she?" - -"My likes and dislikes," said Vance, "are hardly to be taken into -consideration. One seldom forms an opinion until he is acquainted. Of -course, there are exceptions to the rule. I have known people for a very -short time, and yet instinctively taken a great dislike to them. Miss -Bonifield," continued Vance, without looking up, {85}"has the appearance -of a lady of refinement and culture, but as my observations have been -limited, I can hardly say more than that I am well pleased with both the -young lady and her father." At this Vance prepared to leave the room. - -"You'd better drink with me," said Boast, taking up his bottle again. - -[Illustration: 9093] - -"I am liable to drink every drop of this liquor before I let up, and -you'd only be doing me a kindness by dividing it up with me a little." - -"No, thank you," replied Vance. "Very well," said Boast "I shall remain -in Gold Bluff several days, and hope to see you often." - -Vance closed the door after Boast had left his room, and the one word, -"Scoundrel!" hissed through his teeth. - - - - -CHAPTER XI.--OWNER OF THE PEACOCK MINE. - - -[Illustration: 9094] - -HE next {86}morning Vance was up at an early hour for a morning walk. -He followed the winding road up the hill-side toward Gray Rocks. The -air was fresh and invigorating; the sun was just rising over the eastern -mountains. Robins and mountain thrushes were twittering gaily their -morning songs. He mentally compared the stifled life so prevalent in the -great cities to the healthful and exhilarating prospect about him. - -A shadow flitted across his mind. It was J. Arthur Boast's inquiry in -regard to Louise Bonifield. "But why should I be so ready to come to -her rescue? What right have I to be her champion? They may be old -acquaintances, but they certainly are not friends. She is too noble a -character to form an alliance of friendship with such an individual as -Boast. He is critical, cold, calculating, and, I believe, unprincipled." - -Walking on in an aimless way, he followed a path that led by Gray Rocks -on toward the Peacock. Presently he saw a well-dressed man in middle -life walking toward him. There was an unmistakable look of good living -and prosperity--a general air of superiority about him. His round, fat -face was smooth shaven, except a {87}bristly dark moustache. His nose -was large and obtrusive. In his shirt front glistened a diamond of great -value, while its counterpart reflected the morning sun from a massive -ring on one of his fat, short fingers. - -"Good morning," said he. - -[Illustration: 0095] - -Vance returned the salutation, and presently the pompous stranger -introduced himself as Rufus Grim, owner of the Peacock. - -"Yes, I have heard of you," replied Vance. - -{88}"You're the young man from New York, I reckon," said Grim. - -"New York is my home." - -"Yes, I have heard about you. I rather expected you over to see me. I -assure you, Mr. Gilder," he went on, "it would afford me great pleasure -to show you through the Peacock. She is a fine piece of property, I can -tell you; none better. If you'll walk down this way a little we can see -the old prospect shaft where the precious metal of the Peacock was first -discovered." - -Vance readily consented, and presently they came to an old, open shaft -near the brow of the mountain overlooking the village of Gold Bluff and -the valley below. - -"Here," said Rufus Grim, with a wave of his fat hand, "is where I -commenced prospecting fifteen years ago. I was one of the pioneers -in this mining camp. Sometimes I did not know where the next meal was -coming from, but I worked on, day after day; first for wages, and then -for an interest in what, at the time, was looked upon as a labor and -money losing investment. I stuck to it; the other fellows didn't. -Finally I bought out the other fellows, and if you have heard very much -about the history of Gold Bluff and the prosperity of her mines, -of course you have heard about me. In fact," he said, with vulgar -braggadocio, "the history of the Peacock and my own are so interwoven -that you couldn't very well hear of one and not know all about the -other." - -"Yes," replied Vance, "I have heard a great deal of you. Mr. Grim, and -am delighted to have the pleasure of knowing you personally." - -"Yes, I presume," said Grim, as he looked away toward the valley that -nestled beneath their feet, "I presume you've heard a great deal about -Rufus Grim that is not true, and precious little to my credit. I have -not a doubt but what the busy-bodies of Gold Bluff have told you that -old, worn-out story about Steve Gibbons and Hank Casey, and how unjustly -I treated them; but I can tell you," he continued with warmth, "there's -not a word of truth in all that you may have heard. No, sir, I have -climbed the ladder step by step and built up my own fortune, and -whatever I am to-day, I have nobody to thank but myself." - -"I assure you," said Vance, "I have heard nothing particularly to your -discredit. In fact, I have heard next to nothing at all, except that you -were the owner of the Peacock, and that it is a paying property." - -Rufus Grim looked at Vance at first as if he doubted him, and then -expressed his surprise that no one had told him what a mean man he was. -"If you get acquainted with that young scoundrel, Boast, he'll tell you -quick enough--a miserable story; how I cheated Casey and Gibbons out -of their share of the mine; but I say it's false," he continued, as -he brought his fat hands down together, "not a word of truth in any -of their statements. No, sir. You see," he went on, turning to the -old prospect shaft, "I have put a wall around this so that it may be -preserved. It gratifies me to come here occasionally and think over the -hard times of my prospecting life and the change that has come. It came, -sir, because I made it come. Yonder is my home," said he, waving his -hand toward an elegant residence located in the suburbs of the village, -with beautiful grounds about it. "If there is any better in the Fish -River mining district, I don't know it." - -{90}"You're home," said Vance, "is certainly a lovely looking place." - -"You are at liberty," said Grim "to come and see me whenever you desire. -I can't promise you more than this, that you will be welcome." Grim made -this last remark as if he was bestowing a great favor upon a stranger -within the gates of Gold Bluff; indeed, one might have imagined him -Lord Mayor of some municipality granting the freedom of the city to some -favored guest. - -Vance thanked him for the invitation. With a stately bow to Vance, Grim -turned and walked toward the works on the Peacock, and Vance returned -to the hotel refreshed from his walk, and interested in the fragments of -the story he had heard from the owner of the Peacock. - -At the appointed hour he called for Louise, and, together, they walked -briskly toward Silver Point Lake. - -Louise was all animation and life, and thought nothing of the two miles' -walk which lay before them. - -[Illustration: 9098] - -Indeed, she had followed these mountain paths from her early childhood, -and felt less fatigue after a tramp of a half-dozen miles than many a -city belle after walking a half-dozen blocks. - -It might be well to explain that Louise's mother was a lady of great -culture and refinement, and belonged to one of the oldest families of -Baltimore. She died when Louise was only four years old. A spinster -sister of Colonel Bonifield tried to persuade her brother to give up his -daughters while he was leading a life in the mountains, and let than -be reared to womanhood at the old Bonifield home in Virginia, but Ben -Bonifield could not do this. The loss of his wife was a severe blow, and -to part with his daughters, Virginia and Louise, could not be thought -of. Therefore, Aunt Sully had accepted her brother's invitation to make -her home in the mountains, and take upon herself the care and training -of her brother's children. - -Aunt Sally was a lady in the olden time possessed of uncommon gifts -and a finished education, not only in classical literature, but also in -music and painting. Louise had proven a more apt scholar than her elder -sister, Virginia. Aunt Sally had been a most painstaking instructress, -and her wards had grown up with minds enriched and cultured, while -their physical development was in keeping with the wild freedom of a -health-sustaining mountain country. - -In her later years, however, Aunt Sally had become greatly dissatisfied -with her brother and his attachment for Gray Rocks, and she had -developed a querulous disposition, which, at times, was very annoying to -Ben Bonifield. She lost no opportunity to express her opinion that "he -was fooling his time away" while working on Gray Rocks. - -As Vance and Louise walked along that morning toward Silver Point Lake, -he could not help glancing at the ruddy glow on the fair cheeks of his -companion. He listened to her childish talk of the many excursions which -she had made with her father far over some of the tallest mountains that -lav before them, and of numerous "fish frys" they had enjoyed at Silver -Point Lake. - -While he listened to the sweet music of her voice, he {92}mentally -speculated as to what sort of a friendship, if any, could possibly exist -between such a fair creature and J. Arthur Boast. Presently, looking up -at Vance with her large blue eyes, she said: - -"We may have company at the lake." - -"Why, how is that?" inquired Vance in some surprise. - -"I received a note," replied Louise, "from Bertha Allen, inviting me -to go horseback riding to-day. In my reply I explained my previous -engagement with you. Just before starting this morning I received a note -from her saying that she and her cousin, Arthur Boast, would try to join -our fishing party. Of course," she said, with a sweet little laugh, "you -do not know who Bertha Allen is. Bertha Allen," she went on, "is Mr. -Rufus Grim's step-daughter. Mr. Grim married Mrs. Allen when Bertha was -a girl in her early teens. Mrs. Allen is Colonel Boast's sister, and -Bertha and Arthur are, therefore, cousins." - -Vance did not fancy the prospect of meeting Boast, and felt that his -happiness for the day would certainly be very incomplete if Boast was to -be one of the fishing party. - -"I have met Mr. Boast," said Vance, with just a tinge of resentment in -his voice. - -"I hope you like him," said Louise, as she turned her lovely face toward -him with a pleading look in her eyes. - -"May I ask you why you hope so?" asked Vance, in almost a defiant tone. - -There was no maidenly blush on Louise's cheeks as she replied with the -simplicity of a child: - -"Why, Mr. Gilder, there is hardly anybody that likes Arthur, and I -sometimes feel sorry for him. Mr. Grim {93}says very hard things about -him, and no one seems to be his friend." - -"Perhaps he is unworthy," replied Vance. - -For a moment Louise was silent, and then said: - -"The judgment of the world, Mr. Gilder, is often at fault. We may judge -with a degree of accuracy art, music, fame, or power, but it is hardly -wise to apply the same rule to a human being." - -[Illustration: 0101] - - - - -CHAPTER XII--TROUT FISHING. - - -[Illustration: 0102] - -RRIVING at {94}the lake by a circuitous path, they found themselves -on the banks of a lovely sheet of water, several hundred feet wide and -perhaps a mile in length. The distinct reflection of the foliage, trees -and mountains, which rose several hundred feet on the opposite side, -made a double picture of enchanting loveliness. - -"We have been waiting for you," said Bertha Allen, in a flute-like -voice. She was a cooing sort of a young lady, with a dainty lisp, which -she evidently regarded as becoming. She embraced Louise and gave her one -of her sweetest kisses, and in a half sotto voice lisped, "how beautiful -you look to-day!" - -Vance was presented, and Bertha honored him with one of her stateliest -bows. There was no alternative, as Boast extended his hand and observed -that he had met Mr. Gilder before, but to accept the situation and make -the best of it. - -Vance saw in Bertha Allen a young lady of about five and twenty, rather -tall and slender, with a wasp-like waist. She had a small head and face, -with heavy braids of dark brown hair, which corresponded with her long -eyelashes of a dark hue. Her eyes never looked straight at anyone, -but she continually practiced a bewitching habit of shy observation, -evidently considering it fasci{95}nating. Her mouth was small, and a -noticeable dimple was in her chin. There was a delicate pink upon her -cheeks, which Vance noticed as the day wore on, did not come and go, -but remained as one of her permanent features. There was a poetry in -her movements, however, which admirably fitted her slow, soft tone of -lisping-speech. Her slender form was robed in a pretty costume of pink, -with black lace and ribbons. It was a costume of frills and laces, -coquetishly arranged, making her graceful figure more symmetrical -in arrangement. There were puffings here and there, which concealed -defects, if any existed, and revealed her womanly charms to the best -advantage. She talked a good deal, and called Louise her own "dear -darling." Here every sentence was a lisp, and she told Cousin Arthur he -was "simply horrid to kill the poor worms in baiting the hooks." - -Vance noticed that Roast was ready at any time to neglect his stylish -cousin to engage in conversation with Louise. He found himself -interpreting Bertha Allen's attempts to entertain and interest him, as -the act of an accomplice, to enable Boast to have a tete-a-tete with -Louise. There was consolation, however, in the fact that he did not -believe Louise favored Arthur Boast's attentions. - -"How Arthur and Louise are enjoying themselves!" lisped Bertha Allen, in -a sweet, confiding way, to Vance. - -"Do you think their enjoyment is superior to ours?" asked Vance. - -"No more than mine," she replied demurely, "but possibly more than -yours." This was followed by a silvery little laugh. - -"I fear I am not very entertaining," said Vance. - -{96}"On the contrary, Mr. Gilder," replied Bertha, "I think you are a -very charming companion. Are you from Virginia?" she asked. - -"No; my people were from Virginia. I was born and reared in New York -City." - -[Illustration: 0104] - -"The Bonifields are Virginians. They seem to think," continued Bertha, -"that all good people come from Virginia or Baltimore. I sometimes wish -I had been born in Virginia." - -{97}"I never noticed that peculiarity," replied Vance, "in either -Colonel Bonifield or his daughter." - -"Oh, I don't mean, Mr. Gilder, they are affected. Don't you think I am -horrid to go on talking this way to you? But really, is not Louise one -of the sweetest little darlings in the world?" - -Vance was bored, but turning toward Bertha Allen and smiling at her -pretty up-turned face, replied: - -"You ask me so many questions, Miss Allen, that I do not know which to -answer first." - -She looked archly at Vance, and said: "Do not answer either of them, for -I know I would be dissatisfied with your reply. Is not that a beautiful -botanical specimen? Really, Mr. Gilder," she continued, "I sometimes do -not know what I am saying. I know you will think me awfully stupid." - -The well modulated and lisping voice of Bertha Allen possessed a -charm of its own, and Vance found himself interested in studying -the difference between the sweet, simple, unaffected Louise, and the -affected, calculating Miss Allen. - -"Don't you think, Mr. Gilder, that Louise has great individuality?" - -"I believe her to be a most exemplary young lady," replied Vance, "and -possessed of a good mind." - -"Oh, you think that, do you?" said Bertha, lisping and laughing like the -silvery tones of a flute. "You are not the only one, Mr. Gilder, that -thinks that way. I mean Cousin Arthur. Oh, he's awfully smitten." - -"Indeed!" replied Vance. - -"What a beautiful picture," said Bertha presently. "The waters mirror -the trees and the mountains so {98}distinctly. Let us look over the bank -at our own reflections." - -"Permit me to hold your hand," said Vance, "and I will prevent your -falling. There--can you see yourself?" - -"Oh, just splendidly!" lisped Bertha, "it is clear as a French plate -mirror. Shall I support you, Mr. Gilder, while you look?" - -"No, thank you," replied Vance, "I am not fond of looking at homeliness. -I would rather look at you." - -"Oh, Mr. Gilder, you men are such flatterers! I thought better things of -you." - -"And why of me?" asked Vance, teasingly. - -"Louise has spoken of you so many' times," she replied, "and in such -flattering terms, that I was very anxious to meet you. Indeed, I had -quite made up my mind that you were different from other men. Let us -turn down this way, Mr. Gilder. Let me see--what was I saying? I thought -you must be different; but I guess men are all about alike." - -"I feel highly honored," replied Vance, "to think that Miss Bonifield -should have spoken of me at all." - -Bertha stopped and looked at Vance for a moment in silence, and then -said: - -"Men are so conceited. There is no sentiment, I assure you, in Louise." - -"Your frankness is quite charming, Miss Allen." - -"Oh, do you think so?" said Bertha, with a sweet lisp. - -"Yes: and as to Miss Bonifield, I beg to differ from you. She certainly -possesses in a high degree that sentiment peculiar to the children of -nature. She loves all that is natural, and in the tenderness of her -heart, pities the assumed." - -{99}"How unfortunate, Mr. Gilder," said Bertha, "that love is not -reciprocal." - -Before Vance could reply, Louise called to them and soon after she and -Boast came up, declaring the day had been a great success. Arthur and -Vance divided the catch equally, and soon with their baskets swinging -from their shoulders, they started for home. Bertha was profuse in her -invitations to Mr. Gilder to call, and he promised to do so. He was -quite glad, however, when they finally separated and he had Louise all -to himself. - -"I hope you have enjoyed the day as much as you anticipated, Mr. -Gilder," said Louise. - -"If I am anything," replied Vance, "I am frank; and therefore confess -I would have enjoyed it far more without Boast and his pretty cousin." - -"I knew you would think her pretty," said Louise; "everyone does." - -"And do you think she is pretty?" asked Vance. - -"Yes, indeed," replied Louise, "I have seen no one, even in your great -city of New York, half so handsome as Bertha." - -"You are certainly generous in your compliments," said Vance. - -"Bertha has such a sweet way about her, and she always makes one feel so -at his ease." - -Before Vance had time to reply, Colonel Bonifield waved his pipe -and blew out a cloud of smoke as an act of welcome to the returning -fishermen. Vance displayed his long string of speckled beauties, and the -Colonel assured him they had made a great success. "I have been thinkin' -of yo' all day," he continued, "and had half a mind, upon my honor I -did, suh, to come oveh and help yo' out." {100}Soon after. Vance took -leave of the Bonifields, and started for the hotel. His respect for -generous-hearted Louise was increasing. "Yes," said Vance to himself, -"she is a child of nature. She does not know how to dissemble, and her -heart is too pure to be resentful." His pleasant reverie was broken by -encountering Boast at the hotel, who had arrived a little before him. - -His shoes had been exchanged for polished ones, yet he complained about -his negligee appearance, and stooped to brush the least speck of dust -or cigar ashes that might have found lodgment on his trousers or coat -sleeves, and kept assuring Vance that he knew he "looked rougher than a -miner." - -[Illustration: 9108] - -As a matter of fact, he was spotlessly at-attired, as was his custom. -Even in his office at Waterville, he seemed backward about doing any -business, for fear of soiling his hands in ink, or getting his desk out -of order. Stepping into the bar-room of the hotel, they found seats near -an open door, and Vance determined to gain as much information as he -could from what Boast might have to say. As they seated themselves, -Vance said: - -"I met Mr. Grim this morning." - -"Oh. did you?" replied Boast. "There is a man," he continued, "that -ought to be hung. He's a robber!" - -"A robber?" asked Vance. - -"Yes. Fifteen years ago," continued Boast, "my father was the richest -man in this part of Idaho. He was engaged then as now in the cattle and -horse ranching business. He owns a very large ranch three miles from -here down the valley. Grim came to the mining camp {101}without a dollar -in his pocket and worked by the day. An opportunity presented itself for -him to steal from his associates. He not only stole everything in sight, -but by fraud and misrepresentation secured possession of the Peacock. - -[Illustration: 8109] - -"He is an ignorant old boor. - -"Ten years ago he married my aunt, the widow Allen, who is fully fifteen -years his senior. He wanted a position in society and a home. My aunt -is a stickler on all that's polite, but notwithstanding her training and -all of old Grim's wealth, she has been unable to gild him over with -even an appearance of culture, learning or decency. I never call at his -house. They own perhaps the finest residence in the state of Idaho. If -you will talk with Rufus Grim half an hour, it will be a wonder if -he does not tell you that I am the biggest scoundrel outside the -penitentiary; and it is all because my cousin Bertha is my friend. -Sometimes I think he is afraid I will marry her. I believe he is in love -with Bertha himself, and is only waiting for my aunt to die. It may be -unwise for me to talk so plainly, Mr. Gilder, but when I think of that -old reprobate, I become desperate." - -There was certainly no half insinuation in this statement, but rather a -fiendish denunciation of the rich miner. - -"I think," said Boast, "we'd better have something to drink. I have a -bottle in my pocket, but you are not very sociable, and I don't presume -you will drink with me." - -"No," said Vance, "I am just as much obliged, but I do not feel the need -of any stimulant this evening." - -{102}"I have abstained all day," said Boast, "out of respect for the -ladies." His voice began to sound piping, and his restless eyes no -longer looked squarely at Vance, but confined themselves to side-long -glances, as if he were trying to discover what his feelings were toward -his cousin and Miss Louise. "They are pretty fair specimens, eh, for the -mountains? The ladies, I mean; the ladies." - -Vance answered in the affirmative. - -"My cousin is terribly taken with you, Mr. Gilder; if she was not my -cousin I would feel jealous of you." As Vance made no reply, Boast -continued: "I know I am going down hill at a pretty rapid rate, all on -account of this red liquor." Tipping up the bottle, he took a swallow, -coughed immoderately afterward, and made wry faces, as if he were -mentally damning all the "red liquor" to perdition. - -"There's only one thing that will ever save Bertha Allen, and that is -for old Grim to _die_. My aunt would inherit the wealth, and of course, -in that event, Bertha would be an heiress. At present, she is entirely -dependent upon his generosity. I understand," continued Boast, "Colonel -Bonifield has about reached the 300 foot level. If I have one hope -greater than another, it is that he will strike it ten times richer -than old Grim ever did. In that event," he continued, while he furtively -glanced at Vance, "there will be another heiress in Gold Bluff." - -That night, after Vance found the seclusion of his room, he worked far -into the early hours of morning, finishing a letter to the _Banner, a -letter full of decided opinions_. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII.--THE STAGE RIDE. - - -[Illustration: 9111] - -HE {103}following morning Vance forwarded to the _Banner_ office a -two column article, which he considered the finest of all his western -letters. - -The chief was at Buzzard's Bay enjoying a much needed rest, when Vance's -letter was received. The assistant managing editor did little more than -glance over the manuscript and observe to the dramatic critic, as -he hung the copy on the hook, that "Young Gilder was sending in some -excellent articles from the Northwest." The article was headed "Two -Honorable Exceptions." It proceeded, in a most logical manner, to give -the output of precious metals from the mining town of Butte City. - -His statistics were carefully revised, showing there was five times -as much capital per capita in the mining camp of Butte City, with her -50,000 people, as in the cities of New York, Philadelphia or Boston. - -Vance had spent a good deal of time in preparing the article, and every -statement was supplemented with irrefragable proof. The latter half of -the article was devoted to Waterville and the agricultural resources of -the Thief River Valley. The exports of surplus crops had increased -{104}from 100 carloads per annum to 3,000 carloads in four years' time, -and a clever comparison was drawn between the farmers of eastern and New -England states and the farmers of the great Thief River Valley, showing -that for a given amount of labor, the farmer in the Thief River Valley -received at least three dollars where the eastern farmer received only -one. - -The wonderful water power in the rapids of the Thief River, where the -new town of Waterville was building, was also dwelt upon, as well as -the centrality of location of the new city--not only from a local -standpoint, but as to the entire northwestern section of the United -States. The yield of wheat and other cereals was briefly referred to, -all showing that Gilder had been most painstaking in preparing the -article. - -The managing editor, at Buzzard's Bay, was enjoying his morning smoke -when the _Banner_ was laid on his table. Glancing it over leisurely, his -eye caught the head-lines, "Two Honorable Exceptions." In a moment he -was all animation. His cigar was permitted to go out in his general -neglect of everything else, in devouring every sentence and word of the -article. He then paced back and forth across his room and swore like a -pirate, declaring he would not have had the article appear in the -columns of the _Banner_ for $10,000. - -"Just to think," said he, "the very thing I sent that young fool of a -Gilder into the west to accomplish, he has in this one article spoiled -forever. Half a dozen of my friends have been asking me about mining -invest{105}ments in Butte City. I have pleaded ignorance, but assured -them we had sent a trusty man to inspect the merits of such investments, -and they could expect reliable information in the columns of the -_Banner_. Here it is, and a pretty mess he has made of it. He has," -continued the managing editor, angrily, "completely lost his head; only -one thing will bring him to his senses, and that is a prompt dismissal -from the _Banner_ force." - -Accordingly he wired the assistant managing editor, directing him to -notify Mr. Gilder by letter that his services were no longer required. -He also instructed his assistant to send the clearest headed man on the -force immediately to Butte City, Montana, and Waterville, Idaho, -and have an article for the coming Sunday issue that would entirely -counteract the effect of Mr. Gilder's communication. - -While these arrangements were being made at the _Banner_ office, Vance -was preparing to return to Butte City by way of Waterville, in order to -make some investigations and secure additional information for his next -letter to the _Banner_. - -The old miner, Ben Bonifield, had assured him they would reach the 300 -foot level by the following Saturday night, and Vance promised to return -to Gold Bluff early the following week. Vance waited over one stage in -order to travel in the one driven by Steve Gibbons. - -As a special mark of distinction to Vance, Gibbons invited him to a seat -on the top of the stage. As they were whirled away from the beautiful -little village of Gold Bluff, the sun was beginning to gild with gold -the eastern hills. Vance felt it was a sight never to be forgotten. The -evening before starting he was at the Bonifields. {106}When Louise said -good-bye, with the sweet truthfulness of youth, and assured him that she -would be lonely when he was gone, he felt like declaring then and there, -he would stay forever if she would but make the request. She gave Vance -a letter of introduction to her sister Virginia, whom Vance promised to -call upon as soon as possible after reaching Waterville. - -Steve Gibbons was in his element on top of the stage coach. - -[Illustration: 8114] - -He chatted away in a vivacious manner, recounting various reminiscences -of the different mountain gorges, here and there, where fine specimens -of float rock had been discovered at different times. Again he would -tell of some thrilling adventure with the Indians, and marvelous -hair-breadth escapes. Gibbons invariably figured in these narratives as -one of the principal characters. Presently he said: - -"I don't reckon you met Grim, did you?" - -"Rufus Grim?" said Vance; "yes, I had the pleasure of meeting him only a -few days ago." - -"I 'spect," said Gibbons, "that Rufus Grim is the biggest scoundrel -unhung in these diggins. He thinks he's mighty pert, but Hank Casey -and me 'll teach him afore long that other people can be a mighty sight -perter than what he is. The only hearty, overgrown regret that I've -never been able to get rid of is that I didn't twist his neck ten years -ago." - -"What grievance have you," asked Vance, "against Mr. Grim? One would -naturally suppose the owner of the richest mine in the Fish River Mining -District would be respected instead of disliked." {107}Steve Gibbons -pushed his sombrero back from his forehead, as if to relieve his pent up -feelings, swung his long whip twice around his head, and made the welkin -ring as he cracked it over the backs of his dappled leaders. - -He then expectorated a vigorous "pit-tew" of tobacco juice, and said: -"I reckon one can't always judge by appearances. When Steve Gibbons says -that Rufus Grim is a scoundrel, he is a pretty good jedge of what he is -sayin', and he mighty near means what he says, pardner. Somebody's goin' -to be jerked out of the kinks 'fore long, and--'twixt ourselves--I think -that somebody is Rufus Grim. Hank Casey an' me are old pards, and -we've employed B. Webster Legal. He's the corporation attorney for the -Waterville Town Company. You won't be takin' no chances, pardner, of -bettin' your last dollar that old Grim will think somebody's after him -with a sharp stick and a diamond drill in the end of it 'afore B. Webster -Legal gets through with him. I tell you, Jedge Legal is a cuss in -the court room. He can whip his weight in wild-cats in a law suit. Of -course, I don't mean that he's goin' to leave the Town Company; he'll -never do that as long as a lot can be sold--he says so his-self. Hank -and I hev made a bargain with him, and old Grim is goin' to be ousted. -The Peacock belongs to Hank Casey and me. What do you think of that?" - -"I assure you," replied Vance, "you interest me very much. I supposed -Mr. Grim was the owner of the Peacock." - -Again Steve Gibbons' long whip cracked like a pistol shot over the backs -of his horses. Presently he said: - -"I don't tell everybody, pardner, but I 'spect it makes no difference -with you. You see, when Rufus Grim came {108}to Gold Bluff some fifteen -years ago, he was so darnation poor he couldn't buy a meal of victuals. -Hank and I had staked out the Peacock. - -[Illustration: 0116] - -We had found some mighty rich float rock in that part of the mountain, -and knew the precious stuff was not very far away. We 'grub-staked' -Grim and put him to work on wages, and while he was workin', he struck -a 'pocket' and found free gold--a regular vault full of yellow stuff. He -commenced his treachery by stealin' every grain of it, and then cleverly -walled up that part of the shaft and continued diggin' in the opposite -direction, endeavorin' to get as far away from the place where he had -made the discovery as possible. Well, by and by Hank Casey and me got -tired of payin' out money, and we sold out the Peacock for a mere song -to Grim. Soon after, the name of Rufus Grim was known all over the -mountain district as a bonanza king. He organized an immense company, -and owns most of the stock himself. Within six months after we were -defrauded of our rights in the Peacock, he was a rich man, and has -been gettin' richer ever since. Hank Casey and me have a whole lot of -evidence. B. Webster Legal says if we can prove what we claim, that we -have got a lead pipe cinch on the Peacock. The papers are bein' drawn -up, and things are goin' to be sizzlin' hot for Rufus Grim before many -moons go over his head." - -Vance expressed much surprise and sympathy at the injustice he had -sustained. - -"Say, pardner," said Steve, "I kind o' reckon you're shinin' up a little -toward old Bonifield's gal, ain't you?" and he nudged Vance in the ribs -with his elbow. - -The question was so unexpected that Vance hardly knew how to reply. "I -hope," replied Vance, "that I am not in disfavor with the young lady, or -her father either. I own an interest in Gray Rocks." - -"The dickens you do!" said Steve Gibbons. "Well, if there's any man in -these mountains, pardner, who ought to strike it, old Ben Bonifield is -the one. He's been stickin to Gray Rocks for a good many years, and is -one of the squarest men in the Fish River Minin' District, while that -gal of his---why, she is the gem of all these diggins. I did think J. -Arthur Boast had the inside {110}track on the Bonifield ranch, but here -lately I 'lowed as maybe Boast was playin' second fiddle; but then you -can't tell how a game is goin' to end until the last card is played." - -Vance made no reply, but ground his teeth in silent anger at the mention -of Boast's name. - -It was late that night when they arrived at Waterville. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV.--THE TOWN COMPANY'S MEETING. - - -[Illustration: 9119] - -ARLY {111}the next morning Dick Ballard rapped on Vance's door, and -being admitted, greeted him warmly, and assured him he was mighty glad -to see him again. - -"There's goin' to be a meetin' of the Town Company." - -"Is that so?" said Vance. - -"Yes; the hul kit and bilin' of 'em are here," replied Ballard. "There's -Colonel Alexander, Homer Winthrop, General Ira House and his brother, -Jack House, B. Webster Legal and Marcus Donald. Donald is the resident -director of the Town Company." Vance said he would be glad to meet them. - -"Well, you'll see the keenest lot of men," said Ballard, "this here -country has ever pulled together. Every one of 'em is a strong man and -a hustler from the word go. What I say about 'em you'll find is _prima -facie_." After a little, Dick Ballard winked one eye at Vance and said: -"I feel a bottle in my pocket, and I wouldn't wonder a mite there was -suthin' in it that wouldn't taste bad. A little spirits is mighty good -for a feller when he has had a hard day's ride." - -Vance assured him that he was much obliged, but was {112}thoroughly -refreshed by his night's rest, and a light breakfast was all he wanted. - -"We usually," replied Ballard, "accommodate fellows that want that kind -of a breakfast; in fact, some of our breakfasts are too darned light. -I'll go down and see what I can skirmish up for you." - -At the door Dick Ballard turned and said, "Oh, yes, have you heard the -news?" - -"No, I do not remember of having heard anything of a startling -character," replied Vance. - -"Well, by Ned, I supposed you had heard all about it," said Ballard, as -he leaned against the door and looked wise. - -"Well, what is it?" queried Vance. - -"Well, sir, our militia company has got a new snare drum, and, gosh all -fish hooks! but she is a rat-tat-tat-to-or from away back!" The door -closed and Old Dick Ballard retreated, merrily whistling "Away down in -Dixie." - -After breakfast, Vance was escorted to the Town Company's office, where -he met the different members of the company. Each vied with the other in -showing him courtesies. - -"I presume," said Homer Winthrop, as they drew a little aside from the -others, "that you have never met as remarkable men as you see in my -associates." He looked radiant, inserted his thumbs in the armholes of -his vest, and continued: - -"Colonel Alexander is possessed of one of the richest brains of any man -I ever knew. Our attorney, Mr. Legal is a star of the first magnitude in -his profession, and can whip a small army in a lawsuit, while Gen. Ira -{113}House has a reputation superior to any man in the Rocky Mountains -as a town builder. Now, if he," continued Winthrop, "should go into the -midst of a desert and say, 'Here a great city shall be built,' you would -make no mistake in taking a 'flyer' on some dirt in that vicinity. Then -there is Jack House, the General's brother, who is, in his specialty, -a most remarkable man. He is sometimes called 'the Conspirator' of our -gang, because of his ability to set up jobs on the enemy and down 'em." - -"By Jove, look," said Winthrop, pointing out of the window, while his -face became animated, "do you see that young lady on the other side of -the street? That's Miss Virgie Bonifield, and I venture to say she's one -of the loveliest girls in the Rocky Mountains." - -"I have a message for her, sent by her sister," replied Vance. "I will -be under many obligations if you'll introduce me to the young lady." - -"With pleasure," replied Winthrop, "as soon as the town meeting -adjourns we will call upon her." - -The meeting was called to order, with Colonel Alexander in the chair. - -The chairman cleared his throat several times with marked vehemence, and -said: - -"Gentlemen, we have again met to deliberate upon the destiny of -Waterville and the great Thief River Valley. It is no small matter for -gigantic intellects to thus assemble as a deliberative body, to arrange, -by resolutions or otherwise, questions of great moment. The leading -question to-day, gentlemen, is that of mind over matter. We have said to -one another, 'Waterville shall become a great city;' our united efforts -are concentrated {114}in this work. The story of the bundle of sticks is -as true to-day as when the fable was first written. - -[Illustration: 0122] - -"The wealth, gentlemen, of our united intellects is bearing down in -concentrated rays against every opposition, and with hammer and tongs we -are reaching out in every direction, and are making one of the grandest -campaigns the country has ever witnessed. Gentlemen, what is the -pleasure of this meeting?" - -The Colonel's earnestness could not be doubted. When {115}he sat down -he fondled his gold-headed cane with apparent tenderness, as if he -were ashamed of the way he had abused it in emphasizing his remarks by -punching it into the floor in a most merciless fashion. - -B. Webster Legal, addressing the chairman, said: "I am proud again to -meet my distinguished associates as a deliberative body. For the benefit -of our beloved citizens of Waterville, who are crowding into this room -of deliberation, and standing in front of the windows eagerly listening -to the important proceedings of this meeting, I will say that only men -in the broadest term--men with an abundance of gray matter clinging -to their brains--could possibly have accomplished the feats which -have characterized the acts of the Waterville Town Company from -its organization up to the present time. I feel, Mr. President and -gentlemen, that our untiring efforts are about to be crowned with a -success little dreamed of by the most hopeful. - -"From a legal point of view, I am proud to assure you that the -Waterville Town Company is in a most safe and healthy condition. I have -frequently observed, and will again say, I am not a seller of lots, -but I assure each and every one of you that I am here to stay by -this company as long as a lot can be sold. So far as legal knots are -concerned, I will untie them; or, failing to do so, will, with the sharp -edge of the law, cleave them asunder." - -The attorney's remarks were greeted with applause as he sat down. - -The chairman jarred the frail building by again clearing his throat, -and requested C. Webster Legal to make a report of the assets of the -Waterville Town Company. - -{116}"Mr. Chairman," said B. Webster Legal, "I have recently looked over -the list of property owned by the Waterville Town Company, and find that -we have assets amounting to some two millions of dollars." - -As the attorney sat down there was a satisfied look upon his face -suggestive of the millionaire. - -The chairman looked over his spectacles and said, "Gentlemen, you -have heard, and no doubt with pardonable elation, the statement of our -honored associate, Judge Legal. There are eight of us," he continued, -"and two millions means a quarter of a million each. Within two years, -sirs, these assets will have doubled in value. There are men whose -statements I would not rely implicitly upon without discounting -them--say, fifty or seventy-five per cent--but, gentlemen, when it comes -to downright conservatism, why, my level-headed friend the Judge takes -the jackpot. Yes, sir, I undertake to say, gentlemen, he is the king -bee of us all in cutting square into the heart of a proposition, and -analyzing it with a precision that is truly remarkable; and when he says -two millions, I have no hesitancy, gentlemen, in staking my reputation -that it is three millions if it is a cent." - -As the chairman sat down he looked carefully at his gold-headed cane -again to make sure it had sustained no injury. - -Marcus Donald, the resident Town Company's director, addressed the -meeting, and said: - -"Mr. Chairman, I never felt so rich in my life as I do at the present -moment. I regret that my ancestors are not alive to rejoice with me in -the prosperity I am now enjoying. There is a reason in this -contemplated prosperity. First, the great natural opportunities in this -{117}wonderful valley, and, second, the unity of action on the part of -the members of our Town Company. - -"I have here a small matter to which I wish to call the directors' -attention. - -[Illustration: 9125] - -It is a livery bill of some eighty dollars that is past due, and, -perhaps, we had better arrange for it." - -Judge Legal rose to a point of order. He said that such small details -as paying livery bills had no place in the deliberations of this body of -men. "It is the duty of the auditing committee to first approve and then -look after the payments of small items like expense bills." - -Director Donald stated in reply that B. Webster Legal was a member of -the auditing committee as well as himself, and, doubtless, knew the bill -had been approved of long ago, but that there were no funds with which-- - -"Order!" shouted the chairman, punching his goldheaded cane vigorously -into the floor. "I sustain the point of order made by this corporation's -attorney. Let us now proceed with the deliberations of weighty and -progressive questions." - -Gen. Ira House sat propped back in his chair in a retired corner of -the room, and until now had maintained silence, save the fetching and -labored puffs of his cigar, which almost completely enveloped him in a -cloud of smoke. As he straightened himself up, he pushed his chair in -front of him, elevated one foot to the seat and rested his left elbow -on his elevated knee. He wore an expression on his face becoming -a philosopher. {118}"Mr. Chairman," said he, "it seems to me we're -drifting." He looked wise and waited a moment for his remark to take -effect. "Drifting," he continued, "is weakness. If we drift, we scatter; -if we scatter, we fall. Now, gentlemen," he continued, "we must not -drift. There are important business matters awaiting our attention. I -hold in my hand a letter from a party who wants to know if Waterville -would not be a good place to start a foundry. Now, gentlemen, do we want -a foundry at Waterville, or do we not? That is the question before this -meeting." - -As Gen. House sat down, the crowd cheered him lustily, stamped their -feet, clapped their hands, and cries of "Good!" - -"That's business!" "That's the talk!" were heard on all sides among the -citizens who were listening with bated breath to the proceedings of the -Town Company's meeting. - -"I move," said Jack House, "that we want a foundry at Waterville, and -resolutions to that effect be prepared, inviting the party, whoever he -is, to locate his foundry here." - -"Order, gentlemen!" shouted the chairman, again clearing his throat. -"Mr. Secretary, please record in the minutes of this meeting, if there -are no objections, the unanimous vote in favor of the foundry, and -prepare a set of elaborate resolutions, which we will sign, inviting the -party making the inquiry to come at once to Waterville and locate his -foundry." - -The throng of citizens broke into cheers at this announcement, and the -word was soon passed through the throng to the outer circle, that a -foundry was to be located at Waterville. Presently, three cheers and a -{119}tiger were proposed for the new foundry, and the deliberations of -the Town Company were necessarily delayed until the cheering had ceased. - -Marcus Donald, addressing the chairman, said: "I have received a -communication from the owners of a sash, blind and door factory, -who seem quite desirous of casting their lot with us. I suggest the -importance of taking official notice of their communication." - -The throng of citizens waited almost breathlessly, and with a fair -degree of patience, to see what was to be done in regard to the sash, -blind and door factory. Judge Legal moved that the suggestion offered by -Director Donald be acted upon, and that a resolution favoring the -sash, blind and door factory be voted upon. As he sat down, three other -directors seconded the motion. - -"You have heard the question," said the chairman. "Unless there is some -opposition, we will regard it as carried unanimously." He looked over -his spectacles a moment, and as no one offered an objection, he brought -his gold-headed cane down with a sharp rap upon the floor, and said -"Carried!" - -Again the word was passed from citizen to citizen onto the waiting mob -without, that Waterville was to have a sash, blind and door factory. -Again huzzas and cheering rent the air, and impeded, to a certain -degree, the deliberations of the Town Company's meeting. - -At this juncture, a clerk of the local bank--the only one that -Waterville could boast of--presented himself and asked permission to -address the directors. - -"What is the nature of your business, young man?" asked Col. Alexander, -clearing his throat threateningly and looking hard at the clerk over his -spectacles. - -{120}"I have a sight draft for $50, drawn on the Waterville Town Company -for printing stock certificates." - -The chairman and his seven colleagues came to their they cried, -almost in unison. Several of the directors shouted, "Mr. Chairman! -Mr. Chairman!" at the top of their voice, but in his indignation the -chairman failed to take notice of them. - -[Illustration: 8128] - -Presently a silence, caused by sheer consternation, succeeded the first -burst of surprise. Judge Legal, mounting a chair, said: - -"Mr. Chairman! I move you that article 57 of our by-laws be copied -and certified to under our corporate seal and delivered to this young -gentleman, that he may return it with the sight draft. Here is the -wording of article 57: 'Further, that this corporation, the Waterville -Town Company refuses to honor or pay sight drafts from any and all -sources.'" - -"You have heard the question," said the excited chairman, bringing his -cane down with great vehemence. "Do I hear a second?" - -"We all second it." - -Silence having been restored, Judge Legal again addressed the chair: - -"Mr. Secretary," said the chairman, "record the question as carried -unanimously." - -"Mr. Chairman," said he, "{121}in the future all printing by the -Waterville Town Company will be sent to another printing establishment." - -"Unless there is opposition, we will consider the question as carried -unanimously," said the chairman. At this juncture the chairman took the -floor, and addressing the directors, said: - -"There are times when, notwithstanding the power of our united -intellects, questions of a very exasperating nature confront us, and, -momentarily, we are at a loss to know just what to do; but it is only -momentarily--we meet every crisis. It takes us a very short time to -decide; and, with us, decision is action. - -"In my experience I have observed that, occasionally, storms of -opposition sweep down upon men like an irresistible avalanche. At such -times it is well to retreat to some protected place and let the storm -tire itself out--beat itself into exhaustion, so to speak--until its -very protest becomes a dead silence. Refreshed with the rest we have -had, we may then safely sally forth, and, with renewed vigor, arrange a -flank movement on the enemy, and everlastingly choke opposition into a -corpse." - -When the chairman sat down he motioned Vance to his side, and said, -_sotto voce_: "Was not that a master stroke, Mr. Gilder? Do not we meet -and dispose of questions that would simply stump any ordinary body of -men into inaction? Opposition does not faze us; no sir, we know our -rights, and are here to fight for them." - -The citizens were very much elated over the prospects of a foundry and a -sash, blind and door factory at Waterville. Their gratitude to the Town -Company was very marked, and was evidenced by three hearty cheers and -many huzzas. {122}Presently the meeting of the Town Company adjourned, -and then there was much clapping of hands and more cheering. Each member -of the company crowded around Vance and shook him warmly by the hand, -and assured him they had had one of the most profitable meetings that -had ever taken place. - - - - -CHAPTER XV.--MISS VIRGINIA BONIFIELD. - - -[Illustration: 9131] - -|ANCE {123}had become so thoroughly interested during his first visit to -Waterville, that he was prepared, in a degree, to share in a general way -the enthusiasm of the citizens and the members of the Waterville Town -Company which prevailed after the meeting adjourned. - -Buoyant with hope of the future, without hardly understanding why, -and with a blind belief that his investment would yield him a splendid -return, he began to feel that it was indeed a lucky day when the chief -of the _Banner_ sent him to the northwest, and still luckier when he -fell in with the members of the Waterville Town Company. - -That afternoon, accompanied by Homer Winthrop, he called on Miss -Virginia Bonifield. - -That young lady received her callers with a cultured grace and dignity -that would have done honor to even one who had seen much more of the -world. She was rather tall and a pronounced brunette. Her well poised -head was in keeping with her graceful figure. One could not say she was -strikingly beautiful, but there was some{124}thing in her face as -well as manner that made one forget to desire her different than -the interesting person she was. Both vivacious and intelligent, she -possessed the rare charm, in her conversation, of reflecting the mood of -those about her. Addressing Vance, she said: - -"Louise has written me so much about you that I have been quite -impatient to form your acquaintance. I presume that papa is still -working away on Gray Rocks?" - -[Illustration: 0132] - -"Yes," replied Vance, "he will soon reach the 300 foot level." - -{125}"And the old story will be told again, I dare say," said Virginia, -laughing. - -"Miss Virginia is not an enthusiast," said Winthrop, "in regard to -untold millions that have not yet been discovered in mining shafts." - -"My observations," retorted Virginia, "have caused me to be less -sentimental, if not more practical, than my good sister Louise." - -"I fear," said Vance, "you do not share in your father's belief in -regard to the future of Gray Rocks?" - -"I am a Bonifield," replied Virginia, "and believe implicitly in -my father; and, in my way, love him as tenderly, I dare say, as any -daughter ever loved a parent, but sometimes I fear he is mistaken--but, -to change the subject," she continued, "how do you like the west?" - -"I am very favorably impressed with what I have seen. In the east we -have many brilliants that are not diamonds; in the west we have many -rough ashlars that are diamonds unpolished." - -"Thank you," replied Virginia, "I consider that a compliment." - -"It is our intention," said Winthrop, "to claim Mr. Gilder as a western -man before another year; and if Waterville continues to grow, as we -expect it will, we may persuade him to edit our first daily paper." - -Soon after, they rose to go. "I shall hope," said Miss Virginia, "that I -will be honored by a call from you whenever you are in Waterville." - -"Thank you," replied Vance, "it will afford me great pleasure." - -Winthrop remained behind a few moments, while Vance walked up and down -the sidewalk. The sun was {126}well toward the western horizon. A bluish -haze lay against the mountains in the distance. It was an Indian summer -afternoon, full of quiet rest, with a gentle, invigorating mountain -breeze as a constant tonic. - -Presently Winthrop joined him, and they hurried down to the depot, for -it was nearing train time, and they had arranged to travel together to -Butte City. - -"How are you impressed with Miss Bonifield?" asked Winthrop. - -"Quite favorably," replied Vance. "She is, however, an entirely -different type from her sister, Miss Louise; indeed, I can discover no -family resemblance. Miss Louise is quite fair, while Miss Virginia is a -decided brunette." - -Soon after, the train came in, and they secured comfortable seats in -a Pullman. As the train started, Vance looked out of the window at the -turbulent waters in the river, and asked Winthrop where the foundry, and -sash, blind and door factory would be located. - -"We have not decided as yet," replied Winthrop. "That will be an easy -matter to arrange when the party or parties are ready to commence -building." - -"I presume you are selling a good many lots?" said Vance. - -"Well, yes," replied Winthrop, hesitatingly. "We are interesting a -good many people; and it takes people to build a city. Where a man's -possessions are, his heart is generally not far away." - -"I should judge from your complimentary remarks about Miss Virginia -Bonifield, and the delightful expression of your face when we called -this afternoon, that your heart abides quite permanently at Waterville." -{127}Winthrop seemed confused and looked out of the window. Presently -lie said: - -"Miss Bonifield is one of the most practical young ladies it has ever -been my good fortune to meet. She is a most exemplary young lady, and -the good people of Waterville hold her in high esteem. This is her -second year in the public school at that place." - -"I judge from her remarks," said Vance, "that her faith is very limited -in her father's mine." - -"Yes," replied 'Winthrop, "I consider her the most practical member of -the Bonifield family." - -Vance blushed scarlet and turned resentfully in his seat toward -Winthrop. "Ho! ho!" said Winthrop, laughing, "I was merely expressing my -own private opinion. I see, without your saying it, that your opinion is -quite different. How fortunate it is that all men, especially you and -I, Mr. Gilder, are not of the same opinion. This very difference of -opinion," Winthrop went on, "may, as the months come and go, weld our -friendship more and more firmly." - -Vance saw that he had betrayed his feelings, and good-naturedly observed -that he always was quite partial to blondes. "I presume," he went on, -"when I become editor of the first daily paper in Waterville, you will, -doubtless, be president of some great banking house." - -"I hope so," replied Winthrop, thoughtfully. "If many people are -interested in our new town it will help us in more ways than one. They -will ultimately move to Waterville, erect homes, and engage in business; -but we must not be impatient and expect too much for the first year, or -the second, for that matter. 'Rome was not {128}built in a day.' I -fully believe," continued Winthrop, "that parties purchasing lots at the -present prices will receive most excellent returns on their investments. -You see," continued Winthrop in a confidential way, "the Waterville -Town Company was compelled to go into debt very heavily at the time it -commenced its operations, but by persistent and continued efforts on -the part of various members of the company, we have greatly reduced the -indebtedness, and if the sale of lots continues for a week longer we -will, probably, not owe a dollar. - -[Illustration: 9136] - -We will then divide our property, each member receiving a deed for his -respective share." - -Winthrop seemed so happy in anticipation of the joyful time when the -company' would be out of debt, and was so confidential and frank in -regard to the matter, that Vance, hardly knowing why, found himself -deeply interested in the work of selling lots, and suggested to Winthrop -that he would write to some of the members of the _Banner_ force who -were particular friends of his, and advise them to send on their surplus -earnings for investment. - -The town boomer was at once on the alert, and, in not an over-anxious -way, heartily advised the step. Accordingly, that night at the hotel in -Butte City, Vance wrote a letter to his friends advising an investment -in Waterville. - -The dramatic critic, the religious editor, the police reporter, and -the heads of the several departments of the _Banner_ at once acted on -Vance's advice. They knew nothing of the chief's action in regard to -Vance's dismissal. They wired Vance, authorizing him to sight {129}draft -them for $2,500, and invest the proceeds in town lots in Waterville. - -He at once complied with the instructions, turned the money over to -Winthrop, and instructed him to forward the deeds to his friends in New -York city. - -He was not a little gratified to find his last letter to the _Banner_ -copied in full by the _Intermountain Blade_ and the _Butte City Miner_, -with editorials referring to the article as particularly able, and to -the writer as having the "courage of his convictions." - -The article had a most salutary effect on Homer Winthrop's lot selling -enterprise, and during the next few days he sold more Waterville town -lots than his most sanguine expectations had caused him to hope for. - -Toward the last of the week Vance left Butte City for Gold Bluff, via -Waterville. He had in his possession additional data and statistics to -support and corroborate his recent letter to the _Banner_. - -At first the west was distasteful to him, but as he became better -acquainted with its customs and habits he began to recognize the true -manhood that is not unfrequently found under the miner's garb. - -There is an uncouth, whole-soul generosity met with on the frontier of -which the effete easterner knows nothing. - -Arriving at Waterville the following morning too late for the Gold Bluff -stage, he was compelled to put in another day at Waterville. Remembering -Miss Virginia Bonifield's invitation, he called on her that evening, and -was most hospitably received. In the course of their conversation she -said: - -"I understand, Mr. Gilder, that you are interested with my father in -Gray Rocks I hope you did not mis{130}understand me or my motive when -I spoke discouragingly of my father's mining prospects." - -"May I ask," said Vance, "what reason you have for your pessimistic -views, if I may term them such?" - -"I presume," she replied, a little nettled, "they are about as -tangible and equally hard to explain as those of an optimist. I have a -presentiment that father will never find what he is looking for in the -Gray Rocks mine. My sister, Louise, encourages faith in what to me seems -a mad belief." - -"Your sister may be right," replied Vance. - -"My greatest hope," she replied, "is that I am wrong and that my sweet -sister is right; but I really fear, Mr. Gilder, you will never see your -money again that you have been investing with my father." - -"I cannot doubt your sincerity," replied Vance, "but I am glad to have -more faith than you have." - -"Why should I have any faith," she replied. "Have I not seen my father -clinging to that false hope year after year, and every day resulting in -a fresh disappointment? Long ago I made up my mind that Aunt Sally is -about right. She says that father has been planting money with different -prospectors all over the mountains, and none of it has ever found its -way back. She also predicts that father will work away on Gray Rocks -until he dies, and never have his hopes realized. I love my father -tenderly, and feel very sorry for him. A stranger cannot understand his -personal charms and grandeur as one of his family. He is certainly one -of the sweetest characters in the world. His persuasive powers, as you -evidently have reason to know, are very great, and I feel it my duty -to thus warn you for your own protection. Papa is {131}so sane on -everything else excepting Gray Rocks, and is so foolish about that, -notwithstanding his many years of lost labor." - -"If your father has a 'wheel in his head' on the subject of Gray Rocks, -I must admit that I, too, have one in mine," replied Vance. - -The blush that overspread Virginia's face suggested that she felt keenly -the rebuke. - -"Pardon me, Mr. Gilder," said she, "I had forgotten that I am not 'my -brother's keeper'. I promise never to refer to the subject again." - -That evening, after Vance had taken leave of Miss Virginia Bonifield, he -experienced a strange unrest and dissatisfaction, and while he did not -admit it to himself, the glamour of his day-dreams had been broken. - -[Illustration: 8139] - -Presently, as he walked along, the face of Louise came before him, and, -in a moment, he forgot his unsatisfactory evening; forgot hope's broken -glamour, and basked again in the alluring belief that the future held no -clouds for him. - -It was late when he reached the hotel. - -Looking through the window, he saw old Dick Ballard, who was alone in -the barroom entertaining himself with an evening drill. - -He carried a long, iron poker at "carry arms," and was marching back -and forth with military tread. Arriving at the end of the room, he would -call out "Halt! About face! March!" - -Vance was very much amused at old Dick Ballard's pantomime drill, but -finally opened the door and walked in. The transformation scene was -wonderful. Old Dick {132}Ballard was vigorously poking in the stove, -notwithstanding it was a July night. - -"Hello, Mr. Gilder," said he, looking up, "I saw a mighty big rat run in -this stove a minute ago, and I am after it." - -"Better charge your entire militia company on the enemy," said Vance, -laughing. - -"Oh, you saw me, did you," said Ballard. "I was jes' drillin' up a -little for dress parade. Well, pardner, I'll set 'em up, and you say -nothin' about it." - -Vance declined to be entertained, but Ballard drank copiously from his -ever ready bottle. - -"I tell you, Waterville's got it and no mistake," said he, putting his -bottle carefully away. - -"Got what," asked Vance, as he turned to go to his room. - -"Got the crack military company of the state," replied Ballard. "You -ought to see 'em drill once. There is nothin' in New York city or -anywhere else can tech one side of 'em for big money." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI.--THE OLD COLONEL'S DISAPPOINTMENT. - - -[Illustration: 9141] - -HE FOLLOWING {133}morning Vance took the stage for Gold Bluff. As -he neared that little mining town, he found himself experiencing an -impatience once more to see Louise Bonifield that was strangely at -variance with any former sensation of his life. It seemed to him the -stage coach was traveling at a snail's pace, and even the good natured, -"honest intentioned" Steve Gibbons, with all his droll talk of frontier -adventure, failed to interest him. Arriving at the hotel, he found the -old miner, Ben Bonifield, waiting for him. - -"Am delighted to see yo', Mr. Gilder; I am indeed, suh. I presume yo'r -almost famished; pow'ful tiresome ridin' in a stage coach all day, suh. -After yo' have refreshed yo'self, I shall be pleased to join yo' in -yo'r room. I have a matteh of vehy great impo'tance to discuss with yo', -suh." - -"All right," said Vance, in his cheeriest tones. "I trust Miss Louise is -well?" - -"Quite well, suh; quite well, thank yo'." - -As Vance ate his supper a satisfied feeling of contentment with the -whole world intruded itself upon him. His advancement in his profession -was certainly gratifying. He had received several valuable hints while -in {134}Butte City in regard to a new silver mining company that was -about to be organized, in which he was thinking seriously of investing -a little money. The price was only ten cents a share, which he had been -assured, on what seemed to him very excellent authority, would be -worth a dollar a share before twelve months' time. His investment at -Waterville was certainly a good one, and he heartily believed Col. -Bonifield had good news to tell him about Gray Rocks. In addition to -this, he was once more near Louise, that fair vision of loveliness, -whose tender blue eyes seemed ever near him. He dropped a coin into the -hand of the waiter as he rose from the table, and stopped in the hallway -to caress a lovely little child which he found playing hide-and-seek -with an older companion, and then made each a present of money with -which to buy bon-bons. He hummed softly to himself the air of an old -love song as he went leisurely to his room. - -Soon after, he was enjoying a choice Havana with Col. Bonifield sitting -in a chair opposite him, smoking his briar-root, blowing blue rings -of smoke leisurely toward the ceiling. Vance was animated, and spoke -glowingly of the prospects of Waterville. Presently Col. Bonifield said: - -"Mr. Gilder, we have reached the 300 foot level, suh," and then lapsed -into silence. - -"Have you cross-cut into the vein yet?" asked Vance. - -"Mr. Gilder," said the old miner, as he rose from his chair and walked -back and forth in a stately manner, "we have cross-cut, suh, into where -the vein ought to have been, but it is not there, suh. I must confess to -yo', suh, that I am greatly disappointed, but the disappoint{135}ment, -I am sure, suh, is only tempoary. Of course it is much richer, suh, than -it was at the 200 foot level, but it is not rich enough, suh, to work, -by a pow'ful sight." - -[Illustration: 0143] - -This information was a great disappointment to Vance, for he had fully -shared the old miner's belief that they would strike the rich ore at the -300 foot level. - -"I will admit, Col. Bonifield, that I am somewhat disappointed, and of -course you are. Under the circumstances, what do you advise?" - -{136}"Yo' honor me, suh, indeed yo' do, Mr. Gilder, to ask my advice, -because, suh, I know my advice is good. Whether yo', Mr. Gilder, will so -regard it, remains to be seen. If yo' can furnish about four thousand -dollars mo' money, I will start to-morrow mornin' fo' the 400 foot -level, and we will then cross-cut, suh, into a vein of pow'ful rich ore. -I assure yo', suh, I never was mo' sincere in my life than I am in -makin' this statement, suh." - -Vance possessed the confidence of youth, and his belief in Gray Rocks -was not to be shaken at the first disappointment, while before him rose -up, as from a mist, the pleading face of Louise, and he fancied she was -asking him to still believe in her father. - -[Illustration: 9144] - -He took his check book from his pocket and wrote a check for $4,000, -and signing it, handed it to the old miner, saying: "How long, with the -present force of men, will it take to reach the 400 foot level?" - -"My dear Mr. Gilder," said the colonel, accepting his check, and -clasping his hand, "yo' quite ovehpow'r me, yo' do indeed, suh. Yo' may -have been bawn in the nawth but yo' are a Virginian still at heart, -with the warm blood cou'sin'through yo'r veins I think, suh, that within -three or fou' mouths we can reach the fou' hund'ed foot level. I told -yo'r father that Gray Rocks was a sure winner, and I am proud, suh, to -repeat the statement to you." - -"I don't know," said Vance, "whether you will strike it at the four -hundred foot level or not, but I assure you, Colonel Bonifield, that I -have every faith in your sincerity, and I am anxious to develop the mine -as rapidly as possible. If my investment should prove a total loss, I -assure you I would never hold you responsible." - -"I am gettin' along in years, Mr. Gilder," said the Colonel, "and while -I have not struck it yet, I have every confidence, suh, that we will -if we stay by Gray Rocks. My little Louise, of cou'se, was disappointed -like myself. We both feared, suh, yo' would be veihy much disappointed; -and I assure yo', suh, we cared a great deal mo' about yo'r -disappointment than we did about our own. To tell yo' the truth, suh, -that little girl of mine had mo' faith in yo'r looking at this matteh -philosophically than I did; but," continued the Colonel, pressing -Vance's hand, "I misjudged yo', Mr. Gilder, I did indeed, suh, and I -apologize fo' it." - -After Colonel Bonifield had taken his departure, Vance commenced looking -over his accumulated mail. The first thing that claimed his attention -was a copy of the _Banner_ containing his article, "Two Honorable -Exceptions." He read it carefully through again with evident pride. Not -a word or a single sentence had been cut out. This was gratifying to -him, and seemed proof that the managing editor had confidence in his -ability to select the wheat from the chaff. He laid down the paper and -began opening his letters. Presently the song he was humming died on his -lips. He sat upright and stared at a letter which he held in his hand. -It read as follows: - - -_Banner_ Office, New York City. - -DEAR SIR:-- - -I am directed by the managing editor to advise you that your services -are no longer required. Enclosed find check in payment of your salary to -date. - -J Respectfully, - -J. M. M., - -Ass't Managing Editor. - -To Vance Gilder, Esq. - - -{138}He arose from his chair and rapidly paced the room, while great -beads of perspiration stood on his forehead. What had he done to merit -such humiliation? The idea that it might be a practical joke for a -moment found lodgment in his thoughts, but he quickly dismissed the -hallucination. Again he took up the paper and re-read the article, "Two -Honorable Exceptions." He endeavored logically to think out a solution -of his dismissal. - -[Illustration: 8146] - -The more earnestly he thought over the situation, the more distinctly he -remembered the prejudiced views the chief seemed to entertain in regard -to western enterprises and investments. "He certainly wants the truth," -soliloquized Vance, "and I will stake my life there is not a sentence -in this article," and he struck the paper vigorously with his hand, "but -what is true. The article might almost be regarded as an advertisement -for the great mining camp of Butte City, yet it was news, and not nearly -so strong as it might be and still keep within the bounds of truth. -The same is equally true as to what I have said in regard to the -agricultural and other resources of Waterville." - -He sat far into the night, discussing with himself this unlooked for -calamity. Once, and only once, did the idea occur to him that possibly -the chief had sent him into the northwest to systematically destroy -confidence concerning western investments. He was too honorable, -however, to harbor the thought, and quickly dismissed it as too -contemptible to be entertained. The only consolation he could find--and -that was certainly a very {139}meager one--was that in all probability a -letter of explanation would soon come, that would clear away the -misunderstanding. In the meantime he would patiently wait, keeping his -own counsel. - -He looked over his check book, and found he had, all told, some six -thousand dollars to his credit, besides the four thousand dollars he -had that evening given to Colonel Bonifield. He sat by his window -and considered the advisability of returning at once to New York and -demanding an explanation. Such a course would take him away from Gold -Bluff, from Gray Rocks, and from Louise. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII.--An AWAKENING. - - -[Illustration: 9148] - -ANCE GILDER {140}was not of a morose nature. The following morning he -ate as hearty a breakfast as ever, and while smoking his morning cigar, -acknowledged to himself that he had fallen in love with the picturesque -scenery of the mountains, rivers, valleys and everything about him -was restful, while an alluring contentment stole into his heart. He -congratulated himself that he was far away from the hot and crowded -metropolis of the Atlantic seaboard. Here, far removed from "the busy -marts of men," and the restless commotion of commerce and traffic, he -could rest and wait. - -The day passed quickly by; the afternoons and evenings usually in the -society of Louise. They were bewildering days in their completeness. The -night claimed the day all too soon when in her society. - -He was surprised, after the first shock of disappointment had passed -away, to find how indifferent he was becoming in regard to the loss of -his position on the _Banner_. - -One morning he awakened to a keen sense of incompleteness where -completeness had dwelt. Also around Gold Bluff, he {141}covered -a vein of discontent where contentment had reigned supreme. His love of -the mountains, the rivers, and the picturesque scenery was but a prelude -of promise, thumbing sweetly of the great, unselfish love awakened in -him for Louise. - -This unrest dated from a certain evening when Louise first sang for him. -He was quite entranced by the full, rich volume of her contralto voice. - -She began by striking the chords in a hesitating way; but presently the -genius of her musical nature seized her with its wonderful power, and -she sang with wild abandon:= - -```'We seemed to those who saw us meet - -````The casual friends of every day; - -```His courtesy was frank and sweet, - -````My smile was unrestrained and gay.= - - -```But yet, if one the other's name - -````In some unguarded moment heard, - -```The heart you thought so free and tame - -````Would flutter like a frightened bird."= - -As she sang Vance gave himself up to the intoxication of the moment. His -soul broke through the barriers and went out to hers, and as the song -died on her lips, and the music ceased with a few reluctant farewell -chords, he knew that a great and tender love had sprung up in his -heart--a love that was not for a day, but for all time. - -"Miss Bonifield," said Vance, with emotion, "you are, indeed, a constant -surprise to me. Your playing is {142}certainly superb, while your voice; -not only soft and musical, but has great range. To hear you sing fills -me with a longing to be a better man." - -"Thank you," said Louise, "I seldom play or sing excepting for papa. -Your compliment, however, is highly appreciated." - -"As long as I remain in Gold Bluff I hope I will be privileged in -hearing you sing occasionally." - -"We will promise not to ostracize you altogether, Mr. Gilder," said -Louise, laughingly, "but may I ask how long you expect to remain -with us?" There was just enough hesitation in the question to suggest -interest. - -"I do not know," replied Vance. "I presume you think it is strange that -I have remained as long as I have. To be frank with you, Miss Bonifield, -I have lost my position on the _Banner_." - -"Lost your position!" said Louise, with unmistakable concern. - -"I am indeed sorry," replied Vance, "whether it is a misfortune or not. -I had an offer to-day to take charge of the _Gold Bluff Prospector_, and -am thinking seriously of accepting." - -"You quite astonish me," said Louise, "but I know papa will be delighted -if you conclude to remain permanently in Gold Bluff." - -"Of course," said Vance thoughtfully, "there is quite a difference -between the New York _Banner_ and the _Gold Bluff Prospector_--one a -cosmopolitan daily and the other a country newspaper without any special -circulation. It would only be profitable to me as I increased its -circulation and its importance to advertisers. I shall not decide for a -few days. I may receive some explanation from the _Banner_ that will put -a different light upon my dismissal." - -[Illustration: 0151] - -"I have almost made up my mind that I should like to remain in Gold -Bluff," continued Vance, looking inquiringly at Louise. "My confidence -in Gray Rocks is growing daily, and I believe it is only a question of a -short time until your father's efforts will be crowned with success." - -"Mr. Gilder," replied Louise, feelingly, "I thank you for your -confidence and faith in my father. It seems that nearly every one -disbelieves in his final success. I cannot tell why, yet my faith -is unbounded. Even sister Virgie has lost hope, and at times papa is -greatly discouraged because sister and Aunt Sally talk as they do; but I -am sure in time he will be able to fully prove how mistaken they are in -their judgment." - -As Vance rose to go he took her hand and said "Miss Bonifield, you -certainly are a noble daughter, and your father is pardonable for -wishing to keep you with him in this western country. I am beginning to -understand what a great strength and support you must be to him." - -"Thank you," replied Louise, "I am sure you overestimate the assistance -I am to my father, but my greatest pride is in doing something that will -add to his comfort, and I am sure papa cannot want me with him more than -I wish to remain." - -Vance had become accustomed to Louise's frankness of speech, yet he -received a shock that thrilled him with delight when she said, "I shall -be very happy, Mr. Gilder, if you conclude to remain in Gold Bluff. You -have no idea how lonesome I should be if you were to go away." - -Vance's heart beat wildly, and something seemed to rise up in his throat -as he attempted to thank her. The expression of his face evidently -betrayed his feelings, for she quickly drew away, and with a formality -that was new to Vance she bowed stiffly and said "Good night." After -leaving the Bonifield's home, he followed the road which led up the -mountain side toward Gray Rocks. The moon, large and round, was just -lifting itself above the eastern horizon. He walked on past the shaft, -where the {145}night force of men were busy working away toward the 400 -foot level, and soon found himself near the old prospect shaft on the -Peacock. The valley where the little city of Gold Bluff nestled was far -beneath him. He saw a light glimmering from one of the windows in the -Bonifield home, and interpreted it as a beacon of hope. - -[Illustration: 9153] - -He repeated over and over again Louise's words relative to his remaining -in Gold Bluff. - -"Yes," said he, "I will remain, no matter what the explanation may be -from the _Banner_ office," and filled with this decision, he returned to -his hotel. - -One evening, about a week after receiving the letter dismissing him -from the _Banner_ force, the mail brought a copy of that great New -York paper. Vance eagerly perused it to see if it contained his last -communication. No, it had been rejected, but in its stead he found an -article entitled "Two Western Towns." It was a three-column article -devoted to Butte City and Waterville. It referred in the most vindictive -manner to the members of the Waterville Town Company, and classed them -as a lot of town site boomers. It warned eastern people not to be caught -and misled by such wildcat speculations as were offered by them in the -great Thief River Valley. - -It said the valley was one immense lava bed, interspersed with -sage brush thickets, alkali swamps and basalt plains. The wonderful -water-power, it claimed, was an absolute myth; and, in fact, the printed -statements in the circulars of these "town boomers" were deliberate -lies. {146}Another thing which eastern investors should bear in mind, -the paper went on to say, was the fact that the property which had been -platted into town lots was still government land. The town company -had no title, and, perhaps, never would have. It branded the whole -enterprise as the most gigantic confidence game that had ever been -perpetrated on an unsuspecting public. - -It further said the swindling operations of these irresponsible and -restless town boomers of Waterville were only exceeded in point of -adroitness by the mining operations in and around Butte City, Montana. -The article said the mountain sides at Butte City were perforated with -prospect holes, where hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars of -eastern people's money had been expended by local managers in riotous -living and debauchery, and claimed that it was a safe estimate to say -that for every thousand dollars put into prospect shafts in and about -Butte City, not more than one dollar had been taken out. - -It spoke of the inhabitants of both Butte City and Waterville as -plebians of the lowest sort and condition of life. - -The worst cut of all to Vance, however, was the closing paragraph, where -it stated that it was the habit of promoters of these western towns to -bribe indiscriminately correspondents of eastern papers, and that many -were weak enough to fall, which was not only unfortunate for the journal -publishing these flattering falsehoods, but a base injustice to the -eastern investor, who was led captive with his savings into western -"booms" through the machinations of unprincipled correspondents. - -If Vance had been nonplussed on receipt of the assistant's letter, he -was now stunned. He thought very little about his own investment in -Waterville, but rather, what would his old associates on the _Banner_ -think of him? He regarded the article as a direct thrust at himself and -his integrity. - -After waiting a few days and receiving no further communication from the -_Banner_ office, and feeling too much humiliation to write to his city -friends until time had dulled the blow, he concluded to go to Waterville -and see if he could not make arrangements with the Town Company whereby -he could return at once the money invested by his old associates in -Waterville town lots. - -The more he thought over the refuting article in the _Banner_ the more -indignant he became. "There is not a manufacturer or other institution -in the east rich enough," said he to himself, "to stand such wholesale -boycotting as this western country is constantly subjected to by the -eastern press. It is not conservatism; it is downright injustice. I have -not been long in the west, it is true, but my respect for it and its -people is growing. Even Chicago, with all her greatness, energy and -achievements, is belittled by the boycotting press of the east! - -"By birth I am a Gothamite, and by education I am an eastern man, but my -patriotism for America and all that is American has never prevented me -from turning up my trousers when there is a heavy fog in London?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII.--VANCE RETURNS TO WATERVILLE. - - -[Illustration: 9156] - -T {148}was on an October morning that Vance started for Waterville. A -light frost the night before had made the air sharp and crisp. The frost -disappeared, however, before the genial warmth of the rising sun, while -the russet leaves grew brownerer and as the wind stirred them, sang -brokenly of old age. - -October is the scenic month in the mountains. You seem to stand in -Nature's picture gallery. The box-alder leaves are as changeable in -color as a blushing maiden. From the low foothills on up the sides of -the mountains to the timber line, the elms, the box-alders, and poplars -grow in profusion. The leaves vary in color from the deepest green to -the brightest scarlet, the most golden yellow, or the somberest brown. -The colors are intermingled in this gorgeous panoramic scene with -a charm and beauty that baffles the most skilled artist's touch to -reproduce on canvas. - -Vance was seated beside Steve Gibbons on the top of the stage coach, as -they whirled along in meditative silence. The evening before Louise -had sung for him. It was music fit for the gods--so rich, so deep, so -plaintively low, so fascinating. He could see her even now, standing -on the wide old porch as she bade him good-bye. {149}The mild October -breeze that stirred the ringlets of her golden hair seemed laden with -worshipers of hope for Vance, the lover, and he interpreted her every -word and smile as a token reciprocal of his own deep love. - -Presently Vance was brought back from his day dreams to the present by -Steve Gibbons remarking: - -"Things ain't so powerful brisk down at Waterville jes' now." - -"Why, how is that?' asked Vance. - -"Oh, I dunno," replied Gibbons, as he waked up his leaders with a -spirited crack of his whip, "can't say jes' what is the matter. But I -can tell ye one thing, pardner," he went on, "I'm mighty glad I'm not -in the real estate business. In my opinion, them real estate agents down -thar will be jumpin' sideways for a sandwich before the winter's over." - -Vance was noticeably depressed by Gibbons' remarks. He was going to -Waterville for the express purpose of disposing of his New York friends' -property, in which they had invested on his recommendation. He cared -very little about his own investment. He was willing to wait, or even to -lose it all, if he could only prevent them from sustaining loss on their -purchase. - -It was late that night when they reached Waterville. Vance was delighted -to find that Homer Winthrop was registered at the hotel. They met the -following morning at the breakfast table. The conduct of the usually -polite and entertaining Winthrop was changed to a sternness for which -Vance was at a loss to account. As they arose from the table, Vance -went out with Winthrop and asked him how he was progressing in the lot -selling business. - -"How am I progressing?" repeated Winthrop, as he {150}turned and looked -coldly at Vance. "I am through. I have left Butte City for good." - -"Why, how is that?" asked Vance in some surprise. Winthrop was silent -for a moment, and then replied: "It is rather strange, Mr. Gilder, for -you to ask such a question after writing the article you did for that -New York paper. The _Inter Mountain Blade_ and the _Butte City Miner_ -both copied the letter. It is hardly necessary for me to observe," he -went on, "that it rendered it impossible for me to sell another lot in -Butte City. Those who had purchased became so infuriated that I deemed -it best for personal safety to leave the town." - -Saying this, Winthrop turned abruptly and left Vance, who was for a -moment unable to make a reply. Homer Winthrop's words both astonished -and chilled him. - -A little later he visited the Town Company's office, where he found -Marcus Donald, the resident director, and Homer Winthrop in deep -consultation. Donald was a man of commanding presence. His associates -often remarked that Marcus Donald's face was worth $10,000 in an -important trade of any kind. He was dignified and commanding in -appearance, and when one talked with him, the most skeptical fell -into the habit of believing every word that fell from his lips. Vance -discovered that he was not wanted, but he determined to vindicate -himself, and said: - -"Gentlemen, pardon me for interrupting, but I must ask your indulgence -for a few moments. I wish you would read this article. I am humiliated -enough without any further complications or misunderstandings." - -He handed Marcus Donald a copy of the _Banner_. Donald adjusted his -gold-rimmed spectacles and read aloud the entire article, "Two Western -Towns." When he had concluded, Vance turned toward Winthrop. - -"Is that the letter you referred to?" - -[Illustration: 0159] - -"Why, yes," said Winthrop, "but how is this?" said he, picking up the -paper. "The Butte City papers published only that part of the article -referring to Waterville; but how came you to write such a letter at all, -Mr. Gilder? You certainly know there is not a syllable of truth in it -from beginning to finish." - -Vance looked first at Winthrop and then at Donald, {152}and replied, -"I did not write it." He then proceeded to give them a history of his -dismissal. - -"This was written," tapping the paper with the back of his hand, -"evidently to counteract the influence and effect of what I had written -the week before." - -"Of course that puts it in a different light," said Donald, rising and -extending his hand to Vance. "I could not believe it possible that you, -Mr. Gilder, could be guilty of writing such a libelous article as this -is." - -Winthrop also accepted the explanation as eminently satisfactory, and -sympathized with Vance in the loss of his position on the great New York -daily. - -"It has completely killed the lot selling business for me in Butte -City," said he, "but fortunately for us, we have made some very -excellent sales during the past few weeks, and the Town Company' has -sufficient money in the treasury to pay all its debts, and the last -obligation will be paid off before twelve o'clock to-day." - -"Yes," said Marcus Donald, "they will all be paid off, but it will leave -the treasury in a depleted condition; but the future, I believe, is -all right. I hope you will not lose faith, Mr. Gilder, in Waterville's -prospects." - -"No," said Vance, "I have unbounded faith in Waterville, but I would -like very much to have the Town Company, if possible, return the -$2,500 which I invested for my New York friends. It would save me much -embarrassment if I could return them their money'. They doubtless know -I have been dismissed from the force, and have read this last article, -which puts an entirely' different coloring on this western country' from -what I represented." - -{153}"You must know," said Winthrop, "that what you seek is next to -impossible. The money has been paid into the treasury, and no difference -how friendly I personally feel toward you, or how much the resident -director, Mr. Donald, may wish to return the money, it cannot possibly -be done without an action of the directors." - -At this juncture, Marcus Donald invited Vance to take a scat by his -desk, and he would explain to him carefully and fully the situation, and -believed he could prove to him conclusively why he was acting for his -New York friends' best interests in leaving the investment as it was. - -[Illustration: 8161] - -Donald produced a great many maps and carefully spread them out on the -table, adjusted his spectacles carefully, and with his $10,000 face -looked squarely into Vance's, and proceeded to go over the old, old -story of the unlimited natural resources of the valley. He discussed at -length, and in a very entertaining and convincing manner, the number -of acres of land already in cultivation, the probable annual increase -acreage of farm land; figured out results that amounted to millions of -dollars. He then carried Vance from one side of the map to the other, -up to the top, then down to the bottom and back again to the point where -they had first started; indeed, he quite enthused Vance in regard to the -future prospects and final outcome of Waterville. - -He also confirmed Winthrop's statement in regard to their inability -to take any money out of the treasury for {154}the purpose suggested -without first having an action of the directors. - -"I advise you to write to your New York friends," continued Donald, "and -tell them their investment is all right, _if_--mark, I say _if_--they -have the nerve to stay with it a year or such a matter. Of course this -article in the _Banner_ hurts us immensely. It is simply a highhanded -piece of boycotting; but the west has received similar injustice at the -hands of the great New York dailies times without number in years gone -by." - -Acting on Marcus Donald's advice, Vance wrote a letter that day to his -New York friends, and afterwards felt better for having done so. He -determined to remain a week or two at Waterville, and see if there was -any demand for real estate. Before many days, he began to understand -the wonderful, far-reaching effects of the late article in the _Banner_. -Rival surrounding towns copied it, and with double-leaded editorials -called attention to a town that had over-reached itself. They denounced -the various members of the Waterville Town Company as villainous sharks, -and predicted that the boom had been pricked with a needle that would -let all the wind out of it. - -The transient class of real estate agents and hangers-on, who had been -doing a rather thriving business, said, "Boys, this ends it," as they -blew the foam from their glasses of beer, "we might as well go somewhere -else as wait and see the dog-fennel grow in the streets of Waterville." - -One day Vance called on J. Arthur Boast at his office. He found him -as elegantly dressed as ever, and engaged in tying up bundles of legal -papers, deeds, contracts, etc. {155}"Are you getting ready to move away -from Waterville?" asked Vance. - -"No, I am not going away; that is, not permanently," replied Boast, as -he stooped to brush a speck of dust from his highly polished shoes, "but -I do not presume we will have any use for deeds or contracts for some -time to come, and I am therefore putting them away out of the dust until -the boom opens up again." - -"You talk a little discouragingly," said Vance. - -"Discouragingly!" said Boast, as he seated himself on the table in front -of Vance. "Discouragingly! Why, didn't I tell you the Town Company would -ruin Waterville? I was away only two weeks visiting, as you know, at -Gold Bluff, but while I was gone they inflated prices of property; made -promises right and left that were quite impossible for them to fulfill. -The newspapers all over the country are denouncing them, and the result -of it is that Waterville is dead! I say dead, and I mean dead, and all -on account of the Town Company." - -"Do you suppose," asked Vance, "that you could possibly' sell my -twenty-five lots?" - -Boast looked absently' out of the window and said, "I might sell them in -time by putting them on my special bargain list." - -"At what price?" Vance ventured to ask. - -"Let me see," said Boast, "you paid $2,500 for them, did you not?" - -"Yes," replied Vance. - -"Oh, well," said Boast, "I might be able to get $500 for them, but it -would be a pretty green sort of a tenderfoot that I could load them on -at even that price. But what's the use," said he, facing around toward -Vance {156}and still sitting on the table, "what's the use of losing -your nerve? Within one or two years Waterville will be all right. She -can't be kept down. She has natural resources; the richest farm lands -in the world; the greatest water power of any inland city in the -United States; marvelous veins of coal; inexhaustible quarries of rock; -unsurpassed forests of timber; and abundance of water for irrigating -purposes. - -[Illustration: 8164] - -Why, dang it, old fellow," said he, slapping Vance on the shoulder, -"Waterville s all right. All you've got to do is to hold on to your -nerve and your lots, and you will come out on top." - -"That's all very well," replied Vance, "but the ray of hope you hold out -is too far away to be very satisfactory at the present time." - -"Every tenderfoot," replied Boast, "needs a certain amount of experience -in order to acclimate him to this western country. Your experience is -just now beginning. After a little Colonel Bonifield will strike it rich -on Gray Rocks, Waterville will also come out of the kinks, and there you -are, a rich man. By the way, the Colonel must be pretty well along -toward the 400 foot level, Waterville will also come out of the kinks, -and there you are, a rich man. By the way, the Colonel must be pretty -well along toward the 400 foot level, is he not:" - -"I believe he is making very satisfactory progress," replied Vance. - -"If the old man should strike it rich," said Boast, "I would not mind -connecting myself with his family. Of course, I am not so hard to -please as you New York fellows." He looked archly at Vance and smiled -wickedly as he made this remark. - -Vance was indignant at the cold-blooded insinuation of Boast, and -replied: {157}"While you may have no objections, I don't doubt you will -meet some pretty knotty ones before you succeed in winning Miss -Bonifield." - -"Possibly," replied Boast, coolly. "Nevertheless, if the old Colonel -strikes it in Gray Rocks, it's worth a trial, anyway; but come, there's -no use in quarreling over something that hasn't happened, or being -down-hearted about a busted boom, so long as a fellow has a bottle of -red liquor." - -Vance did not wait for him to go through the ordeal of condemning -himself as a drunken profligate, but let him to finish tying up his -papers and drink the contents of his bottle alone. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX.--THE INDIGNATION MEETING - - -[Illustration: 9166] - -ANCE had been in Waterville something over a week, and his enthusiasm -was noticeably subdued. One evening he discovered that a great many -citizens were assembling in the Town Hall. He joined the crowd, and -found it was composed of representative of nearly every family in -Waterville. - -The meeting was called to order with J. Arthur Boast in the chair. It -was an indignation meeting. Instead of huzzaing for the Waterville -Town Company, its members were being vigorously denounced. A speaker -addressed the chair, and among other things said: - -"Where is our sash, blind and door factory? Where is our foundry? Where -is our woolen mill? Where are our canning factories? Where is our great -smelting plant, and other manufacturing enterprises which have been -promised us by the Waterville Town Company? When we see anything in -a newspaper we have a right to believe what it says. Outside of -Waterville, the newspapers claim the members of the Waterville Town -Company to be a lot of restless town site boomers. I believe what I see -in the papers. The dog-fennel is already growing in our streets--our -town is dead; not one stranger in a week alights from the train at -Waterville. {159}We have been deceived, and it is now time for an -indignant community to assert its rights, take the reins of government, -so to speak, in our own hands, and give the Waterville Town Company to -understand that no more bonds of any kind will be voted or subsidies -given." - -A number of other speakers expressed themselves in bitter terms against -the Waterville Town Company. The chairman, J. Arthur Boast, finally -addressed the meeting, and with his thin, piping voice advise -moderation. - -He said it was true that, during his absence, prices had been -unfortunately inflated, and a reaction had set in. He reminded his -hearers that he was still in the real estate business, and by listing -their property with him he would try to put it on his "special bargain -list," and thought possibly he could, in time, re-establish confidence -and create a new era of activity in the real estate business. - -Boast was very careful not to openly charge the depression in Waterville -to anyone in particular, but his insinuations left no room to doubt he -meant the Waterville Town Company. - -It seemed to be the sense of the meeting that retrenchment was in order. -One speaker advised the closing of the public school. The suggestion -seemed to meet with favor. Old Dick Ballard pushed his way through -the crowd, and addressing the chairman, begged the crowd to listen to -reason. "You know," he continued, "that I'm your school director in this -township. The office sought me; I didn't seek the office. Retrenchment -in any other line exceptin' the closin' down of our public school is, -perhaps, all right; but do not take a step backward. Our public school -system is our pride, and should appeal to the patriotism of every one -here." {160}In conclusion, he offered to give an entertainment with -his State Militia Company for the benefit of the public school of -Waterville. Hi is remarks would probably have been effective had not a -fiery speaker followed him and advanced the idea that by discontinuing -the public school it would be a direct rebuke to the Waterville Town -Company. - -"Let it be noised abroad," said he, "that the residents of Waterville -refuse to pay any school taxes, and then the Waterville town Company -will begin to understand that we must be consulted, or we will thwart -their schemes of booming this town. All they care for, anyway, is the -money there is in selling town lots." - -The speaker then asked Dick Ballard how much money was in the teacher's -fund of the school treasury. Ballard said he did not know, but he could -find out in a day or two. The speaker then addressed the chair, and -said: - -"I move you, sir, that it is the sense of this public demonstration that -we quit paying taxes to support a public school in Waterville, and when -the funds now on hand are exhausted that our school be closed." The -motion almost unanimously prevailed. There were a few feeble protests, -but they were not recognized by the presiding officer. - -A little later Vance felt some one plucking at his sleeve, and old Dick -Ballard motioned him to follow. - -"Now, sir," said Ballard, in a deep whisper when they were alone, "there -is some mighty important work to be done. Be in the parlor of my hotel -in half an hour from now. Say nothin'." At this Dick Ballard, with a -mysterious look on his face, turned and hurried away. - -A little later Vance walked over to the hotel and found {161}Dick -Ballard, Homer Winthrop, and Marcus Donald. They apparently were waiting -for him. Ballard was very careful to lock the door securely. - -[Illustration: 9169] - -He then turned and said: "Now, gentlemen, we have business of importance -on hand. Yes, sir, the time has come for us to act, and act promptly. -Hold on--just wait a moment until I read you a letter. This is private," -said he, tapping a letter which he unfolded with a great flourish. "This -is from General Ira House, the greatest town builder in the world. Now, -here's what he says: - -"'I will settle my board bill, no, hold on; that isn't the place. Here -it is: 'Tell the people to be patient. The darkest hour is just before -the dawn. Waterville is all right.'" - -"What do you think of that, gentlemen?" said he, folding the letter and -putting it into his pocket. "I tell you, General House can come as near -breakin' the shell and gettin' at the meat of the kernel as any man -I ever knew'. He's brainy, and no mistake. Our citizens are excited," -Ballard went on, "and in their excitement they are foolish. They're -attemptin' to bite the hand that is feedin' us all. 'The Town Company has -made this town. I address my remarks, Mr. Gilder, to you. Modesty -forbids, sir, that I should say to my friends, Mr. Donald and Mr. -Winthrop, that which I unhesitatingly proclaim to an outside party. Now -let me ask, Mr. Gilder, if I didn't tell you long ago that the members -of the Waterville Town Company were the brainiest men this country had -ever produced?" - -{162}"I believe you made that remark," replied Vance. - -[Illustration: 0170] - -"Yes, sir, and I am proud to repeat the statement, and in the letter -which I have just read to you I have the evidence, the _prima facie_ -evidence, that Watcrville is only restin', as it were, preparatory to -enterin' the free-for-all hurdle race, and makin' the fastest time -on record. Yes, sir, her time will be a record breaker, and she will -distance all would-be competitors, notwithstandin' the slanderous -{163}and libelous articles now goin' the rounds in the press.' - -"We now," continued Mallard, "are a ways-and-means committee. The -closing of our public school would indeed be a calamity. They asked me -over at the town meetin' how much money was in the school treasury. I -told them I didn't know. I beg you gentlemen's pardon for my reply, I -do know. There is not a cent. I was forced into the awkward position of -tellin' a falsehood for the good of my adopted city, Waterville. Now, -gentle men, what do you advise?" - -"I think," said Donald, "that our taxpayers proper are not objecting -to the expense of our public school. The Waterville Town Company owns -fully three-fourths of all the property in Waterville, and we want the -school to go on. The citizens who are the loudest in denouncing the -expense, and calling most vigorously for retrenchment, as a matter of -fact, do not pay a penny of tax." - -"You're right," said Dick Ballard, glowingly, "that's the talk! There's -argument in your remarks, Mr. Donald, and if I had them printed on -dodgers I would regard it as a personal privilege to deliver copies to -members of my State Militia Company, and issue a general order to have -them distributed over the entire town." - -"I wish to call your attention to one thing," continued Ballard. "No -member of my State Militia Company voted to discontinue our public -school; no, sir, not one." - -Winthrop was called on for remarks, and observed that the demonstration -was a hasty action that would not be approved, probably, by the -people themselves on mature reflection. {164}"A few weeks ago," he went -on, "these same people were hurrahing; for the Waterville Town Company. -They expect us to perform wonders in a few weeks' time, that in reality -require months, and even years. I fully believe the present depression -will be followed by a healthy activity that will satisfy the most -pronounced pessimist in Waterville." - -"Gentlemen." said Dick Ballard, "there are four of us. Miss Virginia -Bonifield is a most exemplary young lady, while, as a teacher, she is -without a peer. I stand ready to pledge myself for one-fourth of her -salary. Her salary for the entire year is $500. - -"Put me down for one fourth," said Vance. - -"I will gladly pay one fourth," said Marcus Donald, "and my check is -ready at any time." - -"Count me in on the deal," said Homer Winthrop "Just one thing, -gentlemen," said Dick Ballard, "I am pretty well acquainted with Miss -Virginia Bonifield. - -[Illustration: 9172] - -She posseses the spirit of independence to a very large degree. She is, -indeed, the daughter of her father, Colonel Bonifield. If she knew that -her salary was comin' from a private source, why, you could not get -her to touch a dollar of it, therefore I think it best to consider this -compact and agreement strictly confidential." - -Dick Ballard's views met with the approval of his associates, and then -the conversation became general. Vance inquired when the Town Company -would probably hold another meeting. - -{165}"Not for some time, from present indications," replied Winthrop. - -"No," replied Marcus Donald, "I have to-day received a letter from -Colonel Alexander, and he says it will be necessary, on account of -pressing business in the Wharfage and Dockage Company down on the Gulf -coast, to defer holding another Town Company meeting for some months. -The only thing we can do," continued Donald, "is to keep a good grip -on our holdings here and wait. The dark days will roll by like so -many clouds and the sun will shine again. Waterville will be in the -ascendency. Strangers will be coming in, bringing money for internal -improvements; this great valley will be settled up, and successful -activity, in my judgment, will take the place of the present unfortunate -depression." - -Vance continued his stay in Waterville several days longer than he had -at intended. His frequent consultations with Horner Winthrop and Marcus -Donald led him to believe they were two of the most honorable men he had -ever met. Possibly they were wrong in their judgment about Waterville, -but they certainly were sincere. They seemed like men who had been -fighting for a goal against bitter odds. The goal was finally reached -when the last obligation of the Waterville Town Company had been paid. -They were left practically penniless, or at best, with very little -money; yet they were content to wait until time should lift then out of -the trough of the sea upon the waves of commercial activity again, which -they fully believed would come. - -When Vance started for Gold Bluff, he said he might see them again in -a couple of weeks, and again, he might {166}not see them for a year or -longer. He was wholly undecided what to do. - -Arriving at Gold Bluff in the evening, Vance made a hasty toilet and -called upon the woman he secretly loved so devotedly. She welcomed him -warmly. Soon after, they were seated in the little parlor where Vance -had spent so many happy evenings. - -The Colonel greeted him enthusiastically. - -[Illustration: 8174] - -The open grate was crackling and burning cheerily with a bright wood -fire, and seemed to add warmth to the welcome extended. - -"Am delighted to see yo', Mr. Gilder, I am indeed, still. We have at -last reached the 400 foot level. Tempo'ary embarrassments will soon be -relegated into antiquity, yes, suh; a few days longer, a few days mo' of -waitin', suh, and the struggle for a livin' will be oveh with. No matteh -how much we may fight against it, we are bound to be wealthy. Of cou'se -it'll take a few days yet, but only a few." - -It was evident that the Colonel was greatly in earnest. It was a welcome -hope to Vance. He briefly related to the Colonel and Louise concerning -the depression at Waterville, but that he still had hopes that -eventually--he did not pretend to say exactly when, but some time in the -future--his investment in Waterville town lots would turn out all right. - -"On gen'al principles," said Colonel Bonifield, "I am not favo'able to -real estate spec'lations. I presume, suh, the reason is I know so vehy -little about them, but when {167}it comes to a mine, suh,'specially like -Gray Rocks, I inva'ably know, suh, what I am talkin' about. Louise," -said the Colonel, looking at his daughter, "let us have some music. -I see Mr. Gilder is vehy tired, and we will talk no mo' business this -evenin'." - -Louise opened the piano and sang for them. There was a plaintive -sweetness in the girl's voice that made Vance's heart pulse with -delicious contentment. Hope played back and forth among the chords as -the music swelled and surged in sweet, symphonious strains. While she -was singing, he felt how easy it would be to declare his love, but when -she had ceased, and the last vibrations of music had died away, he knew -he lacked the courage. - -Vance would be called a brave man in the daily walks of life, and yet, -as Louise's lover, he was the most arrant of cowards. - - - - -CHAPTER XX.--THE STAGE IS ROBBED. - - -[Illustration: 9176] - -HE {168}next morning Vance met his old acquaintance, Hank Casey. - -"Good morning, Mr. Casey," said Vance, cheerily. - -"Hello, pardner," was the laconic and somewhat dejected reply. - -"I haven't seen you for some time," said Vance. - -"No, I've been prospectin' round these 'ere diggin's, but I guess I -won't stay much longer. The court decided agin Steve Gibbons an' me. I -think I'll go back to Butte City afore long. She's the pertest minin' -camp in the 'hull country." - -"You say the court has decided against you?" repeated Vance. - -"Yes," he replied, "Steve Gibbons an' we had a law suit agin' Rufus Grim -over the Peacock. B. Webster Legal is a pretty cute lawyer, an' for a -time he made it bilin' hot for old Grim, but somehow on the show-down -we got done up. It don't make much difference how cute a feller's lawyer -is, when the court's prejudiced all out o' shape. I sometimes think old -Grim has a 'nuf sight better title to the court of this 'ere district -than he has to the Peacock mine." - -"Your friend Gibbons," said Vance, "told me sonnies {169}thing of this -law suit, and I rather expected, with the assistance of an attorney like -B. Webster Legal, you would succeed in establishing your claim. You have -my sympathy if an injustice has been done you." - -"Oh, it wa'n't no fault of Lawyer Legal, I can tell you, he's a hummer, -and a mighty social chap in the bargain; but this 'ere game isn't played -to a finish yet, pardner, not by several great, big moves on the chess -board. You see, we've appealed it to the higher courts, but they're so -dangnation slow that a feller had better get a hustle on hisself while -he's waitin' for a decision or he'll starve. When old Grim has his -neck broken, honest people may then get their just deserts." He seemed -dejected, and soon after took his leave, saying that he was going into -the mountains to do a little prospecting. - -The Peacock mine was constantly increasing its output of the yellow -metal. Nearly every stage carried shipments of gold bullion to the -mints. Rufus Grim was growing richer and more pompous. His satellites -and admirers noticeably increased after the courts had decided in his -favor. - -In the meantime the pumps in Gray Rocks had broken down and delayed the -work several weeks. Vance was in a state of feverish anxiety. He longed -to be relieved from the mental strain and know whether he was a half -owner in a gold mine that produced in paying quantities, or only a half -owner in a worthless shaft in the mountain side. - -He retired one evening at an early hour, tired out and thoroughly -disgusted with his achievements in the west. He was awakened about two -o'clock in the morning by a great commotion going on below. Hastily -dressing himself, he went down to the bar-room, where he found -everything was wild with excitement. {170}The stage coach had been -robbed, and it was reported that Steve Gibbons was dead. Hasty -preparations were being made to form a posse and start in pursuit of the -highwaymen. - -[Illustration: 9178] - -The express company had some heavy consignments of gold bullion sent -from the Peacock mine, and it was reported missing. Vance signified his -willingness to join in the pursuit, and was furnished with a horse, and -soon after they started pell-mell down the mountain road from Gold Bluff -in the direction of Waterville, to the point where the robbery had taken -place. - -Rufus Grim offered $1,000 for the capture of the perpetrators, which, -together with a large sum offered by the express company, stimulated a -feverish interest in the chase. - -The sun was just coming up when they reached the place where the robbers -had sallied forth from a neighboring mountain gorge the morning before -and committed their lawless work. About two miles beyond, they found the -only two passengers of the ill-fated stage coach. A gentleman and his -wife from the east had been visiting Colonel Boast, the rich rancher -who lived near Gold Bluff, and were returning to their eastern home. The -gentleman had been relieved of his wallet, containing some $2,000, also -his watch, diamond pin, and his wife of her jewelry. They were left in -a destitute condition, and were waiting to take the next stage back to -Gold Bluff to secure such aid from Colonel Boast as would enable them to -continue their homeward journey. - -They said there were five of the robbers. When they commanded Steve -Gibbons to stop, he whipped up his horses, and received a bullet through -his body for his attempted bravery. He fell from the stage coach and -sustained serious injuries. - -[Illustration: 0179] - -The robbers quickly stopped the horses, relieved the two passengers -of their possessions, secured the express matter and started for the -mountain wilds, taking with them the four dapple-gray horses that Steve -Gibbons had prided himself so much in driving. - -Gibbons had been carefully cared for by the mountain rancher and his -wife, where the two passengers were {172}stopping. A physician had been -sent for and dressed his wounds. He said Gibbons would get well; the -bullet had struck a rib and glanced off. - -After learning these meager details, the posse pushed on into the -mountains in hot pursuit. They were under command of the sheriff of the -county. The trail of the desperadoes was easily followed. Along in the -afternoon, the sheriff called a halt for refreshments. The horses were -tethered with lariats to some trees that grew near a mountain stream, -and permitted to graze while the men refreshed themselves with lunches -which they had brought along. - -"We're twenty-four hours behind the rascals," said the sheriff, "and -I don't know whether we'll overtake them or not." Some of the men were -eager to go on, and others were ready to give up the chase. After a rest -of an hour or such a matter, the order was given to again mount, and the -trail was followed until darkness set in. Sleeping on the ground with -the starry canopy for a covering was a new experience for Vance, but -he was determined not to show the white feather. What others endured he -would endure. - -About ten o'clock the next morning, they came to a mountain gorge and -followed the trail to a point where it seemed quite impossible for a -horseman to ascend, it was so steep and rugged. The sheriff and a few of -his men dismounted and went on ahead, looking for the trail. They found -horses' tracks, but where could they have gone? The grass was deep and -heavy in the center of the gulch, and fringed with trees and boulders -on either side. Finally the sheriff returned and reported the trail as -lost. {173}"They have evidently come into this 'pocket' of a canon to -throw us off their trail. We will have to return to the mouth of the -gorge and see in what other direction the trail leads." - -The afternoon was spent in searching for the lost trail. Night overtook -the party again, and rations were very short. Their meal was a frugal -one, and far from satisfying the hunger of men who had ridden hard all -day. The horses were securely fastened and the party lay down to -sleep. Vance made his bed on some bunch grass that grew under the -wide-spreading branches of a mountain pine. He could plainly hear the -rippling of a stream which ran near by, and when deep silence settled -down over the landscape, save the occasional snort of one of the horses, -the singing of the stream grew louder and louder. The smell of pine -added to the deliciousness of his novel and strange surroundings. -Weariness soon overcame the discomforts of his improvised bed, and he -sank to sleep. Suddenly he awoke in the middle of the night, but found -everyone else was deep in slumber, save the two guards that had been -left on duty a few yards from the camp. The stars were winking at him -from above; a wolf was howling a dismal cadence, and was answered by -another far away in a different direction. An owl hooted its discordant -strain from the dead branch of a tree a short distance away. - -He closed his eyes, and thought of the wonderful change that a few -months had brought into his life; but these thoughts one after another -vanished; and still other fancies went pell-mell through his imagination -in the panorama of thought. Presently a face appeared on this mental -canvas--so sweet, so tender, so trusting, and {174}wreathed in that -smile he knew so well. He started, opened his eye and murmured, -"Louise." - -The wolf howled again in the distance, and he thought he detected a -snappish twang in its concluding barks, and wondered if it foreboded -danger. Occasionally one of the horses would snort and stamp on the -ground, and then go on munching, munching, the grass on which they were -feeding. Finally he dozed again and slept. He thought it was only a -moment afterward, when someone shook his shoulder and told him to get -up. He opened his eyes and found it was morning. - -He hastily sprang up and found there was considerable excitement among -his associates. The sheriff was missing. About a half hour later he came -into camp and said he had been out looking for the trail, but could find -nothing of it. He said they might as well return home. - -Vance was not sorry of this decision, for he was hungry and tired and -sore. There were mutterings, however, among some of the sheriff's posse, -and they whispered among themselves as if they suspected their chief of -crooked work. - -It took them two days to return to Gold Bluff. They found Steve Gibbons -at the hotel, and able to sit up. The robbers had all worn masks, and -it was impossible for him to give a description of any of them. The -representative of the express company was evidently disappointed that -the sheriff had not been able to find the desperadoes; $10,000 of gold -bullion had been stolen, as well as other valuable express matter. - -A few days later, Steve Gibbons declared that he was able to resume his -place on the stage coach, but it transpired that two of his bondsmen had -asked to be relieved {175}This was an insinuation that some one regarded -him as an accomplice in the unfortunate stage robbery. He investigated -and found it was Rufus Grim who had advised two of his bondsmen to be -a little careful. During the day, through Vance's assistance, Gibbons -succeeded in giving a satisfactory bond. - -That evening, a little the worse for drink, he accosted Rufus Grim at -the post office, where the Gold bluff villagers were wont to congregate -on the arrival of the evening coach. - -[Illustration: 9183] - -Steve Gibbons was evidently the agressor. "Look'ee here, Mr. Grim," -said Steve Gibbons, approaching him, "you've been interferin' with me -for a good many years, and it's time you was lettin' up." - -"I don't know, Mr. Gibbons," said Grim, "that I have ever interfered -with you. I have plenty of business of my own to look after, without -bothering with other people's." - -"That's all right, pardner," said Gibbons, "but there's somebody likely -to wish they'd never been born if they don't quit foolin' with me. You -advised some of my bondsmen to take their names off from the bond, but -I've got other friends, and jes' as many of 'em as you have, and don't -you forget it!" - -"There must be some mistake, Mr. Gibbons," said Grim, very coolly. - -"I know," said Gibbons, "jes' what I'm talkin' about. You have tried to -infer that I was mixed up in the robbery of the stage coach, and I say -you are an unprincipled old scoundrel, and a liar in the bargain. If I -was as strong as I was before I was shot, I'd maul the {176}earth with -you. You stole the Peacock mine from Hank Casey an' me, an' I've my -suspicions that you bought judge and jury to beat us in our law suit." - -One would have thought that Grim would have become very angry, but -instead, he tried to pacify the irate and angry Steve Gibbons. It seemed -to anger Gibbons beyond description that he could not disturb the even -temper of Rufus Grim, and finally, in a burst of anger at Grim, Gibbons -said: "You'd better have your life insured, old man, for somebody's -goin' to be revenged, and the day of judgment ain't very far 'way, -nuther." - -At this threat, Grim turned quickly and reached for his revolver. -Gibbons was unarmed. A moment later, Grim seemed to master himself, and -turning away, walked down the street. - -Hank Casey put his arm through Steve Gibbon's and led him to the hotel. -Gibbons was hilarious, but Casey felt that in his hilarity he had been -very indiscreet. The next morning, however, he mounted the stage coach -on his regular run between Gold Bluff and Waterville. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI.--REACHING THE 400 FOOT LEVEL. - - -[Illustration: 9185] - -N the{177} excitement incident to Col. Bonifield's cross-cutting into -the vein, the stage robbery, and the bewildering evenings spent in the -society of Louise, Vance quite forgot about his hopes and fears relative -to his investment in Waterville. - -One evening he was out for a walk near the Bonifields'. Louise was -standing on the porch. He lifted his hat, and she waved a dainty little -handkerchief, and came down the road to meet him. There was a troubled -expression on her face which Vance had never seen before. It cut him to -the heart, and he feared some great calamity had befallen her. - -"Mr. Gilder," said she, after the morning salutation, "my father is very -despondent this morning, and while he desires greatly to see you, yet -he is so broken down that I do not know whether he will be able to see -anyone until this afternoon." - -"Why, what has happened?" asked Vance, in alarm. They were walking along -toward the Bonifield residence as they talked. - -"So you have not heard?" said Louise, looking up with her big, blue -eyes. Vance looked at her in astonishment. {178}"You have not heard," -she repeated, "that they have finished cross-cutting?" - -"No," replied Vance. - -"Yes, they have finished the work," repeated Louise, and then almost -broke down in tears. He led her to a seat on the broad porch where the -morning sun shone full and warm, and begged her to calm herself, and -tell him what had happened to her father. - -"Is it not quite enough?" said she, looking up at Vance through her -tears, "another disappointment is father's only reward." - -Vance was shocked, for this disappointment meant a great deal to him. - -"Is it possible," he ejaculated, "and your father was so confident only -the other night!" - -"You will not be angry with father?" said Louise, laving her hand on -Vance's arm. - -"Angry," replied Vance, "no; why should I be? He and I are jointly -interested in results. If they are unfavorable, why, he cannot be more -disappointed than I am. Had he been successful, we would have been equal -partners as well." - -"Thank you," said Louise, "I pity my poor father so much." She dried her -eyes a little and then went on: "Aunt Sally was so querulous with papa -last evening when she heard the result, and it made papa very unhappy; -indeed, he did not sleep any during the night, though I have comforted -him as well as I could." - -"And have not slept a wink?" said Vance, looking at her keenly. - -"How could I, when papa was so troubled?" - -Vance was silent. Presently he spoke: "I will confess I never was -more disappointed in my life. I was so hopeful your father would be -successful. Mind," he continued, hastily, glancing at Louise, "I attach -no blame to him." - -[Illustration: 0187] - -"Thank you," she murmured, and Vance went on, "No, I do not blame him, -neither do I blame myself. Hundreds, yes, thousands have pursued the -same course. Some of them have been successful, and others, ourselves -included, have not. I regret that your father should {180}have spent so -many years of his life in that useless prospect shaft." - -"There is hope yet, Mr. Gilder." - -"Hope," said Vance quickly, "where?" - -"The ore," she continued, "is richer than at the 300 foot level." - -"And do you believe--?" commenced Vance. - -"Do not ask me, please, Mr. Gilder, what I believe at this time. Mr. -Grim was here early this morning and left a proposition with papa. He -has not the heart, he says, to tell you of it, and requested me to do -so. You know, Mr. Grim," she continued, "is said to be a very good -business man. He has examined the ore found at the 400 foot level, and -says it is much richer than at the 300 foot level. He offers now, if you -and papa will give him a half interest in the mine, to furnish the money -to sink the shaft to the 500 foot level." - -"So," said Vance, reflectively. Presently he said: "If Rufus Grim has -confidence to go to the 500 foot level, why not your father and I?" - -"But it will cost $6,000, Mr. Gilder, and neither papa nor I could think -of asking you to put any more money into Gray Rocks." - -"I do not think your father should take it to heart so; indeed, I do -not." - -"He does not care for himself, and neither do I care for myself, Mr. -Gilder, but we do care for you." Vance started and the blood mounted to -his face "You have been so kind to my father and placed such unbounded -confidence in his judgment, and now it seems as if it were impossible -for him ever to repay you, unless--," she hesitated. - -"Unless what?" asked Vance, impatiently. - -"Unless you would be willing to join father in giving a half interest in -Gray Rocks to Mr. Grim, and let him go on and develop the mine." - -"What does your father advise? What does he say?" - -"He wants to go on to the 500 foot level, Mr. Gilder, and says he will -give his own half interest in Gray Rocks to Mr. Grim rather than let the -work stop at the 400 foot level. Father believes that at the 500 foot -level they will strike ore as rich as any that has been discovered on -the Peacock, and it looks as if Mr. Grim thought the same way, else he -would not be so willing to advance the money." - -"Have you confidence in Mr. Grim?" asked Vance. - -"We have always distrusted him," replied Louise, "but perhaps he is not -so bad and mean as we have thought." - -"And do you think," asked Vance, "that ore will be discovered at the 500 -foot level?" - -"I don't know," she replied, "but I hope so." - -"Would it not be better," urged Vance, "to give it all up and leave -these wild mountains and return to civilization, so to speak, where -your father could enjoy the remaining years of his life in peace and -contentment?" His words were full of earnestness, and he spoke with -great deliberation. - -"If such an opportunity should present itself," said Louise, "I know -my father would refuse it, for he is so high-spirited, and moreover, he -believes that a little more work, and a little more time and expense on -Gray Rocks, and his prophecy will be fulfilled." - -Vance rose to go, but still lingered near the beautiful {182}girl, as if -she were a balm to his evident disappointment. Finally he said: "You say -it will require $6,000. Now, if you had $6,000, Miss Louise, and it was -every dollar you had in the world, what would you do with it?" - -"I would sink the shaft on Gray Rocks to the 500 foot level," she -replied quickly. "Shall I tell my father," she asked, as Vance started -to go, "that you are favorable to Mr. Grim's proposition?" - -"No," replied Vance, doggedly, "I have no confidence in Rufus Grim. -You may tell your father that I say not to worry any more. With your -permission, I will return in a couple of hours, and will then be glad to -see him." - -Louise seemed ignorant of any knowledge of Vance's passionate love for -her. Her mind and thoughts were so entirely in sympathy with her father, -whom she loved so dearly and so devotedly. As Vance bade her good-bye, -she took his outstretched hand as if he had been her benefactor, instead -of only her father's friend. - -"Your judgment," said Vance, "has decided me; we will go on -blasting--down, down, down--through solid rock toward an unknown doom. -How it will end remains to be seen." Before Louise could make a reply, -he had turned and walked rapidly away toward his hotel. - -Looking carefully over his accounts, he found he still had to his -credit, in the Chemical National Bank of New York city, barely $6,000. -He paced the floor for a full half-hour in deep thought. Finally he -paused and said aloud, "she would advance her last dollar to sink the -shaft to the 500 foot level--a weak, little, lovely woman, yet stronger -in her affections and devotion than a regiment of soldiers. Yes, I will -do it; I will gamble my {183}last dollar--for it is nothing better than -a gamble, and yet--well, who knows? We may strike it after all." - -He drew a check for the amount, making it payable to Colonel Ben -Bonifield. Before signing it, he looked at it long and thoughtfully. -"Why do I do this? Is it my faith in Gray Rocks? No. Is it my faith in -Colonel Bonifield? No. Is it my faith in Louise? Yes, a thousand times, -yes." His hand trembled a little as he signed his name to the check. It -was the last throw of the dice. He felt that he had in a measure passed -his word to Louise. There was a question of daily bread that must now -be solved. The question was immediately ahead of him. He would call on -Colonel Bonifield and then devote himself to the bread question. Yes, he -would solve it. - -Strong with resolution, and with a judgment sadly warped because of his -love for Louise, he returned to the Bonifield home. Louise met him at -the door, and he went with her into the spacious parlor, where a wood -fire was burning brightly in the open grate. - -"I delivered your message to my father," she said, "and he has fallen -into a restful sleep." - -"Do not disturb him," said Vance, "in this envelope is a check for -$6,000. Tell him to start to-morrow morning for the 500 foot level." - -The impulsive Louise took the proffered envelope from Vance with hands -that trembled noticeably, while two great tears dimmed her lustrous blue -eyes. "Why have you done this?" she asked. - -It is probable that Vance would then and there have told her why, had -not Colonel Bonifield appeared in the door. "Mr. Gilder," said he, -"Yo'r presence in my house brings sunshine with it. Yo' know the worst. -{184}Louise tells me she has informed yo of the unfo'tunate geological -fo'mation to be found at the 400 foot level in Gray Rocks?" - -Louise turned from Vance to her father while he was speaking, and buried -her face on his breast, weeping in stilled sobs. When Colonel Bonifield -asked her why she was weeping, she handed him the envelope, and pillowed -her head deeper on his breast. He opened the envelope and carefully -scanned the check. The old man's eyes were dimmed with tears of -gratitude. - -[Illustration: 9192] - -One arm was about his daughter, and the other he extended toward Vance, -who accepted the proffered hand. - -"Suh," said the Colonel, "Yo' ovehpoweh me with yo'r confidence. I have -been workin' away so long on Gray Rocks, suh, that I can't blame my -friends if they should lose heart. But, suh, somethin' keeps a tellin' -me that my effo'ts will yet be rewarded. Yo' honor me by sharin' my -confidence in the outcome of Gray Rocks; yo' do, indeed, suh. There's -good blood, Mr. Gilder, cou'sin' through yo'r veins, and there's a crown -awaitin' yo' when once we've reached the 500 foot level; yes, suh. I may -neveh have mentioned it to yo', but I once told yo'r father that if -he would stay by Gray Rocks, it would make him a millionaire. I have -forgotten whether I ever made the obse'vation to yo' or not, but I wish -to assure yo' at this time, Mr. Gilder, in the presence of Louise, suh, -that yo'r confidence in Gray Rocks is well-founded, and she will make -yo' richer than all the possessions left yo' by yo'r worthy father; yes, -suh, much richer." {185}Louise dried her tears and soon was cheerful -as a mountain thrush that had never known a sorrow. The old Colonel -declared he had never felt better in his life, and that work should be -commenced early the following morning. - -On his way back to the hotel, Vance called at the office of the Gold -Bluff _Prospector_. - -"Where is your typo?" asked Vance in the course of the conversation. - -"Haven't got any," replied the proprietor, "he left this morning on -the stage. We'll not be able to get out an issue of the paper this week -unless we find someone that can set type. Say," said he, "why can't I -sell my printing office to you?" - -"I'm not able to buy," replied Vance. - -"Well, I'll lease it to you." - -"On what terms," asked Vance. - -"I'd lease it to you for one year for half its earnings," replied the -good-natured proprietor, who never was known to have enough energy to -walk across the street to solicit an advertisement. - -"What will it earn in a year?" - -"Oh, twelve or fifteen hundred dollars--subscriptions and -advertisements. I own the building. I call this the reception and -editorial room; the other is the composing room, while the one back of -where we are sitting is where the printer usually sleeps." - -In Vance's college days, he had been one of the trio who had edited -a college paper, set their own type, made up their own forms and -circulated the issue after night, contenting themselves, for a -compensation, with the general wonderment of their fellow-students as -to who were the publishers. He felt that he was capable of acting -as type-setter, as well as writing editorials, on the Gold Bluff -_Prospector_. He examined the room designated as the sleeping apartment -of the printer, and found it comfortable, yet very plain. - -He told the proprietor he thought very favorably of his proposition, and -believed he would accept it. The printing was done on an old-fashioned -hand press, which would require the assistance of a boy for a couple of -hours once a week. - -[Illustration: 9194] - -Aside from this, Vance believed he was competent to handle all the -details and labor connected with the paper. Before he retired that -night, arrangements had all been made, the lease drawn and signed, and -Vance commenced operations the next morning as the proprietor of the -Gold Bluff _Prospector_. He moved his trunk and personal effects -into the shabby back room, to be used in the future as his sleeping -apartment. He settled his hotel bill, and found that he had less than -$3.00 in his pocket on which to begin the struggle for bread. - -It was a new experience, not without its novelty and excitement in -anticipation, however. After he had arranged his room quite tidily, -he commenced setting type, and smiled good humoredly to himself as -he thought of the change from the great New York _Banner_ to the -_Prospector_. Yes, he had made sacrifices; and would he not willingly -make any more to remain near the woman he loved with a love that -surpasseth understanding. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII.--STARTING THE BOOM. - - -[Illustration: 9195] - -IXTEEN {187}hours a day for three days was Vance's first experience on -the _Prospector_. All day and far into the evening he set type and -made up forms, until finally the paper was ready to be brought out. -It contained the retiring proprietor's bow to the public, and Vance's -announcement. - -The next evening he called at the Bonifields'. Louise greeted him -more kindly than ever. The Colonel, after assuring him that excellent -progress was being made on Gray Rocks, turned the conversation to -Vance's new venture. - -"Vehy creditable, suh; vehy creditable, indeed," said he, glancing at a -copy of the _Prospector_ which he had been reading. "Louise and I think -yo've made an excellent beginnin', suh, vehy excellent." - -"Indeed we do," said Louise; "we have often heard, though, that editors -were quite exclusive, and we didn't know but that was the reason you -have not called on us for so long a time." - -"Well, that is the reason," responded Vance, jestingly. "As managing -editor of the _Prospector_, I have been exclusively engaged in setting -type, making up forms, etc." - -They laughed at Vance's remark, and complimented {188}him on being able -to impersonate all the functionaries of a printing establishment. In -the midst of their conversation, Aunt Sally appeared at the door of the -parlor, and courtesying low to Vance, said: - -"Good evenin', Mr. Gilder; I 'low I've been wantin' to sec yo' fo' some -time, suh." - -Vance returned the salutation by rising and bowing politely. As he sat -down he noticed the Colonel was greatly disturbed, as if he feared a -storm was approaching. - -"Mr. Gilder," commenced Aunt Sally', "I consider it my duty to inform -yo' that yo' are makin' as big a fool of yo'self as my brother is of -hisself." - -"Come, sister," said the Colonel, "come, come." - -"Benjamin," said Aunt Sally, looking hard at him over her spectacles, "I -shall have my say. I consideh it a duty that I owe Mr. Gilder to inform -him that he is squanderin' his money. There is not a chance in ten -thousand; no, suh, not one, fo' yo' to eveh get back a penny of the -money yo've given my brother. Besides, yo're only encouragin' Benjamin -to fool his time away. I have mighty neah worn my life out takin' care -of him, Virgie and Louise. Virginia has a good deal of sense--a heap -mo', I am proud to say, than Benjamin or Louise has." - -"I hope, Mr. Gilder," observed the Colonel, "that yo'll remember an -obse'vation I made some time ago in regard to my sister----" - -"What have yo' been sayin' about me?" asked Aunt Sally, and she looked -threateningly at him. The Colonel paid no attention to his sister's -remark, and went on: - -"Yo' will remember I obse'ved at one time, suh, that my sister was a -most ext'ao'dina'y woman; yes, suh, {189}most ext'ao'dina'y; she is -possessed of a most rema'kable intellect. - -[Illustration: 0197] - -There is, however, a slight disagreement in regard to our judgment -relative to Gray Rocks. She is vehy set in her ways, vehy, indeed; and, -I am sorry to say, doesn't share in our belief relative to the final -outcome of our minin' property." - -"Benjamin," said Aunt Sally, still looking at him over her spectacles, -"it is not a _slight_ difference of opinion; it's a vehy _wide_ one, -indeed. If yo' had a hundred thousand {190}dollars to-day, suh, yo'd be -grub-stakin' all the pesky mines in the mountains around Gold Bluff; yo' -know yo' would. There are times, suh, when it's necessary fo' me to -put my foot down, and I ain't goin' to neglect my duty any longer. Mr. -Gilder has got to know the true situation, and if he has no mo' sense -than to go on givin' yo' money to dig a worthless hole in the earth, -why, I'll wash my hands of him, and have the consolation of knowin' -that I told him befo' hand what he might expect." Vance would have been -amused, had he not observed the pained expression on Louise's face and -the evident discomfiture of Colonel Bonifield. In reality, it was an -opportune time for him to make an observation that he had long wanted -understood between the Colonel and himself, and therefore he said: - -"I am highly honored, Miss Bonifield, by your advice. Your brother, the -Colonel, has been very enthusiastic in regard to Gray Rocks." - -"Don't I know it?" interrupted Aunt Sally. "Haven't I told him he was -makin a fool of hisself?" - -"Well," continued Vance, "I will not go quite so far in my remarks as -that, but I will say this--that it would please me very much to have -the Colonel's assurance that if he fails to find the wealth he has been -looking for so many years when the 500 foot level is reached, that he -will abandon work on Gray Rocks and accept certain offers of a pecuniary -nature in the east, which I have in mind." - -"Well, if I knew," replied Aunt Sally, "that there was to be an end to -this thing, I'd have mo' patience in waitin' but my land! he no sooner -gets to one level than he wants to push on to the next hund'ed foot -level, and {191}goodness gracious! there's no end to it! Why, if -Benjamin had his way, and his life was spared long enough, I 'low he'd -have a hole clear through the earth!" - -The Colonel was noticeably disturbed. He had risen and was walking back -and forth in a nervous, yet dignified way. - -"Yo'r request, Mr. Gilder," he finally said, "shall be complied with, -suh, and in complyin' with it, I hope that I also pacify my sister. I -give yo' my word of honor, suh, that when the 500 foot level is reached, -and we have cross-cut into the vein of wealth that I feel positive, yes, -suh, positive, is waitin' to be brought to the light of day--if, I say, -we should again be disappointed, then I am ready to give up my labors on -Gray Rocks; yes suh, give up my life's work. Of course, suh, yo' cannot -undehstand and perhaps neveh will, the magnitude of this promise." -There were tears in the Colonel's voice, as well as in his eyes, when he -ceased speaking. - -"Thank the Lord!" exclaimed Aunt Sally, as she raised her hands in an -attitude of supplication and thanksgiving. "I feel now there's goin' -to be an end of this tomfoolery, and I'll not say another word, nary a -word, until the 500 foot level is reached." She turned to Vance as she -started to leave the room, and bade him good-evening, and assured him -that in her opinion she had accomplished a "mighty sight of good." - -As soon as the door closed behind her, Vance turned to the Colonel and -begged him not to take the slightest notice of what his sister had -said, for he knew her peculiarities and thought nothing of them. He also -thanked him for his promise. Vance's words seemed to relieve the Colonel -greatly, and he became almost himself again {192}before the evening was -over, and narrated to Vance with a fair degree of enthusiasm how nicely -the pumps and other machinery in the mine were working. - -Afterwards Louise favored them with music, and Vance quite forgot -himself, so pleasantly was he entertained, until, glancing at his -watch, he found it was almost eleven o'clock. Soon after, he took his -departure, and with a light heart wended his way to the printing office. - -His infatuation for Louise was of an ennobling character. He was a -fatalist in this: that he believed when the time came for him to speak -his heart to her he would have courage to do so, and contented himself -in loving blindly on. - -When he awoke next morning he found a heavy snow had fallen. Nothing -like it had happened in Gold Bluff before in many years. A great many of -the mines were necessarily shut down on account of the scarcity of fuel -to operate the engines. During the next four weeks snows kept falling -heavier and heavier, and in a measure cut off communication with the -outer world. - -Vance applied himself industriously to his paper, widening -his acquaintanceship among the people of Gold Bluff, solicited -advertisements, and succeeded far beyond his expectations. - -His friends complimented him on the neat appearance of the _Prospector_. -It was filled with excellent reading matter, and its circulation was -constantly increasing. - -Another heavy snow storm during the holidays rendered the roads quite -impassable and finally work on Gray Rocks was necessarily suspended, -nor was it resumed until late the following spring. {193}In the meantime -matters were progressing slowly in the great Thief River Valley. There -had been no meeting of the Waterville Town Company. Homer Winthrop -and Marcus Donald regularly opened up the Town Company's office every -morning and closed it every evening. Time hung heavy on their hands. -Thus passed the winter months away in weary waiting for a boom in real -estate that seemed stubborn and would not come. - -Dick Ballard called one afternoon in early April, and suggested that his -finances were running rather low, and if it would be convenient he would -like a check for Homer Winthrop's board. - -[Illustration: 8201] - -Winthrop was a proud fellow and disliked to admit that he was, in the -ordinary parlance, "broke." - -Homer suggested to Ballard the advisability of purchasing a few lots in -Eagle's Addition to Waterville. "Or," said Winthrop, "We can let you have -a couple of lots adjoining your hotel. You've been a good friend of ours -and we would let you have them cheap, awfully cheap." - -Dick Ballard sat back in his chair, inserted his thumbs in the arm-holes -of his vest, and said: "Now, lookee here, Winthrop, I have been your -friend, haven't I?" Winthrop acknowledged that he had. "I've been your -friend, Mr. Donald, haven't I?" said Ballard, pointing his index finger -straight at Donald. - -"I think you have," replied Donald, laughingly. - -"Yes, I've been Colonel Alexander's friend; I've been General Ira -House's friend; I've been B. Webster Legal's friend; in fact, gentlemen, -I've been a friend to the {194}Waterville Town Company from start to -finish." He brought his hand clown upon the table in front of him with -threat vehemence as he made this remark. "Yes sir," he went on, "I have -been a friend to you and to your enterprise, but when it comes, Homer -Winthrop, to selling your uncle any Waterville town lots, why, you -don't know me. Oh, no; Dick Ballard usually knows which side his bread's -buttered on, and, between ourselves, I wouldn't give you a square meal -of victuals for any lot you've got in Eagle's addition. No, sir, Mr. -Winthrop, money is what I want, and pardon me for observing, money -is what I, politely, but nevertheless firmly, insist that you must -produce--if not to-day, perhaps tomorrow, and liquidate that little -matter of board which has now been running for some three months." - -Presently he walked over toward the window and looked wistfully out -over the sage brush landscape. "The grass is beginin' to grow," said -he, "and I see it is startin' in the streets as well as on the beautiful -lots you have for sale. Remember, gentlemen," said Ballard, as he turned -and expectorated a vigorous "pit-tew" of tobacco juice toward the stove, -"what I have said to you never has, nor never will, escape the lips of -Dick Ballard; no, sir, I'm your friend, but don't try to work me with -any town lots in payin' board bills." - -Winthrop was noticeably' non-plussed. Donald was laughing contentedly -and quietly' to himself at Winthrop's discomfiture. Ballard looked on -and chuckled, as much as to say, "I am a heap sight smarter than you -fellows give me credit for." Finally he broke the silence by suddenly -asking: - -"Mr. Winthrop, what is your lot worth next to my hotel?" - -"Five hundred dollars," replied Winthrop, looking up. - -"I hope you'll get it," said Ballard; "yes, I hope you'll sell it for -a thousand--but I'll tell you somethin'," said he, shutting one eye -and looking hard at Winthrop with the other, "I wouldn't trade you our -militia company's new snare drum for both those condemned lots; no, -sir," and he turned laughingly toward the door. - -Just here he came face to face with Miss Virginia Bonifield. - -Ballard lifted his hat and bowed low, for she was one of his boarders -who paid promptly. After speaking pleasantly to Marcus Donald and Homer -Winthrop, she said: - -"I am very glad you are here, Mr. Ballard, I want to ask your advice." -Dick Ballard was all attention, for if there was any one thing he liked -to do better than another--barring a drill exercise with his state -militia company--it was to give advice. Homer Winthrop, noticeably -confused, pushed the best chair forward and invited Miss Bonifield to be -seated. - -"Thank you," said she, looking kindly at Homer, who, in turn, -hushed scarlet. "What I wish to ask is in regard to an investment in -Waterville.' - -"Why, in what way?" asked Dick Ballard. - -"In regard to making a purchase of town lots as an investment." - -Ballard coughed immoderately, cleared his throat several times, -"a-hemmed," got red in the face, looked helplessly toward Marcus Donald, -and finally said: - -"Nothin' like it in the world, Miss Bonifield; best investment on earth. -There's not another place in the {196}United States will come out of -the kinks like Waterville. No, sir; if I had a million I'd plant every -dollar of it in Waterville, every dollar. My land!" said he, glancing -at his watch, "it is three o'clock! Well, I must be goin'." With this he -took up his hat and hastily left the room. - -"Is this a map of the town?" asked Miss Virgie Bonifield, rising and -approaching a map that hung on the wall near where Marcus Donald was -seated. - -"Yes, that is one of the best maps that has ever been gotten out," said -Marcus Donald, adjusting his gold-rimmed spectacles. - -"And where is Eagle's Addition?" Marcus Donald pointed it out. - -"And what are you selling lots for in that part of town?" - -"Well, really, Miss Bonifield," said Donald, stammering a little, "we -haven't been selling very many lots--that is, not recently. I will refer -you to Mr. Winthrop; he has charge of all such matters, and perhaps he -can give you better advice than I can." - -"But what do _you_ advise in regard to investments in Waterville?" she -asked, abruptly. - -"Oh, you know we believe in Waterville, Miss Bonifield; we believe it -is destined to be one of the greatest cities in the United States. Of -course there has not been any marked activity during the past winter, -but we are expecting business to open up well, most any time now." - -She turned to Winthrop, and seating herself beside his desk, asked him -to point out what he considered one of the most desirable corners in -Eagle's Addition. Usually Winthrop prided himself on his ability to -make sales of lots, and he was quite willing to sell to anybody rather -{197}than the woman by his side. He had been so hard pressed for -ready-money during the winter and spring that he had shut himself out, -so to speak, from all society, for the reason that he was destitute of -even spending money of the most ordinary character. After studying some -time, he put his pencil reluctantly down on the map and said: - -"I consider these lots as desirable as any in Eagle's Addition." - -"And what are you selling them for?" - -"We are asking $100 a lot," said he, "but we are not selling any just -now, Miss Bonifield, at all." - -She looked at the map a few minutes, and then said, "You think these -are about the best lots in the Addition, do you?" - -Winthrop almost inaudibly assented. "Well, no--hardly--Miss Bonifield; -the fact is," he faltered, "we do not care to make any sales at the -present time. We are rather expecting some information a little later; -we--we expect to hold a Town Company meeting, and may conclude to reduce -the price of lots--and--" - -"Or you may raise the prices," said she, looking archly at Homer. "Is it -not so." - -"P--possibly," replied Winthrop. - -"Well, I wish to purchase four lots on the corner you have indicated. -Here is the money," said she, laying down a roll of bills on his desk, -"please fix up the deed and leave it at the hotel for me as soon as it -is convenient." - -"But--hold on," said Homer. She had risen and started toward the door. -"You do not mean to make a purchase of lots? I really have not advised -it; you'd better reconsider--think it over a few days." All of this was -stammered out by Winthrop in a hurried and confused manner. - -"But I have considered," said Miss Virginia Bonifield, smiling in her -own imperious way. "I have fully considered, Mr. Winthrop, and desire to -make the purchase. Good day." She was gone. - -Donald sat looking over his spectacles, while an astonished and amused -smile played over his "$10,000 face." Winthrop looked at the roll -of bills spread out before him, and then turning to Marcus Donald, -ejaculated, "Thank God, the boom has started!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII.--RUFUS GRIM S AMBITION. - - -[Illustration: 9207] - -UFUS GRIM {199}was not pleased with Vance's management of the Gold Bluff -_Prospector_. A number of items had appeared in the columns of that -paper which tended to vindicate Steve Gibbons from all suspicion -or connection with the stage coach robbery. Grim considered this an -indirect thrust at himself. His money had made him a lion among the -people of Gold Bluff, but for some unaccountable reason he was unable to -secure Vance Gilder's good opinion. - -He secretly had an ambition to represent the people of Idaho in the -halls of congress, and felt it would never do to let matters go on with -his own town paper prejudiced against him. On several occasions he had -made overtures to Vance of a friendly nature, but had, invariably, been -repulsed. On one occasion he had endeavored to compliment Vance, and -told him patronizingly, in his uncouth, pompous way, that he was very -glad such a scholarly gentleman had charge of the _Prospector_, and that -he considered him the most refined and cultured gentleman in Gold Bluff. -{200}Vance had coldly replied, "It is an admirable thing, Mr. Grim, to -be a cultured and refined man, but it is far better to be a manly man." -Grim had agreed with him, while Vance went quietly on setting type. -The rich miner was irritated at his own lack of words when in Vance's -society. With others he was boastful as ever--bragged of his gold, and -in his own domineering way, attempted to subdue everything with which he -came in contact. - -[Illustration: 9208] - -Those who knew his home life best said he was afraid of his wife. She -was all formality, and Grim, in his way, honored her, and at the same -time, feared her. It was whispered that he found more pleasure in his -stepdaughter's society than in his wife's. - -Bertha, with her handsome face and lisping speech, humored her mother's -whims of formality, and tickled the uncouth vanity of her step-father, -on whose bounty she was dependent. She was an artful, cooing, little -woman, full of strategy and deceit, and hopelessly untruthful. Her -clandestine meetings with her cousin, Arthur Boast, were numerous, while -in her heart she felt an infatuation for Vance Gilder, and was secretly -intensely jealous of Louise Bonifield. Outwardly, she courted Louise, -and never missed an opportunity of calling her "her own dear darling," -and telling her how very pretty she was. - -In the early days of June Arthur Boast returned permanently to Gold -Bluff, and at first paid a great deal of attention to Louise, not as a -lover, but rather as a friend of the family, and by every artifice -known to his cunning endeavored to enlist her sympathy. He frequently -{201}observed that no one was his friend, and it pleased him to hear -Louise say that "she was his friend, and always had been." He said -nothing derogatory of Vance's character, but his insinuations were of a -wicked nature. - -Vance was at a loss to understand why Boast had left Waterville, -especially as it was rumored that a great boom was going on at that -place. - -One day Vance received a note from Arthur Boast asking him to call at -the hotel that evening. He said he was indisposed and could not leave -his room, otherwise he would call at the printing office. - -It was after eight o'clock when Vance called at the hotel, and was at -once ushered into J. Arthur Boast's room. He found Boast dressed as -elegantly as ever, in fact, he was scrupulously attired, and resting -on a divan. He seemed weak, and was quite pale. He no longer spoke in a -thin, piping voice, but in a quiet, manly way, that at once interested -Vance. - -"I sent for you, Mr. Gilder, because I was lonely and wanted to talk -with you. I suppose you think I am supremely selfish in this, as -everything else, but I have been almost sick for the last week." - -"We are admonished to visit the sick," said Vance, good-naturedly, "and -I am sure it is only natural that one indisposed should like company." - -"It is very kind of you to come, I'm sure," Boast went on, "I have been -worried a good deal about a certain misunderstanding that -seemingly exists between us." Vance assured him that he knew of no -misunderstanding. - -"No," said Boast, "not an open misunderstanding; but then I feel that -you have misunderstood me from the {202}first, Mr. Gilder, and perhaps, -in a measure, I have done you the injustice of not always interpreting -your acts as I should have done. I do not know whether there is any -philosophy in the circumstances which seem to shape my life or not." - -"We are told," said Vance, "that in our strength and manhood we should -shape circumstances rather than let circumstances shape us." - -"That's it," said Boast, "the eternal trying to shape circumstances -brings on an endless conflict, not only between men, but a conflict -with one's own self. I have almost made up my mind that it is quite -impossible for a man to shape his destiny. Now, as a matter of fact, I -respect you, Mr. Gilder, highly, and have confidence in your ability and -judgment. I think you are making a great success of the _Prospector_. -It is impossible," he went on, "for me to tell you why I have this -confidence or this respect. I also know that you cordially dislike me, -but why, I do not know, and perhaps you could not tell yourself." - -Vance was surprised at this philosophic turn of mind, and began to think -he had misunderstood J. Arthur Boast all along. - -"I cannot help but feel complimented," said Vance, "by your kind words. -I will admit that I have never stopped to analyze my feelings very -closely in regard to yourself, and will not deny that I have been unable -to discover any affinity between us. Perhaps I have misjudged you. If -so, I can do no less than make proper amends." - -"You speak as if you would be my friend." said Boast, "friends with me -are very scarce. My highest ambition has ever been to make friends, and -yet it requires no words of mine to tell you what a miserable failure -I have made of it all. I would like to be Rufus Grim's friend, but he -won't let me. He does everything he can to influence my cousin, Bertha -Allen, against me, but in that he is making a complete failure. She is -my friend," said he with animation. "I suppose you know that Mrs. Grim -is very ill?" - -"No," said Vance; "I had not heard of it." - -"Yes, she has never been very rugged, and I understand her present -illness is of a very serious nature. She is so many years older than her -pompous lord and master, that it would not be surprising to hear of her -death at any time. Personally, I should regret it, not only on account -of my aunt, but also on account of Bertha. I dread to think what may -happen if my aunt should die." - -"You do not regard her sickness so seriously as that?" asked Vance. - -"She is certainly very ill," was Boast's reply. "I would like to go and -see her, but I do not presume Rufus Grim would let me into the house. -But what I desired most to say," continued Boast, brightening up and -changing the conversation, "is this: I would like to have you be my -friend. I wish to be yours." - -Vance was astonished, and for a moment could not reply. Finally he said, -"I cannot do less, Mr. Boast, than meet you half way in such a laudable -ambition, I am sure." - -"Ambition," repeated Boast, "what a detestable word! I sometimes think -ambition has been the cause of all my misfortune. I have wanted wealth -all my life, but have not succeeded to any great extent. I ought to be -in Waterville now, selling town lots and lands. There's {204}great -activity down there. I have the ambition but not the strength. You may -not know it, but my health is seriously impaired. I do not seem to have -any vitality." - -Vance expressed his sympathy, but Boast seemingly did not notice his -remarks, and said, "if a man has a clearly defined principle of life to -follow, why cannot he adhere to it?" - -"I think he can," replied Vance. "No life, in my judgment, has ever been -a success unless a well-defined principle of action is first laid out, -and then lived up to." - -"I wish I could believe your philosophy," said Boast. "The dual nature -in me continually divides me. - -[Illustration: 9212] - -I go to sleep at night filled with the most laudable ambitions; I wake -up the next morning and pursue an entirely different course, and therein -lies the conflict--but I know, Mr. Gilder, I am boring you." - -Vance assured him that he was not, but soon afterward took his leave, -and as he walked along toward his home, he mused thoughtfully over his -interview with J. Arthur Boast. What a different light had been -thrown on his character! "Yes," said he, "I will be his friend. I have -misunderstood him." - -The next morning the town was startled by the announcement that Mrs. -Grim was dead. The church bell tolled fifty-six times. Bertha Allen was -prostrated with grief, while the rich mine owner had the entire sympathy -of the people of Gold Bluff. Rufus Grim did nothing by halves, and there -could not have {205}been a more splendid show of grief than that for -which his arrangements provided. - -The works on the Peacock were stopped, and the men, on full pay, invited -to the funeral. It was an imposing affair. The crape on Mr. Grim's hat -was of the widest pattern, and jet studs took the place of his diamond. -His black suit fit his plump form well, and he seemed subdued with -genuine grief. Bertha Allen looked very fair and interesting in her -costume of black. She clung dependently to Mr. Grim's arm during the -burial service, and looked unusually pretty, notwithstanding the marks -of grief and weeping upon her handsome face; indeed, she enlisted the -sympathy of all who saw her. - -The following day work on the Peacock was started up again, and the -deep, resounding blasts down below the earth's surface told of more gold -flowing towards the coffers of Rufus Grim. - -The machinery in Gray Rocks mine had been behaving badly. Several big -breaks had occurred, and work had been delayed at one time for two -weeks. The days glided by, and October had come again. The rocks high -up the mountain, overlooking Gold Bluff, reflected the autumn sun, -while the forests on the mountain side were ablaze with fiery autumn -tints--nature's superb clothing. - -Colonel Bonifield had ceased, in part, to be the enthusiast of former -days. Perhaps he felt that he had passed his word to give up work -on Gray Rocks if disappointment should again reward his efforts, and -possibly it saddened him. - -One evening Vance and Louise had called on Bertha Allen. She was -beautiful as ever, and lisped in sweet intonation. Her dress indicated -the grief that still rested {206}upon her. That evening, after her -callers had taken their leave, Rufus Grim joined Bertha in the parlor -of his luxuriant home. The weeks that had intervened since the death -of his wife had not made him entirely forget the proper melancholy tone -which formality, at least, demanded he should exhibit. - -Bertha seemed frightened with some secret fear and anxiety. She knew too -well that a crisis in her life was approaching. Yes, Rufus Grim came to -declare himself. - -He was confident, as he always was, of the result, nevertheless, there -was a timidity that prevented him from feeling the full assurance -that he would have liked. He sat down beside her, and after a few -common-place remarks, he said, in a voice low, yet audible: "Bertha, I -have something to say to you." - -"Yes," she lisped innocently enough, and looked up into his face. - -"What I have to say," Grim went on, in a husky voice, "cannot be a matter -of news to you. You must know that I love you; yes, love you with my -whole heart." His hands trembled and his voice was unsteady. - -"You've always been so very kind to me," lisped Bertha, and there was -gratitude in her voice. - -"Heaven knows I have tried to be, and that I have guarded you with -jealous care ever since you were a little girl and came under my -protection." He had taken her hands, but they were unresponsive. "No -man," continued Grim, "could love you more than I have for many years. -Of course you knew what my feelings were--you must have known, for have -I ever failed to satisfy your every wish and want?" - -{207}"Never," murmured Bertha, as she leaned her head against his breast - -"Yes, I have protected you," he went on, as he laid one arm about her -slender form, "I have kept you from the young scape-grace, your cousin, -Arthur Boast. I feared he was trying to make love to you, and for that -reason forbade him the house." - -[Illustration: 0215] - -"Oh, how could you think such a thing?" said she, in her soft, cooing -way, yet with a half-indignant intonation in her voice. - -{208}"Oh, I am perfectly content now," replied Grim, and his old, -pompous air and manner of speech began to assert themselves. "Of course -I could not show you my heart in all its tenderness--I was a husband and -had to control myself--but now, it seems as if all obstacles have been -removed. Do you love me, Bertha? I have thought many times that I could -read my answer in your eyes, but I long to hear you say so." - -"Yes," whispered Bertha, "I love you so much." - -In his daily walks, Rufus Grim was an over-bearing, selfish man, but now -he was softened, and his emotion was very great. He looked tenderly and -longingly on the drooping head beside him, and was for a time completely -absorbed in the intensity of his love for the artful girl at his side. - -Yes, she was fooling him. She was the affianced wife of J. Arthur Boast, -and yet she must play her part. - -"And may I one day call you wife?" said Rufus Grim, pressing her closely -to him and kissing her reverently on the forehead. "Say in a year from -now," he pleaded. - -"Yes," she lisped, gently pressing his hand, "it shall be as you say." -As a matter of truth, she was mentally speculating how she could get out -of this horrible scrape. He had said in a year--that was a long time. -She would have ample opportunity to free herself in some way. Arthur -must help her. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV.--THE GOLDEN MAUSOLEUM. - - -[Illustration: 9217] - -GRIM {209}was a happy man. He would conceal his joy for one short year, -and then--and then--. He had at last reached the top-most craig of all -his worldly hopes. Wealth was his, and now he had secured the promise of -Bertha Allen to be his wife. He called at his lawyer's office the next -day and told him he wished to add a codicil to his will. He spoke in his -usual loud and confident way, and seemed to constantly remember that he -was not only the richest man in Gold Bluff, but, by big odds, the most -fortunate. - -The lawyer knew his client. He knew his whims and wisely humored his -eccentricities. It needed but little encouragement and flattery to set -Rufus Grim going, recounting the steps he had carved out for himself on -life's journey, and the pinnacle to which he had climbed. - -Arthur Boast came in and took a seat in the outer room, Grim requested -the lawyer to close the door, and asked him what he let that young -scoundrel come about the premises for. Then he seemed to remember that -he was the victor, and why should he still hold malice? After a little, -he again referred to the matter of changing his will, and when the -lawyer was ready, he {210}dictated a codicil bequeathing all his -possessions unconditionally to Bertha Allen, to which he attached his -signature. The lawyer showed no signs of astonishment at Rufus Grim's -action, though he guessed the relationship that existed between his -client and Bertha Allen. - -That evening a clandestine meeting between Bertha and her cousin, Arthur -Boast, had been arranged. - -[Illustration: 9218] - -Her first words, after the greeting and a kiss of welcome, were in -regard to the ordeal she had passed through with Mr. Grim. - -"To think, Arthur," lisped Bertha, "of that old fool asking me to be his -wife! Why, I really thought I would die, I did indeed!" - -"And what did you say?" asked Boast. - -"Why, you sweet old darling, what could I say but give him to understand -that perhaps I was willing? I told him to wait a year, and then--." - -"Yes, and then?" hissed Arthur, through his teeth. - -"Oh, don't be foolish, my own darling," said she, slipping her arms -about his neck, "you know I was only pretending; you know that I loathe -him, but I have been dependent on his bounty for so many years. I am -only too ready, Arthur, to go with you; yes, to the ends of the earth." -She caressed him tenderly, and Arthur's ill-feeling gave way before her -tender entreaties. - -He had heard Rufus Grim dictating the codicil to his will, and had been -fired with a mad jealousy, but she had confessed all at their first -meeting, and he felt relieved. He would not tell her of the codicil to -the will; no, not now. - -{211}"We must not delay our marriage much longer," said Bertha, sweetly, -"we really must not, Arthur; you must save me from that old bear. Oh, -how I hate him!" - -"Did he attempt to caress you?" asked Arthur. - -"Yes," replied Bertha, slowly, "but he only kissed me once." - -"Only kissed you once!" cried Arthur, and with a savage oath he pushed -her from him. - -"Arthur, you'll break my heart," she cried in stifled pain, and creeping -closer to him she clasped his arm with both her hands. "He kissed me -on the forehead. How could I help it? He is so overbearing and so -determined--I did not know but he would turn me away from his home -unless I humored and fooled him. Won't you forgive me? How could I help -it?" - -"Yes," said Arthur, clasping her passionately to his breast, "yes, I'll -forgive you; but you must go away from Rufus Grim's house, and I will -arrange matters and soon we will be married." - -"You make me so happy, Arthur; I could starve, yes, starve willingly -with you, rather than live with any other man on earth." - -"I think we had better be married soon," said Arthur, "say in two -weeks?" - -"Impossible!" lisped Bertha. - -"No, not impossible," replied Boast, almost savagely, - -"I say we must be married in two weeks. I will take you to my father's -for a little while, after which we will commence housekeeping." - -"Why, Arthur," protested Bertha, "you are the most unreasonable man -living; you are, indeed. How can I {212}be married in two weeks? It's -such a short time since mamma died." - -"It must be as I say," replied Arthur, determinedly, "it is for your -good. You are left alone in the world, and, Bertha, I love you with the -only love that I have ever given to any human being. There, don't cry; -dry your eyes, my darling, and make up your mind that I know what is -for your good." She finally gave in, and the compact was sealed with a -lover's kiss and a tender embrace. - -The next day was one to be long remembered. Colonel Bonifield called at -the _Prospector_ office and told Vance that, at last, they had reached -the 500 foot level. - -[Illustration: 9220] - -"Yes," said the Colonel, with more enthusiasm than he had exhibited for -some months, "we have cert'nly had mo' trouble, suh, in goin' these last -hund'ed feet than all the other distance put together, but we have kep' -right along, and finally, suh, we are 500 feet below the groun'. Of -cou'se, there's a lot of work yet to do; in fact, a pow'ful lot, in -cross-cutting into the vein, but a week's work, with my present fo'ce of -men, will finish the drift-shaft. It's a vehy proud moment of my life, -suh, to tell yo' that afteh all the trials and delays we have had, that -finally we are down to the 500 foot level. There's a little matteh, -Mr. Gilder, that I want to speak to yo' about. I'm goin' to be a little -short of money. I think, possibly, suh, I have enough fo' about three or -fou' days' work yet. We have about fo'ty men workin', and I am anxious -to keep them until we finish cross-cuttin'." - -Vance was aghast. He knew not what to do, and he frankly confessed to -the Colonel that the $6,000 which he had given him was, practically, -every cent he had in the world of ready money; that he had written to -Judge Patton, who had charge of his estate in New York city, and the -judge interpreted his father's will to require his residence in New York -city in order to enjoy the annuity. - -The Colonel thought a moment, and then said: "Don't bother yo'self, Mr. -Gilder, it's a matteh of vehy little importance, anyway, I assure yo', -suh; I know my men. Most of them have been workin' fo' me oveh a year, -and I feel perfectly confident they will stand by me until we finish the -work, even if I haven't the ready money with which to pay them. They're -a grand lot of fellows, I assure yo' they are, and between yo' and -me, every one of them has great confidence in Gray Rocks; wonde'ful -confidence, yes, suh." - -The Colonel bade Vance good-day and started for his mine, and Vance -turned to his case with a heavy heart. - -The winter was late in coming; though it was the first of November, yet -the air was comparatively mild, and the breezes soft, yet invigorating. - -That evening, Rufus Grim walked back and forth on his wide porch -contemplating his own importance. After a little, he walked down through -the village and followed a by-path along the mountain side, up -toward the old prospect shaft on the Peacock. The night was still and -beautiful. The moon was in the last quarter; but her rays were obscured -by lazy, drifting clouds, that hung idly in the heavens. - -Arriving at the old prospect shaft, he took off his hat, and pushed his -fat fingers through his heavy hair. He {214}even unbuttoned his coat and -leaned against the low wall about the old shaft. Far below him were the -lights of Gold Bluff shining from many windows. He looked toward his -home and thought of Bertha. - -"Yes, she loves me," he mused aloud, "she is a darling little angel. I -always thought she returned my love, and now I know it. What a coy way -she has about her! What slender hands! Gad; but it was an ordeal, the -declaring of my love for her, but I fancy no one could have done better. -No, sir, Rufus Grim is always equal to any occasion. - -"I have made myself what I am. After we are married, we will go to New -York city and Washington. They will say I have the loveliest little wife -in America--they cannot say otherwise. The men will envy me for owning -such a jewel. How different she is from other women! - -"Bertha!" he mused, "the loveliest name in the world! The little minx! -Yes, she suspected that I loved her. She refused 'em all for me; that -scoundrel J. Arthur Boast, among the rest. He is a clever dog, though, -and I rather feared him, but now it is all over. - -"I wish my law-suit was settled; that is the only speck on my horizon, -but the decision in the courts above, I feel sure, will be the same as -in the lower courts. Yes, I am lucky; there's none luckier on the whole -face of the earth. I came into this camp with nothing--now look at my -possessions." He chuckled to himself, and in an absent way kicked his -foot against the old wall. - -"Here is the place I made the discovery. I presume I ought not to blame -the dogs of war for being on my track, of course, they want a share of -this rich mine, but d------ 'em, they can't have it. No, sir, it belongs -to Rufus {215}Grim! The gold I have will protect the unmined millions in -the Peacock. - -"Neither court nor jury shall stand before my ambition. My first, yes, my -abiding ambition, is for gold, but with it has come a love that knows no -brooking for Bertha. God bless her! She is so tender and so refined---my -cup is full to overflowing. - -"They say I am successful. Whom shall I thank but {216}myself? No one. I -have climbed the rugged and uneven path alone, unaided. I have bent men -to my way of thinking; I am greater than all of them; yes, greater than -all. I'll make my marriage a success too, and with my gold and my -beautiful wife, I will commence living. No, I have never lived; I have -merely slaved and existed, but now I am getting ready to commence." - -Thus Rufus Grim fed himself on his own egotism, and recounted life's -victories, resulting from his own exertions. - -[Illustration: 0223] - -A dark form crouched near him, dimly outlined in the uncertain light. -Presently it crept stealthily up behind him. There was a hurried rush, -a whistling noise cut sharply through the air; a stifled cry, a heavy -fall, and Rufus Grinds body plunged forward into the yawning mouth of -the old prospect shaft, and his life's work was over. - -His anticipated happiness, his pompous joy, his earthly prosperity, his -vanity and vain-glory, all were over. Had he died by any other method, -it might have been said that it was well that his death occurred before -he discovered that Bertha Allen, to whom he had given all that was -tender in his coarse and pompous life, had cruelly deceived him. - -It mattered not now, the decision of the higher courts of earth, but -rather the decision of that higher court in heaven. A sounding splash -from murky waters far below resounded back to the outer world like a -farewell echo, and Rufus Grim's mangled remains rested near the gold he -loved so well. Yes, in the vault where his manhood had been bartered for -gold, he slept. There was gold on {217}every side--gold above him and -gold beneath him--a priceless mausoleum. - -Yes, at last, all that was mortal of the man of inordinate worldly -ambition and restless energy, reposed in the monotonous sleep of -unbroken stillness. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV.--CROSS-CUTTING IN THE MINE. - - -[Illustration: 0226] - -HE next{218} day Rufus Grim was missed from the Peacock. His manager -could not understand it. Never before had he absented himself from his -office without giving the most detailed instructions in regard to work -in the mine. When the following morning came and he was still absent, -the manager's fears ripened into genuine alarm and soon all the people -of Gold Bluff were discussing the mystery of Rufus Grim's disappearance. - -A vigorous search was instituted, which resulted a few days later in -finding his lifeless body at the bottom of the old prospect shaft. At -the coroner's inquest it was decided that he had been murdered, as was -evidenced by peculiar wounds on the back of his head. - -He was laid to rest by the side of his deceased wife, with a -demonstration that far excelled any funeral that had ever taken place in -Gold Bluff. Such a cowardly murder excited the sympathy of all who knew -him. They forgot the pompous, over-bearing owner of the Peacock, in -listening to the minister's pious words of commendation over the mangled -remains of Rufus Grim, the citizen. - -The mystery surrounding his demise appealed to all law-abiding citizens -to help hunt down the assassin. In {219}the feverish excitement it was -remembered that Hank Casey and Steve Gibbons were sworn enemies of the -rich mine owner; indeed, the latter had even threatened his life in the -presence of numerous witnesses. - -The sheriff who had so ignominiously failed in running down the stage -robbers, took the lead in trying to ferret out the murderer and bring -him to justice. A few days after this, warrants were sworn out for the -arrest of Steve Gibbons and Hank Casey, charging them with the crime. -Gibbons was arrested, but Hank Casey could not be found. He had -disappeared a few days after the murder, and no one knew where he had -gone. Gibbons maintained a dogged silence and seemed much subdued and -humiliated that not one of his many supposed friends came forward to -sign his bond. Handcuffed and accompanied by the sheriff, heavily armed, -he appealed in vain to many, but without success. Vance made himself -quite unpopular by offering to sign Steve Gibbons' bond. The people were -indignant and said it was carrying his ill-feeling toward Rufus Grim -entirely too far. As he had no property excepting an interest in Gray -Rocks mine, which was undeveloped, he was considered incompetent as a -bondsman and promptly rejected. - -One evening Vance worked very late setting type on the _Prospector_. -It was past midnight when he went to his sleeping room. He was about to -retire when he heard some one knocking at the printing office door. He -admitted the visitor and found it to be J. Arthur Boast. - -"Good evening, Mr. Gilder," said he, "I have come to see you on a little -matter of great importance to myself." - -"Come in," said Vance, "I have no light in this room; come on into my -bedroom." - -{220}"You will remember a conversation we had," said Boast, "some time -ago at the hotel." Vance assented that he did. "Well, I have come tonight -to claim a little of the reciprocal friendship which you promised -me." - -"Circumstances," said Boast, "indeed, shape the destiny of man. Of this -I am more and more convinced. To think of us sitting down together as -friends a month ago would have been preposterous, and yet I am happy -to know we meet as such to-night. What impelled me to send for you the -night you visited me at the hotel, I am unable to explain; an impulse -that I was not strong enough to overcome, compelled me to do it. I feel, -Mr. Gilder, that I have much to be thankful for in your friendship, and -yet it has all been brought about by a circumstance over which I had -no control. It was not the result of a premeditated judgment, but the -outcome of an impulse." - -"I hope," said Vance, as he reached Boast a cigar and lit one himself, -"that you have no regrets in regard to our late friendly understanding." - -"No, indeed," replied Boast, "on the contrary I feel that I am one of -the most fortunate men living. By the way," he continued, "this is an -excellent cigar." - -"Yes," replied Vance, "I received a box from one of my New York friends. -It is a luxury that I am not able to indulge in very freely, unless some -old chum happens to remember my isolation in these Western mountains and -takes pity on me." - -"Have I told you," asked Boast, "that I have quit drinking?" - -"No!" replied Vance, in some surprise. - -"Yes, I have given up red liquor altogether. The habit got a pretty -strong hold on me and I was going down hill at a very rapid pace; -indeed, I had quite given up any hope of ever being anything but a hard -drinker. Scarcely had I reconciled myself to that belief, than a whim, -a caprice, an impulse, or whatever you may call it, took hold of me and -said, 'No more liquor, J. Arthur Boast; not another drop,' and from that -day to this I have not tasted the abominable stuff." - -[Illustration: 0229] - -Vance assured him he was glad to hear of the reformation. - -"I am in love; desperately so,'" said Boast. - -"In love?" repeated Vance. - -"Yes, I am in love with my cousin, Bertha Allen, and she reciprocates -my own tender affection. On her account, if not for my own, I am indeed -glad the red liquor craze has been overcome, and that reminds me of the -object of my visit. - -"Bertha is such a stickler on formalities and so sensitive that I have -had hard work to convince her our marriage should take place so soon -after her mother's death. Our arrangements were made to be married the -day after to-morrow. Her step-father's death, of course, complicated -matters a little, and she thought we ought to postpone the affair. As -usual, however," continued Boast, "I have convinced her that she is -wrong and I am right, and have finally gained her consent, on one -condition, that you and Miss Louise will favor us with your presence and -act as groomsman and bridesmaid." - -Vance was non-plussed at Boast's remarks, and for a moment did not know -what to say. - -"It will be a very quiet affair," continued Boast, "immediate relatives -and all that--she has none, and neither have I, save my father and -mother. We are to be married at my father's. There's no one Bertha -thinks so much of as Louise. They have been chums for many years, and -since you profess friendship for me, I feel sure you'll not refuse my -request." - -Vance promised to consider the matter and let him know the next day, -after consulting Louise. - -"Very well," said Boast, "I will call to-morrow. It's really too bad," -he went on, "that a weak little woman like Bertha should have had so -much suffering during the last few months. Actuated by sympathy as well -as love, I feel it my duty to set formalities aside, marry her, and thus -insure to myself the privilege of protecting and caring for her as she -deserves." - -"Yes," said Vance, "she has had a great deal to endure. By the way, Mr. -Boast, do you believe Steve Gibbons guilty of Mr. Grim's murder?" - -Boast relit his cigar before answering. "Mr. Gilder," said he, after -deliberating, "I hope Mr. Gibbons is innocent. I have tried to look -calmly at his case, shrouded in mystery as it is. I have tried to blunt -my ears to whisperings and prejudices and not jump with the multitude -toward a hasty conclusion Of course, the circumstantial evidence against -Mr. Gibbous is rather damaging. Mr. Casey's disappearance and Gibbon's -continued silence as to his whereabouts, makes it look still worse. -The probabilities are that nine out of ten of the people of Gold Bluff -believe him to be guilty. They have built up a wall of circumstantial -evidence that seems to be impregnable, and unless the public pulse is -permitted to cool before his trial comes off, they very likely will -convict him, To me, mercy seems much more preferable than a hasty -judgment, Well, good-night, Mr. Gilder. I am sorry to have been -compelled to call on you at such a late hour, but you know," said he, -with a jocular laugh, "it is an urgent case, and when you are as near to -your nuptials as I am, I'll forgive you if you should rout me out of bed -at all hours of the night." - -"A strange man!" said Vance to himself when Boast was gone, "he talks -like a philosopher. His judgment is seasoned with mercy. How could I -have misunderstood him as I did? It's rather odd that he and Bertha -Allen are to be married. I know Louise will be surprised. After all, -it's best that he should marry Miss Allen, and the very fact that he -makes her his wife at this time when she is left completely alone, -really ennobles the fellow to me." - -The following day a favorable answer was given to Boast, and the -marriage took place the next evening. It was indeed a quiet affair. -Whether Colonel Boast and his wife approved of their only son marrying -his cousin or not, Vance was unable to satisfactorily decide in his own -mind; but he and Louise both acknowledged that they felt freed from an -indescribable restraint after taking their departure. - -Almost simultaneously with the announcement of J. Arthur Boast's -marriage was the discovery that Bertha Allen was the heiress of all the -vast possessions of the murdered mine owner. Rufus Grims attorney -became Arthur Boast's trusted adviser. Work in the great Peacock mine -continued, and within a week J. Arthur Boast was in control of affairs; -indeed, he seemed a changed {224}man. His responsibilities seemed to -subdue without irritating him. The people were quick to discover new -elements of strength in the controller of the Peacock, and vied with -each other in giving him encouragement. - -Work on Gray Rocks had not been progressing so smoothly. Old Colonel -Bonifield, fired with the enthusiasm of a Ponce de Leon, believed the -forty odd men employed in cross-cutting the drift shaft from the 500 -foot level would remain with him, although his finances were exhausted. - -It was on Saturday night that he called his men about him and explained -his temporary embarrassments. - -[Illustration: 8232] - -He paid them off in full, and assured them that three or four more days' -work with their united assistance, was all that was necessary to reach -the gold he had been looking for so many weary years, and expressed -confidence, in his chivalrous way, that all his employes would report -the next Monday morning for work, and stay with him until the drift was -finished. The following Monday morning, however, found but a half -dozen men reporting for work, much to Colonel Bonifield's surprise and -disappointment. - -The old Colonel went into the mine with his faithful adherents, -and encouraged them by his undaunted energy. What could have been -accomplished by forty men in the space of three days, would require -fifteen or twenty days with his half dozen assistants. They lessened the -size of the drift shaft, however, and this would make quite a saving of -time. Throughout the week, the Colonel, with his handful of assistants, -labored incessantly. When the next Monday morning came around, he found -that only three reported for duty. This was indeed discouraging, but -with a determination that knew no brooking, he went on. - -Two days later, his three assistants advised him that their families -were in want of the necessities of life, and while they still had -unbounded faith in Gray Rocks, yet they owed a duty to their families -first and before all else, and could not remain with him any longer. - -After this, the engineer and fireman took turns in helping the Colonel. -One man remaining in the engine room performed the work of both. After -a couple of days of monotonous drilling and blasting, the Colonel one -evening told Louise of his great discouragement. - -"My deah daughter," said the Colonel, "they have all dese'ted me; I am -left alone to finish the work in the mine as best I can. It's pow'ful -humiliatin' to be dese'ted just when I am reachin' fo' the last round -in the laddeh." Louise had slipped her arms around his neck while he was -speaking. - -"My dear father," she said, "why not go to Mr. Gilder; he has been so -true to you, and I am sure, now that you are so near finishing your -work, he will give you what assistance is needed." - -The old man stroked his daughter's hair affectionately. "Yes, suh, yo' -are right; he would help me if he could. No one seems to undehstand me, -Louise, my deah child, except'n' yo'self and Mr. Gilder. I may as well -tell yo' that I called on Mr. Gilder sev'al days ago fo' a little mo' -money, and he told me the $6,000 which he had given us was practically -every dollar he had in the world. It made my old heart bleed to see the -pained expression on the {226}noble young fellow's face--pained because -he couldn't help me mo'. I explained to him that it made no diff'ence; -that my men--the rascals who have so shamefully dese'ted me--had -confidence in Gray Rocks, and that they would stand by me fo' a few days -longeh." - -The Colonel walked back and forth in an agitated way, and held his head -between his hands. "My God, it will drive me crazy," he exclaimed, -"if the work is not finished." Louise was startled at his manner. She -noticed that he appeared older than ever before, and condemned herself -for not giving him more encouragement and help. - -"Father, how can I help you?" she asked, imploringly. - -"There is no way, my precious little child; come here to me." He seated -himself and she nestled on his lap. - -"To-morrow morning, father," said she, "now listen, for I am going to -have my way--to-morrow morning I am going with you down to the 500 foot -level and help you with the work. I'm not afraid, and I'm very strong, -too." - -"Why, what would Mr. Gilder say if he knew my little girl was down in a -mine workin'?" said the Colonel, half amused at her earnestness, while -he pressed her close and closer to him. - -"Mr. Gilder?" repeated Louise, looking dreamily into the bed of red -coals in the open grate, "we won't tell him. How heroic it was of him to -give you every dollar he had in the world! Tell me, father, do you think -any one else would have done so much?" - -"No, suh," replied the Colonel, "there's betteh blood cou'sin' through -his veins than any man I eveh saw. To be sure, he's a nawth'n man--that -is, he was bawn in the nawth; but even the old state of Virginia neveh -produced a manlier man." - -True to her promise, the next morning found Louise with her father in -the drift shaft, 500 feet underground. They had carried with them -a well-filled lunch basket, and worked with a determination born of -despair. Holes were drilled deep in the solid rock and filled with giant -powder, then after lighting the fuse, they would retreat until the blast -resounded in hollow mockery through the caverns of the earth. No sooner -would the smoke clear away than they would drill again. - -While Louise was drilling and putting forth all her strength in work -that would have tried the courage of the hardiest miner, her father -would take turns with her, and again he would measure the distance from -the shaft to see how much farther they had to drift. - -It was late in the evening, and _they_ had been working on some time in -silence, when the Colonel, after making a last measurement, shouted out -in the stillness, "Well finish it to-night! Bring the powdeh, while -I drill!" and presently another blast resounded like a death knell to -hope, tearing away great sections of the adamantine rock. On, on they -worked--drilling and blasting. - -Louise had become well-nigh exhausted, and rested for a moment, when the -Colonel shouted: "Drill on! Drill on! There's no time to lose!" - -"But, father," cried Louise, "the powder is all gone. Shall we not -send the engineer for more? There's hardly enough for more than another -blast." - -"No!" yelled the Colonel, almost like a maniac in vehemence, "I have no -money fo' mo' powdeh. Let us use what we have. Scrape the cans and put -it all in one great blast. I will drill." - -[Illustration: 0236] - -Louise was frightened. She feared her father was losing his mind. It -might be, after all, that instead of benefitting him by her constant -encouragement and belief in Gray Rocks, she had but added to his vain -hallucination, and the shock of another failure might dethrone his -reason. While she was thinking, she industriously applied herself to -gathering from the different cans that had contained the giant powder -all that was left into one. Yes, there was enough for one more blast, -but not enough for two. - -"Where is the powdeh?" cried the Colonel. She looked at her father, -whose face was almost as white as the disheveled hair of his uncovered -head. He had thrown aside his hat and coat, and was wrought up to the -highest pitch of excitement. - -"A moment, father," said Louise, laying her hand on his arm. - -"Let me alone, I have no time to wait," he said. - -"But listen, father, won't you? Listen to me just a moment." - -"Well, what is it?" said he, impatiently, wiping the perspiration from -his brow. - -"For thirteen years, father, you've been striving and striving to find -gold in Gray Rocks; what if you are no nearer now than you were thirteen -years ago? Will you be so terribly disappointed, father? Come, tell -me you will not." She had her arms about his neck and was looking -pleadingly up into his face. He pushed her from him. - -"Yo' talk as if yo' doubted," said he. "I'm thirteen years nearer -success to-night than the day I commenced. It's vehy humiliatin' to me -to think that yo', Louise, should doubt yo'r old father's judgment. Have -yo' forgotten that my blood cou'ses in yo'r veins? Are yo', too, turnin' -against me at the vehy last?" - -"Oh, father," cried Louise, as she clung to him and buried her head on -his breast, sobbing wildly, "don't speak to me so harshly! It will kill -me! Have I not," said she, between her sobs, "stood by you and believed -{230}with you, though all others, unless it was Mr. Gilder, turned -against you? I believe now that you are right, father, but it may be -deeper down, and I was only trying to make the disappointment less hard -in case disappointment should again be the result of our efforts." - -"There, there, little girl," said the Colonel, stroking her head -affectionately, "I do forgive yo', and yo' must forgive yo'r old, -excitable father. Let us put in the powdeh; let us make the last blast, -and let its resoundin' peals tell the whole world that we've done our -best!" - -"Yes, father; that we have indeed done our utmost; and after this blast -we will go home and still have faith in Gray Rocks, though the whole -world disbelieves." - -"We have plenty of powdeh here," said the old Colonel, picking up the -can, "to tear ten tons of rock into shreds." - -The fuse was lighted and they retired for protection until the powder -should ignite. Presently there was a deafening roar, as if the mountains -were being split asunder. The Colonel grasped his daughter's hand with -such a vise-like grip that it almost made her cry out with pain. - -"The last blast!" shouted the old Colonel, when the reverberations had -ceased, "the smoke will soon clear away, and then we shall see, yes, -suh, we shall see!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI.--A STARTLING EDITORIAL. - - -[Illustration: 9239] - -ANCE knew{231} nothing of Colonel Bonifield's discouraging labors in -the mine. Indeed, he had been so busy with other matters that he had not -found time to call on the Bonifield's for over a week--a very unusual -occurrence. - -A few days prior to Louise's experience in her father's mine, Vance had -been routed up by some one knocking on his window in the middle of -the night. It proved to be none other than the missing Hank Casey, -accompanied by Marcus Donald of Waterville. A consultation that lasted -several hours followed. An understanding was finally reached, and it -was agreed that Hank Casey should remain concealed during the daytime in -Vance's room, and await developments. - -"I may be laying myself liable to the law," said Vance, laughingly, "in -concealing a man for whom a warrant has been issued, but, nevertheless, -I believe what you tell me, and on our mutual friend, Marcus Donald's -advice, I shall act my part unflinchingly." - -"Of course," said Marcus Donald, "it's none of my affairs in one sense -of the word, but when Mr. Casey came to Waterville, having walked all -the way from Gold Bluff by a circuitous route, in order to avoid meeting -any {232}one, and told me that Mr. Gibbons was about to be unjustly -arrested for murder, I at once became interested, especially with Mr. -Casey's knowledge of the affair." - -"Ye see, pardner," said Hank Casey, addressing Vance, "I 'lowed things -was goin' to be pipin' hot in these 'ere diggin's, fer I heered a rumour -that Steve an' I was both to be arrested. I knowed' t'wan't no use fer -both of us to lay 'round here till our hands an' feet were tied, so, -sez I to Steve Gibbons, sez I, 'Steve, you make your perch here in Gold -Bluff, an' don't you run nary an inch, and I'll scoot out an' try an' -scare up some help an' turn the tables on these 'ere chaps. Of course, -nuther of us liked Rufus Grim any too well; that is, we had no hankerin' -love for him; but I 'low were not quite low enough down to commence -murderin' people, even if they did cheat us out of a rich mine like the -Peacock. This game ain't out yet," he went on, "the higher courts may -reverse the decision of the court below, and in that event Steve an' I -will yet have justice, though it s been dangnation slow 'bout comin'." - -"I am greatly astonished," said Vance, "at your revelation. It is -entirely contrary to my theory of the case. I am beginning to feel, -however, that my judgment amounts to but very little in this western -country, though I must say I have received great encouragement from your -words, Mr. Donald, in regard to Waterville property. I will throw a bomb -into the enemy's camp by writing an editorial for the _Prospector_ that -will touch a tender place, if Mr. Casey is correct in his statement." - -It so happened that on the very day that Louise and her father were -working in the mine, the _Prospector_ was issued, and contained the -following editorial: {233} - - -THE RUFUS GRIM MURDER. - -The history of Rufus Grim's demise, though still shrouded -in mystery, will doubtless, when the facts are known, startle the people -of Gold Bluff even more than the murder itself. It is true that Steve -Gibbons is accused and languishes in the county jail, and that a -warrant is out for the arrest of his old associate, Hank Casey. In the -excitement of the hour, our people may have interpreted circumstantial -evidence as proof of guilt. As a matter of fact, not one jot or tittle -of damaging evidence, in the _Prospector's_ judgment, can be produced -against these men. - -The idea of suicide has been effectually set aside by the findings at -the coroner's inquest. No one doubts that it was a cold-blooded, cowardly -murder. We believe the murderer is in Gold Bluff to-day, and like the -wolf of old, is clad in sheep's raiment. - -Our people should understand the difference between circumstantial and -real evidence. It is probably true that both Steve Gibbons and Hank -Casey were on anything but friendly terms with Rufus Grim, but they -were not his only enemies; indeed, there is one in Gold Bluff who was -secretly, if not openly, a much greater enemy to the rich mine owner -than either of the suspected parties. - -It is time that prejudice gave way to reason, and that others, who -_profited_ much more by Rufus Grim's removal, should not only -be suspected, but subjected to the crucial test of a thorough -investigation. - -This article set the people of Gold Bluff agog. The entire camp, from -center to circumference, seemed startled by the boldness of Vance -Gilder's double-leaded editorial. When J. Arthur Boast read the article, -he was dazed by its audacity. He sent for his attorney, and throughout -the afternoon a consultation that lasted far into the night was held. - -Work on the Peacock was shut down the following {234}morning at -Boast's request, and the men assembled at the company's office. Boast, -addressing the miners, said: - -"You, doubtless, have read the editorial in yesterday's _Prospector_, -written by a stranger and interloper in our midst, Mr. Vance Gilder, who -foully accuses me of murdering Rufus Grim. - -[Illustration: 9242] - -I am now going down to the office of the _Prospector_, and shall demand -an _amende honorable_. So many of you as see fit may accompany me." - -"Ay, ay!" the crowd shouted, "we are ready!" Indeed, the citizens of -Gold Bluff almost to a man, sided with Boast, and said Vance was showing -a cowardly venom at J. Arthur Boast's unexpected success and good -fortune, that was neither dignified nor just. Boast led the way to the -_Prospector_ office, and was followed by a throng of determined miners -and angry citizens, who were in a frame of mind that boded no good for -Vance Gilder. - -Louise Bonifield had just come over to the Prospector office with a -message from her father, and met Arthur Boast at the office door. Louise -tripped lightly into the office and saluted Vance with a cheery smile -and good morning, while Boast paused in the doorway. - -"Good morning, Mr. Gilder," said he, savagely. - -"Good morning," replied Vance. - -"Who wrote this editorial?" asked Boast, striking vigorously a copy -of the _Prospector_ which he held in his hand. "I tell you," continued -Boast, "I never murdered Rufus Grim, and any man that says I did is a -liar, abase scoundrel, and a contemptible whelp!" - -{235}"That's right! Ay, ay!" exclaimed the mob that was standing behind -Boast, ready at a moment's notice to loot the printing office. - -Vance was cool and collected. He noticed that Boast spoke in his -old-time thin, piping voice, and his eyes were restless and glittered -like a fiend's. The element of manhood and of the philosopher had wholly -disappeared. - -Louise stepped quickly forward before Vance could make a reply, and -laying her hand on Boast's arm, said: "Arthur, you know I have always -been your friend. I am sure Mr. Gilder has never accused you of -murdering Mr. Grim. What do you mean?" - -"But he has accused me," retorted Boast. "Read this!" - -Vance stepped hurriedly from behind the case, and drawing Louise gently -back, stood face to face with Arthur Boast. He was calm and determined. -"Where," said he, "where have I accused you of murdering Rufus Grim? -Point out the sentence in the article where your name even appears?" - -"Well, you haven't used my name, but you might as well have done so." - -"No," said Vance, as his eyes gleamed with fiercest indignation and -anger, "I have not accused you, Arthur Boast, but you, by this act, with -your mob of hirelings behind you, have accused yourself. Now you must, -and by the eternals, shall answer to the law. A guilty conscience," he -continued, "needs no accuser, and it is your accusing conscience that -has prompted you to come here and publicly charge yourself with -the crime. Neither you, nor your host of admirers on full pay, -can intimidate me. If you can pass through the test of a thorough -investigation, and can be proved innocent, then I will have {236}no more -to say, but until you do this, I shall publicly accuse you and denounce -you as the murderer of Rufus Grim!" - -Vance towered up like a giant before the writhing and shriveling form of -J. Arthur Boast. - -[Illustration: 0244] - -"Well, I don't know that you have accused me in this editorial," whined -Boast, "and I don't know as I need to take any steps of revenge until -you dare to use my name in your paper. I guess I'll wait and see what my -{237}lawyer advises. Fall back, boys, I have nothing farther to say at -this interview." - -"But I have," said Vance, in thundering tones, "and before long I shall -have much to say." - -"Well, you won't say it through the columns of the Gold Bluff -_Prospector_. It is my property; I have the bill of sale in my pocket." - -"Yes," said Vance, "yours is the weapon of a coward; the unholy use -of the power of money, but your plan of securing possession of the -Prospector has no terrors for me. The copy of the _Prospector_ that you -hold in your hand contains the last editorial I ever expect to write for -the paper. It may please you to know that my last dollar is gone; I am -penniless, and without interference from you the _Prospector_ has been -issued for the last time under my management. I have been typo, managing -editor, devil, form setter, city editor, publisher and everything else, -trying hard to make an honest living. I am now through. You and -your host of satellites will oblige me by leaving the premises. Come -to-morrow morning and take possession. You'll not find me in the way." - -Boast turned, and facing his mob of backers said, with the forced laugh -of a whipped man: - -"I thought I would squelch him, boys; he had to cave in, you bet." His -voice was shrill and squeaky, and his braggadocio air, as he led his -admirers away, hid but poorly his nervousness and agitation. - -Vance and Louise were alone. Louise had stood by during the interview, -startled and alarmed. She marvelled at Vance's strength; at his -grandeur; at his nobleness; and when she heard him say that now he was -penniless, she remembered the sacrifices he had made to help her -father. He turned toward her and their eyes met. It came to her like an -inspiration, that her respect and admiration for him in times past had -been but a prelude to the pulsing love she now felt for him. She reached -out both her hands toward him; he took them, and a moment later she was -sobbing on his breast. No word had been spoken, but volumes had been -interchanged in that one look. - -The doorway was darkened. They quickly looked up, Louise through her -tears, and Vance with a beaming countenance. Colonel Bonifield was -surveying the situation with a look of genuine surprise on his face. - -"Yo' almost pa'lyze me, suh," said the Colonel, "indeed yo' do. Why, Mr. -Gilder, I sent my little girl oveh here to tell yo' that I had a matteh -of vehy great impo'tance to talk oveh with yo', but she was gone so -long, suh, that I became impatient and came oveh myself." - -"Oh, papa," said Louise, "Mr. Gilder and Arthur have had a terrible -quarrel!" - -"A quarrel, suh; why, how is that?" - -"I am always ready to talk with you, Colonel," said Vance, in a confused -way, and unconsciously retaining one of Louise's hands. - -"Well, now, if my little girl," said the Colonel "God bless her! will go -oveh home and see about preparin' dinneh and lay an extra plate fo' yo', -we'll have our talk and come oveh a little lateh." - -While no word had been spoken between Vance and Louise, yet he believed -that his great love had been understood and rewarded. He lifted her -hand to his lips as she started to go, with that chivalrous respect -so becoming in the knights of old. When she was gone, Vance turned and -thought he saw a smile chasing rapidly over the Colonel's face. - -"Wait a moment, Colonel," said Vance, "I have some choice cigars that -were sent me from New York. Here, try this one." - -"Thank yo'," said the Colonel, "I neveh felt mo' like smokin' in my -life than I do this mawnin' As they lit their cigars, they walked out -in front of the printing office. The morning sun mellowed the crisp and -invigorating mountain air. Vance narrated his interview with Boast. The -Colonel's face clouded with a troubled expression. Presently he said: - -"Mr. Gilder, we have at last finished our work on Gray Rocks." - -"I am very glad," was Vance's reply. - -"Yo' fo'ced me, suh, at one time," said the Colonel, "to make a promise. -When I pledge my word of honor, suh, as I did to yo', it is sacred. -Heretofore yo' most naturally, Mr. Gilder, have asked me what I advised. -I now come to yo' and ask, what do yo' advise?" - -"Colonel Bonifield," said Vance, "I am glad you ask me what I advise. -You know, Colonel, when you first came to New York city, you thought -that if you could only get to the 300 foot level you would cross-cut -into a mine of untold wealth." - -"Yes, suh," replied the Colonel, "that is so, and yo' freely gave me the -money to push the work." - -"Yes," said Vance, and unconsciously with the toe of his boot he dug in -the sand as if he was seeking the 300 foot level, "at the 300 foot -level your efforts were not rewarded. Then you started for the 400 foot -level." - -{240}"Yes, suh," said the Colonel, "and again you gave me the money." - -"Yes, yes," said Vance, as the toe of his boot dug still deeper in the -sand, "but again you failed. Then I gave you the last dollar of ready -money I had in the world to sink the shaft on down to the 500 foot -level." - -"Vehy true," said the Colonel, "and would have given me mo' if yo' had -had it." - -"Most assuredly," said Vance, as his boot struck the rock that lay -beneath the sand. "Yes," said he, planting his heel firmly on the -rock, "you have at last reached the 500 foot level. Heretofore, I have -listened to your advice, and now I hope you will be guided by mine. I -have been away from New York over two years. I have not left Gold Bluff -for more than a year. I have remained close to Gray Rocks, alternately -hoping and doubting that you would be successful. Colonel Bonifield, -I have no regrets. You have been earnest and sincere, though sadly -mistaken, in regard to this mining venture." - -"Well, well, suh," said the Colonel, as he waited for Vance to go on. - -"I have something to say to you, Colonel--I love your daughter with my -whole heart, and more devotedly, it seems to me, than ever man loved -woman before. I have a beautiful home in New York city, with ample means -to care for her and you. My advice is that you and your lovely daughter, -with those dependent upon you, come with me and we will leave these -western wilds, so associated with disappointment, and go to my city -home. This morning, for the first time, I have had reason to believe -that your daughter reciprocated the great love I bear her. You are now -an old man, Colonel, and while I have not a doubt in the world that if -you would sink your shaft to the 600 foot level, say, or, perhaps to the -700 foot level, you would strike the vein of gold you have been looking -for so many years; yet, what is the use, Colonel Bonifield, what is -the use? My love for your daughter is very great, and I believe it is -unselfish. A home of plenty awaits us. Hardships and disappointment -alone have been the reward of our earnest efforts. Why not go away -from it all? Yes, let us go and forget the trials, hardships, and -hopes deferred of a frontiersman's life, and let me help you spend the -remaining years of your life in quiet, peace, and contentment." - -"Yo' do me honor, suh," replied the Colonel, as he brushed a mist from -his eyes, "bawn in the nawth, yet yo' possess the true chivalry of a -southern gentleman. Yes, suh, yo' do, indeed. It is true we sunk the -shaft to the 300 foot level, and finally, to the 500 foot level, and -you, suh, have fu'nished the money fo' this great work. I thought my men -would stay with me and help cross-cut into the vein, but I found, when -I spoke to them about the matteh, that they only had confidence in Gray -Rocks so long as there was money in my purse to pay their wages every -Saturday night. When they dese'ted me, suh, I worked away alone, and -finally that little girl, Louise, went down with me yeste'day early -in the mawnin', and we didn't get home until after nine o'clock last -night." - -{242}"What!" said Vance, "Louise been working down in the mine?" - -"Yes, suh, the hardest day's work I eveh put in on Gray Rocks was -yeste'day." - -"Why did you not let me know?" asked Vance, "I would have come and -helped you most cheerfully, rather than have let her do the work of a -man, and 500 feet under ground at that." - -"Well, hold on, Mr. Gilder, let me tell yo'. We had a goodly portion of -giant powder yeste'day mawnin', and yo've no idea how much assistance -Louise gave me. I took the measu'ments a dozen times, suh, durin' the -day, and it seemed to me that by workin' a little late, we might finally -blast through into the vein." - -"Yes, Colonel, 'where the vein might have been,'" said Vance, with a -merry twinkle in his eye, while he struck his heel in an absent way -against the rock. The Colonel paid no attention to the interruption. - -"Finally, suh, we made our last, drill, and filled it up with every -grain of powdeh we had left. My little Louise had to dust every powdeh -can in ordeh to have enough to make the last blast. We retired, suh, as -usual, afteh I had lit the fuse, and yo' ought to have heard that -last blast go off! My daughter, suh, God bless her, tried to dull the -disappointment that she felt sure was awaitin' our effo'ts by gettin' me -to promise not to be too much disappointed; but I had confidence; yes, -suh, right up to the last. Well, suh, the smoke finally cleared away, -and my God! suh, my old eyes wept for joy!" - -"What!" exclaimed Vance. - -"Look at this piece of ore, Mr. Gilder; richer, yes, suh, richer than -anything ever discovered in the Peacock. {243}Yes, suh, my deah Gilder, -we have made our last blast, and Gray Rocks is worth two million -dollars. The agent of a rich minin' corporation of Butte City made me an -offer of that sum this mawnin'." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII.--AT LAST! - - -[Illustration: 9252] - -EFFECT {244}on the people of a mining camp of one of those fabulously -rich "strikes" like Gray Recks mine proved to be, may be imagined but -cannot be described in words. Shopkeeper, citizen and miner alike, go -wild with enthusiasm over so important a discovery. Congratulations were -showered upon Colonel Bonifield and Vance from every quarter. Every one -in Gold Bluff felt it his privilege to call at Colonel Bonifield's home -and pay his respects to one who had lived so long in their midst, and -who had so persistently and so patiently maintained unbounded confidence -in a proposition that was looked upon by others as a money-losing -venture. - -Independent of the fortune left him by his father, Vance was now a -millionaire. In his prosperity he did not forget his old friends. He -called on the sheriff and again offered himself as bondsman for Steve -Gibbons. The bond was accepted, and a half hour later, Gibbons was -released. Hank Casey surrendered himself, and was also immediately -bailed out of custody. - -One evening the stage coach brought to Gold Bluff Homer Winthrop and -his young bride, _nee_ Virgie Bonifield. It was a great surprise to the -Bonifield household. - -{245}"And this accounts," said Vance to Homer, after he had -congratulated him, "this accounts for Marcus Donald hastening away from -Gold Bluff." - -"Yes," said Homer, "I could not think of having the ceremony take place -without my old friend and associate, Marcus Donald, being present. We -have traveled together so long, in adversity as well as in prosperity, -that we are quite inseparable." - -"He is a great character," replied Vance, "his disinterested assistance -and help I have recently seen demonstrated in a marked degree." - -"He is one of the 'salt of the earth,'" replied Winthrop, -enthusiastically, "he is not only a sunny day friend, but one in the -hour of need--indeed, he is a man among men. By the way," he continued, -"I want to congratulate you with all my heart on the great Gray Rocks -strike." - -"Thank you," replied Vance, "the prosperity could never have come at -a more opportune time. My finances was reduced to the last dollar when -Colonel Bonifield broke the news to me." - -"I received your letter, written some ten days ago," said Winthrop, "and -have sold those twenty-five lots your New York friends purchased." - -"Thank God for that!" ejaculated Vance. - -"Yes, I sold them for $800 apiece, or $20,000. As they only paid $2,500 -for them, I hardly think they can complain at the profits. Oh, you have -no idea what a city Waterville has become. The great waterpower has -been effectually harnessed, the streets are paved; electric car lines, -planing mills, and scores of other manufacturing concerns are in full -operation. Our population is now {240}numbered by thousands, instead -of hundreds, while busy activity and prosperity are apparent on every -hand." - -"You quite astonish me, old fellow," replied Vance, "indeed you do; but -I needed no greater proof of Waterville's prosperity than your report -of the sale of lots belonging to my New York friends. Once, old fellow, -I gave you my promise to wait five years before passing judgment on your -enterprise. Hardly half that time has elapsed, yet it gives me pleasure -to assure you that I am already better satisfied with Waterville than I -ever dared hope for." - -"Thank you," said Homer, "your 'Two Honorable Exceptions' article in the -New York _Banner_ was indeed prophetic." - -"Yes," said Vance, "while the prophecies of Col. Alexander, B. Webster -Legal, Gen. Ira House, and other members of your Waterville Town -Company, have been more than realized." - -"My associates," said Homer, "in the great work of building up -Waterville, have at last met with a compensation which I cannot but feel -is a just one. Taking it all and all, they are a grand lot of fellows, -each one a study within himself; nevertheless, collectively a phalanx of -strength." - -"By the way," he continued, "it was my noble little wife, Virgie, that -started the boom last spring. She learned in some mysterious way that -a private school fund had been created for her special benefit, and in -order to return the money, purchased the first lots that we had sold for -months and months, and from that day the boom started, until now--well, -you'll have to see the place to realize the wonderful changes and -improvements." - -{247}"Hers," said Vance, "is certainty a sweet and noble character." - -"Yes, indeed," replied Winthrop, laughingly, "I still think she is the -most practical member of the Bonifield family." - -"Indeed," said Vance, "I remember the allusion, and I beg to assure you -that my opinion remains unchanged in regard to Louise." - -"I notice," said Winthrop, "that our old acquaintance, J. Arthur Boast, -has had quite a rise in the world--at the head of the Peacock mine, I -understand." - -"Yes," replied Vance, while a sorrowful expression swept over his face, -"I fear his rise preceeds a mighty fall. Gibbons and Casey have been -arrested for the Grim murder, but have given bonds, and are waiting -for their attorney, B. Webster Legal, and to use one of Steve Gibbons' -expressions, 'Things are liable to be sizzlin' hot for Boast before -long. '" - -"Why," interrupted Winthrop, "you cannot mean--" - -"Yes," continued Vance, "I do mean that J. Arthur Boast murdered Rufus -Grim. I have the evidence. Hank Casey saw the act." - -"Why, you astonish me!" - -"Casey," continued Vance, "was at first afraid to report the matter, nor -did he until he went to Waterville. You were away at the time, and he -confided to Mr. Donald. His own and Steve Gibbons' long years of warfare -with Grim over the Peacock, he was afraid, would cause people to suspect -them of the crime. He divined rightly. There is a great prejudice -against both of them." - -"I never was more surprised in my life!" said Winthrop, {248}"and while I -never liked the fellow, yet I had no idea he would commit murder." - -The next day a warrant was issued for the arrest of J. Arthur Boast, -charging him with the murder of Rufus Grim. A most diligent search was -made, but the officer was unable to find him. His wife was in tears and -prostrated with grief, declaring she had no idea of his whereabouts. - -It was the morning before Thanksgiving that Vance received a certain -letter. It was from Arthur Boast, and read as follows: - -At Home. - -Dear Sir: - -Why I write to you above all others, is more than I can tell. An -impulse, actuated by some wandering spirit from the regions of darkness -and the damned, forces me to it. The things I want to do, I am unable -to accomplish. The acts I loathe and abhor, I am made a cat's-paw of to -perform by some unknown impelling force. - -It may be that some men can shape their own destiny--mine has been -shaped for me. - -I have never seen the time I did not fear you, and cannot remember -the time I did not hate and despise you. I sought your friendship for -protection. When I needed your support, you turned against me. - -Rufus Grim was my evil genius in this life, and he is more unbearable -dead than living. Every night since I murdered him--yes, it was I who -did the deed--he has visited me in my dreams All night long he walks up -and down my bed-room--back and forth--and curses me. Sometimes I pull -the covers well over my head, and try to sleep, but he pulls them off -and rubs his cold, clammy hands threateningly over my face. He has found -out also that I robbed the stage coach and bribed the sheriff. - -I am tired of it all. I have not slept for ten nights. My brain {249}is -on fire. You want vengeance, but I intend to cheat you--yes? I will -cheat you--and in this way I find my only consolation. - -An hour ago my attorney came to my hiding-place, and told me the higher -courts had reversed the decision. When this is known all Gold Bluff will -turn against me. Even now I can hear them hissing the words. Scoundrel! -scoundrel! murderer! murderer! in tantalizing scorn. - -My ambition has always been to be wealthy. Now I am so poor that if I -continued to live and was not hunted down and sent to prison, I would -not even have a crust of bread to eat. - -Yes, Gibbons and Casey are now the owners of the Peacock mine--the -higher courts have so decided. With their money, they'll join you in -persecuting me--but I'll cheat them as well as you. Your longing for -revenge shall not be satisfied. - -At the old prospect shaft on the Peacock, where I struck the fatal blow -that hurled Rufus Grim into eternity, you will find all that remains of -the persecuted, despised and hated. - -J. Arthur Boast. - -To Vance Gilder. - - -A search was at once made, and his lifeless body found near the old -prospect shaft. - -[Illustration: 9257] - -A bullet wound in his temple, and the weapon still clutched in his hand, -told of the maniac's suicide. - -The people of Gold Bluff were astonished at the rapidity with which -history was being made. The sheriff was missing, and his absence gave -color to Boast's statement about the sheriff being an accomplice in the -stage robbery. - -The undisputed owners of the Peacock mine, Casey and Gibbons, the -multi-millionaires, were entirely vindicated by Boast's letter, and not -{250}a shadow of suspicion rested against them; indeed, the citizens of -Gold Bluff suddenly remembered that Mr. Henry Casey and Stephen Gibbons, -Esq., were most excellent gentlemen. It was astonishing to find how many -"friends" flocked around them to tender their congratulations. - -It was Thanksgiving night, and Vance, with the members of the Bonifield -household, was seated before the open grate, where a cheerful fire -burned brightly. They had been talking it all over, and the Colonel, in -a subdued but satisfied way, thanked God that he had been permitted to -live long enough to see a fulfillment of his life's dream. - -[Illustration: 8258] - -Both Louise and Virgie were animated and happy, and Homer Winthrop had -been dilating upon Waterville's wonderful prosperity. - -Presently the door opened, and Aunt Sally came in. "Good evenin', Mr. -Gilder," said she, in her rich Southern accent, "I 'low this is the -happiest day of our lives." - -"Yes, indeed," replied Vance, "we owe many apologies to your brother for -our seeming lack of confidence in Gray Rocks." - -She looked at him quickly over her spectacles, and replied, "Lack of -confidence, Mr. Gilder? I'd like to know who lacked confidence in my -brother Benjamin's mine! Fo' myself, I have believed from the first -that Benjamin would strike it if I could only keep him workin' away long -enough." - -Vance was non-plussed, and was about to reply, when the Colonel -interposed. "Yo' see, suh," said he, with a knowing twinkle in his eye, -"I have often obse'ved to yo' that my sisteh is a most ext'ao'dina'y -person; yes, suh, most ext'ao'dina'y indeed. She has been a powehful -support to me, suh, in my effo'ts." - -This seemed to partially pacify Aunt Sally. Presently she said, "I -'spect, Mr. Gilder, yo' are thinkin' 'bout a convehsation we had a few -months ago in regard to sinkin' the shaft. Of cou'se yo' didn't know how -much strategy I had to resort to that I might keep Benjamin from getting -disheartened. Of cou'se I won't allow nobody to say anythin' against my -brother, but I 'low he is the contrariest man livin', I do indeed, suh. -Time and again I have been fo'ced to pretend that I was opposin' him, -just to make him go on work in' and sinkin' that shaft, but at last it -is all over with, and I've much to be thankful fo' that I was spared -so that I could keep on naggin' at Benjamin and spurrin' him up, until -finally his effo'ts were rewa'ded." Soon after, she embraced Louise and -Virgie tenderly, and retired. - -When she was gone, the Colonel looked up from the crackling fire, into -which he had been gazing long and earnestly, and said, "I presume, Mr. -Gilder, my sisteh is without question one of the greatest characters -that ever lived, I do indeed, suh. I'm discoverin', even to this day, -new traits of superio'ity and strength in her. Indeed, suh, she is -no o'dina'y woman. Though bawn in the South, and possessin' in a high -degree the very great refinement peculiar to our Southern ladies, yet at -the same time her diplomacy in accomplishin' great results equals -the shrewdest Nawthe'n Yankee. Indeed, suh, she is a most rema'kable -character; yes, suh, most rema'kable." {252}A little later Homer -and Virgie retired, pleading weariness. "Do you know," said Colonel -Bonifield, looking up from the fire again, "since our great discovery -was made, I seem to want to do all my sleeping in the mawnin'?" - -"Papa," said Louise, "is too busy thinking over and over again his -great good fortune to get sleepy; but my! how late he does sleep in the -morning!" - -"He has justly earned," said Vance, "the rest he claims.' - -"Indeed he has," replied Louise, approaching her father and pushing -gently back his long white locks, "you are my darling old papa," she -continued in a caressing way, "and may sit up as late as you like, and -sleep until noon every day if it is your wish." - -"I'll tell yo', Mr. Gilder," said the Colonel, rising and standing -before the fire, "this little girl of mine is bound to spoil me; yes, -suh; she always did humor me eveh since I can remembeh, and she is worse -now than eveh befo' Well, well, you'll have to excuse me until I have -another pipe of tobacco." His elegant suit of black of the latest -pattern added to his dignified appearance, and made a strange contrast, -Vance thought, with the miner's garb he had worn for so many years. He -pushed through the portieres that opened into the library, and Louise -and Vance were left alone, for the first time since the rich discovery -had been announced. - -A doubt came into Vance's mind whether he was glad of it or not. -Heretofore this noble girl whom he had loved so long and patiently had -been in a measure dependent upon him--now she was an heiress. He fancied -he detected a restraint in her conversation that was embarrassing. -His own unworthiness rose up before him, and he was engulfed in the -cowardice of a lover! What if she should refuse him? Cross-cutting -into a pinched-out vein would be nothing in comparison with such a -disappointment. Presently, at his request, she went to the piano, and -sang for him. - -She sang with far more feeling than ever before. Her heart was filled -with a maiden's dearest happiness--a deep, reciprocal, unspoken love of -limitless depth. Yes, with the unerring divination of a woman, she knew -that Vance's love was wholly hers. There was a love song before her, and -under its cover, she would declare her own without restraint. She sang -with the rapture of a mountain thrush, in notes so rich, so innocent, so -plaintively low, so delightfully thrilling. - -Vance listened with bated breath. There are pleasures so keen as to be -painful. "I am so inferior to her," he thought, with unselfish humility, -"but to live without her is impossible." Finally she ceased playing and -turned toward him with the music of her soul radiant upon her face. A -momentary silence followed. - -"Louise," said Vance, and there was a tremulous rhythm in his voice, -notwithstanding he tried to crush it into naturalness, "it may be news -to you, but I can no more help loving you than I can help breathing." -He walked back and forth before the open grate. "Please do not look -away from me," he went on, "as if I were so unworthy--I know that well -enough. I would rather love you without hope than have the unselfish -devotion of all the other women of the earth at my feet." - -She had lifted her hands and covered her face. Her happiness was very -great. She fears he would see it, vet he must know it, else she would be -miserable. - -"What I have said," Vance went on, "may be nothing to you, but it is -either life or death to me. To-morrow I shall leave Gold Bluff for ever -unless you wish me to remain." Vance stood before the open grate still -and motionless, and when she looked up, she saw his face was white as -marble. She rose from the piano with tear-stained cheeks, flushing pink -as La France roses with morning dew-drops upon them. She came forward a -few steps, and then paused. Her golden wealth of hair {255}reflected the -forelight, and made a halo about her girlish face and form. Her full red -lips were parted with the tender smile of youth, purity and love. She -was thinking, "I am certain of his love; I am sure of mine for him, and -I will give myself entirely, yes, wholly into his keeping." With one -hand over her beating heart, she held the other toward Vance. In a -moment he was by her side, and raising her hand, pressed it passionately -to his lips. In the deliciousness of love's dream, he led her to a divan -and seated himself beside her. His arms stole about her, her head rested -on her breast, and there a devout lover's affection was sealed with -love's first kiss. - -A moment later the portieres parted, and in the doorway stood the -Colonel. His long white hair fell back from his temples, and there was -a look of gladness upon his countenance. He lifted up his face toward -Heaven, and in tones that were scarcely audible, said: "Such tender and -sacred things of earth are sanctified in Heaven." - -Yes, again the Shuttle of Fate wove into the web of Destiny the better -attributes of a manly man and the ennobling love of a gentle woman. - -[Illustration: 0261] - -[Illustration: 0263] - - - - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's My "Pardner" and I, by Willis George Emerson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MY "PARDNER" AND I *** - -***** This file should be named 52458.txt or 52458.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/4/5/52458/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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