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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-06 01:21:28 -0800 |
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diff --git a/old/52461-h/52461-h.htm b/old/52461-h/52461-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7ab988a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/52461-h/52461-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15580 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Treasure of Hidden Valley, by Willis George Emerson + </title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Treasure of Hidden Valley, 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: The Treasure of Hidden Valley + +Author: Willis George Emerson + +Release Date: June 30, 2016 [EBook #52461] +Last Updated: August 2, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TREASURE OF HIDDEN VALLEY *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by Google Books + + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE TREASURE OF HIDDEN VALLEY + </h1> + <h2> + By Willis George Emerson + </h2> + <h4> + Chicago: Forbes & Company + </h4> + <h3> + 1915 + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + Sons of the rugged, rock-ribbed hills, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Far from the gaudy show + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of Fashion’s world-its shams and frills + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Brothers of rain and snow: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Kith of the crags and the forest pines, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Kin of the herd and flock; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Wise in the lore of Nature signs + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Writ in the grass and rock. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Beings of lithe and lusty limb, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Breathing the broad, new life, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Chanting the forest’s primal hymn + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Free from the world’s crude strife. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Your witching lure my being thrills, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + O rugged sons! O rugged hills! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> + <img src="images/0002.jpg" alt="0002 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0002.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> + <img src="images/0010.jpg" alt="0010 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0010.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> + </h5> + <h3> + DEDICATED + </h3> + <h3> + TO + </h3> + <h3> + THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER + </h3> + <h3> + REVEREND STEPHEN LAFAYETTE EMERSON + </h3> + <h3> + (The Flockmaster of this story) + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>THE TREASURE OF HIDDEN VALLEY</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I—AT THE PARTING OF THE WAYS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II—A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAVE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III—FINANCIAL WOLVES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV.—THE COLLEGE WIDOW </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V.—WESTWARD HO! </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI.—RODERICK MEETS JIM RANKIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII—GETTING ACQUAINTED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII.—A PHILOSOPHER AMONG THE + MOUNTAINS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX—THE HIDDEN VALLEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X.—THE FAIR RIDER OF THE RANGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI.—WINTER PASSES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII—THE MAJOR’S FIND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIV.—THE EVENING PARTY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XV.—BRONCHO-BUSTING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XVI.—THE MYSTERIOUS TOILERS OF THE + NIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVII—A TROUT FISHING EPISODE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVIII.—A COUNTRY FAIR ON THE + FRONTIER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XIX.—A LETTER FROM THE COLLEGE + WIDOW </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XX.—THE STORE OF GOLD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XXI.—A WARNING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXII.—THE TRAGEDY AT JACK CREEK + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXIII.—THE FIGHT ON THE ROAD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIV—SUMMER DAYS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXV.—RUNNING FOR STATE SENATOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXVI.—UNEXPECTED POLITICAL HARMONY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVII.—THE UPLIFTING OF HUMANITY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVIII.—JUSTICE FOR THE WORKERS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXIX.—SLEIGH BELLS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXX.—WHITLEY ADAMS BLOWS IN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXXI.—RODERICK’S DISCOVERY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXII.—STAKING THE CLAIMS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXIII—THE SNOW SLIDE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIV—THE PASSING OF GRANT JONES + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXV.—A CALL TO SAN FRANCISCO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXVI—IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVII—RODERICK RESCUES GAIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVIII—THE SEARCH FOR RODERICK + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXIX—REUNIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XL—BUELL HAMPTON’S GOOD-BY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XLI.—-UNDER THE BIG PINE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> AFTERWORD </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE TREASURE OF HIDDEN VALLEY + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I—AT THE PARTING OF THE WAYS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T was a dear, + crisp October morning. There was a shrill whistle of a locomotive, and + then a westbound passenger train dashed into the depot of an Iowa town. A + young man descended the car steps with an armful of luggage. He deposited + his parcels on the platform, and half expectantly looked about him. + </p> + <p> + Just then there was a “honk! honk!” from a huge automobile as + it came to a palpitating halt, and a familiar voice called out: “Hello, + Roderick, old man!” And a moment later Roderick Warfield was shaking + hands with his boon friend of former college days, Whitley Adams. Both + were in their early twenties, stalwart, well set up, clean-cut young + fellows. + </p> + <p> + Whitley’s face was all aglow in the happiness of reunion. But + Roderick, after the first cordial greeting, wore a graver look. He + listened quietly while his comrade rambled on. + </p> + <p> + “Mighty glad to receive your wire last night at the club. But what + brings you home so unexpectedly? We’ve been hearing all sorts of + glowing stories—about your being in the thick of affairs in little + old New York and rolling in the shekels to beat the band.” + </p> + <p> + “Fairy tales,” was the laconic reply, accompanied by a look + that was compounded of a sigh and a wistful smile. + </p> + <p> + “How’s that?” asked young Adams, glancing up into the + other’s face and for the first time noticing its serious expression. + “Don’t tell me you’ve struck a financial snag thus early + in your Stock Exchange career.” + </p> + <p> + “Several financial snags—and struck ‘em pretty badly + too, I’m afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Whew!” exclaimed Adams. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m not down and out,” laughed Roderick, half + amused at the look of utter discomfiture on his companion’s + countenance. “Not by a long chalk! I’m in on several good + deals, and six months from date will be standing on velvet. That is to + say,” he added, somewhat dubiously, “if Uncle Allen opens up + his money bags to tide me over meanwhile.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty big ‘if,’ eh?” For the moment there was + sympathetic sobriety in the youth’s tone, but he quickly regained + his cheerfulness. “However, he’ll come through probably all + right, Rod, dear boy. It’s the older fellows’ privilege, isn’t + it? My good dad has had the same experience, as you will no doubt have + guessed. There, let me see; how long have you been away? Eight months! + Gee! However, I have just gotten home myself. My old man was a bit furious + at my tardiness in coming and the geometrical increase of my expense + account. To do Los Angeles and San Francisco thoroughly, you know, runs + into a pot of money. But now everything is fixed up after a fashion with + no evidence in sight of further squalls.” He laughed the laugh of an + overgrown boy laboring under the delusion that because he has finished a + collegiate course he is a “man.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” he continued with a swagger, “we chaps who + put in four long years at college should not be expected to settle down + without having some sort of a valedictory fling.” + </p> + <p> + “There has not been much of a fling in my case,” protested + Warfield. “I tackled life seriously in New York from the start.” + </p> + <p> + “But got a tumble all the same,” grinned Adams. “However, + there’s no use in pulling a long face—at least not until your + Uncle Allen has been interviewed and judiciously put through his paces. + Come now, let us get your things aboard.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation was halted while the young owner of the big 60 H. P. car + helped his chauffeur to stow away the luggage. “To the club,” + he called out as he seated himself in the tonneau with his boyhood friend—college + chum and classmate. + </p> + <p> + “Not this morning!” exclaimed Roderick, shaking his head as he + looked frankly and a bit nervously into the eyes of Whitley Adams. “No + club for me until I have squared things up on the hill.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, just as you say; if it’s as bad as that, why of + course—” He broke off and did not finish the sentence, but + directed the chauffeur to the residence of Allen Miller, the banker. + </p> + <p> + They rode a little way in silence and then Whitley Adams observed: “You’ve + made a muddle of things, no doubt,” and he turned with a knowing + look and a smile toward Roderick, who in turn flushed, as though hit. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” he concurred curtly. + </p> + <p> + “Then when shall I see you?” asked Whitley as the auto slowed + down at the approach to the stately Miller home. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll ‘phone you,” replied Roderick. “Think + I can arrange to be at the club this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said his friend, and a minute later he had + whirled away leaving a cloud of dust in the trail of the machine. + </p> + <p> + Roderick Warfield met with a motherly reception at the hands of his Aunt + Lois, Mrs. Allen Miller. The greetings over and a score of solicitous + questions by his Aunt Lois answered, he went to his room for a bath and a + change of clothes. Then without further delay he presented himself at the + bank, and in a few moments was closeted in the president’s private + room with his uncle and guardian, Allen Miller. + </p> + <p> + The first friendly greetings were soon followed by the banker skidding + from social to business considerations. “Yes,” said Allen + Miller, “I am glad to see you, Roderick, mighty glad. But what do + you mean by writing a day ahead that a good big sum is required + immediately, this without mention of securities or explanation of any + kind?“ He held up in his hand a letter that ran to just a few + niggardly lines. “This apology for a business communication only + reached me by last night’s mail.” + </p> + <p> + The kindly look of greeting had changed to one that was fairly flinty in + its hardness. “What am I to expect from such a demand? A bunch of + unpaid accounts, I suppose.” As he uttered this last sentence, there + was a wicked twang in his voice—a suggestion of the snarl of an + angry wolf ready for a fierce encounter. It at least proved him a + financier. + </p> + <p> + A flush of resentment stole over Roderick’s brow. His look was more + than half-defiant. On his side it showed at once that there would be no + cringing for the favor he had come to ask. + </p> + <p> + But he controlled himself, and spoke with perfect calm. + </p> + <p> + “My obligations are not necessarily disgraceful ones, as your manner + and tone, Uncle, might imply. As for any detailed explanation by letter, I + thought it best to come and put the whole business before you personally.” + </p> + <p> + “And the nature of the business?” asked the banker in a dry + harsh voice. + </p> + <p> + “I am in a big deal and have to find my <i>pro rata</i> contribution + immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “A speculative deal?” rasped the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I suppose it would be called speculative, but it is gilt-edged + all the same. I have all the papers here, and will show them to you.” + He plunged a hand into the breast pocket of his coat and produced a neatly + folded little bundle of documents. + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” exclaimed the banker. “You need not even undo + that piece of tape until you have answered my questions. A speculative + deal, you admit.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so.” + </p> + <p> + “A mining deal, may I ask?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick’s face showed some confusion. But he faced the issue + promptly and squarely. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, a mining deal.” + </p> + <p> + The banker’s eyes fairly glittered with steely wrathfulness. + </p> + <p> + “As I expected. By gad, it seems to run in the blood! Did I not warn + you, when you insisted on risking your meagre capital of two thousand + dollars in New York instead of settling down with what would have been a + comfortable nest egg here, that if you ever touched mining it would be + your ruin? Did I not tell you your father’s story, how the lure of + prospecting possessed him, how he could never throw it off, how it doomed + him to a life of hardship and poverty, and how it would have left you, his + child, a pauper but for an insurance policy which it was his one redeeming + act of prudence in carrying?” + </p> + <p> + “Please do not speak like that of my father,” protested + Roderick, drawing himself up with proud + </p> + <p> + The banker’s manner softened; a kindlier glow came into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Well, boy, you know I loved your father. If your father had only + followed my path he would have shared my prosperity. But it was not to be. + He lost all he ever made in mining, and now you are flinging the little + provision his death secured for you into the same bottomless pool. And + this despite all my warnings, despite my stern injunctions so long as it + was my right as your guardian to enjoin. The whole thing disgusts me more + than words can tell.” + </p> + <p> + Into the banker’s voice the old bitterness, if not the anger, had + returned. He rose and restlessly paced the room. A silence followed that + was oppressive. Roderick Warfield’s mind was in the future; he was + wondering what would happen should his uncle remain obdurate. The older + man’s mind was in the past; he was recalling events of the long ago. + </p> + <p> + Roderick Warfield’s father and Allen Miller had as young men braved + perils together in an unsuccessful overland trip when the great California + gold rush in the early fifties occurred. At that time they were only boys + in their ‘teens. Years afterward they married sisters and settled + down in their Iowa homes—or tried to settle down in Warfield’s + case, for in his wanderings he had been smitten with the gold fever and he + remained a mining nomad to the end of his days. Allen Miller had never + been blessed with a child, and it was not until late in their married life + that any addition came to the Warfield family. This was the beginning of + Roderick Warfield’s career, but cost the mother’s life. Ten + years later John Warfield died and his young son Roderick was given a home + with Mr. and Mrs. Allen Miller, the banker accepting the guardianship of + his old friend’s only child. + </p> + <p> + The boy’s inheritance was limited to a few thousand dollars of life + insurance, which in the hands of anyone but Allen Miller would have fallen + far short of putting him through college. However, that was not only + accomplished, but at the close of a fairly brilliant college career the + young man had found himself possessed of a round couple of thousand + dollars. Among his college friends had been the son of a well-to-do New + York broker, and it was on this friend’s advice that Roderick had at + the outset of his business life adventured the maelstrom of Gotham instead + of accepting the placid backwaters of his Iowan home town. Hence the young + man’s present difficulties and precarious future, and his uncle’s + bitterness of spirit because all his past efforts on Roderick’s + account had proved of such little avail. + </p> + <p> + At last the banker resumed his chair. The tightly closed lips showed that + his mind was made up to a definite line of action. Roderick awaited the + decision in silence—it was not in his nature to plead a cause at the + cost of losing his own self-respect He had already returned the unopened + bundle of mining papers to the inner pocket of his coat. + </p> + <p> + “As for any advance to meet speculative mining commitments,” + began the man of finance, “I do not even desire to know the amount + you have had in mind. That is a proposition I cannot even entertain—on + principle and for your own ultimate good, young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I lose all the money I have put in to date.” + </p> + <p> + “Better a present loss than hopeless future entanglements. Your + personal obligations? As you have been using all available funds for + speculation, I presume you are not free from some debts.” + </p> + <p> + “Less than a thousand dollars all told.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you have, I believe, $285.75 standing to your personal credit + in this bank—the remnant of your patrimony.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know I had so much,” remarked Roderick with a faint + smile. + </p> + <p> + “All the better, perhaps,” replied the banker, also smiling + grimly. “The amount would have doubtless been swallowed up with the + rest of your money. As matters stand, some payment can be made to account + of your obligations and arrangements entered into for the gradual + liquidation of the outstanding balance.” Young Warfield winced. The + banker continued: “This may involve some personal humiliation for + you. But again it is against my principles to pay any man’s debts. + Anyone who deliberately incurs a liability should have the highly + beneficial experience of earning the money to liquidate it I propose to + give you the chance to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick raised his eyebrows in some surprise. “In New York?” + he enquired. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” replied Allen Miller rather brusquely and evidently + nettled at the very audacity of the question. “Not in New York, but + right here—in Keokuk. Calm your impatience, please. Just listen to + the proposals I have to make—they have been carefully thought out by + me and by your Aunt Lois as well. In the first place, despite your rather + reckless and improvident start in life, I am prepared to make you + assistant cashier of this bank at a good salary.” Again Roderick + evinced amazement. He was quite nonplussed at his uncle’s changed + demeanor. The conciliatory manner and kindly tone disarmed him. But could + he ever come to renounce his New York ambitions for humdrum existence in + the old river town of Keokuk? He knew the answer in his heart. The thing + was impossible. + </p> + <p> + “And if you are diligent,” continued the banker, “prove + capable and make good, you may expect in time to be rewarded with a + liberal block of stock in the bank. Come now, what do you say to this part + of my programme?” urged the speaker as Roderick hesitated. + </p> + <p> + The young man’s mind was already made up. The offer was not even + worth considering. And yet, he must not offend his guardian. It was true, + Allen Miller’s guardianship days were past, but still in his rapid + mental calculations Roderick thought of his stanch old stand-by, Uncle + Allen Miller, as “Guardian.” He lighted a cigar to gain time + for the framing of a diplomatic answer. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the banker, with a rising inflection, “does + it require any time to consider the generous offer I make?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick pulled a long breath at his cigar and blew rings of smoke toward + the ceiling, and said: “Your offer, Uncle, is princely, but I hardly + feel that I should accept until I have thought it all over from different + points of view and have the whole question of my future plans fully + considered. What are the other items on your programme?” + </p> + <p> + “They should be rather counted as conditions,” replied the + banker drily. “The conditions on which the offer I have just made + are based.” + </p> + <p> + “And they are what?” + </p> + <p> + “You must quit speculation, give up all expensive habits, marry and + settle down.” The words were spoken with all the definiteness of an + ultimatum. + </p> + <p> + Again Roderick winced. He might have been led to all or at least some of + these things. But to be driven, and by such rough horse-breaking methods—. + never! no, never. He managed to restrain himself, however, and replied + quietly: “My dear uncle, the idea of marrying for some years yet, to + tell you the truth, has never entered my head. Of course,” he went + on lightly, “there is a young lady over at Galesburg, Stella Rain, + where my Knox college days were spent, the ‘college widow,’ in + a way a very lovely sort and in whom I have been rather interested for + some two years, but—” + </p> + <p> + “That will do, young man,” interrupted Allen Miller, sharply + and severely. “Never mind your society flyers—these lady + friends of yours in Galesburg. Your Aunt Lois and myself have already + selected your future wife.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed hoarsely, and the laugh sounded brutal even to his own ears. + Allen Miller realized uncomfortably that he had been premature and scored + against himself. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is that so?” ejaculated Roderick in delicate irony. A + pink flush had stolen into his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + The old banker hesitated in making reply. He grew hot and red and wondered + if he had begun his match-making too abruptly—the very thing about + which his good wife Lois had cautioned him. In truth, despite the harsh + methods often imposed on him by his profession as a banker, a kinder heart + than Allen Miller’s never beat. But in this new rôle he was out of + his element and readily confused. Finally after clearing his throat + several times, he replied: “Yes, Roderick, in a way, your Aunt Lois + and I have picked out the girl we want you to marry. Her father’s + wealth is equal to mine and some day perhaps—well, you can’t + tell—I’ll not live always and, provided you don’t + disobey me, you may inherit under my will a control of the stock of this + banking house, and so be at the head of an important and growing financial + institution.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick instead of being fifty-four and calculating, was only twenty-four + and indifferent to wealth, and the red blood of his generous youth + revolted at the mercenary methods suggested by his uncle regarding this + unknown girl’s financial prospects. And then, too, the inducement + thrown out that under conditions of obedience he might inherit the fortune + of his uncle, was, he interpreted, nothing short of an attempt to bribe + and deprive him of his liberty. He flushed with indignation and anger. Yet + with a strong effort he still controlled his feelings, and presently + asked: “Who is the fair lady?” + </p> + <p> + “The daughter of an old friend of mine. They live only a short + distance down the river. Their home is at Quincy, Illinois. Mighty fine + old family, I can tell you. Am sure you’ll like her immensely.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to understand,” asked Roderick rather caustically, + “that the young lady acquiesces and enters graciously into your + plans?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can’t say that!” replied Allen Miller, rubbing + his chin. “But your Aunt Lois and I have talked over the possible + alliance in all its lights.” + </p> + <p> + “With the young lady’s family, I presume?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not even that. But we are perfectly certain that we have only + to speak the word to put the business through all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Business!”—Roderick repeated the word with bitter + emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, business,” retorted Allen Miller, with some warmth. + “To my mind matrimony is one of the most important deals in life—perhaps + <i>the</i> most important.” + </p> + <p> + “If the money is right,” laughed the young man contemptuously. + “But don’t you think that before another word is said about + such a matter I should have the chance of seeing the young lady and the + young lady a chance of seeing me?” + </p> + <p> + The humor of the situation had brought a pleasant smile to his face. The + banker looked relieved. + </p> + <p> + “Wait now, my boy,” he replied musingly. “Do you + remember when you were a little chap, perhaps twelve or thirteen years + old, going with your Aunt Lois and myself to St. Louis on the Diamond Joe + boat line?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I remember it perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” continued Allen Miller, “you perhaps haven’t + forgotten a lady and gentleman with a little tot of a girl only five or + six years old, who joined us at Quincy. You engaged in a regular boyish + love affair at first sight with that little girl. Well, she is the one—a + mighty fine young lady now—just passed eighteen and her father is + rated away up in the financial world.” + </p> + <p> + For the moment Roderick’s indignation over the cold-blooded, + cut-and-dried, matrimonial proposition was arrested, and he did not even + notice the renewed reference to finance. He had become pensive and + retrospective. + </p> + <p> + “How very long ago,” he mused more to himself than to his + Uncle Allen—“How very long ago since that trip down the river. + Yes, I remember well the little blue-eyed, black-curly-headed chick of a + girl. It was my first steamboat ride and of course it was a holiday and a + fairyland affair to my boyish fancy.” + </p> + <p> + He drew in a long breath and looked out through the window at the snow + which was now falling, as if many chapters of the world’s history + had been written in his own life since that far away yet well remembered + trip. He fell silent for a spell. + </p> + <p> + Allen Miller chuckled to himself. At last his scheme was working. All his + life he had been a success with men and affairs, and his self-confidence + was great. He rubbed his hands together and smiled, while he humored + Roderick’s silence. He would tell his wife Lois of his progress. + Presently he said: “She is an only child, Roderick, and I think her + father could qualify for better than a quarter of a million.” + </p> + <p> + This time the reiterated money recommendation jarred unpleasantly on + Roderick’s nerves and revived his antagonism. He hastily arose from + his chair and walked back and forth across the room. Presently he halted + before his uncle and with forced deliberation—for his anger was + keyed to a high tension—said: “I am pleased, Uncle, to know + the young lady is not a party to this shameful piece of attempted barter + and sale business. When I marry, if ever, it shall be someone as regards + whom wealth will count as of least importance. True love loathes avarice + and greed. I require no further time to consider your proposals. I flatly + reject your offer of a position in the bank, and shall leave Keokuk + tomorrow. I prefer hewing out my own destiny and while doing so retaining + my freedom and my self-respect. This is my decision, and it is an + irrevocable one.” + </p> + <p> + The ebullition of pent-up feelings had come so suddenly and unexpectedly + that Allen Miller was momentarily overwhelmed. He had arisen and was + noticeably agitated. His face was very white, and there was a look in his + eyes that Roderick Warfield had never seen before. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” he said, and his voice was husky and trembling + with suppressed rage—“you shall never have a dollar of my + fortune unless you marry as I direct I will give you until tomorrow to + agree to my plans. If you do not desire to accept my offer without change + or modification in any shape, then take the balance of your money in the + bank and go your way. I wash my hands of you and your affairs. Go and play + football with the world or let the world play football with you, and see + how it feels to be the ‘pigskin’ in life’s game.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the old man swung a chair round to the fireplace, dropped + into it, and began vigorously and viciously pounding at a lump of coal. + There was an interval of silence. At last Roderick spoke; his voice was + firm and low. + </p> + <p> + “There will not be the slightest use, Uncle, in reopening this + question tomorrow. My mind, as I have said, is already made up—unalterably.” + The last word was uttered with an emphasis that rang finality. + </p> + <p> + The banker flung down the poker, and rose to his feet. His look was + equally determined, equally final, equally unalterable. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” he snapped. “Then we’ll get through + the banking business now.” + </p> + <p> + He touched a push-button by the side of the mantel. During the brief + interval before a clerk responded to the summons, not another word was + spoken. + </p> + <p> + “Bring me the exact figure of Mr. Warfield’s credit balance,” + he said to his subordinate, “and cash for the amount. He will sign a + check to close the account.” + </p> + <p> + Five minutes later Roderick had the little wad of bills in his pocket, and + was ready to depart Uncle and nephew were again alone. + </p> + <p> + “There is one other matter,” said the banker with cold + formality. “There is a paper in my possession which was entrusted to + my keeping by your father just before he died. I was to deliver it to you + at my discretion after you had attained your majority, but in any case on + your reaching the age of twenty-five. I will exercise my discretion, and + hand over the paper to you now.” + </p> + <p> + He advanced to a safe that stood open at one side of the room, unlocked a + little drawer, and returned to the fireplace with a long linen envelope in + his hand. A big red splash of wax showed that it had been carefully + sealed. + </p> + <p> + “This is yours,” said the banker shortly, handing it over to + the young man. + </p> + <p> + The latter was greatly agitated. A message from his dead father! What + could it mean? But he mastered his emotions and quietly bestowed the + packet in his breast pocket—beside the papers connected with the + mining deal. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll read this later,” he said. And then he extended + his hand. There was yearning affection in his eyes, in the tremor of his + voice: “Uncle, we surely will part as friends.” + </p> + <p> + “You can regain my friendship only by doing my will. I have nothing + more to say. Good-by.” + </p> + <p> + And without taking the proffered hand, Allen Miller turned away, leaning + an elbow on the mantelshelf. His attitude showed that the interview was at + an end. + </p> + <p> + Without another word Roderick Warfield left the room. Outside the soft + snow was falling in feathery silence. At a street corner the young man + hesitated. He glanced up the road that led to his old home—Allen + Miller’s stately mansion on the hill. Then he took the other + turning. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I’ll sleep at the Club to-night,” he murmured + to himself. “I can bid Aunt Lois good-by in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II—A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAVE + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>LLEN MILLER, the + rich banker, was alone—alone in the president’s room at his + bank, and feeling alone in the fullest sense of the word now that Roderick + Warfield had gone, the youth he had reared and loved and cherished as his + own child, now turned out of doors by the old man’s deliberate act. + </p> + <p> + For full an hour he walked slowly back and forth the whole length of the + apartment But at last he halted once again before the open grate where + some slumbering chunks of coal were burning indifferently. He pushed them + together with the iron poker, and a bright blaze sprung up. + </p> + <p> + Looking deep into the fire his thoughts went back to his boyhood days and + he saw John Warfield, his chum of many years. He thought of their + experience in the terrible massacre in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the + region of Bridger Peak, of a lost trail, of hunger and thirst and weary + tramps over mountain and down precipitous canyons, of abrupt gashes that + cut the rocky gorges, of great bubbling springs and torrents of mountain + streams, of a narrow valley between high mountains—a valley without + a discoverable outlet—of a beautiful waterway that traversed this + valley and lost itself in the sides of an abrupt mountain, and of the + exhausting hardships in getting back to civilization. + </p> + <p> + Then Allen Miller, the flint-hearted financier, the stoic, the man of + taciturn habits, did a strange thing. Standing there before the blazing + fire, leaning against the mantel, he put his handkerchief to his eyes and + his frame was convulsed with a sob. Presently he turned away from the open + grate and muttered aloud: “Yes, John Warfield, I loved you and I + love your boy, Roderick. Some day he shall have all I’ve got. But he + is self-willed—a regular outlaw—and I must wake him up to the + demands of a bread-winner, put the bits into his mouth and make him + bridle-wise. Gad! He’s a dynamo, but I love him;” and he half + smiled, while his eyes were yet red and his voice husky. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, John,” he mused as he looked again into the fire, “you + might have been alive today to help me break this young colt to the + plough, if you had only taken my advice and given up the search for that + gold mine in the mountains. Thank God for the compact of secrecy between + us—the secret shall die with me. The years, John, you spent in + trying to re-dis-cover the vault of wealth—and what a will-o’-the-wisp + it proved to be—and then the accident. But now I shall be firm—firm + as a rock—and Roderick, the reckless would-be plunger, shall at last + feel the iron hand of his old guardian beneath the silken glove of my + foolish kindness. He’s got to be subdued and broken, even if I have + to let him live on husks for a while. Firm, firm—that’s the + only thing to be.” + </p> + <p> + As he muttered the last words, Allen Miller shut his square jaws together + with an ugly snap that plainly told the stern policy he had resolved on + and would henceforth determinedly pursue. He put on his great fur-lined + cloak, and silently went out into the evening shadows and thick maze of + descending snow-flakes. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Roderick Warfield had reached his club, engaged a bedroom, and + got a cheerful fire alight for companionship as well as comfort. He had + telephoned to Whitley Adams to dine with him, but for two hours he would + be by himself and undisturbed. He wanted a little time to think. And then + there was the letter from his father. He had settled himself in an easy + chair before the fire, the sealed envelope was in his hand, and the + strange solemn feeling had descended upon him that he was going to hear + his dead father speak to him again. + </p> + <p> + There was in the silence that enveloped him the pulsing sensation of a + mysterious presence. The ordeal now to be faced came as a climax to the + stormy interview he had just passed through. He had reached a parting of + the ways, and dimly realized that something was going to happen that would + guide him as to the path he should follow. The letter seemed a message + from another world. Unknown to himself the supreme moment that had now + arrived was a moment of transfiguration—the youth became a man—old + things passed away. + </p> + <p> + With grave deliberation he broke the seal. Inside the folds of a long and + closely written letter was a second cover with somewhat bulky contents. + This he laid for the meantime on a little table by his side. Then he set + himself to a perusal of the letter. It ran as follows: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + “My dear Son:— + </p> + <p> + “This is for you to read when you have come to man’s estate—when + you are no longer a thoughtless boy, but a thoughtful man. With this + letter you will find your mother’s picture and a ring of pure gold + which I placed upon her finger the day I married her—gold with a + special sentiment attached to it, for I took it from the earth myself—also + a few letters—love letters written by her to me and a tress of her + hair. I am sure you will honor her memory by noble deeds. I loved her + dearly. + </p> + <p> + “I was younger at the time than you are now, Roderick, my son. + Your Uncle Allen Miller—about my own age—and myself planned + a trip to California. It was at the time of the great gold excitement in + that far off land. + </p> + <p> + “The Overland Train of some two score of ox teams that we were + with traveled but slowly; frequently not more than eight or ten miles a + day. I remembered we had crossed the south fork of the Platte River and + had traveled some two days on westward into the mountains and were near + a place called Bridger Peak. It must have been about midnight when our + camp was startled with the most terrific and unearthly yells ever heard + by mortals. It was a band of murderous Indians, and in less time than it + takes to describe the scene of devastation, all of our stock was + stampeded; our wagons looted and then set on fire. Following this a + general massacre began. Your Uncle Allen and myself, both of us mere + boys in our ‘teens, alert and active, managed to make our escape + in the darkness. Being fleet of foot we ran along the mountain side, + following an opening but keeping close to a dense forest of pine trees. + In this way we saved our lives. I afterwards learned that every other + member of the party was killed. + </p> + <p> + “We were each equipped with two revolvers and a bowie knife and + perhaps jointly had one hundred rounds of cartridges. A couple of pounds + of jerked beef and a half a loaf of bread constituted our provisions. + Fortunately, Allen Miller carried with him a flint and steel, so that we + were enabled to sustain ourselves with cooked food of game we killed + during the weary days that followed. + </p> + <p> + “With this letter I enclose a map, roughly drawn, but I am sure it + will help you find the lost canyon where flows a beautiful stream of + water, and where your Uncle Allen and myself discovered an amazing + quantity of gold—placer gold. It is in a valley, and the sandbar + of gold is about a mile up stream from where the torrent of rapid water + loses itself at the lower end of the valley—seemingly flowing into + the abrupt side of a mountain. At the place where we found the gold, I + remember, there was a sandbar next to the mountain brook, then a gorge + or pocket like an old channel of a creek bed, and it was here in this + old sandbar of a channel that the nuggets of gold were found—so + plentiful indeed, that notwithstanding we loaded ourselves with them to + the limit of our strength, yet our ‘takings’ could scarcely + be missed from this phenomenal sandbar of riches. We brought all we + could possibly carry away with us in two bags which we made from extra + clothing. Unfortunately we lost our way and could not find an opening + from the valley, because the waters of the stream disappeared, as I have + described, and we were compelled, after many unsuccessful attempts to + find a water grade opening, to retrace our steps and climb out by the + same precipitous trail that we had followed in going down into this + strange valley. + </p> + <p> + “We wandered in the mountains as far south as a place now known as + Hahn’s Peak, and then eastward, circling in every direction for + many miles in extent. After tramping in an unknown wilderness for + forty-seven days we finally came to the hut of a mountaineer, and were + overjoyed to learn it was on a branch of the Overland trail Not long + after this we fell in with a returning caravan of ox team freighters and + after many weeks of tedious travel arrived at St. Joseph, Mo., footsore + and weary, but still in possession of our gold. A little later we + reached our home near Keokuk, Iowa, and to our great joy learned that + our treasure was worth many thousands of dollars. Your Uncle Allen + Miller’s half was the beginning of his fortune. An oath of secrecy + exists between your Uncle Allen Miller and myself that neither shall + divulge during our lifetime that which I am now writing to you, but in + thus communicating my story to you, my own flesh and blood, I do not + feel that I am violating my promise, because the information will not + come to you until years after my death. + </p> + <p> + “Since your mother’s death, I have made seven trips into the + Rocky Mountain region hunting most diligently for an odd-shaped valley + where abrupt mountains wall it in, seemingly on every side, and where we + found the fabulously rich sandbar of gold. + </p> + <p> + “But I have not succeeded in locating the exact place, not even + finding the lost stream—or rather the spot where the waters + disappeared out of sight at the base of a high mountain range. On my + last trip, made less than one year ago, I met with a most serious + accident that has permanently crippled me and will probably hasten my + taking off. On the map I have made many notes while lying here ill and + confined to my room, and they will give you my ideas of the location + where the treasure may be found. To you, my beloved son, Roderick, I + entrust this map. Study it well and if, as I believe, you have inherited + my adventurous spirit, you will never rest until you find this lost + valley and its treasure box of phenomenal wealth. In Rawlins, Wyoming, + you will find an old frontiersman by the name of Jim Rankin. He has two + cronies, or partners, Tom Sun and Boney Earnest. These three men + rendered me great assistance. If you find the lost mine, reward them + liberally. + </p> + <p> + “I have communicated to no one, not even your good Uncle Allen + Miller, that I have decided on leaving this letter, and the information + which it contains is for your eyes alone to peruse long after my mortal + body has crumbled to dust In imparting this information I do so feeling + sure that your Uncle Allen will never make any effort to relocate the + treasure, so that it is quite right and proper the secret should descend + to you. + </p> + <p> + “My pen drags a little—I am weary and quite exhausted with + the effort of writing. I now find myself wondering whether this legacy—a + legacy telling you of a lost gold mine that may be found somewhere in + the fastnesses of the mountains of Wyoming—will prove a blessing + to you or a disquieting evil. I shall die hoping that it will prove to + your good and that your efforts in seeking this lost mine will be + rewarded. + </p> + <p> + “With tenderest love and affection, + </p> + <p> + “Your father, + </p> + <p> + “John Warfield.” + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + When Roderick reached the end of the letter, he remained for a long time + still holding it in his hands and gazing fixedly into the glowing embers. + He was seeing visions—visions of a Wyoming gold mine that would + bring him unbounded wealth. At last he broke from his reveries, and + examined the other package. It was unsealed. The first paper to come forth + proved to be the map to which his father had referred—it was a + pencil drawing with numerous marginal notes that would require close + examination. For the present he laid the document on the table. Then + reverently and tenderly he examined the little bunch of love letters tied + together by a ribbon, the tress of hair placed between two protecting + pieces of cardboard, and the plain hoop of gold wrapped carefully in + several folds of tissue paper. Lastly he gazed upon the photograph of his + mother—the mother he had never seen, the mother who had given her + life so that he might live. There were tears in his eyes as he gently + kissed the sweet girlish countenance. + </p> + <p> + With thought of her and memories of the old boyhood days again he fell + into a musing mood. Time sped unnoticed, and it was only the chiming of a + church clock outside that aroused him to the fact that the dinner hour had + arrived and that Whitley Adams would be waiting for him downstairs. He + carefully placed all the papers in a writing desk that stood in a corner + of the room, locked it, and put the key in his pocket. Then he descended + to meet his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing doing, I can see,” exclaimed Whitley the moment he + saw Roderick’s grave face. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve got it right,” he answered quietly. “The + big ‘if’ you feared this morning turned out to be an + uncompromising ‘no.’ Uncle Allen and I have said good-by.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder you are looking so glum.” + </p> + <p> + “Not glum, old fellow. I never felt more tranquilly happy in my + life. But naturally I may seem a bit serious. I have to cut out old things + in my life, take up new lines.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it’s back to New York for you.” + </p> + <p> + “No. Everything goes by the board there. I have to cut my losses and + quit.” + </p> + <p> + “What a cruel sacrifice!” + </p> + <p> + “Or what a happy release,” smiled Roderick. “There is + something calling me elsewhere—a call I cannot resist—a call I + believe that beckons me to success.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we won’t say anything about that at present I’ll + write you later on when the outlook becomes clearer. Meanwhile we’ll + dine, and I’m going to put up a little business proposition to you. + I want you to buy my half share in the <i>Black Swan.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Guess that can be fixed up all right,” replied Whitley, as + they moved toward the dining room. And, dull care laid aside, the two old + college chums gave themselves up to a pleasant evening—the last they + would spend together for many a long day, as both realized. + </p> + <p> + By eleven o’clock next morning Roderick Warfield had adjusted his + financial affairs. He had received cash for his half interest in the <i>Black + Swan,</i> a river pleasure launch which he and Whitley Adams had owned in + common for several years. He had written one letter, to New York + surrendering his holding in the mining syndicate, and other letters to his + three or four creditors enclosing bank drafts for one-half of his + indebtedness and requesting six months’ time for the payment of the + balance. With less than a hundred dollars left he was cheerfully prepared + to face the world. + </p> + <p> + Then had come the most painful episode of the whole visit—the + parting from Aunt Lois, the woman of gentle ways and kindly heart who had + always loved him like a mother, who loved him still, and who tearfully + pleaded with him to submit even at this eleventh hour to his uncle’s + will and come back to his room in the old home. But the adieus had been + spoken, resolutely though tenderly, and now Whitley Adams in his big motor + car had whisked Roderick and his belongings back to the railway depot. + </p> + <p> + He had barely time to check his trunk to Burlington and swing onto the + moving train. “So long,” he shouted to his friend. “Good + luck,” responded Whitley as he waved farewell. And Roderick Warfield + was being borne out into the big new world of venture and endeavor. + </p> + <p> + Would he succeed in cuffing the ears of chance and conquer, or would + heartless fate play football with him and make him indeed the “pig-skin” + as his uncle had prophesied in the coming events of his destiny—a + destiny that was carrying him away among strangers and to unfamiliar + scenes? As the train rushed along his mind was full of his father’s + letter and his blood tingled with excitement over the secret that had come + to him from the darkness of the very grave. The primal man within him was + crying out with mad impatience to be in the thick of the fierce struggle + for the golden spoil. + </p> + <p> + A witchery was thrumming in his heart—the witchery of the West; and + instead of struggling against the impulse, he was actually encouraging it + to lead him blindly on toward an unsolved mystery of the hills. He was + lifted up into the heights, his soul filled with exalted thoughts and + hopes. + </p> + <p> + Then came whisperings in a softer strain—gentle whisperings that + brought with them memories of happy college days and the name of Stella + Rain. It was perhaps nothing more nor less than the crude brutality with + which his uncle had pressed his meretricious matrimonial scheme that + caused Roderick now to think so longingly and so fondly of the charming + little “college widow” who had been the object of his youthful + aspirations. + </p> + <p> + All at once he came to a resolution. Yes; he would spend at least one day + on the old campus grounds at Knox College. The call of the hills was + singing in his heart, the luring irresistible call. But before responding + to it he would once again press the hand and peep into the eyes of Stella + Rain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III—FINANCIAL WOLVES + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>N the very day + following Roderick Warfield’s departure from Keokuk there appeared + in one of the morning newspapers an item of intelligence that greatly + surprised and shocked the banker, Allen Miller. It announced the death of + the wife of his old friend General John Holden, of Quincy, Illinois, and + with the ghoulish instincts of latter-day journalism laid bare a story of + financial disaster that had, at least indirectly, led to the lady’s + lamented demise. It set forth how some years before the General had + invested practically the whole of his fortune in a western smelter + company, how the minority stockholders had been frozen out by a gang of + financial sharps in Pennsylvania, and how Mrs. Holden’s already + enfeebled health had been unable to withstand the blow of swift and sudden + family ruin. The General, however, was bearing his sad bereavement and his + monetary losses with the courage and fortitude that had characterized his + military career, and had announced his intention of retiring to a lonely + spot among the mountains of Wyoming where his daughter, the beautiful and + accomplished Gail Holden, owned a half section of land which had been + gifted to her in early infancy by an unde, a prominent business man in San + Francisco. Allen Miller was sincerely grieved over the misfortunes that + had so cruelly smitten a life-long friend. But what momentarily stunned + him was the thought that Gail Holden was the very girl designated, in mind + at least, by himself and his wife as a desirable match for Roderick. And + because the latter had not at once fallen in with these matrimonial plans, + there had been the bitter quarrel, the stinging words of rebuke that could + never be recalled, and the departure of the young man, as he had told his + aunt, to places where they would never hear of him unless and until he had + made his own fortune in the world. + </p> + <p> + As the newspaper dropped from his hands, the old banker uttered a great + groan—he had sacrificed the boy, whom in his heart he had cherished, + and still cherished, as a son, for a visionary scheme that had already + vanished into nothingness like a fragile iridescent soap-bubble. For + obviously Gail Holden, her only possessions an impoverished father and a + few acres of rocky soil, was no longer eligible as the bride of a future + bank president and leader in the financial world. The one crumb of + consolation for Allen Miller was that he had never mentioned her name to + Roderick—that when the sponge of time came to efface the quarrel the + whole incident could be consigned to oblivion without any humiliating + admission on his side. For financial foresight was the very essence of his + faith in himself, his hold over Roderick, and his reputation in the + business world. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon mail brought detailed news of General Holden’s + speculative venture and downfall. Allen Miller’s correspondent was a + lawyer friend in Quincy, who wrote in strict confidence but with a free + and sharply pointed pen. It appeared that Holden’s initial + investment had been on a sound basis. He had held bonds that were + underlying securities on a big smelting plant in Wyoming, in the very + district where his daughter’s patch of range lands was situated. It + was during a visit to the little ranch that the general’s attention + had been drawn to the great possibilities of a local smelter, and he had + been the main one to finance the proposition and render the erection of + the plant possible. At this stage a group of eastern capitalists had been + attracted to the region, and there had come to be mooted a big + consolidation of several companies, an electric lighting plant, an aerial + tramway, a valuable producing copper mine and several other different + concerns that were closely associated with the smelting enterprise. + </p> + <p> + In the days that followed a Pennsylvanian financier with a lightning rod + education, by the name of W. B. Grady had visited Holden at his Quincy + home, partaken of his hospitality, and persuaded him to exchange his + underlying bonds for stock in a re-organized and consolidated company. + </p> + <p> + By reputation this man Grady was already well known to Allen Miller as one + belonging to the new school of unscrupulous stock manipulators that has + grown up, developed, flourished and waxed fat under the blighting + influence and domination of the Well Known Oil crowd. This new school of + financiers is composed of financial degenerates, where the words “honor,” + “fair dealing” or the “square deal” have all been + effectually expunged—marked off from their business vocabulary and + by them regarded as obsolete terms. Grady was still a comparatively young + man, of attractive manners and commanding presence, with the rapacity, + however, of a wolf and the cunning of a fox. He stood fully six feet, and + his hair, once black as a raven’s, was now streaked with premature + gray which was in no way traceable to early piety. But to have mentioned + his name even in a remote comparison to such a respectable bird as the + raven rendered an apology due to the raven. It was more consistent with + the eternal truth and fitness of things to substitute the term “vulture”—to + designate him “a financial vulture,” that detestable bird of + prey whose chief occupation is feasting on carrion and all things where + the life has been squeezed out by the financial octopus, known as “the + system.” + </p> + <p> + It developed, according to Banker Miller’s correspondent, that no + sooner had General Holden given up his underlying bonds of the smelter + company and accepted stock, than foreclosure proceedings were instituted + in the U. S. District Court, and the whole business closed out and sold + and grabbed by Grady and a small coterie of financial pirates no better + than himself. And all this was done many hundreds of miles away from the + home of the unsuspecting old general, who until it was too late remained + wholly ignorant and unadvised of the true character of the suave and + pleasant appearing Mr. Grady whose promises were innumerable, yet whose + every promise was based upon a despicable prevarication. + </p> + <p> + And thus it was when the affairs of General Holden were fairly threshed + out, that Allen Miller discovered his old friend had been the prey of a + financial vampire, one skilled in sharp practice and whose artful cunning + technically protected him from being arrested and convicted of looting the + victim of his fortune. Holden had fallen into the hands of a highwayman as + vicious as any stage robber that ever infested the highways of the + frontier. The evidence of the fellow’s rascality was most apparent; + indeed, he was in a way caught redhanded with the goods as surely as ever + a sheep-killing dog was found with wool on its teeth. + </p> + <p> + To the credit of Allen Miller, he never hesitated or wavered in his + generosity to anyone he counted as a true and worthy friend. That very + evening Mrs. Miller departed for Quincy, to offer in person more + discreetly than a letter could offer any financial assistance that might + be required to meet present emergencies, and at the same time convey + sympathy to the husband and daughter in their sad bereavement. + </p> + <p> + “Lois, my dear,” the banker had said to his wife, “remain + a few days with them if necessary. Make them comfortable, no matter what + the expense. If they had means they wouldn’t need us, but now—well, + no difference about the why and wherefore—you just go and comfort + and help them materially and substantially.” + </p> + <p> + It was in such a deed as this that the true nobility of Allen Miller’s + character shone forth like a star of the brightest magnitude—a star + guaranteeing forgiveness of all his blunders and stupid attempts to curb + the impulsive and proud spirit of Roderick War-field Yet sympathy for Gail + and her father in no way condoned their poverty to his judgment as a man + of finance or reinstated the girl as an eligible match for the young man. + He would have been glad of tidings of Roderick—to have him home + again and the offensive matrimonial condition he had attached to his offer + of an appointment in the bank finally eliminated. + </p> + <p> + But there was no news, and meanwhile his wife had returned from her + mission, to report that the Holdens, while sincerely grateful, had + declined all offers of assistance. As Mrs. Miller described, it was the + girl herself who had declared, with the light of quiet self-reliance in + her eyes, that by working the ranch in Wyoming as she proposed to work it + there would be ample provision for her father’s little luxuries and + her own simple needs. + </p> + <p> + So Allen Miller put Gail Holden out of mind. But he had many secret + heartaches over his rupture with Roderick, and every little stack of mail + matter laid upon his desk was eagerly turned over in the hope that at last + the wanderer’s whereabouts would be disclosed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV.—THE COLLEGE WIDOW + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>TELLA RAIN + belonged to one of the first families of Galesburg. Their beautiful home, + an old style Southern mansion, painted white with green shutters, was just + across from the college campus ground. It was the usual fate of seniors + about to pass out of Knox College to be in love, avowedly or secretly, + with this fair “college widow.” She was petite of form and + face, and had a beautiful smile that radiated cheerfulness to the scores + of college boys. There was a merry-come-on twinkle in her eyes that set + the hearts of the young farmer lad students and the city chaps as well, in + tumultuous riot. Beneath it all she was kind of heart, and it was this + innate consideration for others that caused her to introduce all the new + boys and the old ones too, as they came to college year after year, to + Galesburg’s fairest girls. She was ready to fit in anywhere—a + true “college widow” in the broadest sense of the term. Her + parents were wealthy and she had no greater ambition than to be a queen + among the college boys. Those who knew her best said that she would live + and die a spinster because of her inability to select someone from among + the hundreds of her admirers. Others said she had had a serious affair of + the heart when quite young. But that was several years before Roderick + Warfield had come upon the scene and been in due course smitten by her + charms. How badly smitten he only now fully realized when, after nearly a + year of absence, he found himself once again tête-à-tête with her in the + old familiar drawing-room of her home. + </p> + <p> + There had been an hour of pleasant desultory conversation, the exchange of + reminiscences and of little sympathetic confidences, a subtly growing + tension in the situation which she had somewhat abruptly broken by going + to the piano and dashing off a brilliant Hungarian rhapsody. + </p> + <p> + “And so you are determined to go West?” she inquired as she + rose to select from the cabinet another sheet of music. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Roderick, “I’m going far West. I am + going after a fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “How courageous you are,” she replied, glancing at him over + her shoulder with merry, twinkling eyes, as if she were proud of his + ambition. + </p> + <p> + “Stella,” said Roderick, as she returned to the piano, where + he was now standing. + </p> + <p> + “Yes?” said she, looking up encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + “Why; you see, Stella—you don’t mind me telling you—well, + Stella, if I find the lost gold mine—” + </p> + <p> + “If you find what?” she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I mean,” said Roderick in confusion, “I mean if I + find a fortune. Don’t you know, if I get rich out in that western + country—” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope and believe you will,” broke in Stella, + vivaciously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—I say, if I do succeed, may I come back for you—yes, + marry you, and will you go out there with me to live?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Roderick, are you jesting now? You are just one of these + mischievous college boys trying to touch the heart of the little college + widow.” She laughed gaily at him, as if full of disbelief. + </p> + <p> + “No,” protested Roderick, “I am sincere.” + </p> + <p> + Stella Rain looked at him a moment in admiration. He was tall and strong—a + veritable athlete. His face was oval and yet there was a square-jawed + effect in its moulding. His eyes were dark and luminous and frank, and + wore a look of matureness, of determined purpose, she had never seen there + before. Finally she asked: “Do you know, Roderick, how old I am?” + </p> + <p> + As Roderick looked at her he saw there was plaintive regret in her dark + sincere eyes. There was no merry-come-on in them now; at last she was + serious. + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” said Roderick, “I don’t know how old + you are and I don’t care. I only know that you appeal to me more + than any other woman I have ever met, and all the boys like, you, and I + love you, and I want you for my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down here by my side,” said Stella. “Let me talk to + you in great frankness.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick seated himself by her side and reaching over took one of her + hands in his. He fondled it with appreciation—it was small, delicate + and tapering. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick,” she said, “my heart was given to a college + boy when I was only eighteen years old. He went away to his home in an + eastern state, and then he forgot me and married the girl he had gone to + school with as a little boy—during the red apple period of their + lives. It pleased his family better and perhaps it was better; and it will + not please your family, Roderick, if you marry me.” + </p> + <p> + “My family be hanged,” said Roderick with emphasis. “I + have just had a quarrel with my uncle, Allen Miller, and I am alone in the + world. I have no family. If you become my wife, why, we’ll—. + we’ll be a family to ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Stella smiled sadly and said: “You enthusiastic boy. How old are + you, Roderick?” + </p> + <p> + “I am twenty-four and getting older every day.” They both + laughed and Stella sighed and said: “Oh, dear, how the years are + running against us—I mean running against me. No, no,” she + said, half to herself, “it never can be—it is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “What,” said Roderick, rising to his feet, and at the same + moment she also stood before him—“What’s impossible? Is + it impossible for you to love me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not that,” said Stella, and he noticed tears in her eyes. + “No, Roderick,” and she stood before him holding both his + hands in hers—“Listen,” she said, “listen!” + </p> + <p> + “I am all attention,” said Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you how it will all end—we will never marry.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I say we shall marry,” said Roderick. “If you + will have me—if you love me—for I love you better than all + else on earth.” He started to take her in his arms and she raised + her hand remonstratingly, and said: “Wait! Here is what I mean,” + and she looked up at him helplessly. “I mean,”—she was + speaking slowly—“I mean that you believe today, this hour, + this minute that you want me for your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly do,” insisted Roderick, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but wait—wait until I finish. I will promise to be your + wife, Roderick—yes, I will promise—if you come for me I will + marry you. But, oh, Roderick,”—and there were tears this time + in her voice as well as in her eyes—“You will never come back—you + will meet others not so old as I am, for I am very, very old, and tonight + I feel that I would give worlds and worlds if they were mine to give, were + I young once again. Of course, in your youthful generosity you don’t + know what the disparagement of age means between husband and wife, when + the husband is younger. A man may be a score of years older than a woman + and all will be well—if they grow old together. It is God’s + way. But if a woman is eight or ten years older than her husband, it is + all different. No, Roderick, don’t take me in your arms, don’t + even kiss me until I bid you good-by when you start for that gold’ + mine of yours”—and as she said this she tried to laugh in her + old way. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to think,” said Roderick in a half-vexed, determined + tone, “that I don’t know my own mind—that I do not know + my own heart. Why, do you know, Stella, I have never loved any other girl + nor ever had even a love affair?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him quickly and said: “Roderick, that’s just the + trouble—you do not know—you cannot make a comparison, nor you + won’t know until the other girl comes along. And then, then,” + she said wearily, “I shall be weighed in the balance and found + wanting, because—oh, Roderick, I am so old, and I am so sorry—” + and she turned away and hid her face in her hands. “I believe in you + and I could love you with all my strength and soul. I am willing—listen + Roderick,” she put up her hands protectingly, “don’t be + impatient—I am willing to believe that you will be constant—that + you will come back—I am willing to promise to be your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me the happiest man in the world,” exclaimed + Roderick, crushing her to him with a sense of possession. + </p> + <p> + “But there is one promise I am going to ask you to make,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said he, “I will promise anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is this: If the other girl should come along, don’t + fail to follow the inclination of your heart, for I could not be your wife + and believe that the image of another woman was kept sacredly hidden away + in the deep recesses of your soul. Do you understand?” There was + something in her words—something in the way she spoke them—something + in the thought, that struck Roderick as love itself, and it pleased him, + because love is unselfish. Then he remembered that as yet he was penniless—it + stung him. However, the world was before him and he must carve out a + future and a fortune. It might take years, and in the meantime what of + Stella Rain, who was even now deploring her many years? She would be + getting older, and her chances, perhaps, for finding a home and settling + down with a husband would be less and less. + </p> + <p> + But he knew there was no such thought of selfishness on her part—her + very unselfishness appealed to him strongly and added a touch of chivalry + to his determination. + </p> + <p> + Stella Rain sank into a cushioned chair and rested her chin upon one hand + while, reaching to the piano keys with the other, she thrummed them + softly. Roderick walked back and forth slowly before her in deep + meditation. At last he paused and said: “I love you, I will prove I + am worthy. There is no time to lose. The hour grows late. I have but an + hour to reach my hotel, get my luggage and go to the depot I am going West + tonight I will come for you within one year, provided I make my fortune; + and I firmly believe in my destiny. If not—if I do not come—I + will release you from your betrothal, if it is your wish that I do so.” + </p> + <p> + Stella Rain laughed more naturally, and the old “come-on” + twinkling was in her eyes again as she said: “Roderick, I don’t + want to be released, because I love you very, very much. It is not that—it’s + because—well, no difference—if you come, Roderick,” and + she raised her hand to him from the piano—“if you come, and + still want me to be your wife, I will go with you and live in the + mountains or the remotest corner of the earth.” + </p> + <p> + He took her hand in both his own and kissed it tenderly. “Very well, + Stella,—you make it plain to me. But you shall see—you shall + see,” and he looked squarely into her beautiful eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, rising to her feet, “we shall see, + Roderick, we shall see. And do you know,” the twinkling was now gone + from her eyes once more and she became serious again—“do you + know, Roderick, it is the dearest hope of my life that you will come? But + I shall love you just as much as I do now, Roderick, if for any cause—for + whatever reason—you do not come. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “But,” interposed Roderick, “we are betrothed, are we + not?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him and said, smiling half sadly: “Surely, Roderick, + we are betrothed.” + </p> + <p> + He put his big strong hands up to her cheeks, lifted her face to his and + kissed her reverently. Then with a hasty good-by he turned and was gone. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick hurried across the old campus he felt the elation of a + gladiator. Of course, he would win in life’s battle, and would + return for Stella Rain, the dearest girl in all the world. The stars were + twinkling bright, the moon in the heavens was in the last quarter—bright + moon and stars, fit companions for him in his all-conquering spirit of + optimism. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V.—WESTWARD HO! + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>S the train + rumbled along carrying Roderick back to Burlington, he was lost in reverie + and exultation. He was making plans for a mighty future, into which now a + romance of love was interwoven as well as the romance of a mysterious gold + mine awaiting rediscovery in some hidden valley among rugged mountains. + Yes; he would lose no further time in starting out for Wyoming. The + winning of the one treasure meant the winning of the other—the + making of both his own. As he dreamed of wealth unbounded, there was + always singing in his heart the name of Stella Rain. + </p> + <p> + Next day he was aboard a westbound train, booked for Rawlins, Wyoming, + where, as his father’s letter had directed, he was likely to find + the old frontiersman, Jim Rankin; perhaps also the other “cronies” + referred to by name, Tom Sun and Boney Earnest At Omaha a young westerner + boarded the train, and took a seat in the Pullman car opposite to + Roderick. In easy western style the two fell into conversation, and + Roderick soon learned that the newcomer’s name was Grant Jones, that + he was a newspaper man by calling and resided in Dillon, Wyoming, right in + the midst of the rich copper mines. + </p> + <p> + “We are just over the mountain,” explained Jones, “from + the town of Encampment, where the big smelter is located.” + </p> + <p> + As the train sped along and they became better acquainted, Grant Jones + pointed out to Roderick a dignified gentleman with glasses and a gray + mustache occupying a seat well to the front of the car, and told him that + this particular individual was no other than the “Boss of Montana”—Senator + “Fence Everything” Greed. Jones laughed heartily at the name. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, he is the U. S. Senator from Montana,” continued + Jones, soberly, “and his name is F. E. Greed. His enemies out in + Montana will be highly pleased at the new name I have given him—’Fence + Everything,’ because he has fenced in over 150,000 acres of + Government land, it is claimed, and run the actual home-settlers out of + his fenced enclosures while his immense herds of cattle trampled under + foot and ate up the poor evicted people’s crops. Oh, he’s some + ‘boss,’ all right, all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” exclaimed Roderick, “that’s lawlessness.” + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones turned and looked at Roderick and said: “The rich are + never lawless, especially United States Senators—not out in Montana. + Why, bless your heart, they say the superintendent of his ranch is on the + payroll down at Washington at $1800 a year. + </p> + <p> + “Likewise the superintendent of the electric lighting plant which + Senator Greed owns, as well as the superintendent of his big general + store, are said to be on the government payroll. + </p> + <p> + “It has also been charged that his son was on the public payroll + while at college. Oh, no, it is not lawless; it is just a dignified form + of graft. Of course,” Jones went on with arched eyebrows, “I + remember one case where a homesteader shot one of the Senator’s + fatted cattle—fine stock, blooded, you know. It was perhaps worth + $100. Of course the man was arrested, had a ‘fair trial’ and + is now doing time in the penitentiary. In the meantime, his wife and + little children have been sent back East to her people. You see,” + said Jones, smiling, “this small rancher, both poor in purse and + without influence, was foolish enough to lose his temper because five or + six hundred head of Senator Greed’s cattle were driven by his + cowboys over the rancher’s land and the cattle incidentally, as they + went along, ate up his crops. Little thing to get angry about, wasn’t + it?” and Jones laughed sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “Well, don’t the state conventions pass resolutions denouncing + their U. S. Senator for such cold-blooded tyrannizing methods?” + </p> + <p> + “If the state of Montana,” replied Grant Jones, “should + ever hold a state convention of its representative people—the bone + and sinew of its sovereign citizens, why, they would not only retire + Senator Greed to private life, but they would consign him to the warmer + regions.” + </p> + <p> + “You surprise me,” replied Roderick. “I supposed that + every state held conventions—delegates you know, from each county.” + </p> + <p> + “They think they do,” said Jones, winking one eye, “but + they are only ratification meetings. The ‘Boss,’”he + continued, nodding his head towards Senator Greed, “has his faithful + lieutenants in each precinct of every county. His henchmen select the + alleged delegates and when they all get together in a so-called state + convention they are by pre-arrangement program men. The slate is fixed up + by the ‘Boss’ and is duly ratified without a hitch. Therefore + instead of being a convention representing the people it is a great big + farce—a ratification picnic where ‘plums’ are dealt out + and the ears of any who become fractious duly cuffed.” + </p> + <p> + At Grand Island in the afternoon, during a stop while engines were + changed, Roderick left the train and stretched his legs by walking up and + down the depot platform. Here he saw Grant Jones in a new rôle. + Notwithstanding Jones was in rough western garb—khaki Norfolk coat, + trousers to match, and leather leggings—yet he was the center of + attraction for a bevy of young ladies. Two of these in particular were + remarkable for their beauty; both had the same burnished golden hair and + large brown eyes; they were almost identical in height and figure, petite + and graceful, dressed alike, so that anyone at a first glance would have + recognized them to be not only sisters but doubtless twins. + </p> + <p> + When the train was about ready to start, these two girls bade adieu to + their numerous friends and permitted Grant Jones with all the gallantry of + a Beau Brummel to assist them onto the car. + </p> + <p> + Later Grant Jones took great pains to assure Roderick that it was a + pleasure to introduce him to the Misses Barbara and Dorothy Shields—“Two + of our’ mountain wild flowers,” Grant said, laughing + pleasantly, “who reside with their people way over south in the + Wyoming hills, not far from Encampment, on one of the biggest cattle + ranges in the state.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick, already captivated by the whole-souled, frank manner of Grant + Jones, now found himself much interested in the beautiful twin sisters as + well. Hour followed hour in bright and sprightly conversation, and soon + the tenderfoot who had been inclined to condole with himself as a lonely + stranger among strangers was feeling quite at home in the great western + world of hospitable welcome and good comradeship. + </p> + <p> + At an early hour next morning Grant Jones, the Shields girls and a dozen + other people left the train at the little town of Walcott. They extended + hearty invitations for Roderick to come over to southern Wyoming to see + the country, its great mines and the big smelter. “If you pay us a + visit,” said Grant Jones, laughing, “I’ll promise you a + fine big personal in the <i>Dillon Doublejack</i>, of which mighty organ + of public opinion I have the honor to be editor.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick, with a bow of due reverence for his editorial majesty and a + bright smile for the sisters, promised that he likely would make the trip + before very long. Then he swung himself onto the already moving train and + continued his westward journey to Rawlins. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI.—RODERICK MEETS JIM RANKIN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T was seven o’clock + the same morning when Roderick left the train at Rawlins. + </p> + <p> + The raw, cold wind was blowing a terrific gale, the streets were deserted + save for a few half drunken stragglers who had been making a night of it, + going the rounds of saloons and gambling dens. + </p> + <p> + A bright-faced lad took charge of the mail bags, threw them into a push + cart and started rumbling away up the street. Warfield followed and coming + up with him inquired for a hotel. + </p> + <p> + “Right over there is the Ferris House,” said the young fellow, + nodding his head in the direction indicated. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick approached the hotel he met a grizzled keen-eyed frontiersman + who saluted him with a friendly “Hello, partner, you be a stranger + in these yere parts, I’m assoomin’.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I just arrived on this morning’s train.” + </p> + <p> + “Waal, my handle is Jim Rankin. Been prospectin’ the range + hereabouts nigh thirty years; uster be sheriff of this yere county when + people wuz hostile a plenty—have the best livery stable today in + Wyomin’, and always glad to see strangers loiterin’ ‘round + and help ‘em to git their bearin’s if I can be of service—you + bet I am.” + </p> + <p> + Thus early had Roderick encountered his father’s old friend. He was + delighted, but for the present kept his own counsel. A more fitting time + and place must be found to tell the reason of his coming. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” he contented himself with saying as he accepted + the frontiersman’s hand of welcome; “glad to meet you, Mr. + Rankin.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, boy,” shouted the latter to an attache of the hotel, + “take care of this yere baggage; it belongs to this yere gentleman, + a dangnation good friend uv mine. He’ll be back soon fur breakfast. + Come on, stranger, let’s go over to Wren’s. I’m as dry + as a fish.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick smiled and turning about, accompanied his new discovery down the + street to Wren’s. As they walked along Rankin said: “Here’s + my barn and here’s the alley. We’ll turn in here and get into + Wren’s by the back door. I never pester the front door. Lots uv + fellers git a heap careless with their artillery on front steps that are + docile ‘nuff inside.” As they passed through a back gate, Jim + Rankin, the typical old-time westerner, pushed his hat well back on his + head, fished out of his pocket a pouch of “fine cut” tobacco, + and stowing away a large wad in his mouth began masticating rapidly, like + an automobile on the low gear. Between vigorous “chaws” he + observed that the sun would be up in a “minute” and then the + wind would go down. “Strange but true as gospel,” he chuckled—perhaps + at his superior knowledge of the West—“when the sun comes up + the wind goes down.” + </p> + <p> + He expectorated a huge pit-tew of tobacco juice at an old ash barrel, + wiped his iron gray mustache with the back of his hand, pushed open the + back door of the saloon and invited Roderick to enter. + </p> + <p> + A fire was burning briskly in a round sheet iron stove, and a half dozen + wooden-backed chairs were distributed about a round-topped table covered + with a green cloth. + </p> + <p> + Rankin touched a press button, and when a white-aproned waiter responded + and stood with a silent look of inquiry on his face the frontiersman + cleared his throat and said: “A dry Martini fur me; what pizen do + you nominate, partner?” + </p> + <p> + “Same,” was Roderick’s rather abbreviated reply as he + took in the surroundings with a furtive glance. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the waiter retired to fill the orders, Roderick’s new + found friend pulled a coal scuttle close to his chair to serve as a + receptacle for his tobacco expectorations, and began: “You see, + speakin’ wide open like, I know all these yere fellers—know + ‘em like a book. Out at the bar in front is a lot uv booze-fightin’ + sheep herders makin’ things gay and genial, mixin’ up with a + lot uv discharged railroad men. Been makin’ some big shipments uv + sheep east, lately, and when they get tumultuous like with a whole night’s + jag of red liquor under their belt, they forgit about the true artickle uv + manhood and I cut ‘em out. Hope they’ll get away afore the + cattle men come in from over north, otherwise there’ll be plenty uv + ugly shootin’. Last year we made seven new graves back there,” + and he jerked his thumb over his shoulder, “seven graves as a result + uv a lot uv sheep herders and cow punchers tryin’ to do the perlite + thing here at Wren’s parlors the same night They got to shootin’ + in a onrestrained fashion and a heap careless. You bet if I wuz sheriff uv + this yere county agin I’d see to it that law and order had the long + end uv the stick—though I must allow they did git hostile and hang + Big Nose George when I wuz in office,” he added after a pause. Then + he chuckled quietly to himself, for the moment lost in retrospection. + </p> + <p> + Presently the waiter brought in the drinks and when he retired Rankin got + up very cautiously, tried the door to see if it was tightly shut. Coming + back to the table and seating himself he lifted his glass, but before + drinking said: “Say, pard, I don’t want to be too presumin’, + but what’s your handle?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick felt that the proper moment had arrived, and went straight to his + story. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Roderick Warfield. I am the son of John Warfield with + whom I believe you had some acquaintance a number of years ago. My father + is dead, as you doubtless may have heard—died some fourteen years + since. He left a letter for me which only recently came into my + possession, and in the letter he spoke of three men—Jim Rankin, Tom + Sun and Boney Earnest.” + </p> + <p> + As Roderick was speaking, the frontiersman reverently returned his + cocktail to the table. + </p> + <p> + “Geewhillikins!” he exclaimed, “you the son uv John + Warfield! Well, I’ll be jiggered. This just nachurly gits on my + wind. Shake, young man.” And Jim Rankin gave Roderick’s hand + the clinch of a vise; “I’m a mighty sight more than delighted + to see you, and you can count on my advice and help, every day in the week + and Sundays thrown in. As you’re a stranger in these parts, I’m + assoomin’ you’ll need it a plenty, you bet. Gee, but I’m + as glad to see you as I’d be to see a brother. Let’s drink to + the memory uv your good father.” + </p> + <p> + He again lifted his cocktail and Roderick joined him by picking up a side + glass of water. + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked Rankin, “not drinkin’ yer cocktail? + What’s squirmin’ in yer vitals?” + </p> + <p> + “I drink nothing stronger than water,” replied Roderick, + looking his father’s old friend squarely in the eyes. Thus early in + their association he was glad to settle this issue once and for all time. + </p> + <p> + “Shake again,” said Rankin, after tossing off his drink at a + single swallow and setting down his empty glass, “you sure ‘nuff + are the son uv John Warfield. Wuz with him off and on fur many a year and + he never drank spirits under no circumstances. You bet I wuz just nachurly + so dangnation flabbergasted at meetin’ yer I got plumb locoed and + sure did fergit. Boney and Tom and me often speak uv him to this day, and + they’ll be dangnation glad to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “So you’re all three still in the ring?” queried + Roderick with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Bet yer life,” replied Rankin sturdily. “Why, Tom Sun + and Boney Earnest and me have been chums fur nigh on to thirty years. They’re + the best scouts that ever hunted in the hills. They’re the chaps who + put up my name at the convenshun, got me nominated and then elected me + sheriff of this yere county over twenty-five years ago. Gosh but I’m + certainly glad to see yer and that’s my attitood.” He smiled + broadly. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Warfield,” he continued, “what yer out here fur? + But first, hold on a minute afore yer prognosticate yer answer. Just shove + that ‘tother cocktail over this way—dangnation afeerd you’ll + spill it; no use letting it go to waste.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve come,” replied Roderick, smiling and pushing the + cocktail across to Jim Rankin, “to grow up with the country. A young + fellow when he gets through college days has got to get out and do + something, and some way I’ve drifted out to Wyoming to try and make + a start. I have lots of good health, but precious little money.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin drank the remaining cocktail, pulled his chair a little closer + to Roderick’s and spoke in a stage whisper: “You know, I’m + assoomin’, what yer father was huntin’ fur when he got hurt?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick flushed slightly and remained silent for a moment. Was it + possible that his father’s old friend, Jim Rankin, knew of the lost + mine? Finally he replied: “Well, yes, I know in a general way.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t speak too dangnation loud,” enjoined Rankin. + “Come on and we’ll hike out uv this and go into one uv the + back stalls uv my livery stable. This’s no place to talk about sich + things—even walls have ears.” + </p> + <p> + As they went out again by the back door the morning sun was looking at + them from the rim of the eastern hills. Side by side and in silence they + walked along the alley to the street, then turned and went into a big + barn-like building bearing a sign-board inscribed: “Rankin’s + Livery, Feed and Sale Stable.” + </p> + <p> + Although there was not a soul in sight, Rankin led his new acquaintance + far back to the rear of the building. As they passed, a dozen or more + horses whinnied, impatient for their morning feed. + </p> + <p> + Cautiously and without a word being spoken they went into an empty stall + in a far corner, and there in a deep whisper, Rankin said: “I know + the hull shootin’ match about that ‘ere lost gold mine, but + Tom and Boney don’t—they’ve been peevish, good and + plenty, two or three different times thinkin’ I know’d suthin’ + they didn’t. Not a blamed thing does anybody know but me, you bet I + went with your father on three different trips, but we didn’t quite + locate the place. I believe it’s on Jack Creek or Cow Creek—maybe + furder over—don’t know which, somewhere this side or t’other + side of Encampment River. You kin bet big money I kin help a heap—a + mighty lot But say nothin’ to nobody—specially to these + soopercilious high-steppin’ chaps ‘round here—not a + dangnation word—keep it mum. This is a razzle-dazzle just ‘tween + you an’ me, young man.” + </p> + <p> + A silence followed, and the two stood there looking at each other. + Presently Roderick said: “I believe I’ll go over to the hotel + and get some breakfast; this western air gives one a ravenous appetite.” + </p> + <p> + Then they both laughed a little as if anxious to relieve an embarrassing + situation, and went out to the street together. Jim knew in his heart he + had been outclassed; he had shown his whole hand, the other not one single + card. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” Rankin finally said, as if an invitation had been + extended to him. “All right, I’ll jist loiter along with yer + over to’rd the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “At another time,” observed Roderick, “we will talk + further about my father’s errand into this western country.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the dope that sure ‘nuff suits me, Mr. + War-field,” replied Rankin. “Whatever you say goes. Yer can + unbosom yerself to me any time to the limit. I’ve got a dozen good + mining deals to talk to you about; they’re dandies—a fortune + in every one uv ‘em—’a bird in every shell,’ I + might say,” and Rankin laughed heartily at his happy comparison. + “Remember one thing, Warfield,”—he stopped and took hold + of the lapel of Roderick’s coat, and again spoke in a whisper—“this + yere town is full uv ‘hot air’ merchants. Don’t have + nuthin’ to do with ‘em—stand pat with me and I’ll + see by the great horn spoon the worst you get will be the best uv + everythin’ we tackle. Well, so long until after breakfast; I’ll + see you later.” And with this Rankin turned and walked briskly back + to his stables, whistling a melody from the “Irish Washerwoman” + as he went along. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at his stables he lighted a fire in a drumshaped stove, threw his + cud of tobacco away and said: “Hell, I wish this young Warfield had + money. I’ve got a copper prospect within three mile uv this here + town that’ll knock the spots out uv the Ferris-Haggerty mine all + holler. Geewhillikins, it’ll jist nachur-ally make all the best + mines in Wyomin’ look like small-sized Shetland ponies at a Perch’ron + draft horse show. You bet that’s what I’ve got.” + </p> + <p> + After feeding his horses he came back to the livery barn office, now quite + warm and comfortable, pulled up an old broken backed chair, sat down and + lit his pipe. After a few puffs he muttered half aloud: “Expect I’m + the only man in Wyomin’ who remembers all the early hist’ry + and traditions about that cussed lost mine. I’ve hunted the hills + high and low, north, south, east and west, and dang my buttons if I can + imagine where them blamed nuggets came from. And my failure used to make + me at times a plenty hostile and peevish. John Warfield brought three of + ‘em out with him on his last trip. He gave Tom one, Boney one and me + one.” + </p> + <p> + Thrusting his hand into his pocket Rankin produced a native nugget of + gold, worn smooth and shiny, and looked at it long in silent meditation. + It was a fine specimen of almost pure gold, and was worth perhaps five and + twenty dollars. + </p> + <p> + Presently the old frontiersman brought his fist down with a startling + thump on his knee and said aloud: “I’ll be blankety-blanked if + I don’t believe in that dangnation fairy story yet. You bet I do, + and I’ll help John Warfield’s boy find it, by the great horn + spoon I will, if it takes every horse in the stable.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin relit his pipe, smoked vigorously and thought. The power of + silence was strong upon him. The restless spirit of the fortune hunter was + again surging in his blood and awaking slumbering half-forgotten hopes—yes, + tugging at his heart-strings and calling to him to forsake all else and + flee to the hills. + </p> + <p> + Rankin was a character, a representative of the advance band of sturdy + trail-blazers of the West—tender-hearted as a child, generous to a + fault, ready to divide his last crust with a friend, yet quick to resent + an injury, and stubborn as a bullock when roused to self-defense. There + was nothing cunning about him, nothing of greed and avarice, no spirit of + envy for the possession of things for the things’ sake. But for him + there was real joy in the mad pursuit of things unattainable—a joy + that enthralled and enthused him with the fervor of eternal youth. His was + the simple life of the hills, loving his few chums and turning his back on + all whom he disliked or mistrusted. + </p> + <p> + Other men and greater men there may be, but it was men of Jim Rankin’s + type that could build, and did build, monuments among the wild western + waste of heat-blistered plains and gaunt rock-ribbed mountains, men who + braved the wilderness and there laid the first foundation stones of a + splendid civilization—splendid, yet even now only in its first + beginnings, a civilization that means happy homes and smiling fields where + before all was barrenness and desolation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII—GETTING ACQUAINTED + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">R</span>ODERICK spent a + few days in Rawlins, improving his acquaintance with Jim Rankin and making + a general survey of the situation. The ex-sheriff proved to be a veritable + repository of local information, and Roderick soon knew a little about + everyone and everything in the district. He learned that Tom Sun, one of + his father’s old associates, had from small beginnings come to be + the largest sheep owner in the state; he was rich and prosperous. With + Boney Earnest, however, the other friend mentioned in the letter, the case + was different. Boney had stuck for years to prospecting and desultory + mining without achieving any substantial success, but had eventually + become a blast furnace man in the big smelting plant at Encampment. There + he had worked his way up to a foreman’s position, and with his + practical knowledge of all the ores in the region was the real brains of + the establishment, as Jim Rankin forcibly declared. He had a large family + which absorbed all his earnings and always kept him on the ragged edge of + necessity. + </p> + <p> + Rankin himself was not too well fixed—just making a more or less + precarious subsistence out of his stage line and livery stable business. + But he had several big mining deals in hand or at least in prospect, one + or other of which was “dead sure to turn up trumps some day.” + The “some day” appeared to be indefinitely postponed, but + meanwhile Jim had the happiness of living in the genial sunshiny + atmosphere of hope. And the coming of Roderick had changed this mellowed + sunshine into positive radiance, rekindling all the old fires of + enthusiasm in the heart of the old-time prospector. With Roderick the + first surge of eager impetuosity had now settled down into quiet + determination. But old Jim Rankin’s blood was at fever-heat in his + eagerness to find the hidden valley. When alone with Roderick he could + talk of nothing else. + </p> + <p> + Roderick, however, had shrewdly and cautiously summed up the measure of + his usefulness. Jim Rankin had not the necessary capital to finance a + systematic search among the mountain fastnesses where nature so jealously + guarded her secret. Nor could he leave his horses and his livery business + for any long period, however glibly he might talk about “going out + and finding the blamed place.” As for any precise knowledge of where + the quest should be commenced, he had none. He had shared in the frequent + attempts and failures of Roderick’s father, and after a lapse of + some fifteen or sixteen years had even a slimmer chance now than then of + hitting the spot. So, all things duly considered, Roderick had adhered to + his original resolution of playing a lone hand. Not even to Rankin did he + show his father’s letter and map; their relations were simply an + understanding that the old frontiersman would help Roderick out to the + best of his power whenever opportunity offered and in all possible ways, + and that for services rendered there would be liberal recompense should + golden dreams come to be realized. + </p> + <p> + Another reason weighed with Roderick in holding to a policy of reticence. + Despite Jim’s own frequent cautions to “keep mum—say + nothing to nobody,” he himself was not the best hand at keeping a + secret, especially after a few cocktails had lubricated his natural + loquacity. At such moments, under the mildly stimulating influence, Jim + dearly loved to hint at mysterious knowledge locked up in his breast. And + in a mining camp vague hints are liable to become finger posts and + signboards—the very rocks and trees seem to be possessed of ears. So + young Warfield was at least erring on the safe side in keeping his own + counsel and giving no unnecessary confidences anywhere. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to be gained by remaining longer at Rawlins. Roderick’s + slender finances rendered it imperative that he should find work of some + kind—work that would enable him to save a sufficient stake for the + prospecting venture, or give him the chance to search out the proper + moneyed partner who would be ready to share in the undertaking. And since + he had to work it would be well that his work should, if possible, be on + the range, where while earning his maintenance and husbanding his + resources, he could at the same time be spying out the land and gaining + invaluable experience. So he had on several occasions discussed with Jim + Rankin the chances of finding a temporary job on one of the big cattle + ranches, and after one of these conversations had come his decision to + move at once from Rawlins. His first “voyage of discovery” + would be to Encampment, the busy smelter town. He remembered the cordial + invitation extended to him by Grant Jones, the newspaper man, and felt + sure he would run across him there. From the first he had felt strongly + drawn to this buoyant young spirit of the West, and mingled with his + desire for such comradeship was just a little longing, maybe, to glimpse + again the fair smiling faces of the twin sisters—“mountain + wild flowers” as Grant Jones had so happily described Barbara and + Dorothy Shields. + </p> + <p> + So one fine morning Roderick found himself seated beside Jim Rankin on the + driver’s seat of an old-fashioned Concord stage coach. With a crack + of Jim’s whip, the six frisky horses, as was their wont at the + beginning of a journey, started off at a gallop down the street. Five or + six passengers were stowed away in the coach. But these were nothing to + Jim Rankin and Roderick Warfield. They could converse on their own affairs + during the long day’s drive. The old frontiersman was, as usual, in + talkative mood. + </p> + <p> + “By gunnies,” he exclaimed sotto-voce, as they wheeled along, + “we’ll find that pesky lost gold mine, don’t you forget + it. I know pretty dangnation near its location now. You bet I do and I’ll + unbosom myself and take you to it—jist you and me. I’m thinkin’ + a heap these yere days, you bet I am.” + </p> + <p> + Along in the afternoon they crossed over Jack Creek, an important stream + of water flowing from the west into the North Platte River. Jim Rankin + stopped the stage coach and pointed out to our hero the “deadline” + between the cattle and sheep range. “All this yere territory,” + said Jim, “lying north uv Jack Creek is nachure’s sheep + pasture and all lyin’ south uv Jack is cattle range.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s well known,” he went on, “where them blamed + pesky sheep feed and graze, by gunnies, vegetation don’t grow agin + successful for several years. The sheep not only nachurlly eat the grass + down to its roots, but their sharp hoofs cut the earth into fine pulp + fields uv dust. Jack Creek is the dividin’ line—the ‘dead + line.’.rdquo; + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by the ‘dead line’.” asked + Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “The ‘dead line,’”replied old Jim as he clucked + to his horses and swung his long whip at the off-leader—“the + ‘dead line’ is where by the great horn spoon the sheep can’t + go any furder south and the cattle darsn’t come any furder north, or + when they do, Hell’s a-pop-pin.’.rdquo; + </p> + <p> + “What happens?” + </p> + <p> + “What happens?” repeated the frontiersman as he expectorated a + huge pit-tew of tobacco juice at a cactus that stood near the roadway. + “Why, by gunnies, hundreds uv ondefensible sheep have been actooally + clubbed to death in a single night by raidin’ cowboys and the + sheep-herders shot to death while sleepin’ in their camp wagons: and + their cookin’ outfit, which is usually in one end uv the wagon, as + well as the camp wagons, burned to conceal evidence of these dastardly + murders. Oh, they sure do make things gay and genial like.” + </p> + <p> + “Astonishing! The cowboys must be a pretty wicked lot,” + interrogated Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it’s about six uv one and half a dozen uv the other. + You see these pesky sheep herders and the cowboys are all torn off the + same piece uv cloth. Many a range rider has been picked from his hoss by + these sheep men hidden away in these here rocky cliffs which overlook the + valley. They sure ‘nuff get tumultuous.” + </p> + <p> + “But what about the law?” inquired Roderick. “Does it + afford no protection?” + </p> + <p> + Jim laughed derisively, pushed his hat far back and replied: “Everybody + that does any killin’ in these here parts sure does it in + self-defense.” He chuckled at his superior knowledge of the West. + “Leastways, that’s what the evidence brings out afore the + courts. However, Tom Sun says the fussin’ is about over with. Last + year more’n twenty cattle men were sentenced to the pen’tentiary + up in the Big Horn country. Sort uv an offset fur about a score uv sheep + men that’s been killed by the cow punchers while tendin’ their + flocks on the range. You bet they’ve been mixin’ things up + with artil’ry a heap.” + </p> + <p> + “I clearly perceive,” said Roderick, “that your + sympathies are with the cattle men.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin turned quickly and with his piercing black eyes glared at + Roderick as if he would rebuke him for his presumption. + </p> + <p> + “Young man, don’t be assoomin’. I ain’t got no + sympathy fur neither one uv ‘em. I don’t believe in murder and + I don’t believe very much in the pen’tentiary. ‘Course + when I was sheriff, I had to do some shootin’ but my shootin’ + wuz all within the law. No, I don’t care a cuss one way or ‘tother. + There are lots uv good fellers ridin’ range. Expect yer will be + ridin’ before long. Think I can help yer get a job on the Shields + ranch; if I can’t Grant Jones can. And ther’s lots uv mighty + good sheep-herders too. My old pal, Tom Sun, is the biggest sheep-man in + this whole dang-nation country and he’s square, he is. So you see I + ain’t got no preference, ‘tho’ I do say the hull kit and + bilin’ uv ‘em could be improved. Yes, I’m nootral. Put + that in yer pipe and smoke it, fur it goes dangnation long ways in this + man’s country to be nootral, and don’t git to furgit’n + it.” + </p> + <p> + It was late in the afternoon when they neared the little town of + Encampment. Old Jim Rankin began to cluck to his horses and swing his whip + gently and finally more pronouncedly. + </p> + <p> + If it is the invariable habit of stage drivers at the point of departure + to start off their horses in a full swinging gallop, it is an equally + inviolable rule, when they approach the point of arrival, that they come + in with a whoop and a hooray. These laws are just as immutable as ringing + the bell or blowing the locomotive whistle when leaving or nearing a + station. So when Jim Rankin cracked his whip, all six horses leaned + forward in their collars, wheeled up the main street in a swinging gallop, + and stopped abruptly in front of the little hotel. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick climbed down from the driver’s seat he was greeted with + a hearty “Hello, Warfield, welcome to our city.” The speaker + was none other than Grant Jones himself, for his newspaper instincts + always brought him, when in town, to meet the stage. + </p> + <p> + The two young men shook hands with all the cordiality of old friends. + </p> + <p> + “If you cannot get a room here at the hotel, you can bunk with me,” + continued Grant. “I have a little shack down towards the smelter.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick laughed and said: “Suppose, then, we don’t look for a + room. I’ll be mighty pleased to carry my baggage to your shack now.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, that’s a go,” said Grant; and together they + started down the street. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones’ bachelor home consisted of a single room—a + hastily improvised shack, as he had correctly called it, that had cost no + very large sum to build. It was decorated with many trophies of college + life and of the chase. Various college pennants were on the walls, + innumerable pipes, some rusty antiquated firearms, besides a brace of + pistols which Jim Rankin had given to Grant, supposed to be the identical + flint-locks carried by Big Nose George, a desperado of the early days. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” explained Grant as he welcomed his guest, “this + is my Encampment residence. I have another shack over at Dillon where I + edit my paper, the <i>Dillon Doublejack</i>. I spend part of my time in + one place and part in the other. My business is in Dillon but social + attractions—Dorothy Shields, you may have already guessed—are + over this way.” And he blushed red as he laughingly made the + confession. + </p> + <p> + “And talking of the Shields, by the way,” resumed Grant. + “I want to tell you I took the liberty of mentioning your name to + the old man. He is badly in need of some more hands on the ranch—young + fellows who can ride and are reliable.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick was all alert. + </p> + <p> + “The very thing I’m looking for,” he said eagerly. + “Would he give me a place, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m certain of it. In fact I promised to bring you over to + the ranch as soon as you turned up at Encampment.” + </p> + <p> + “Mighty kind of you, old fellow,” remarked Roderick, + gratefully and with growing familiarity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can take that bed over there,” said the host. + “This one is mine. You’ll excuse the humble stretchers, I + know. Then after you have opened your grip and made yourself a little at + home, we’ll take a stroll. I fancy that a good big porterhouse won’t + come amiss after your long day’s drive. We’ve got some pretty + good restaurants in the town. I suppose you’ve already discovered + that a properly cooked juicy Wyoming steak is hard to beat, eh, you + pampered New Yorker?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick laughed as he threw open his valise and arranged his brushes and + other toilet appurtenances on the small table that stood at the head of + the narrow iron stretcher. + </p> + <p> + A little later, when night had fallen, the young men went out into the + main street to dine and look over the town. It was right at the edge of + the valley with mountains rising in a semi-circle to south and west, a + typical mountain settlement. + </p> + <p> + “You see everything is wide open,” said Grant, as he escorted + Roderick along the streets, arm linked in arm. For they had just + discovered that they belonged to the same college fraternity—Kappa + Gamma Delta, so the bonds of friendship had been drawn tighter still. + </p> + <p> + “You have a great town here,” observed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “We have about 1200 to 1500 people and 18 saloons!” laughed + the other. “And every saloon has a gambling lay-out—anything + from roulette to stud-poker. Over yonder is Brig Young’s place. Here + is Southpaw’s Bazaar. The Red Dog is a little farther along; the + Golden Eagle is one of the largest gambling houses in the town. We’ll + have our supper first, and then I’ll take you over to Brig Young’s + and introduce you.” + </p> + <p> + As they turned across the street they met a man coming toward them. He was + straight and tall, rather handsome, but a gray mustache made him seem + older than his years. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, here is Mr. Grady. Mr. Grady, I want to introduce you to a + newcomer. This is Mr. Roderick Warfield.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad to meet you, Mr. Warfield,” said Grady in a smooth voice + and with an oleaginous smile. To Roderick the face seemed a sinister one; + instinctively he felt a dislike for the man. + </p> + <p> + “Your town is quite up-to-date, with all its brilliant electric + lights,” he observed with a polite effort at conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Grady, “but it is the monthly pay roll of + my big smelting company that supports the whole place.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pomposity in the remark and the look that accompanied it which + added to Roderick’s feelings of repulsion. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don’t know,” interposed Grant Jones, in a + laughing way. “We have about five hundred prospectors up in the + hills who may not yet be producers, but their monthly expenditures run up + into pretty big figures.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, that amounts to something; but think of my pay roll,” + replied Grady, boastingly. “Almost a thousand men on my pay roll. We + have the biggest copper mine in the Rocky Mountain region, Mr. War-field. + Come down some day and see the smelter,” he added as he extended his + hand in farewell greeting, with a leer rather than a smile on his face. + “I’ll give you a pass.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Roderick coldly. And the two friends resumed + their walk toward Brig Young’s saloon. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mind telling you,” remarked Grant, “that + Grady is the most pompous, arrogant and all-round hated man in this mining + camp.” + </p> + <p> + “He looks the part,” replied Roderick, and they both laughed. + </p> + <p> + A minute later they were seated in a cosy little restaurant. Ample justice + was done to the succulent Wyoming porterhouse, and cigars were lighted + over the cups of fragrant coffee that completed the meal. Then the young + men resumed their peregrinations pursuant to the programme of visiting + Brig Young’s place, certified by Grant Jones to be one of the sights + of the town. + </p> + <p> + The saloon proved to be an immense room with a bar in the corner near the + entrance. Roulette tables, faro lay-outs and a dozen poker tables + surrounded with feverish players were all running full blast, while half a + hundred men were standing around waiting to take the place of any player + who went broke or for any reason dropped out of the game. + </p> + <p> + “I guess nearly all the gambling is done here, isn’t it?” + asked Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Not by a big sight. There are eighteen joints of this kind, and + they are all running wide open and doing business all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “When do they close?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “They never close,” replied Grant. “Brig Young boasts + that he threw the key away when this place opened, and the door has never + been locked since.” + </p> + <p> + As they spoke their attention was attracted to one corner of the gaming + room. Seven players were grouped around a table, in the centre of which + was stacked a pile of several thousand dollars in gold pieces. Grant and + Roderick strolled over. + </p> + <p> + A score of miners and cowboys were standing around watching the game. One + of them said to Grant Jones: “It’s a jack pot and they’re + dealing for openers.” + </p> + <p> + Finally someone opened the pot for $500. “It’s an all-fired + juicy pot and I wouldn’t think of openin’ it for less.” + Tom Lester was the player’s name, as Grant whispered to Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll stay,” said One-Eyed Joe. + </p> + <p> + “So will I,” said another. + </p> + <p> + The players were quickly assisted with cards—four refused to come + in, and the other three, having thrown their discards into the deck, sat + facing each other ready for the final struggle in determining the + ownership of the big pot before them. It was a neck and neck proposition. + First one would see and raise and then another would see and go better. + Finally, the showdown came, and it created consternation when it was + discovered that there were five aces in sight. + </p> + <p> + Instantly Tom Lester jerked his Colt’s revolver from his belt and + laid it carefully down on top of his three aces and said: “Steady, + boys, don’t move a muscle or a hand until I talk.” The + onlookers pushed back and quickly enlarged the circle. + </p> + <p> + “Sit perfectly still, gentlemen,” said Tom Lester, quietly and + in a low tone of voice, with his cocked revolver in front of him. “I’m + not makin’ any accusations or loud talk—I’m not accusin’ + anybody in particular of anything. Keep perfectly cool an’ hear a + cool determined man talk. Far be it from me to accuse anyone of crooked + dealin’ or holdin’ high cards up their sleeves.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he looked at One-Eyed Joe who had both a reputation at card + skin games and a record of several notches on his gun handle. + </p> + <p> + “I want to say,” Lester continued, “that I recognize in + the game we’re playin’ every man is a perfect gentleman and it’s + not Tom Lester who suspicions any impure motives or crooked work. + </p> + <p> + “We will now order a new deck of cards,” said Tom while fire + was flashing out of his steel gray eyes. “We will play this game to + a finish, by God, and the honest winner will take the stakes. But I will + say here and now so there may be no misunderstandin’ and without + further notice, that if a fifth ace shows up again around this table, I’ll + shoot his other eye out.” And he looked straight at One-Eyed Joe, + who never quivered or moved a muscle. + </p> + <p> + “This ends my remarks concernin’ the rules. How d’ye + like ‘em, Joe?” + </p> + <p> + “Me?” said Joe, looking up in a surprised way with his one + eye. “I’m ‘lowin’ you have made yer position plain—so + dangnation plain that even a blind man kin see the pint.” + </p> + <p> + The new deck was brought and the game went on in silence. After a few + deals the pot was again opened, and was in due course won by a player who + had taken no part in the previous mix-up, without a word falling from the + lips of either Tom Lester or One-Eyed Joe. + </p> + <p> + Roderick and Grant moved away. + </p> + <p> + “Great guns,” exclaimed the former. “But that’s a + rare glimpse of western life.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there are incidents like that every night,” replied + Grant, “and shooting too at times. Have a drink?” he added as + they approached the bar. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will have a great big lemonade.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” laughed Grant, “I’ll surprise both you and + my stomach by taking the same.” + </p> + <p> + As they sipped their drinks, Grant’s face became a little serious as + he said: “I’m mighty glad you have come. You seem to be of my + own kind. Lots of good boys out here, but they are a little rough and many + of them are rather careless. Guess I am getting a little careless myself. + There are just two men in these mountains who have a good influence over + the boys. One is Major Buell Hampton. Everybody trusts him. By the way, I + must introduce you to him. He is one of the grandest men I have ever met” + As Grant said this he brought his fist down decisively on the bar. + </p> + <p> + “The other is the Reverend Stephen Grannon,” he went on, + “the travelling horseback preacher—carries saddle bags, and + all that. Why, do you know, the boys are so respectful to Reverend Grannon + that they hire a man to go up and down the street ringing a bell, and they + close up all their places for an hour every time he comes to town. He + preaches mostly in the big tent you perhaps saw further up the street, at + other times in the little church. The boys are mighty respectful to him, + and all because they know he goes about doing good. If anyone falls ill, + Reverend Grannon is the first to offer help. He visits the poor and cheers + them with a spirit of hope. He never leaves town without going into every + saloon and shaking hands with the barkeepers, giving them the same kind of + advice but not in the same way—the same advice that we used to get + when we stood around our mother’s knee before we had learned the + sorrows of the big world.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Grant was serious. Then looking up at Roderick, he laughed + and said: “We all have to think of those old days once in a while, + don’t we?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick nodded gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Now I come to think of it,” said Grant, “the present + moment’s a very good time. We’ll go down and call on one of + Nature’s noblemen. He is somewhat of an enigma. You cannot tell how + old he is by looking at him. He may have seen fifty years or a hundred and + fifty—the Lord only knows, for nobody in this camp has any idea. But + you will meet a magnificent character. Come along. I’m going to + present you to my friend, Major Buell Hampton, about whom I’ve just + been speaking. I guess we’ll catch him at home.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII.—A PHILOSOPHER AMONG THE MOUNTAINS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>S THE two young + men walked down the brilliantly lighted main street of Encampment, Grant + Jones explained that the water had been dammed several miles up the south + fork of the Encampment river and conducted in a California red-wood pipe + down to the smelter plant for power purposes; and that the town of + Encampment was lighted at a less cost per capita than any other town in + the world. It simply cost nothing, so to speak. + </p> + <p> + Grant had pointed out several residences of local celebrities, but at last + a familiar name drew Roderick’s special attention—the name of + one of his father’s old friends. + </p> + <p> + “This is Boney Earnest’s home,” Grant was remarking. + “He is the fellow who stands in front of the furnaces at the smelter + in a sleeveless shirt and with a red bandana around his neck. They have a + family of ten children, every one of them as bright as a new silver + dollar. Oh, we have lots of children here and by the way a good public + school. You see that log house just beyond? That is where Boney Earnest + used to live when he first came into camp—before his brood was quite + so numerous. It now belongs to Major Buell Hampton. It is not much to look + at, but just wait until you get inside.” + </p> + <p> + “Then this Major Hampton, I presume, has furnished it up in great + shape?” + </p> + <p> + “No, nothing but rough benches, a table, some chairs and a few + shelves full of books. What I mean is that Major Hampton’s + personality is there and that beats all the rich furniture and all the + bric-à-brac on earth. As a college man you will appreciate him.” + </p> + <p> + Without ceremony Grant rapped vigorously at the door and received a loud + response to “come in.” At the far end of a room that was + perhaps 40 feet long by 20 feet in width was an open fireplace in which + huge logs of wood were burning. Here Major Hampton was standing with his + back to the fire and his hands crossed behind him. + </p> + <p> + As his visitors entered, the Major said in courtly welcome: “Mr. + Grant Jones, I am glad to see you.” And he advanced with hand + extended. + </p> + <p> + “Major, let me introduce you to a newcomer, Roderick Warfield. We + belong to the same ‘frat.’.rdquo; + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Warfield,” responded the Major, shaking the visitor’s + hand, “I welcome you not only to the camp but to my humble dwelling.” + </p> + <p> + He led them forward and provided chairs in front of the open fire. On the + center table was a humidor filled with tobacco and beside it lay several + pipes. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Warfield,” observed the Major, speaking with a marked + southern accent, “I am indeed pleased, suh, to meet anyone who is a + friend of Mr. Jones. I have found him a most delightful companion and I + hope you will make free to call on me often. Interested in mining, I + presume?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Roderick, “interested, yes, in a way. + But tentative arrangements have been made for me to join the cowboy + brigade. I am to ride the range if Mr. Shields is pleased with me, as our + friend here seems to think he will be. He is looking for some more cowboys + and my name has been mentioned to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” concurred Grant, “Mr. Shields needs some more + cowboys very badly, and as Warfield is accustomed to riding, I’m + quite sure he’ll fill the bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Personally,” observed the Major, “I am very much + interested in mining. It has a great charm for me. The taking out of + wealth from the bosom of the earth—wealth that has never been + tainted by commercialism—appeals to me very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I presume you are doing some mining yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the Major. “If I had capital, doubtless I + would be in the mining business. But my profession, if I may term it so, + is that of a hunter. These hills and mountains are pretty full of game, + and I manage to find two or three deer a week. My friend and next door + neighbor, Mr. Boney Earnest, and his family consisting of a wife and ten + children, have been very considerate of me and I have undertaken the + responsibility of furnishing the meat for their table. Are you fond of + venison, Mr. Warfield?” + </p> + <p> + “I must confess,” said Roderick, “I have never tasted + venison.” + </p> + <p> + “Finest meat in the world,” responded the Major. “Of + course,” he went on, “I aim to sell about one deer a week, + which brings me a fair compensation. It enables me to buy tobacco and + ammunition,” and he laughed good naturedly at his limited wants. + </p> + <p> + “One would suppose,” interjected Grant Jones, “that the + Boney Earnest family must be provided with phenomenal appetites if they + eat the meat of two deer each week. But if you knew the Major’s + practice of supplying not less than a dozen poor families with venison + because they are needy, you would understand why he does not have a + greater income from the sale of these antlered trophies of the hills.” + </p> + <p> + The Major waved the compliment aside and lit his pipe. As he threw his + head well back after the pipe was going, Roderick was impressed that Major + Buell Hampton most certainly was an exceptional specimen of manhood. He + was over six feet tall, splendidly proportioned, and perhaps weighed + considerably more than two hundred pounds. + </p> + <p> + There were little things here and there that gave an insight into the + character of the man. Hanging on the wall was a broad-brimmed slouch hat + of the southern planter style. Around his neck the Major wore a heavy gold + watch guard with many a link. To those who knew him best, as Roderick came + subsequently to learn, this chain was symbolical of his endless kindnesses + to the poor—notwithstanding his own poverty, of such as he had he + freely gave; like the chain his charities seemed linked together without a + beginning—without an end. His well-brushed shoes and puttees, his + neatly arranged Windsor tie, denoted the old school of refinement and good + breeding. + </p> + <p> + His long dark hair and flowing mustaches were well streaked with gray. His + forehead was knotted, his nose was large but well formed, while the + tangled lines of his face were deep cut and noticeable. From under heavily + thatched eyebrows the eyes beamed forth the rare tenderness and gentle + consideration for others which his conversation suggested. Long before the + evening’s visit was over, a conviction was fixed in Roderick’s + heart that here indeed was a king among men—one on whom God had set + His seal of greatness. + </p> + <p> + In later days, when both had become well acquainted, Roderick sometimes + discovered moments when this strange man was in deep meditation—when + his eyes seemed resting far away on some mysterious past or inscrutable + future. And Roderick would wonder whether it was a dark cloud of memory or + anxiety for what was to come that obscured and momentarily dimmed the + radiance of this great soul. It was in such moments that Major Buell + Hampton became patriarchal in appearance; and an observer might well have + exclaimed: “Here is one over whom a hundred winters or even + countless centuries have blown their fiercest chilling winds.” But + when Buell Hampton had turned again to things of the present, his face was + lit up with his usual inspiring smile of preparedness to consider the + simplest questions of the poorest among the poor of his acquaintances—a + transfiguration indescribable, as if the magic work of some ancient + alchemist had pushed the years away, transforming the centenarian into a + comparatively young man who had seen, perhaps, not more than half a + century. He was, indeed, changeable as a chameleon. But in all phases he + looked, in the broadest sense of the word, the humanitarian. + </p> + <p> + As the three men sat that night around the fire and gazed into the leaping + flames and glowing embers, there had been a momentary lull in the + conversation, broken at last by the Major. + </p> + <p> + “I hope we shall become great friends, Mr. War-field,” he + said. “But to be friends we must be acquainted, and in order to be + really acquainted with a man I must know his views on politics, religion, + social questions, and the economic problems of the age in which we live.” + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand at the bookshelves well filled with volumes whose worn + bindings showed that they were there for reading and not for show. Long + rows of periodicals, even stacks of newspapers, indicated close attention + to the current questions of the day. + </p> + <p> + “Rather a large order,” replied Roderick, smiling. “It + would take a long time to test out a man in such a thorough way.” + </p> + <p> + The Major paid no heed to the comment. Still fixedly regarding the + bookshelves, he continued: “You see my library, while not extensive, + represents my possessions. Each day is a link in life’s chain, and I + endeavor to keep pace with the latest thought and the latest steps in the + world’s progress.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned round suddenly and asked the direct question: “By the + way, Mr. Warfield, are you a married man?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick blushed the blush of a young bachelor and confessed that he was + not. + </p> + <p> + “Whom God hath joined let no man put asunder,” laughed Grant + Jones. “The good Lord has not joined me to anyone yet, but I am + hoping He will.” + </p> + <p> + “Grant, you are a boy,” laughed the Major. “You always + will be a boy. You are quick to discover the ridiculous; and yet,” + went on the Major reflectively, “I have seen my friend Jones in + serious mood at times. But I like him whether he is frivolous or serious. + When you boys speak of marriage as something that is arranged by a Divine + power, you are certainly laboring under one of the many delusions of this + world.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick remembered his compact with Stella Rain, the pretty little + college widow. For a moment his mind was back at the campus grounds in old + Galesburg. Presently he said: “I beg your pardon, Major, but would + you mind giving me your ideas of an ideal marriage?” + </p> + <p> + “An ideal marriage,” repeated the Major, smiling, as he + knocked the ashes from his meerschaum. “Well, an ideal marriage is a + something the young girl dreams about, a something the engaged girl + believes she has found, and a something the married woman knows never + existed.” + </p> + <p> + He looked deep into the open grate as if re-reading a half forgotten + chapter in his own life. Presently refilling and lighting his pipe he + turned to Roderick and said: “When people enter into marriage—a + purely civil institution—a man agrees to bring in the raw products—the + meat, the flour, the corn, the fuel; and the woman agrees to manufacture + the goods into usable condition. The husband agrees to provide a home—the + wife agrees to take care of it and keep it habitable. In one respect + marriage is slavery,” continued the Major, “slavery in the + sense that each mutually sentences himself or herself to a life of + servitude, each serving the other in, faithfully carrying out, when health + permits, their contract or agreement of partnership. Therefore marriages + are made on earth—not in heaven. There is nothing divine about them. + They are, as I have said, purely a civil institution.” + </p> + <p> + The speaker paused. His listeners, deeply interested, were reluctant by + any interruption to break the flow of thought. They waited patiently, and + presently the Major resumed: “Since the laws of all civilized + nations recognize the validity of a partnership contract, they should also + furnish an honorable method of nullifying and cancelling it when either + party willfully breaks the marriage agreement of partnership by act of + omission or commission. Individuals belonging to those isolated cases + ‘Whom God hath joined’—if perchance there are any—of + course have no objections to complying with the formalities of the + institutions of marriage; they are really mated and so the divorce court + has no terrors for them. It is only from among the great rank and file of + the other class whom ‘God hath <i>not</i> joined’ that the + unhappy victims are found hovering around the divorce courts, claiming + that the partnership contract has been violated and broken and the erring + one has proven a false and faithless partner. + </p> + <p> + “In most instances, I believe, and it is the saddest part of it all, + the complainant is usually justified. And it is certainly a most wise, + necessary, and humane law that enables an injured wife or husband to + terminate a distasteful or repulsive union. Only in this way can the + standard of humanity be raised by peopling the earth with natural + love-begotten children, free from the effects of unfavorable pre-natal + influences which not infrequently warp and twist the unborn into embryonic + imbeciles or moral perverts with degenerate tendencies. + </p> + <p> + “Society as well as posterity is indebted fully as much to the civil + institution of divorce as it is to the civil institution of marriage. Oh, + yes, I well know, pious-faced church folks walk about throughout the land + with dubs to bludgeon those of my belief without going to the trouble of + submitting these vital questions to an unprejudiced court of inquiry.” + </p> + <p> + The Major smiled, and said: “I see you young men are interested in + my diatribe, or my sermon—call it which you will—so I’ll + go on. Well, the churches that are nearest to the crudeness of antiquity, + superstition, and ignorance are the ones most unyielding and denunciatory + to the institution of divorce. The more progressive the church or the + community and the more enlightened the human race becomes, the less + objectionable and the more desirable is an adequate system of divorce laws—laws + that enable an injured wife or husband to refuse to stultify their + conscience and every instinct of decency by bringing children into the + world that are not welcome. A womanly woman covets motherhood—desires + children—love offerings with which to people the earth—babes + that are not handicapped with parental hatreds, regrets, or disgust. + Marriage is not a flippant holiday affair but a most serious one, + freighted not alone with grave responsibilities to the mutual happiness of + both parties to the civil contract, but doubly so to the offspring + resultant from the union. But I guess that is about enough of my + philosophy for one evening, isn’t it?” he concluded, with a + little laugh that was not devoid of bitterness—it might have been + the bitterness of personal reminiscence, or bitterness toward a blind and + misguided world in general, or perhaps both combined. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones turning to Roderick said: “Well, what do you think of + the Major’s theory?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” said Roderick in a serious tone, “that it is + not a theory but an actual condition.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo,” said the Major as he arose from his chair and + advanced to Roderick, extending his hand. “All truth,” said + he, “in time will be uncovered, truth that today is hidden beneath + the débris of formalities, ignorance, and superstition.” + </p> + <p> + “But why, Major,” asked Grant, “are there so many + divorces? Do not contracting parties know their own minds? Now it seems + impossible to conceive of my ever wanting a divorce from a certain little + lady I know,” he added with a pleasant laugh—the care-free, + confiding laugh of a boy. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Jones,” said the Major, “the supposed reasons + for divorce are legion—the actual reasons are perhaps few. However + it is not for me to say that all the alleged reasons are not potent and + sufficient. When we hear two people maligning each other in or out of the + court we are prone to believe both are telling the truth. Truth is the + underlying foundation of respect, respect begets friendship, and + friendship sometimes is followed by the more tender passion we call love. + A man meets a woman,” the Major went on, thoughtfully, “whom + he knows is not what the world calls virtuous. He may fall in love with + her and may marry her and be happy with her. But if a man loves a woman he + believes to be virtuous and then finds she is not—it is secretly + regarded by him as the unforgivable sin and is doubtless the unspoken and + unwritten allegation in many a divorce paper.” + </p> + <p> + He mused for a moment, then went on: “Sometime there will be a + single standard of morals for the sexes, but as yet we are not far enough + away from the brutality of our ancestors. Yes, it is infinitely better,” + he added, rising from his chair, “that a home should be broken into + a thousand fragments through the kindly assistance of a divorce court + rather than it should only exist as a family battle ground.” The + tone of his voice showed that the talk was at an end, and he bade his + visitors a courteous good-night, with the cordial addition: “Come + again.” + </p> + <p> + “It was great,” remarked Roderick, as the young men wended + their homeward way. “What a wealth of new thought a fellow can bring + away from such a conversation!” + </p> + <p> + “Just as I told you,” replied Grant “But the Major opens + his inmost heart like that only to his chosen friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’m mighty glad to be enrolled among the number,” + said Roderick. “Makes a chap feel rather shy of matrimony though, + doesn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Not on your life. True love can never change—can never wrong + itself. When you feel that way toward a girl, Warfield, and know that the + girl is of the same mind, go and get the license—no possible mistake + can be made.” + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones was thinking of Dorothy Shields, and his face was aglow. To + Roderick had come thought of Stella Rain, and he felt depressed. Was there + no mistake in his love affair?—this was the uneasy question that was + beginning to call for an answer. And yet he had never met a girl whom he + would prefer to the dainty, sweet, unselfish, brave little “college + widow” of Galesburg. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX—THE HIDDEN VALLEY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>ITHIN a few days + of Roderick’s advent into the camp he was duly added to the cowboy + list on the ranch of the wealthy cattleman, Mr. Shields, whose property + was located a few miles east from the little mining town and near the + banks of the Platte River. A commodious and handsome home stood apart from + the cattle corral and bunk house lodgings for the cowboy helpers. There + were perhaps twenty cowboys in Mr. Shields’ employment. His vast + herds of cattle ranged in the adjoining hills and mountain canyons that + rimmed the eastern edge of the valley. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones had proved his friendship in the strongest sort of an + introduction, and was really responsible for Roderick securing a job so + quickly. But it was not many days before Roderick discovered that Doro-try + Shields was perhaps the principal reason why Grant rode over to the ranch + so often, ostensibly to visit him. + </p> + <p> + During the first month Roderick did not leave the ranch but daily + familiarized himself with horse and saddle. He had always been a good + rider, but here he learned the difference between a trained steed and an + unbroken mustang. Many were his falls and many his bruises, but finally he + came to be quite at home on the back of the fiercest bucking broncho. + </p> + <p> + One Saturday evening he concluded to look up Grant Jones and perhaps have + another evening with Major Buell Hampton. So he saddled a pony and + started. But at the edge of town he met his friend riding toward the + country. They drew rein, and Grant announced, as Roderick had already + divined, that he was just starting for the Shields home. They finally + agreed to call on Major Buell Hampton for half an hour and then ride out + to the ranch together. + </p> + <p> + As they approached Major Hampton’s place they found him mounting his + horse, having made ready for the hills. + </p> + <p> + “How is this, Major?” asked Grant Jones. “Is it not + rather late in the afternoon for you to be starting away with your trusty + rifle?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the Major, after saluting his callers most + cordially, “yes, it is late. But I know where there is a deer lick, + and as I am liable to lose my reputation as a hunter if I do not bring in + a couple more venisons before long, why I propose to be on the ground with + the first streak of daylight tomorrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + He glanced at the afternoon sun and said: “I think I can reach the + deer lick soon after sun-down. I shall remain over night and be ready for + the deer when they first begin stirring. They usually frequent the lick I + intend visiting.” + </p> + <p> + The Major seemed impatient to be gone and soon his horse was cantering + along carrying him into the hills, while Roderick and Grant were riding + leisurely through the lowlands of the valley road toward the Shields + ranch. + </p> + <p> + All through the afternoon Buell Hampton skirted numerous rocky banks and + crags and climbed far up into the mountain country, then down abrupt + hill-sides only to mount again to still higher elevations. He was + following a dim trail with which he showed himself familiar and that led + several miles away to Spirit River Falls. + </p> + <p> + Near these falls was the deer lick. For three consecutive trips the hunter + had been unsuccessful. He had witnessed fully a dozen deer disappear along + the trail that led down to the river’s bank, but none of them had + returned. It was a mystery. He did not understand where the deer could + have gone. There was no ford or riffle in the river and the waters were + too deep to admit belief of the deer finding a crossing. He wondered what + was the solution. + </p> + <p> + This was the real reason why he had left home late that afternoon, + determined, when night came on, to tether his horse in the woods far away + from the deer lick, make camp and be ready the following morning for the + first appearance of some fine buck as he came to slake his thirst. If he + did not get that buck he would at least find the trail—indeed on the + present occasion it was less the venison he was after than the solving of + the mystery. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at his destination, the improvised camp was leisurely made and + his horse given a generous feed of oats. After this he lighted a fire, and + soon a steaming cup of coffee helped him to relish the bread and cold meat + with which he had come provided. + </p> + <p> + After smoking several pipes of tobacco and building a big log fire for the + night—for the season was far advanced and there was plenty of snow + around—Buell Hampton lay down in his blankets and was soon fast + asleep, indifferent to the blinking stars or to the rhythmic stirring of + clashing leafless limbs fanned into motion by the night winds. + </p> + <p> + With the first breaking of dawn the Major was stirring. After refreshing + himself with hot coffee and glancing at the cartridges in his rifle, he + stole silently along under the overhanging foliage toward the deer lick. + </p> + <p> + The watcher had hardly taken a position near an old fallen tree when five + deer came timidly along the trail, sniffing the air in a half suspicious + fashion. + </p> + <p> + Lifting his rifle to his shoulder the hunter took deliberate aim and + fired. A young buck leaped high in the air, wheeled about from the trail + and plunged madly toward his enemy. But it was the stimulated madness of + death. The noble animal fell to its knees—then partially raised + itself with one last mighty effort only to fall back again full length, + vanquished in the uneven battle with man. The Major’s hunting knife + quickly severed the jugular vein and the animal was thoroughly bled. A + little later this first trophy of the chase had been dressed and gambreled + with the dexterity of a stock yard butcher and hung high on the limb of a + near by tree. + </p> + <p> + The four remaining deer, when the Major fired, had rushed frantically down + the trail bordered with dense underbrush and young trees that led over the + brow of the embankment and on down to the river. The hunter now started in + pursuit, following the trail to the water’s edge. But there were no + deer to be seen. + </p> + <p> + Looking closely he noted that the tracks turned directly to the left + toward the waterfall. + </p> + <p> + The bank was very abrupt, but by hugging it closely and stepping sometimes + on stones in the water, while pushing the overhanging and tangled + brushwood aside, he succeeded in making some headway. To his surprise the + narrow trail gave evidence of much use, as the tracks were indeed + numerous. But where, he asked himself, could it possibly lead? However, he + was determined to persevere and solve the mystery of where the deer had + gone and thus escaped him on the previous occasions. + </p> + <p> + Presently he had traversed the short distance to the great cataract + tumbling over the shelf of rock almost two hundred feet above. Here he + found himself under the drooping limbs of a mammoth tree that grew so + close to the waterfall that the splashing spray enveloped him like a cold + shower. Following on, to his astonishment he reached a point behind the + waterfall where he discovered a large cavern with lofty arched roof, like + an immense hall in some ancient ruined castle. + </p> + <p> + While the light was imperfect yet the morning sun, which at that hour + shone directly on the cascade, illuminated up the cavern sufficiently for + the Major to see into it for quite a little distance. It seemed to recede + directly into the mountain. The explorer cautiously advanced, and soon was + interested at another discovery. A stream fully fifteen feet wide and + perhaps two feet deep flowed directly out of the heart of the mountain + along the center of the grotto, to mingle its waters with those of Spirit + River at the falls. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton paused to consider this remarkable discovery. He now + remembered that the volume of Spirit River had always impressed him as + being larger below the noted Spirit River Falls than above, and here was + the solution. The falls marked the junction of two bodies of water. Where + this hidden river came from he had no idea. Apparently its source was some + great spring situated far back in the mountain’s interior. + </p> + <p> + The Major was tensioned to a high key, and determined to investigate + further. Making his way slowly and carefully along the low stone shelf + above the river, he found that the light did not penetrate more than about + three hundred feet. Looking closely he found there was an abundance of + deer sign, which greatly mystified him. + </p> + <p> + Retracing his steps to the waterfall, the Major once more crept along the + path next to the abrupt river bank, and, climbing up the embankment, + regained the deer trail where he had shot the young buck. He seated + himself on an old fallen tree. Here on former occasions Major Hampton had + waited many an hour for the coming of deer and indulged in day-dreaming + how to relieve the ills of humanity, how to lighten the burdens of the + poor and oppressed. Now, however, he was roused to action, and was no + longer wrapped in the power of silence and the contemplation of abstract + subjects. His brain and his heart were throbbing with the excitement of + adventure and discovery. + </p> + <p> + After full an hour’s thought his decision was reached and a course + of action planned. First of all he proceeded to gather a supply of dry + brush and branches, tying them into three torch-like bundles with stout + cord, a supply of which he invariably carried in his pockets. Then he + inspected his match box to make sure the matches were in good condition. + Finally picking up his gun, pulling his hunting belt a little tighter, + examining his hatchet and knife to see if they were safe in his belt + scabbard, he again set forth along the deer trail, down to the river. + Overcoming the same obstacles as before, he soon found himself in the + grotto behind the waterfall. + </p> + <p> + Lighting one of his torches the Major started on a tour of further + discovery. His course again led him over the comparatively smooth ledge of + rock that served as a low bank for the waters of the hidden stream. But + now he was able to advance beyond the point previously gained. After a + while his torch burned low and he lighted another. The subterranean + passage he was traversing narrowed at times until there was scarcely more + than room to walk along the brink of the noisy waters, and again it would + widen out like some great colosseum. The walls and high ceilings were + fantastically enchanting, while the light from his torch made strange + shadows, played many tricks on his nerves, and startled him with optical + illusions. Figures of stalactites and rows of basaltic columns reflected + the flare of the brand held aloft, and sometimes the explorer fancied + himself in a vault hung with tapestries of brilliant sparkling crystals. + </p> + <p> + Finally the third and last torch was almost burned down to the hand hold + and the Major began to awaken to a keen sense of his difficult position, + and its possible dangers. When attempting to change the stub of burning + brushwood from one hand to the other and at the same time not drop his + rifle, the remnants of the torch fell from his grasp into the rapid + flowing waters and he was left in utter darkness. Apprehension came upon + him—an eerie feeling of helplessness. True, there was a box of + matches in the pocket of his hunting coat, but these would afford but + feeble guidance in a place where at any step there might be a pitfall. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton was a philosopher, but this was a new experience, startling + and unique. Everything around was pitch dark. He seemed to be enveloped in + a smothering black robe. Presently above the murmur and swish of running + water he could hear his heart beating. He mentally figured that he must + have reached a distance of not less than three miles from Spirit River + Falls. The pathway had proved fairly smooth walking, but unknown dangers + were ahead, while a return trip in Stygian darkness would be an ordeal + fraught with much risk. + </p> + <p> + Stooping over the low bank he thrust his hand into the current to make + sure of its course. The water was only a little below the flat ledge of + rock on which he was standing, and was cold as the waters of a mountain + spring. It occurred to him that he had been thirsty for a long time + although in his excitement he had not been conscious of this. So he lay + down flat and thrust his face into the cool grateful water. + </p> + <p> + Rising again to his feet he felt greatly refreshed, his nerve restored, + and he had just about concluded to retrace his steps when his eyes, by + this time somewhat accustomed to the darkness, discovered in an upstream + direction, a tiny speck of light He blinked and then questioningly rubbed + his eyes. But still the speck did not disappear. It seemed no larger than + a silver half dollar. It might be a ray of light filtering through some + crevice, indicating a tunnel perhaps that would afford means of escape. + </p> + <p> + Using his gun as a staff wherewith to feel his way and keeping as far as + possible from the water’s edge, Major Hampton moved slowly upstream + toward the guiding spot of radiance. In a little while he became convinced + it was the light of day shining in through an opening. The speck grew + larger and larger as he slowly moved forward. + </p> + <p> + Every once in a while he would stop and turn his face in the opposite + direction, remaining in this position for a few moments and then quickly + turning round again to satisfy himself that he was under no illusion. But + the luminous disc was really growing larger—it appeared now to be as + big as a saucer. His heart throbbed with hope and his judgment approved + that the advance should be continued. + </p> + <p> + Yes, the light was increasing, and looking down he fancied he could almost + see the butt of his gun which was being used as a walking stick. Presently + his feet could indistinctly be seen, and then the rocky pavement over + which he was so cautiously shuffling his way. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later the mouth of a tunnel was reached, and he was safe once + more, bathed in God’s own sunshine, his eyes still dazzled after the + Cimmerian blackness from which he had emerged. He had traversed the entire + length of the subterranean cave or river channel, and had reached the + opposite side of a high mountain. Perhaps the distance through was only + about three and a half miles. Trees and underbrush grew in profusion about + the mouth of the tunnel into which the hidden river flowed. There was less + snow than on the other side of the barrier. Deer sign were everywhere, and + he followed a zig-zag deer path out into an open narrow valley. + </p> + <p> + The Major’s heart now leaped with the exultation of accomplishment. + Brushing the light covering of snow away, he seated himself on the bank of + the stream which could not, now that he looked upon it in the open day, be + dignified by calling it a river. Along the edges of the watercourse were + fringes of ice but in the center the rapid flow was unobstructed. + </p> + <p> + It was only a big mountain brook, but one perhaps that had never been seen + before by the eyes of man. The exploration and the excitement together had + greatly fatigued Buell Hampton, and he was beginning to be conscious of + physical exhaustion and the need of food notwithstanding the sustaining + stimulus of being a discoverer in one of Nature’s jealously guarded + wonderlands. + </p> + <p> + After resting a short time he started to walk farther into the valley and + forage along the stream. The hunter was on the lookout for grouse but + succeeded in shooting only a young sage hen. This was quickly dressed and + broiled, the forked stick that served as a spit being skilfully turned in + the blaze of a fire of twigs and brushwood. The repast was a modest one, + but the wayfarer felt greatly refreshed, and now stepped briskly on, + following the water channel toward its fountain head. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed a beautiful valley—an ideal one—very little snow + and the deer so plentiful that at a distance they might be mistaken for + flocks of grazing sheep. The valley appeared to be exceedingly fertile in + season. It was a veritable park, and so far as the explorer could at + present determine was completely surrounded by high snow-capped mountains + which were steep enough to be called precipices. He soon came to a dyke + that ran across the valley at right angles to the stream. It was of + porphyry formation, rising to a height of from three to four feet, and + reaching right across the narrow valley from foothill to foothill. When + Major Hampton climbed upon this dyke he noticed that the swiftly flowing + brook had cut an opening through it as evenly almost as if the work had + been chiseled by man. He was anxious to know whether the valley would lead + to an opening from among the mountains, and after a brief halt pushed + hurriedly on. + </p> + <p> + But an hour later he had retraced his steps and was again seated on the + bench-like dyke of porphyry. He had made a complete circuit of this + strange “nest” or gash in the vastness of the Rocky Mountain + Range and was convinced there was no opening. The brook had its rise in a + number of mammoth springs high up on the mountain foothills at the upper + end of the valley, where it was also fed by several waterfalls that + dropped from the dizzy cliffs far above. + </p> + <p> + The valley was perhaps three miles long east and west and not over + one-half mile wide north and south. The contour of the mountain sides to + the south conformed to the contour on the north, justifying the reasonable + conjecture that an earthquake or violent volcanic upheaval must have tom + the mountains apart in prehistoric times. It was evidently in all truth a + hidden valley—not on the map of the U. S. Survey—a veritable + new land. + </p> + <p> + “To think,” mused the Major, aloud, “that I have + discovered a new possession. What an asylum for the weary! Surely the day + has been full of startling surprises.” + </p> + <p> + He was seated on the dyke almost at the very edge of the brock where the + waters were singing their song of peaceful content. He let his glance + again sweep the valley with the satisfied look of one conscious of some + unanalyzed good fortune. + </p> + <p> + There was no snow on the porphyry dyke where he rested. It was + moss-covered in many places with the coating of countless centuries. Most + likely no human foot but his had ever pressed the sod of this sequestered + nook among the mighty mountains. The very thought was uplifting—inspiring. + Pulling his hunter’s hatchet from its sheath he said aloud: “I + christen thee ‘Hidden Valley,’”and struck the porphyry + rock a vigorous blow, so vigorous indeed that it chipped off a goodly + piece. + </p> + <p> + Major Buell Hampton paused, astonished. He looked and then he looked + again. He picked up the chipped off piece of rock and gazed long and + earnestly at it, then rubbed his eyes in amazement. It was literally + gleaming with pure gold. + </p> + <p> + Immediately the hatchet again came into play. Piece after piece was broken + open and all proved to be alike—rich specimens fit for the cabinet + of a collector. The drab moss-covered dyke really contained the wealth of + a King Solomon’s mine. It was true—true, though almost + unbelievable. Yet in this moment of overwhelming triumph Buell Hampton saw + not with the eyes of avarice and greed for personal gain, but rather with + the vision of the humanitarian. Unlimited wealth had always been for him a + ravishing dream, but he had longed for it, passionately, yearningly, not + as a means to supply pleasures for himself but to assuage the miseries of + a suffering world. + </p> + <p> + He was not skilled in judging rock carrying values of precious metals, but + in this instance the merest novice could hardly be mistaken. Hastily + breaking as much of the golden ore as he could carry in his huge coat + pockets and taking one last sweeping survey over the valley, the Major + started on his return trip to Spirit River Falls. Arriving at the point + where the waters of the brook disappeared in the natural tunnel of the + “Hidden River,” the name he mentally gave to the romantic + stream, he gathered some torch material and then started on the return + trip. Two hours later he emerged from behind the turbulent waters at + Spirit River Falls. In the waning afternoon he regained his camp. After + watering his patient horse, giving it another feed of oats and apologizing + with many a gentle caressing pat for his long absence and seeming neglect, + the Major set out for home, the dressed deer strapped on behind his + saddle, with the deer skin rolled around the venison as a protection. + </p> + <p> + Early the following morning Buell Hampton visited an assay office, + carrying with him an ore sack containing nine pounds and a half of ore. + The Major felt certain it was ore—gold ore, almost pure gold—but + was almost afraid of his own convictions. The discovery was really too + good to be true. + </p> + <p> + The assayer tossed the sack of gold onto a table where other samples were + awaiting his skill and said: “All right, Major, come in sometime + tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s important,” replied the Major, “that you + assay it at once. It is high grade; I wish to sell.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ho!” replied the assayer with elevated eyebrows. Possibly + he was like many another who encouraged the “high-graders” in + their nefarious thefts from their employers when they were trusted to work + on a rich property. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Major Hampton, I didn’t know you were one of ‘em—one + of us,” and he finished with a leer and a laugh. “Bet I can + tell what mine it came from,” he went on as he leisurely untied the + ore sacks. + </p> + <p> + “I will remain right here,” replied Major Hampton firmly, + without yielding to the assayer’s offensive hilarity, “until + you have my samples assayed and make me an offer.” + </p> + <p> + By this time the sack of rock had been emptied into an ore pan and the + astonishment depicted on the assayer’s countenance would have + beggared description. The sight of the ore staggered him into silence. + Other work was pushed hurriedly aside and before very long the fire test + was in process of being made. When finally finished the “button” + weighed at the rate of $114.67 per pound, and the assayer, still half + bewildered, handed over a check for almost eleven hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” he almost shouted, “I say, Major Hampton, where + in hell did that ore come from? Surely not from any of the producing mines + about here?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be a producer, all right,” replied the Major, as + he folded the check and placed it in his pocketbook. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X.—THE FAIR RIDER OF THE RANGE + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>HEN Buell Hampton + left the assayer’s office he felt a chilliness in the air that + caused him to cast his eyes upwards. There had been bright sunshine early + that morning, but now the whole sky was overcast with a dull monotonous + gray pall. Not a breath of wind was stirring; there was just a cold + stillness in the air that told its own tale to those experienced in the + weather signs of the mountains. + </p> + <p> + “Snow,” muttered the Major, emphatically. “It has been + long in coming this winter, but we’ll have a big fall by night.” + </p> + <p> + The season indeed had been exceptionally mild. There had been one or two + flurries of snow, but each had been followed by warm days and the light + fall had speedily melted, at least in the open valley. High up, the + mountains had their white garb of winter, but even at these elevations + there had been no violent storms. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton, however, realized that the lingering autumn was now gone, + and that soon the whole region would be in the rigorous grip of the Snow + King. Henceforth for some months to come would be chill winds, protracted + and frequently recurring downfalls of snow, great high-banked snowdrifts + in the canyons, and later on the mighty snowslides that sheared + timber-clad mountain slopes as if with a giant’s knife and + occasionally brought death and destruction to some remote mining camp. For + the present the Major’s hunting expeditions were at an end. But as + he glanced at the heavy canopy of snow-laden cloud he also knew that days + must elapse, weeks perhaps, before he could revisit the hidden valley high + up in the mountains. For yet another winter tide Nature would hold her + treasure safe from despoiling hands. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton faced the situation with characteristic philosophy. All + through the afternoon he mused on his good fortune. He was glad to have + brought down even only a thousand dollars from the golden storehouse, for + this money would ensure comfort during the inclement season for a good few + humble homes. Meanwhile, like a banker with reserves of bullion safely + locked up in his vault, he could plan out the future and see how the + treasure was to be placed to best advantage. In Buell Hampton’s case + the field of investment was among the poor and struggling, and the only + dividends he cared for were increased percentages of human happiness. The + coming of winter only delayed the good work he had in mind, but even now + the consciousness of power to perform brought great joy to his heart. + Alone in his home he paced the big room, only pausing at times to throw + another log on the fire or gaze awhile into the glowing embers, + day-dreaming, unspeakably happy in his day-dreams. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, in anticipation of the coming snowstorm, young Warfield was + riding the range and gathering cattle and yearlings that had strayed away + from the herd. As he was surmounting a rather steep foothill across the + valleys to the westward between the two Encampment rivers, he was startled + at hearing the patter of a horse’s hoofs. Quickly looking up he saw + a young woman on horseback dashing swiftly along and swinging a lariat. + She wore a divided brown skirt, wide sombrero, fringed gauntlets, and sat + her horse with graceful ease and confidence. She was coming down the + mountainside at right angles to his course. + </p> + <p> + Bringing his pony quickly to a standstill Roderick watched the spirited + horse-woman as she let go her lariat at an escaping yearling that + evidently had broken out of some corral The lariat went straight to its + mark, and almost at the same moment he heard her voice as she spoke to her + steed, quickly but in soft melodious tones: “That will do, + Fleetfoot. Whoa!” Instantly the well-trained horse threw himself + well back on his haunches and veered to the left. The fleeing yearling was + caught around one of its front feet and thrown as neatly as the most + expert cowboy on the range could have done it. + </p> + <p> + “By George,” said Roderick to himself, “what a fine + piece of work.” He watched with admiring eyes as the young lady sat + her horse in an attitude of waiting. Presently a cowboy rode up, and + relieving her of the catch started the yearling back, evidently toward the + corral. Turning about, the horsewoman started her horse at a canter + directly toward him, and Roderick fell to wondering what sort of a + discovery he had made. + </p> + <p> + A moment later she brought her horse to a standstill and acknowledged his + salutation as he lifted his sombrero. He saw the red blood glowing under + the soft tan of her cheeks, and as their eyes met he was fairly dazzled by + her beauty. He recognized at a glance the western type of girl, frank and + fearless, accustomed to the full and health-giving freedom of life in the + open, yet accomplished and domesticated, equally at home in the most + tastefully adorned drawing room as here on horseback among the mountains. + </p> + <p> + “I beg pardon,” he said in a stammering way, “but can I + be of any service?” + </p> + <p> + At his words she pulled her pony to a standstill and said: “In what + way, pray?”—and there was a mischievous smile at Roderick’s + obvious embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I saw you lariating a yearling.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” she said, throwing back her head and laughing softly, + “that was a long time ago. It is doubtless in the corral by now.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, Roderick dismounted. He was capable now of assimilating + details, and noted the silken dark Egyptian locks that fell in fluffy + waves over her temples in a most bewitching manner, and the eyes that + shone with the deep dark blue of the sapphire. His gaze must have betrayed + his admiration, for, courteously waving her hand, she touched with her + spurs the flanks of her mount and bounded away across the hills. Roderick + was left standing in wonderment. + </p> + <p> + “Who the dickens can she be?” he soliloquized. “I’ve + been riding the range for a good many weeks, but this is the first time I’ve + spotted this mountain beauty.” + </p> + <p> + Throwing himself onto his horse, he started down toward the south fork of + the Encampment river and on to the westward the Shields ranch, wondering + as he rode along who this strange girl of the hills could be. Once or + twice he thought of Stella Rain and he manfully endeavored to keep his + mind concentrated on the one to whom he was betrothed, running over in + memory her last letter, reckoning the time that must elapse before the + next one would arrive, recalling the tender incidents of their parting now + two months ago. But his efforts were in vain. Always there kept recurring + the vision of loveliness he had encountered on the range, and the mystery + that surrounded the fair rider’s identity. Once again since Major + Buell Hampton’s long diatribe on love and matrimony, he was vaguely + conscious that his impetuous love-making on that memorable evening at + Galesburg might have been a mistake, and that the little “college + widow” in her unselfishness had spoken words of wisdom when she had + counselled him to wait awhile—until he really did know his own mind—until + he had really tried out his own heart, yes, until—Great heavens, he + found himself recalling her very words, spoken with tears in her soft + pretty eyes: “That’s just the trouble, Roderick. You do not + know—you cannot make a comparison, nor you won’t know until + the other girl comes along.” + </p> + <p> + Had the other girl at last come? But at the disloyal thought he spurred + his horse to a gallop, and as he did so the first snowflakes of the coming + storm fluttered cold and damp against his flushed cheeks. At last he + thought of other things; he was wondering now, as he glanced around into + the thickening atmosphere, whether all the stray mavericks were at last + safe in the winter pastures and corrals. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI.—WINTER PASSES + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HAT night the big + snow storm did indeed come, and when Roderick woke up next morning it was + to find mountain and valley covered with a vast bedspread of immaculate + white and the soft snowflakes still descending like a feathery down. The + storm did not catch Mr. Shields unprepared; his vast herds were safe and + snug in their winter quarters. + </p> + <p> + The break in the weather marked the end of Roderick’s range riding + for the season. He was now a stock feeder and engaged in patching up the + corrals and otherwise playing his part of a ranch hand. And with this + stay-at-home life he found himself thinking more and more of the real + mission that had brought him into this land of mountains. Nearly every + night when his work was finished, he studied a certain map of the hills—the + inheritance left him by his father. On this map were noted “Sheep + Mountain,” “Bennet Peak,” “Hahn’s Peak” + and several other prominent landmarks. From his own acquaintance with the + country Roderick now knew that the lost valley was quite a distance to the + south and west from the Shields ranch. + </p> + <p> + Thus the wintry days wore on, and with their passing Roderick became more + and more firm in his determination to be ready, when the snow was gone in + the spring, to take up his father’s unfinished task of finding again + the sandbar abounding with nuggets of gold. Indeed in his life of + isolation it gradually came about that he thought of little else by day + and dreamed of nothing else at night. Sometimes in the solitude of his + room he smiled at his loneliness. What a change from the old college days—from + the stir and excitement of New York. During the winter he had been invited + to a score of gatherings, dances, and parties, but somehow he had become + taciturn and had declined all invitations. + </p> + <p> + Then, with stern self-control he had succeeded in putting out of mind the + mysterious beauty of the range. Love at first sight!—he had laughed + down such silliness, and rooted out of his heart the base treason that had + even for a fleeting moment permitted such a thought. Yes, there was + nothing but firmest loyalty in his mind for Stella Rain, who was waiting + for him so faithfully and patiently, and whose letters cheered him and + filled him with greater determination than ever to find the lost mine. + </p> + <p> + His labors on the ranch were arduous but his health was excellent. At + college he had been an athlete—now he was a rugged, bronzed-faced + son of the hills. His only recreations were laying plans for the future + and writing letters to Stella. + </p> + <p> + Not infrequently his mind wandered back to Keokuk, the old river town, and + his heart grew regretful that he had quarreled with his Unde Allen Miller, + and his thoughts were tender of his Aunt Lois. Once he wrote a letter to + Whitley Adams, then tore it up in a dissatisfied way, returning to the + determination to make his fortune before communicating with his old + friends. + </p> + <p> + And so the winter passed, and spring had come again. + </p> + <p> + It was one morning in early May, just after he had finished his chores, + when to his surprise Grant Jones shouted to him through the corral fence: + “Hello, old man, how is ranching agreeing with you, anyway?” + </p> + <p> + “Fine,” responded Roderick, “fine and dandy.” He + let himself through the gate of the corral and shook hands with Grant. + “Come up to the bunk house; seems mighty good to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” responded Grant, as they walked along. “Do you + know, Warfield, I have been shut up over on the other side of the range + ever since that first big snow-storm? I paddled out on snowshoes only once + during the winter, and then walked over the tops of trees. Plenty of + places up on the Sierra Madre,” continued Grant, nodding his head to + the westward, “where the snow is still twenty to thirty feet deep. + If a fellow had ever broken through, why, of course, he would have been + lost until the spring.” + </p> + <p> + “Terrible to think about,” said Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s not all,” said Grant with his old exuberant + laugh. “It would have been so devilish long from a fellow’s + passing until his obituary came to be written. That is what gets on my + nerves when I’m out on snowshoes. Of course the columns of the <i>Doublejack</i> + are always open to write-ups on dead unfortunates, but it likes to have + ‘em as near as possible to the actual date of demise. Then it’s + live news.” + </p> + <p> + “Sounds rather grewsome,” said Roderick, smiling at Grant’s + oddity of expression. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at the bunk house, they were soon seated around a big stove where + a brisk fire was burning, for the air without was still sharp and the wind + cutting and cold. + </p> + <p> + “I can offer you a pipe and some mighty fine tobacco,” said + Roderick, pushing a tray toward him carrying a jar of tobacco and + half-a-dozen cob pipes. + </p> + <p> + “Smells good,” commented Grant, as he accepted and began to + fill one of the pipes. + </p> + <p> + “Well, tell me something about yourself, Grant. I supposed the + attraction over here at the ranch was quite enough to make you brave + snowstorms and snow-slides and thirty-foot snowdrifts.” + </p> + <p> + “Warfield,” said Grant, half seriously, between puffs at his + pipe, “that is what I want to talk with you about. The inducement is + sufficient for all you suggest. She is a wonder. Without any question, + Dorothy Shields is the sweetest girl that ever lived.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold on,” smiled Roderick. “There may be others in the + different parts of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” ejaculated Grant with a rising inflection, while + his countenance suggested an interrogation point. + </p> + <p> + “No, I have no confessions to make,” rejoined Roderick, as he + struck a match to light his pipe. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s just what is troubling me,” said Grant, + still serious. “I was just wondering if anyone else had been + browsing on my range over here at the Shields ranch while I have been + penned up like a groundhog, getting out my weekly edition of the <i>Dillon + Doublejock</i>, sometimes only fifty papers at an issue. Think of it!” + And they both laughed at the ludicrous meagerness of such a circulation. + </p> + <p> + “But never mind,” continued Grant, reflectively, “I will + run my subscriptions up to three or four hundred in sixty days when the + snow is off the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is all very well, old man. But when will the snow be off? + I am considerably interested myself, for I want to do some prospecting.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang your prospecting,” said Grant, “or when the snow + will go either. You haven’t answered my question.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, as to whether anyone has been browsing on your range?” + exclaimed Roderick. “I must confess I do not know. They have had + dances and parties and all that sort of thing but—I really don’t + know, I have not felt in the mood and declined to attend. How do you find + the little queen of your heart? Has she forgotten you?” + </p> + <p> + “No-o,” responded Grant, slowly. “But dam it all, I can’t + talk very well before the whole family. I am an out-door man. You give me + the hills as a background and those millions of wild flowers that color + our valleys along in July like Joseph’s coat, and it makes me bubble + over with poetry and I can talk to beat a phonograph monologist.” + This was said in a jovial, joking tone, but beneath it all Roderick knew + there was much serious truth. + </p> + <p> + “How is it, Grant? Are you pretty badly hit?” + </p> + <p> + “Right square between the eyes, old man. Why, do you know, sitting + over in that rocky gorge of Dillon canyon in the little town of Dillon, + writing editorials for the Double jack month after month and no one to + read my paper, I have had time to think it all over, and I have made up my + mind to come here to the Shields ranch and tell Dorothy it is my firm + conviction that she is the greatest woman on top of the earth, and that + life to me without her is simply—well, I don’t have words to + describe the pitiful loneliness of it all without her.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick leaned back in his chair and laughed hilariously at his friend. + </p> + <p> + “This is no joking matter,” said Grant. “I’m a + goner.” + </p> + <p> + Just then there came a knock at the door and Roderick hastily arose to bid + welcome to the caller. To the surprise of both the visitor proved to be + Major Buell Hampton. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton exchanged cordial greetings and expressed his great pleasure + at finding his two young friends together. Accepting the invitation to be + seated, he drew his meerschaum from his pocket and proceeded to fill from + a tobacco pouch made of deer skin. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Mr. Jones and’ Mr. Warfield,” he began, “where + have you been all through the winter?” + </p> + <p> + “For myself, right here doing chores about twelve hours per day,” + answered Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “As for me,” said Grant, “I have been way over ‘yonder’ + editing the <i>Dillon Doublejack.</i> I have fully a score of subscribers + who would have been heartbroken if I had missed a single issue. I + snow-shoed in to Encampment once, but your castle was locked and nobody + seemed to know where you had gone, Major.” + </p> + <p> + Jones had again laughed good-naturedly over the limited circulation of his + paper. Major Hampton smiled, while Roderick observed that there was + nothing like living in a literary atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + “If your circulation is small your persistence is certainly + commendable,” observed the Major, looking benignly at Jones but not + offering to explain his absence from Encampment when Jones had called. + “I have just paid my respects,” he went on, “to Mr. and + Mrs. Shields and their lovely daughters, and learned that you were also + visiting these hospitable people. My errand contemplated calling upon Mr. + Warfield as well. I almost feel I have been neglected. The latchstring + hangs on the outside of my door for Mr. War-field as well as for you, Mr. + Jones.” + </p> + <p> + “Many thanks,” observed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Your compliment is not unappreciated,” said Grant. “When + do you return to Encampment?” + </p> + <p> + “Immediately after luncheon,” replied the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I will go along with you,” said Grant. “I + came over on my skis.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a pleasure for me to extend the hospitality of the + comfortable riding sled that brought me over,” responded the Major + with Chesterfieldian politeness. “Jim Rankin is one of the safest + drivers in the country and he has a fine spirited team, while the sledding + is simply magnificent.” + </p> + <p> + “Although the jingle of sleigh-bells always makes me homesick,” + remarked Roderick, “I’d feel mighty pleased to return with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be your own fault, Mr. Warfield, if you do not accompany + us. I have just been talking to Mr. Shields, and he says you are the most + remarkable individual he has ever had on his ranch—a regular hermit + They never see you up at the house, and you have not been away from the + ranch for months, while the young ladies, Miss Barbara and Miss Dorothy, + think it perfectly horrid—to use their own expression—that you + never leave your quarters here or spend an evening with the family.” + </p> + <p> + “Roderick,” observed Grant, “I never thought you were a + stuck-up prig before, but now I know you for what you are. But there must + be an end to such exclusiveness. Let someone else do the chores. Get ready + and come on back to Encampment with us, and we’ll have a royal + evening together at the Major’s home.” + </p> + <p> + “Excellent idea,” responded the Major. “I have some + great secrets to impart—but I am not sure I will tell you one of + them,” he added with a good-natured smile. The others laughed at his + excess of caution. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Roderick, “if Mr. Shields can spare me + for a few days I’ll accept your invitation.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door was opened unceremoniously and in walked the two + Miss Shields. The men hastily arose and laid aside their pipes. + </p> + <p> + “We are here as messengers,” said Miss Dorothy, smiling. + “You, Mr. Warfield, are to come up to the house and have dinner with + us as well as the Major and Grant.” + </p> + <p> + “Glorious,” said Grant, smiling broadly. “Roderick, did + you hear that? She calls you Mr. Warfield and she calls me Grant. + Splendid, splendid!” + </p> + <p> + “I know somebody that will have their ears cuffed in a moment,” + observed Miss Dorothy. + </p> + <p> + “Again I ejaculate splendid!” said Grant in great hilarity, as + if daring her. + </p> + <p> + “It is a mystery to me,” observed the Major, “how two + such charming young ladies can remain so unappreciated.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Major,” protested Barbara, “we are not + unappreciated. Everybody thinks we are just fine.” + </p> + <p> + “Major,” observed Grant with great solemnity, “this is + an opportunity I have long wanted.” He cleared his throat, winked at + Roderick, made a sweeping glance at the young ladies and observed: “I + wanted to express my admiration, yes, I might say my affection for—” + </p> + <p> + Dorothy’s face was growing pink. She divined Grant’s ardent + feelings although he had spoken not one word of love to her. Lightly + springing to his side, she playfully but firmly placed her hands over his + mouth and turned whatever else he had to say into incoherency. + </p> + <p> + This ended Grant’s declaration. Even Major Buell Hampton smiled and + Roderick inquired: “Grant, what are you mumbling about?” + </p> + <p> + Dorothy dropped her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, just trying to tell her to keep me muzzled forever,” + Grant smiled, and Dorothy’s cheeks were red with blushes. + </p> + <p> + With this final sally all started for the big ranch house where they found + that a sumptuous meal had been prepared. + </p> + <p> + During the repast Barbara learned of the proposed reunion of the three + friends at Encampment, and insisted that her father should give a few days’ + vacation to Mr. Warfield. The favor was quickly granted, and an hour later + Jim Rankin brought up his bob-sled and prancing team, and to the merry + sound of the sleigh-bells Major Buell Hampton and the two young men sped + away for Encampment. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that Roderick and Grant should have an hour or two to + themselves and then call later in the evening on the Major. + </p> + <p> + Roderick was half irritated to find no letter at the post office from + Stella Rain. In point of fact, during the past two months, he had been + noticing longer and longer gaps in her correspondence. Sometimes he felt + his vanity touched and was inclined to be either angry or humiliated. But + at other times he just vaguely wondered whether his loved one was drifting + away from him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII—THE MAJOR’S FIND + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>HEN Grant Jones + and Roderick arrived at the Major’s home that evening they found + other visitors already installed before the cheerful blaze of the open + hearth. These were Tom Sun, owner of more sheep than any other man in the + state; Boney Earnest, the blast furnace man in the big smelting plant; and + Jim Rankin, who had joined his two old cronies after unharnessing the + horses from the sleigh. + </p> + <p> + Cordial introductions and greetings were exchanged. Although Roderick had + shaken hands before with Boney Earnest, this was their first meeting in a + social way. And it was the very first time he had encountered Tom Sun. + Therefore the fortuitous gathering of his father’s three old friends + came to him as a pleasant surprise. He was glad of the chance to get + better acquainted. + </p> + <p> + While the company were settling themselves in chairs around the fireplace, + Jim Rankin seized the moment for a private confabulation with Roderick. He + drew the young man into a corner and addressed him in a mysterious + whisper: “By gunnies, Mr. War-field, it sure is powerful good to + have yer back agin. It’s seemed a tarnation long winter. But you bet + I’ve been keepin’ my mind on things—our big secret—you + know.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick nodded and Rankin went on: “I’ve been prognosticatin’ + out this here way and then that way on a dozen trips after our + onderstandin’, searchin’ like fur that business; but dang my + buttons it’s pesterin’ hard to locate and don’t you + forgit it. Excuse us, gentlemen, we are talkin’ about certain + private matters but we don’t mean ter be impolite. I’m ‘lowin’ + it’s the biggest secret in these diggin’s—ain’t + that right, Roderick?” + </p> + <p> + Rankin laughed good-humoredly at his own remarks as he took out his + tobacco pouch of fine cut and stowed away a huge cud. “You bet yer + life,” he continued between vigorous chews, “somebody is + nachurlly going to be a heap flustrated ‘round here one of these + days, leastways that’s what we’re assoomin’.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, Jim,” observed Tom Sun, “what are you talkin’ + about anyway? Boney, I think Jim is just as crazy as ever.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon that’s no lie,” responded Boney, + good-naturedly. “Always was as crazy as a March hare with a bone in + its throat.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, look here you fellows, yer gittin’ tumultuous,” + exclaimed Rankin, “you’re interferin’. Say, Major + Hampton, I’m not a dangnation bit peevish or nuthin’ like + that, but do you know who are the four biggest and most ponderous liars in + the state of Wyoming?” The Major looked up in surprise but did not + reply. “Waal,” said Rankin, expectorating toward the burning + logs in the open hearth and proceeding to answer his own question, “Boney + Earnest is sure one uv ‘em, I am one uv ‘em, and Tom Sun is + ‘tother two.” Rankin guffawed loudly. This brought forth quite + an expression of merriment The only reply from Tom Sun was that his thirty + odd years of association with Jim Rankin and Boney Earnest was quite + enough to make a prince of liars of anyone. + </p> + <p> + Presently the Major said: “Gentlemen, after taking a strict + inventory I find there are six men in the world for whom I entertain an + especial interest. Of course, my mission in life in a general way is in + behalf of humanity, but there are six who have come to be closer to me + than all the rest Five of them are before me. Of the other I will not + speak at this time. I invited you here this evening because you represent + in a large measure the things that I stand for. The snow will soon be + going, spring is approaching and great things will happen during the next + year—far greater than you dream of. You are friends of mine and I + have decided under certain restrictions to share with you an important + secret.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he pointed to some little sacks, until now unnoticed, that lay + on the center table. “Untie these sacks and empty the contents onto + the table if you will, Mr. Warfield.” Roderick complied. + </p> + <p> + Each sack held about a hatful of broken rock, and to the amazement of the + Major’s guests Roderick emptied out on the table the richest gold + ores that any of them had ever beheld. They were porphyry and white + quartz, shot full of pure gold and stringers of gold. Indeed the pieces of + quartz were seemingly held together with purest wire gold. + </p> + <p> + The natural query that was in the heart of everyone was soon given voice + by Jim Rankin. After scanning the remarkable exhibit he turned to Major + Buell Hampton and exclaimed: “Gosh ‘lmighty, Major, where did + this here come from?” + </p> + <p> + “A most natural question but one which I am not inclined to answer + at this time,” said the Major, smiling benignly. “Gentlemen, + it is my intention that everyone present shall share with me in a + substantial way in the remarkable discovery, the evidence of which is + lying before you. There are five of you and I enjoin upon each the most + solemn pledge of secrecy, even as regards the little you have yet learned + of the great secret which I possess.” + </p> + <p> + They all gave their pledges, and the Major went on: “There is enough + of these remarkably rich ores for everyone. But should the slightest + evidence come to me that anyone of you gentlemen has been so thoughtless, + or held the pledge you have just made so lightly, that you have shared + with any outsider the information so far given, his name will assuredly be + eliminated from this pact. Therefore, it is not only a question of honor + but a question of self-interest, and I feel sure the former carries with + it more potency with each of you than the latter.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Roderick was closely examining the samples of gold. + Instinctively he had put his hand to the inside pocket of his coat and + felt for his father’s map. He was wondering whether Buell Hampton + had come into possession of the identical piece of knowledge he himself + was searching for. Presently Jim Rankin whispered in his ear: “By + gunnies, Warfield, I guess the Major has beat us to it.” + </p> + <p> + But Roderick shook his head reassuringly. He remembered that his father’s + find was placer gold—water-worn nuggets taken from a sandbar in some + old channel, as the sample in Jim Rankin’s own possession showed. + The ores he was now holding were of quite a different class—they had + been broken from the living rock. + </p> + <p> + After the specimens had been returned to the sample sacks and the + excitement had quieted a little, Major Hampton threw his head back in his + own princely way, as he sat in his easy chair before the fire and + observed: “Money may be a blessing or it may be a curse. Personally + I shall regret the discovery if a single dollar of this wealth, which it + is in my power to bring to the light of day, should ever bring sorrow to + humanity. It is my opinion that the richest man in the world should not + possess more than a quarter of a million dollars at most, and even that + amount is liable to make a very poor citizen out of an otherwise good man. + Unnecessary wealth merely stimulates to abnormal or wicked extravagance. + It is also self-evident that a more equal distribution of wealth would + obtain if millionaires were unknown, and greater happiness would naturally + follow.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the world requires ‘spenders’ as well as + getters,’”laughed Tom Sun. “Otherwise we would all be + dying of sheer weariness of each other.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, there are arguments on both sides,” assented the + Major. “It is a difficult problem. I was merely contending that a + community of comparatively poor people who earn their bread by the sweat + of their brow—tilling the soil and possessed of high ideals of good + citizenship—such people beyond question afford the greatest example + of contentment, morality and happiness. Great wealth is the cause of some + of our worst types of degeneracy. However,” he concluded, knocking + the ashes from his pipe, “it is not my purpose this evening to + sermonize. Nor do I intend at present to say anything more about the rich + gold discovery I have made except to reiterate my assurance that at the + proper time all you gentlemen will be called on to share in the enterprise + and in its profits. Now I believe some of you”—and he looked + at Jim Rankin, Tom Sun and Boney Earnest as he spoke—“have + another engagement tonight. It was only at my special request, Mr. + Warfield, that they remained to meet you and Mr. Jones.” + </p> + <p> + “And we’re much obliged to you, Major,” said Boney + Earnest, arising and glancing at his watch. “Hope old John Warfield’s + boy and I will get still better acquainted. But I’ve got to be going + now. You see my wife insisted that I bring the folks back early so that + she might have a visit with Mr. Rankin and Mr. Sun.” + </p> + <p> + Tom Sun shook hands cordially. + </p> + <p> + “Glad to have met you, Mr. Warfield,” he said, “for your + father’s sake as well as your own. I trust we’ll meet often. + Good-night, Mr. Jones.” + </p> + <p> + Rankin whispered something to Roderick, but Roderick did not catch the + words, and when he attempted to inquire the old fellow merely nodded his + head and said aloud: “You bet your life; I’m assoomin’ + this is jist ‘tween me and you.” Roderick smiled at this + oddity, as the man of mystery followed his friends from the room. + </p> + <p> + When the door closed and Roderick and Grant were alone with the Major, + pipes were again lighted, and a spell of silence fell upon the group—the + enjoyable silence of quiet companionship. The Major showed no disposition + to re-open the subject of the rich gold discovery, nor did Roderick feel + inclined to press for further information. As he mused, however, he became + more firmly convinced than before that his secret was still his own—that + Buell Hampton, in this rugged mountain region with its many undiscovered + storehouses of wealth, had tumbled on a different gold-bearing spot to + that located by Uncle Allen Miller and his father. Some day, perhaps, he + would show the Major the letter and the map. But to do this now might seem + like begging the favor of further confidences, so until these were + volunteered Roderick must pursue his own lonesome trail. The mere sight of + the gold, however, had quickened his pulse beats. To resume the humdrum + life at the ranch seemed intolerable. He longed to be out on the hills + with his favorite pony Badger, searching every nook and corner for the + hidden treasure. + </p> + <p> + Presently Buell Hampton arose and laid his pipe aside, and going to a + curtained corner of the room returned with his violin. And long into the + night, with only a fitful light from the burning logs in the open + fireplace, the Major played for his young friends. It seemed his + repertoire was without beginning and without end. As he played his moods + underwent many changes. Now he was gay and happy, at another moment sad + and wistful. He passed from sweet low measures into wild, thrilling + abandonment. Now he was drawing divine harmony from the strings by dainty + caresses, again he was almost brutally compelling them to render forth the + fierce passion of music that was surging in his own soul. The performance + held the listeners spellbound—left them for the moment speechless + when at last the player dropped into a chair. The instrument was laid + across his knees; he was still fondling it with gentle touches and taps + from his long slender fingers. + </p> + <p> + “You love your violin, Major,” Roderick at last managed to + articulate. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” came the low-spoken fervent reply, “every crease, + crevice and string of the dear old Cremona that was given me more than + half a century ago.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” said Grant, “that I could express my + appreciation of the wonderful entertainment you have given us tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very complimentary,” replied the Major, bestirring + himself. He rose, laid the violin on the table, and brightened up the fire + with additional fuel. + </p> + <p> + “But I’m afraid we must be going,” added Grant. “It + is getting late.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I have a message for you young gentlemen,” said the + Major. “You are invited to attend one of the most distinguished + soirees ever given in the Platte River Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Shields + mentioned this today, and made me the special messenger to extend the + invitation to you both.” + </p> + <p> + “Splendid,” exclaimed Grant. “When does this come off?” + </p> + <p> + “Two weeks from this evening,” replied the Major. “And + we will have a comparative newcomer to the valley to grace the occasion. + She has been here through the late fall and winter, but has been too busy + nursing her sick and bereaved old father to go out into society.” + </p> + <p> + “General Holden’s daughter?” queried Grant. + </p> + <p> + “The same. And Gail Holden is certainly a most beautiful young lady. + Have you seen her, Mr. War-field?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that I’m aware of,” replied Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “A most noble young woman, too,” continued the Major. “They + are Illinois people. The mother died last year under sad circumstances—all + the family fortune swept away. But the girl chanced to own these Wyoming + acres in her own right, so she brought her father here, and has started a + little cattle ranch, going in for pedigreed dairy stock and likely to do + well too, make no mistake. You should just see her swing a lariat,” + the speaker added with a ring of admiration in his tone. + </p> + <p> + Roderick started. Great Scott! could this be the fair horsewoman he had + encountered on the mountain side just before the coming of the big snow. + But a vigorous slap on his shoulder administered by Grant broke him from + reverie. + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you say something, old fellow? Isn’t this + glorious news? Are you not delighted at the opportunity of tripping the + light fantastic toe with a beauty from Illinois as well as our own + home-grown Wyoming belles?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Roderick slowly, “I have not been + attending any of these affairs, although I may do so in this instance.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Barbara Shields,” said the Major, “especially + requested me to tell you, Mr. Warfield, that she positively insists on + your being present.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” laughed Grant. “So you’ve made a hit in + that quarter, eh, Roderick? Well, better a prospective brother-in-law than + a dangerous rival. Dorothy’s mine, and don’t you forget it.” + </p> + <p> + Grant’s boyish hilarity was contagious, his gay audacity amusing. + Even the Major laughed heartily. But Roderick was blushing furiously. A + moment before he had been thinking of one fair charmer. And now here was + another being thrown at him, so to speak, although in jest and not in + earnest. Barbara Shields—he had never dared to think of her as + within his reach even had not loyalty bound his affections elsewhere. But + the complications seemed certainly to be thickening. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, old chap,” said Grant, as they gained the + roadway. “We’ll have a look through the town, just to see if + there’s any news about.” + </p> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE Bazaar was a + popular resort. The proprietor was known as “Southpaw.” + Doubtless he had another name but it was not known in the mining camp. + Even his bank account was carried in the name of “Southpaw.” + </p> + <p> + When Roderick and Grant entered the saloon they found a motley crowd at + the bar and in the gaming room, fully twenty cowboys with their + broad-rimmed sombreros, wearing hairy chaps, decorated with fancy belts + and red handkerchiefs carelessly tied about their necks. Evidently one of + them had just won at the wheel and they were celebrating. + </p> + <p> + The brilliant lights and the commingling of half a hundred miners and many + cowboys presented a spectacular appearance that was both novel and + interesting. Just behind them came shuffling into the room a short, stout, + heavily-built man with a scowling face covered with a short growth of + black whiskers. His eyes were small and squinty, his forehead low and his + chin protruding. + </p> + <p> + Roderick and Grant were standing at the end of the bar, waiting for + lemonades they had ordered. Roderick’s attention was attracted by + the uncouth newcomer. + </p> + <p> + “Grant, who is that gorilla-looking chap?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Grant half turned with a sweeping glance and then looking back at + Roderick, replied: “That is Bud Bledsoe. He is a sort of sleuth for + Grady, the manager of the smelting plant, the man I introduced you to, + remember, the first day you came to Encampment.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember Grady all right,” nodded Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Well, many people believe he keeps Bledsoe around him to do his + dirty work. A while ago there was a grave suspicion that this chap + committed a terrible crime, doubtless inspired by Grady, but it is not + known positively and of course Grady is all-powerful and nothing was said + about it outright.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Bud Bledsoe walked into the back part of the room, and + finding a vacant seat at a gaming table bought a stack of chips and was + soon busy over his cards. Presently the two friends, having lighted fresh + cigars, left the saloon. + </p> + <p> + Grant looked into two or three other places, but finding there was “nothing + doing,” no news of any kind stirring, at last turned for home. + Entering the familiar old bachelor shack, Roderick too felt at home, and + it was not long before a cheerful fire was kindled and going. Grant was + leaning an elbow on the mantel above and talking to Roderick of the + pleasure he anticipated at the coming dance over at the Shields place. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what Miss Barbara meant when she sent that special message + to you, Roderick? Have you a ground wire of some kind with the young lady + and are you on more intimate relations than I have been led to believe?” + </p> + <p> + Grant smiled broadly at Roderick as he asked the question. + </p> + <p> + “Search me,” replied Roderick. “I have never spoken to + her excepting in the presence of other people.” + </p> + <p> + “I presume you know,” Grant went on, “that she is the + object of Carlisle’s affections and he gets awfully jealous if + anyone pays court to her?” + </p> + <p> + “And who’s Carlisle?” asked Roderick, looking up + quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is the great lawyer,” replied Grant “W. Henry + Carlisle. Have you never heard of the feud between Carlisle and Attorney + Bragdon?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Roderick. “Both names are new to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I supposed everybody knew about their forensic battles. You + see, W. Henry Carlisle is the attorney for the Smelter and Ben Bragdon is + without doubt the most eloquent young lawyer that ever stood before a jury + in southern Wyoming. These two fellows are usually against each other in + all big lawsuits in these parts of the country, and you should see the + courthouse fill up when there is a jury trial.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick did not seem especially interested, and throwing his cigar stub + into the open fire, he filled his pipe. “Now, I’ll have a real + smoke,” he observed as he pressed a glowing firestick from the + hearth down on the tobacco. + </p> + <p> + “Grady and Carlisle are together in all financial ventures,” + Grant continued. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t look as if you are very fond of this man Grady,” + commented Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Fond of him?” ejaculated Grant in disgust; “he is the + most obnoxious creature in the district. He treats everybody who is + working for him as if they were dogs. He has this bruiser, Bud Bledsoe, as + a sort of bodyguard and this W. Henry Carlisle as a legal protector, so he + attempts to walk rough shod over everybody—indifferent and insolent. + Oh, let’s not talk about Grady. I become indecently indignant + whenever I think of his outrages against some of the poor fellows in this + camp.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Roderick, jovially looking up; “let us + talk about the dance and especially Miss Dorothy.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the text,” said Grant, “Dorothy—Dorothy + Shields-Jones. Won’t that make a corker of a name though? If I tell + you a secret will you promise it shall be sacred?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Grant, reddening, “while I was over there + at the <i>Dillon Doublejack</i> office, isolated from the world, + surrounded with mountains and snow—nothing but snow and snowbanks + and high mountains in every direction, why, I played job printer and set + up some cards with a name thereon—can’t you guess?” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible,” said Roderick, smiling broadly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mrs. Dorothy Shields-Jones,” he repeated slowly, then + laughed uproariously at the confession. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see one of the cards,” asked Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, I only kept the proof I pulled before pieing the type, and + that I have since torn up. But just wait That girl’s destiny is + marked out for her,” continued Grant, enthusiastically, “and + believe me, Warfield, I shall make her life a happy one.” + </p> + <p> + “Hope you’ve convinced her of that, old man?” + </p> + <p> + “Convinced her! Why I haven’t had the courage yet to say a + word,” replied Grant, somewhat shamefacedly. “I’m going + to rely on you to speak up for me when the critical moment arrives.” + </p> + <p> + “It was rather premature, certainly, to print the lady’s + double-barreled-name visiting card,” laughed Roderick. “But + there, you know I’m with you and for you all the time.” And he + extended the hand of brotherly comradeship. + </p> + <p> + “And about you and Barbara?” ventured Grant, tentatively. + “I’ve heard your name mentioned in connection with hers + several times.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, forget all that rot,” responded Roderick, flushing + slightly. He had never mentioned the “college widow” to his + friend, and felt that he was sailing under false colors. “It will be + a long time before I can think of such matters,” he went on, turning + toward his accustomed stretcher. “Let’s get to bed. It has + been a long day, and I for one am tired.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later lights were out. + </p> + <p> + When they got up next morning, they found that a letter had been pushed + under the door. Warfield picked it up and read the scrawled inscription. + It was addressed to Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Gee,” said Grant as he took the letter from Roderick, “this + town is forging ahead mighty fast. Free delivery. Who in the demnition + bowwows do you suppose could have done this?” + </p> + <p> + Opening the envelope he spread the letter on the table, and both bent + above it to read its contents. There was just a couple of lines, in + printed characters. + </p> + <p> + Words had been cut out of a newspaper apparently, and stuck on the white + sheet of paper. They read as follows: <i>“Tell your friend to let + Barbara alone or his hide will be shot full of holes.”</i> + </p> + <p> + Grant and Roderick stood looking at each other, speechless with amazement. + Barbara was the only written word. + </p> + <p> + “What can be the meaning of this?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Beyond me,” replied Grant. “Evidently others besides + myself have come to think you are interested in Barbara Shields. Possibly + the young lady has been saying nice things about you, and somebody is + jealous.” + </p> + <p> + “Rank foolishness,” exclaimed Roderick hotly. Then he laughed, + as he added: “However, if the young lady interested me before she + becomes all the more interesting now. But let the incident drop. We shall + see what we shall see.” + </p> + <p> + They walked up the street to a restaurant and breakfasted. + </p> + <p> + “It might be,” remarked Grant, referring back to the strange + letter, “that Attorney Carlisle, who they say is daffy over Barbara + Shields, has had that sleuth of Grady’s, Bud Bledsoe, fix up this + letter to sort of scare you off.” + </p> + <p> + Grant laughed good-humoredly as he said this. + </p> + <p> + “Scare me off like hell,” said Roderick in disgust. “I + am not easily scared with anonymous letters. Only cowards write that sort + of stuff.” + </p> + <p> + They arose from the table and turned down the street towards the smelting + plant It was necessary to keep well on the sidewalks and away from the mud + in the roadway, for the weather was turning warm and snow was melting very + fast. + </p> + <p> + “There will be no sleighs and sleigh-bells at the Shields’ + entertainment,” observed Grant. “This snow in the lowlands + will all be gone in a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + They paused on a street corner and noticed five logging outfits swinging + slowly down the street, then turn into the back yard of Buell Hampton’s + home and begin unloading. + </p> + <p> + “What do you suppose Major Hampton can want with all those logs?” + asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Let us make a morning call on the Major,” suggested Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Right you are,” assented Grant. + </p> + <p> + The Major extended his usual hearty welcome. He had evidently been busy at + his writing table. + </p> + <p> + “We came down,” said Grant, “to get a job cutting wood.” + </p> + <p> + The Major looked out of the window at the great stack of logs and smiled. + “No, young gentlemen,” he said, “those logs are not for + firewood but to build an addition to my humble home. You see, I have a + small kitchen curtained off in the rear, and back of that I intend putting + in an extra room. I expect to have ample use for this additional + accommodation, but just at this time perhaps will not explain its + purposes. Won’t you be seated?” + </p> + <p> + They pulled up chairs before the fire, which was smouldering low, for in + the moderated condition of the weather a larger fire was not needed. + </p> + <p> + “Only for a moment, Major. We do not wish to take you from your + work, whatever it may be. I will confess,” Grant went on, smiling, + “that we were curious to know about the logs, and decided we would + look in on you and satisfy our curiosity; and then, too, we have the + pleasure of saying hello.” + </p> + <p> + “Very kind of you, very kind, I am sure,” responded the Major; + and turning to Roderick he inquired when he expected to return to the + Shields ranch. + </p> + <p> + “I am going out this afternoon,” replied Roderick. “By + the way, Major, do you expect to be at the Shields’ entertainment?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is hardly probable. I am very busy and then, too, I am far + past the years when such functions interest. Nevertheless, I can well + understand how two young gentlemen like yourselves will thoroughly enjoy + an entertainment given by such hospitable people as the Shields.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after they took their leave and walked up the street. Grant made + arrangements to start directly after luncheon for Dillon, where copy had + to be got ready for the next issue of his paper. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick rode slowly across the valley that afternoon, his mind dwelt + on the rich gold discovery made by Buell Hampton, and he evolved plans for + getting promptly to serious prospecting work on his own account. Sometimes + too he caught himself thinking of the strange girl of the hills who could + throw a lasso so cleanly and cleverly; he wondered if their paths would + ever cross again. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV.—THE EVENING PARTY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE night of the + big fiesta at the Shields ranch had arrived, and the invited guests had + gathered from far and near. And what a bevy of pretty girls and gay young + fellows they were! Even the cowboys on this occasion were faultless Beau + Brummels; chaps, belts, and other frontier regalia were laid aside in + favor of the starched shirtfront and dress clothes of the fashionable + East. The entertainment was to consist of dancing and song, with a + sumptuous supper about the midnight hour. + </p> + <p> + Roderick of course was there—“by command” of the fair + daughter of the house, Barbara Shields. At the entrance to the reception + hall the twin sisters gave him cordial welcome, and gaily rallied him on + having at last emerged from his anchorite cell. On passing into the + crowded room, young Warfield had one of the greatest surprises of his + life. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Roderick, old scout, how are you anyway?” + </p> + <p> + Someone had slapped him on the shoulder, and on turning round he found + himself face to face with Whitley Adams. + </p> + <p> + “Whitley, old man!” he gasped in sheer astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Then followed hand-shaking such as only two old college chums can engage + in after a long separation. + </p> + <p> + “How did it all happen?” inquired Roderick, when the first + flush of meeting was over. + </p> + <p> + “Tell you later,” said Whitley. “Gee, old man, I ought + to beat you up for not letting me know all this time where you were.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I have been so confoundedly busy,” was the + half-apologetic reply. + </p> + <p> + “And so have I myself. I am taking a post-graduate course just now + in being busy. You would never guess what a man of affairs I’ve come + to be.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly surprise me,” laughed Roderick drily. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but I’m going to take your breath away. Since you’ve + gone, I’ve become quite chummy with your Uncle Allen.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t say?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, siree. I think he took to me first of all in the hope that + through me he would get news of the lost prodigal—the son of his + adoption whose absence he is never tired of deploring.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor old uncle,” murmured Roderick, affectionately and + regretfully. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he takes all the blame to himself for having driven you away + from home. But here—let’s get into this quiet corner, man. You + haven’t yet heard half my news.” + </p> + <p> + The two chums were soon installed on a seat conveniently masked—for + other purposes, no doubt—by pot plants and flowers. + </p> + <p> + “And how’s dear Aunt Lois?” asked Roderick, as they + settled themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear Aunt Lois can wait,” replied Whitley. + </p> + <p> + “She’s all right—don’t look a day older since I + remember her. It is <i>I</i> who am the topic of importance—<i>I</i>”—and + he tapped his chest in the fervency of his egoism. + </p> + <p> + “Well, fire away,” laughed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + Whitley rambled on: “Well, I was just going to tell you how your + uncle and I have been pulling along together fine. After stopping me in + the street two or three times to ask me whether I had yet got news of you, + he ended in offering me a position in the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “Gee whizz!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t look so demed superior. Why, man alive. I’m a + born banker—a born man of affairs! So at least your uncle tells me + in the intervals of asking after you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you’ve certainly taken my breath away. But how come you + to be in Encampment, Whitley?” + </p> + <p> + “On business, of course—important business, you bet, or I + wouldn’t have been spared from the office. Oh, I’ll tell <i>you</i>—you’re + a member of the firm, or will be some day, which is all the same thing. + There’s a fellow here, W. B. Grady, wanting a big loan on some + smelter bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the man. But I thought he was rolling in money.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it’s just the fellows who are rolling in money who need + ready money worst,” smiled the embryonic banker with a shrewd + twinkle in his eyes. “He’s a big speculator on the outside, + make no mistake, even though he may be a staid and stolid business man + here. Well, he needs hard cash just at present, and the proposed loan came + the way of our bank. Your uncle jumped at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Security must be pretty good,” laughed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt. But there’s another reason this time for your uncle’s + financial alacrity. Seems an old friend of his was swindled out of the + identical block of bonds offered by this same Grady, and your uncle sees a + possible chance some day of getting them out of his clutches and restoring + them to where they properly belong.” + </p> + <p> + “But all that’s contrary to one of Uncle Allen’s most + cherished principles—that friendship and business don’t mix. I’ve + heard him utter that formula a score of times.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, cherished principles or no cherished principles, he seems + downright determined this time to let friendship play a hand. He tells me—oh, + I’m quite in his confidence, you see—that it’s a matter + of personal pride for him to try and win back his fortune for this old + friend, General Holden—that’s the name.” + </p> + <p> + “Holden?—Holden?” murmured Roderick. He seemed to have + heard the name before, but could not for the moment locate its owner. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, General Holden. He’s ranching up here for the present—or + rather his daughter is. They say she’s a stunning girl, and my + lawyer friend Ben Bragdon has promised to introduce me. Oh, though I’m + a man of affairs, old chap, I’ve an eye for a pretty girl too, all + the time. And I’m told she’s a top-notcher in the beauty line, + this Gail Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “Gail Holden!” Roderick repeated the name out loud, as he + started erect in his seat. He knew who the father was now—the + daughter was no other than the mysterious rider of the range. + </p> + <p> + Whitley’s face wore a quizzical look. + </p> + <p> + “Hello! you know her then, old chap?” + </p> + <p> + “I never met her—at least I have never been introduced to her.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s good hearing. Then we’ll start level tonight. Of + course I’ll cut you out in the long run if she proves to be just my + style.” + </p> + <p> + “Go ahead,” smiled Roderick. He had already recovered his + self-possession. “But you haven’t informed me yet how you come + to know Ben Bragdon, our cleverest young lawyer here, I’ve been + told, and likely enough to get the Republican nomination for state + senator.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, simple enough. I’ve come up to investigate one technical + point in regard to those smelter bonds. Well, Ben Bragdon, your political + big gun, happens to be your uncle’s legal adviser in Wyoming.” + </p> + <p> + “Which reminds me,” interposed Roderick earnestly, “that + you are not to give away my whereabout, Whitley—just yet.” + </p> + <p> + “A bit rough on the old uncle not to tell him where you are—or + at least let him know that you are safe and well. He loves you dearly, + Rod, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “And I love him—yes, I’ll admit it, I love him dearly, + and Aunt Lois too. But this is a matter of personal pride, Whitley. You + spoke a moment ago of Uncle Allen’s personal pride. Well, I’ve + got mine too, and that day of my last visit to Keokuk, when he told me + that not one dollar of his fortune would ever be mine unless I agreed to + certain abominable conditions he chose to lay down, I on my side resolved + that I would show him I could win a fortune from the world by my own + unaided efforts. And that’s what I’m going to do, Whitley; + make no mistake. I don’t want him to butt in and interfere in any + way. I am going to play this game absolutely alone, and luckily my name + gives no clue to the lawyer Ben Bragdon or anyone else here of my + relationship with the rich banker of Keokuk, Allen Miller.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Rod, whatever you say goes. But all the same there can + be no harm in my relieving your uncle’s mind by at least telling him + that I’ve heard from you—that you are in good health, and all + that sort of thing. But you bet I won’t let out where you are or + what you are doing. Oh, I’ll go up in the old chap’s + estimation by holding on tight to such a secret. To be absolutely + immovable when it would be a breach of confidence to be otherwise is part + of a successful young banker’s moral make-up, you understand.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick laughed, his obduracy broken down by the other’s gay + insistence. + </p> + <p> + “All right, old fellow, we’ll let it go at that But as to my + being in Wyoming, remember dead secrecy’s the word. Shake hands on + that; my faith in such a talented and discreet young banker is implicit. + But now we must join the others or they’ll be thinking us rather + rude.” + </p> + <p> + “That—or the dear girls may be fretting out their hearts on my + account. A rich young banker from Iowa doesn’t blow into Encampment + every day, you know.” And Whitley Adams laughed with all the buoyant + pride of youth, good looks, good health, and good spirits. “Come + along, dear boy,” he went on, linking his hand in Roderick’s + arm. “We’ll find Lawyer Bragdon, get our introductions, and + start fair with the beauteous chatelaine of the cattle range.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick had heard about Ben Bragdon from Grant Jones, but had not as yet + happened to meet the brilliant young attorney who was fast becoming a + political factor in the state of Wyoming. So it fell to the chance visitor + to the town, Whitley Adams, to make these two townsmen acquainted. Bragdon + shook Roderick’s hand with all the cordiality and geniality of a + born “mixer” and far-seeing politician. But Whitley cut out + all talk and unblushingly demanded that he and his friend should be + presented without further delay to General Holden’s daughter. + </p> + <p> + They found her in company with Barbara Shields who, her duties of + receiving over, was now mingling with her guests. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Holden, let me present you to Mr. Roderick Warfield.” + The introducer was Ben Bragdon. + </p> + <p> + “One of papa’s favorite boys,” added Barbara kindly, + “and one of our best riders on the range.” + </p> + <p> + “As I happen to know,” said Gail Holden; and with a frank + smile of recognition she extended her hand. “We have already met in + the hills.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick was blushing. “Yes,” he laughed nervously. “I + was stupid enough to offer to help you with a young steer. But I didn’t + know then I was addressing such a famous horsewoman and expert with the + lariat.” + </p> + <p> + Gail Holden smiled, pleasedly but composedly. She possessed that peculiar + modesty of dignified reserve which challenges the respect of men. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you would have no doubt done a great deal better than I did,” + she replied graciously. + </p> + <p> + But Whitley Adams had administered a kick to Roderick’s heel, and + was now pushing him aside with a muttered: “You never told me you + had this flying start, you cunning dog. But it’s my turn now.” + And he placed himself before Miss Holden, and was duly presented by + Bragdon. + </p> + <p> + A moment later Whitley was engaging Gail in a sprightly conversation. + Roderick turned to Barbara, only to find her appropriated by Ben Bragdon. + And Barbara seemed mightily pleased with the young lawyer’s + attentions—she was smiling, and her eyes were sparkling, as she + listened to some anecdote he was telling. Roderick began to feel kind of + lonesome. If there was going to be anyone “shot full of holes” + because of attentions to the fair Miss Barbara, he was evidently not the + man. He had said to Grant Jones that any association of his name with hers + was “rank foolishness,” and humbly felt now the absolute + truthfulness of the remark. He began to look around for Grant—he + felt he was no ladies’ man, that he was out of his element in such a + gathering. There were many strange faces; he knew only a few of those + present. + </p> + <p> + But his roving glance again lighted and lingered on Gail Holden. Yes, she + was beautiful, indeed, both in features and in figure. Tall, willowy, + stately, obviously an athlete, with a North of Ireland suggestion in her + dark fluffy hair and sapphire blue eyes and pink-rose cheeks. He had seen + her riding the range, a study in brown serge with a big sombrero on her + head, and he saw her now in the daintiest of evening costumes, a deep + collar of old lace around her fair rounded neck, a few sprigs of lily of + the valley in her corsage, a filigree silver buckle at the belt that + embraced her lissom form. And as he gazed on this beauty of the hills, + this splendid type of womanhood, there came back to him in memory the + wistful little face—yes, by comparison the somewhat worn and faded + face—of the “college widow” to whom his troth was + plighted, for whom he had been fighting and was fighting now the battle of + life, the prize of true love he was going to take back proudly to Uncle + Allen Miller along with the fortune he was to win with his own brain and + hands. + </p> + <p> + “By gad, it’s more than three weeks since Stella wrote to me,” + he said to himself, angrily. Somehow he was glad to feel angry—relieved + in mind to find even a meagre pitiful excuse for the disloyal comparison + that had forced itself upon his mind. + </p> + <p> + But at this moment the music struck up, there was a general movement, and + he found himself next to Dorothy Shields. Whitley had already sailed away + with Miss Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Grant?” asked Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet arrived,” replied Dorothy. “He warned me that + he would be late.” + </p> + <p> + “Then perhaps I may have the privilege of the first waltz, as his + best friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Or for your own sake,” she laughed, as she placed her hand on + his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Soon they were in the mazy whirl. When the dance was ended Dorothy, taking + his arm, indicated that she wished him to meet some people in another part + of the room. After one or two introductions to young ladies, she turned to + a rather heavy set, affable-looking gentleman and said: “Mr. + Warfield, permit me to introduce you to Mr. Carlisle—Mr. Carlisle, + Mr. Warfield.” + </p> + <p> + The men shook hands and looked into each other’s eyes. Roderick + remembered this was the attorney of the smelting plant, and Carlisle + remembered this was the young gentleman of whom the Shields sisters had so + often spoken in complimentary terms. W. Henry Carlisle was a man perhaps + forty years old. He was not only learned in the law, but one could not + talk with him long without knowing he was purposeful and determined and in + any sort of a contest worthy of his foeman’s steel. + </p> + <p> + Later Roderick danced with Barbara, and when he had handed her over to the + next claimant on her card was again accosted by Ben Bragdon. He had liked + the young attorney from the first, and together they retired for a + cigarette in the smoking room. + </p> + <p> + “I saw you were introduced to that fellow Carlisle,” began + Bragdon. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Roderick, smiling, for he already knew of the + professional feud between the two men. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let me say something to you,” Bragdon continued. + “You look to me like a man that is worth while, and I take the + opportunity of telling you to let him alone. Carlisle is no good. Outside + of law business and the law courts I would not speak to him if he were the + last man on earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Roderick, “you are pronounced in your views + to say the least.” + </p> + <p> + Bragdon turned to Roderick and for a moment was silent. Then he asked: + “What are you, a Republican or a Democrat?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I am a Republican.” + </p> + <p> + “Shake,” said Bragdon, and they clasped hands without Roderick + hardly understanding why. “Let me tell you something else,” + Bragdon went on. “Carlisle claims to be a Republican but I believe + he is a Democrat. He don’t look like a Republican to me. He looks + like a regular secessionist Democrat and there is going to be a contest + this fall for the nomination for state senator. W B. Grady and the whole + smelting outfit are going to back this man Carlisle and I am going to beat + him. And say—old man—” he smiled at Roderick when he + said this and slapped him on the shoulder familiarly—“I want + you on my side.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Roderick, half embarrassed and hesitatingly, + “I guess I am getting into politics pretty lively among other + things. I don’t see at this moment why I should not be on your side.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, come and see me at my office over at Encampment and we will + talk this matter over.” And so it was agreed. + </p> + <p> + Just then they heard singing, so they threw their cigarettes away and went + back to the ballroom. A quartet of voices accompanied on the piano by Gail + Holden were giving a selection from the Bohemian Girl. Whitley Adams was + hovering near Miss Holden, and insisted on turning the music At the close + of the number Whitley requested that Mr. Warfield should sing. Everyone + joined in the invitation; it was a surprise to his western friends that he + was musical. Reluctantly Roderick complied, and proving himself possessed + of a splendid baritone voice, delighted everyone by singing “Forgotten” + and one or two other old-time melodies. Among many others, Dorothy, + Barbara, and Grant Jones, who had now put in an appearance, overwhelmed + him with congratulations. Gail Holden, too, who had been his accompanist, + quietly but none the less warmly, complimented him. + </p> + <p> + Then Gail herself was prevailed upon to sing. As she resumed her seat at + the piano, she glanced at Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know ‘The Rosary’.” she asked in a low + voice unheard by the others. + </p> + <p> + “One of my favorites,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Then will you help me with a second?” she added, as she + spread open the sheet of music. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll be honored,” he responded, taking his place by her + side. + </p> + <p> + Her rich contralto voice swelled forth like the sweeping fullness of a + distant church organ, and Roderick softly and sweetly blended his tones + with hers. Under the player’s magic touch the piano with its deep + resonant chords added to the perfect harmony of the two voices. The + interpretation was wonderful; the listeners were spellbound, and there + followed an interval of tense stillness after the last whispered notes had + died away. + </p> + <p> + As Gail rose and stood before him, she looked into Roderick’s eyes. + Her cheeks were flushed, she was enveloped in the mystery of song, carried + away by music’s subtle power. Roderick too was exalted. + </p> + <p> + “Superb,” he murmured ecstatically. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks to you,” she replied in a low voice and with a little + bow. + </p> + <p> + Then the buzz of congratulations was all around them. During that brief + moment, even in the crowded ballroom they had been alone—soul had + spoken to soul. But now the tension was relaxed. Gail was laughing + merrily. Whitley Adams was punching Roderick in the ribs. + </p> + <p> + “Say, old man, that’s taking another mean advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked Roderick, recovering his composure. + </p> + <p> + “Singing duets like that isn’t toeing the line. The start was + to be a fair one, but you’re laps ahead already.” Whitley was + looking with comical dolefulness in the direction of Gail Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I catch your drift,” laughed Roderick. “Well, you + brought the trouble on yourself, my boy. It was you who gave me away by + declaring I could sing.” + </p> + <p> + “Which shows the folly of paying a false compliment,” retorted + Whitley. “However, I’m going to get another dance anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + He made a step toward Gail, but Roderick laid a detaining hand on his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Not just yet; the next is mine.” And with audacity that + amazed himself Roderick advanced to Gail, bowed, and offered his arm. The + soft strains of a dreamy waltz had just begun. + </p> + <p> + Without a word she accepted his invitation, and together they floated away + among the maze of dancers. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s going some,” murmured Whitley, as he + glanced around in quest of consolation. Dorothy Shields appeared to be + monopolized by Grant Jones, but the two lawyers, Eragdon and Carlisle, + were glowering at each other, as if in defiance as to which should carry + off Barbara. So Whitley solved the problem by sailing in and appropriating + her for himself. He was happy, she seemed pleased, and the rivals, turning + away from each other, had the cold consolation that neither had profited + by the other’s momentary hesitation. + </p> + <p> + After the first few rounds Roderick opened a conversation with his + partner. He felicitated her upon her playing and singing. She thanked him + and said: “Most heartily can I return the compliment.” He + bowed his acknowledgment. + </p> + <p> + “You must come to Conchshell ranch and call on my father. He will be + glad to meet you—has been an invalid all the winter, but I’m + thankful he is better now.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll be honored and delighted to make his acquaintance,” + replied Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Then perhaps we can have some more singing together,” she + went on. + </p> + <p> + “Which will be a great pleasure to me,” he interjected + fervently. + </p> + <p> + “And to me,” she said, smiling. + </p> + <p> + Whether listening or speaking there was something infinitely charming + about Gail Holden. When conversing her beautiful teeth reminded one of a + cupid’s mouth full of pearls. + </p> + <p> + “It has been some time,” explained Roderick, “since I + was over your way.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment their eyes met and she mischievously replied; + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. Next time, I’ll not only sing for you, but if you + wish I will teach you how to throw the lariat.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t presume,” replied Roderick banteringly, “you + will guarantee what I might catch even if I turned out to be an expert?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” Gail quickly rejoined, “rests entirely with your + own cleverness.” + </p> + <p> + Just then it was announced from the dining room that the tables with the + evening collation were spread, and as Roderick was about to offer his arm + to Miss Holden, Barbara came hurriedly up, flushed and saying: “Oh, + Gail, here is Mr. Carlisle who wants to take you to supper. And Mr. + Warfield, you are to escort me.” She smiled triumphantly up into his + face as she took his arm. + </p> + <p> + As they walked away together and Barbara was vivaciously talking to him, + he wondered what it all meant Everybody seemed to be playing at cross + purposes. Again he thought of the letter of warning pushed under Grant + Jones’ door and mentally speculated how it would all end. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV.—BRONCHO-BUSTING + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T WAS the morning + following the big entertainment at the Shields ranch when Roderick and two + other cowboy companions began the work of breaking some outlaw horses to + the saddle. The corral where they were confined was a quarter of a mile + away from the bunk house. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones had remained overnight, ostensibly to pay Roderick a visit + during the succeeding day. He was still sound asleep when Roderick arose + at an early hour and started for the corral. Whitley Adams had also been + detained at the ranch house as a guest. He had invited himself to the + broncho-busting spectacle, and was waiting on the veranda for Roderick as + the latter strolled by. + </p> + <p> + An unbroken horse may or may not be an outlaw. If he takes kindly to the + bridle and saddle and, after the first flush of scared excitement is over + with, settles down and becomes bridle-wise then he is not an outlaw. On + the other hand when put to the test if he begins to rear up—thump + down on his forefeet—buck and twist like a corkscrew and continues + jumping sideways and up and down, bucking and rearing until possibly he + falls over backward, endangering the life of his rider and continues in + this ungovernable fashion until finally he is given up as unbreakable, + why, then the horse is an outlaw. He feels that he has conquered man, and + the next attempt to break him to the saddle will be fraught with still + greater viciousness. + </p> + <p> + Bull-dogging a wild Texas steer is nothing compared with the skill + necessary to conquer an outlaw pony. + </p> + <p> + Nearly all cowboy riders, take to broncho-busting naturally and + good-naturedly, and they usually find an especial delight in assuring the + Easterner that they have never found anything that wears hair they cannot + ride. Of course, this is more or less of a cowboy expression and possibly + borders on vanity. However, as a class, they are not usually inclined to + boast. + </p> + <p> + Very excellent progress had been made in the work of breaking the bronchos + to the saddle. It was along about eleven o’clock when Roderick had + just made his last mount upon what seemed to be one of the most docile + ponies in the corral. He was a three-year-old and had been given the name + of Firefly. The wranglers or helpers had no sooner loosened the blindfold + than Roderick realized he was on the hurricane deck of a pony that would + probably give him trouble. When Firefly felt the weight of Roderick upon + his back, apparently he was stunned to such an extent that he was filled + with indecision as to what he should do and began trembling and settling + as if he might go to his knees. Roderick touched his flank with a sharp + spur and then, with all the suddenness of a flash of lightning from a + clear sky, rider and horse became the agitated center of a whirling cloud + of dust. The horse seemingly would stop just long enough in his corkscrew + whirls to jump high in the air and light on his forefeet with his head + nearly on the ground and then with instantaneous quickness rear almost + upright Whitley Adams was terribly scared at the scene. The struggle + lasted perhaps a couple of minutes, and then Roderick was whirled over the + head of the pony and with a shrill neigh Firefly dashed across the corral + and leaping broke through a six foot fence and galloped away over the open + prairie. The two wranglers and Whitley hastened to Roderick’s side. + He had been stunned but only temporarily and not seriously injured, as it + proved. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s all right,” he said presently as he rubbed + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Are you hurt?” Whitley inquired. Roderick slowly rose to his + feet with Whitley’s assistance and stretching himself looked about + as if a bit dazed. “No, no,” he replied, “I am not hurt + but that infernal horse has my riding saddle.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better learn to ride a rocking horse before trying to ride + an outlaw, Warfield,” said Scotty Meisch, one of the new + cowpunchers, sneeringly. + </p> + <p> + Roderick whirled on him. “I’ll take you on for a contest most + any day, if you think you are so good and I am so poor as all that,” + he said. “Come on, what do you say?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I ride in the Frontier Day’s celebration that comes on + in July at our local fair,” the cowboy said. “Guess if you + want to ride in a real contest with me you’d better enter your name + and we’ll see how long you last.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I’ll just do that for once and show you a little + something about real roughriding,” said Roderick; “and Firefly + will be one of the outlaws.” + </p> + <p> + Turning he limped off towards the bunk house with Whitley. + </p> + <p> + Whitley was greatly relieved that Roderick, although he had wrenched the + tendons of his leg, had no broken bones. A couple of other cowboys mounted + their ponies, and with lariats started off across the prairie to capture + the outlaw and bring back the saddle. Whitley was assured that they were + breaking horses all the time and now and then the boys got hold of an + outlaw but no one was ever very seriously injured. + </p> + <p> + Reaching the lounging room of the bunk house, they learned that Grant was + up and dressed. He had evidently gone up to the ranch house and at that + very moment was doubtless basking in the smiles of Miss Dorothy. + </p> + <p> + The college chums, pipes alight, soon got to talking of old times. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” remarked Whitley between puffs, “last + month I was back at the class reunion at Galesburg and called on Stella + Rain.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick reddened and Whitley went blandly on: “Mighty fine girl—I + mean Stella. Finest college widow ever. I did not know you were the lucky + dog, though?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by my being the lucky dog?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you were always smitten in that quarter—everyone knew + that. And now those tell-tale flushes on your face, together with what + Stella said, makes it all clear. Congratulations, old man,” said + Whitley, laughing good-naturedly at Roderick’s discomfiture. + </p> + <p> + As their hands met, Roderick said: “I don’t know, old chap, + whether congratulations are in order or not. She don’t write as + often as she used to. It don’t argue very well for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Man alive,” said Whitley, “what do you want with a + college widow or a battalion of college widows when you are among such + girls as you have out here? Great Scott, don’t you realize that + these girls are the greatest ever? Grant Jones shows his good sense; he + seems to have roped Miss Dorothy for sure. At first I thought I had your + measure last night, when you were talking to Miss Barbara Shields—for + the moment I had forgotten about Stella. Then you switched off and cut me + out with the fair singer. Say, if somebody don’t capture Miss Gail + Holden—” + </p> + <p> + He paused, puffed awhile, then resumed meditatively: “Why, old man, + down in Keokuk Gail Holden wouldn’t last a month. Someone would pick + her up in a jiffy.” + </p> + <p> + “Provided,” said Roderick, and looked steadily at Whitley. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, of course, provided he could win her.” + </p> + <p> + “These western girls, I judge,” said Roderick slowly—“understand + I am not speaking from experience—are pretty hard to win. There is a + freedom in the very atmosphere of the West that thrills a fellow’s + nerves and suggests the widest sort of independence. And our range girls + are pronouncedly independent, unless I have them sized up wrong. Tell me,” + he continued, “how you feel about Miss Holden?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” replied Whitley, “I knew ahead that she was a + stunning girl, and after that first waltz I felt withered all in a heap. + But when I saw and heard you singing together at the piano, I realized + what was bound to come. Oh, you needn’t blush so furiously. You’ve + got to forget a certain party down at Galesburg. As for me, I’ve got + to fly at humbler game. Guess I’ll have another look around.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed somewhat wistfully, as he rose and knocked the ashes from the + bowl of his pipe. + </p> + <p> + Roderick had not interrupted; he was becoming accustomed to others + deciding for him his matrimonial affairs. He was musing over the + complications that seemed to be crowding into his life. + </p> + <p> + “You see I retire from the contest,” Whitley went on, his + smile broadening, “and I hope you’ll recognize the devoted + loyalty of a friend. But now those Shields girls—one or other of + them—both are equally charming.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t cut Grant Jones out,” interrupted Roderick + firmly. “Remember, next to yourself, he’s my dearest friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, there’s Miss Barbara left. Now don’t you + think I would be quite irresistible as compared with either of those + lawyer fellows?” He drew himself up admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “You might be liable to get your hide shot full of holes,” + replied Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + But Roderick did not explain his enigmatic utterance. + </p> + <p> + “I think I’ll have a lay-down,” he said, “and rest + my stiff bones.” He got up; he said nothing to Whitley, but the + bruised leg pained him considerably. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” replied Whitley gaily. “Then I’ll do + a little further reconnoitering up at the ranch house. So long.” + </p> + <p> + Warfield was glad to be alone. Apart from the pain he was suffering, he + wanted to think things over. He was not blind to the truth that Gail + Holden had brought a new interest into his life. Yet he was half saddened + by the thought that almost a month had gone by without a letter from + Stella Rain. Then Whitley’s coming had brought back memories of + Uncle Allen, Aunt Lois, and the old days at Keokuk. He was feeling very + homesick—utterly tired of the rough cow-punching existence he had + been leading for over six months. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI.—THE MYSTERIOUS TOILERS OF THE NIGHT + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>N A day or two the + excitement over the great evening party at the Shields ranch had passed + and the humdrum duties of everyday life had been resumed. Whitley Adams + had completed his business at Encampment and taken his departure with the + solemnly renewed promise to Roderick that for the present the latter’s + whereabouts would not be disclosed to the good folks at Keokuk although + their anxiety as to his safety and good health would be relieved. Grant + Jones had torn himself away from his beloved to resume his eternal—and + as he felt at the moment infernal—task of getting out the next issue + of his weekly newspaper. Gail Holden had ridden off over the foothills, + the Shields sisters had returned to their domestic duties, and all the + other beauties of the ballroom had scattered far and wide like thistledown + in a breeze. The cowboys had reverted to chaps and sombreros, dress + clothes had been stowed away with moth balls to keep them company, and the + language of superlative politeness had lapsed back into the terser + vernacular of the stock corral. Roderick was pretty well alone all day in + the bunk house, nursing the stiff leg that had resulted from the + broncho-busting episode. + </p> + <p> + Between embrocations he was doing a little figuring and stock-taking of + ways and means. During his six months on the ranch most of his salary had + been saved. The accumulated amount would enable him to clear off one-half + of his remaining indebtedness in New York and leave him a matter of a + hundred dollars for some prospecting on his own account during the summer + months among the hills. But he would stay by his job for yet another month + or two, because, although the words had been spoken in the heat of the + moment, he had pledged himself to meet the cowboy Scotty Meisch in the + riding contest at the Frontier Day’s celebration. Yes, he would + stick to that promise, he mused as he rubbed in the liniment Gail Holden, + when she had come to bid him good-by and express her condolence over his + accident, had announced her own intention of entering for the lariat + throwing competition, but he would never have admitted to himself that the + chance of meeting her again in such circumstances, the chance of restoring + his prestige as a broncho-buster before her very eyes, had the slightest + thing to do with his resolve to delay his start in systematic quest of the + lost mine. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Buell Hampton seemed to have withdrawn himself from the world. + During the two weeks that had intervened between the invitation and the + dance, he had not called at the ranch. Nor did he come now during the + weeks that followed, and one evening when Grant Jones paid a visit to the + Major’s home he found the door locked. Grant surveyed with both + surprise and curiosity the addition that had been made to the building. It + was a solid structure of logs, showing neither door nor window to the + outside, and evidently was only reached through the big living room. + </p> + <p> + He reported the matter to Roderick, but the latter, his stiff leg now all + right again, was too busy among the cattle on the ranges to bother about + other things. + </p> + <p> + But Buell Hampton all this time had been very active indeed. During the + winter months he had thought out his plans. Somehow he had come to look + upon the hidden valley with its storehouse of golden wealth as a sacred + place not to be trespassed on by the common human drove. Just so soon as + the melting snows rendered the journey practicable, he had returned all + alone to the sequestered nook nested in the mountains. He had discovered + that quite a little herd of deer had found shelter and subsistence there + during the months of winter. As he came among them, they had shown, + themselves quite tame and fearless; three or four does had nibbled the + fresh spring grass almost at his very feet as he had sat on the porphyry + dyke, enjoying the beautiful scene, alone in his little kingdom, with only + these gentle creatures and the twittering birds for companions. + </p> + <p> + And there and then Buell Hampton had resolved that he would not desecrate + this sanctuary of nature—that he would not bring in the brutal eager + throng of gold seekers, changing the lovely little valley into a scene of + sordid greed and ugliness, its wild flowers crushed underfoot, its + pellucid stream turned to sludge, its rightful inhabitants, the + gentle-eyed deer, butchered for riotous gluttony. No, never! He would take + the rich God-given gift of gold that was his, gratefully and for the + ulterior purpose of spreading human happiness. But all else he would leave + undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + The gold-bearing porphyry dyke stretching across the narrow valley was + decomposed; it required no drilling nor blasting; its bulk could easily be + broken by aid of sledge hammer and crowbar. Two or three men working + steadily for two or three months could remove the entire dyke as it lay + visible between mountain rock wall and mountain rock wall, and taking the + assay value of the ore as already ascertained, from this operation alone + there was wealth for all interested beyond the dreams of avarice. Buell + Hampton debated the issues all through that afternoon of solitude spent in + the little canyon. And when he regained his home he had arrived at a fixed + resolution. He would win the treasure but he would save the valley—he + would keep it a hidden valley still. + </p> + <p> + Next evening he had Tom Sun, Boney Earnest and Jim Rankin all assembled in + secret conclave. While the aid of Grant Jones and Roderick Warfield would + be called in later on, for the present their services would not be + required. So for the present likewise there would be nothing more said to + them—the fewer in the “know” the safer for all + concerned. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that Tom Sun, Jim Rankin and the Major would bring out the + ore. Jim was to hire a substitute to drive his stage, while Tom Sun would + temporarily hand over the care of his flocks to his manager and herders. + Boney Earnest could not leave his work at the smelter—his duties + there were so responsible that any sudden withdrawal might have stopped + operations entirely and so caused the publicity all were anxious to avoid. + But as he did not go to the plant on Sundays, his active help would be + available each Saturday night. Thus the plans were laid. + </p> + <p> + But although Buell Hampton had allied himself with these helpers in his + work and participants in the spoil, he yet guarded from them the exact + locality of his find. All this was strictly in accordance with goldmining + usage among the mountains of Wyoming, so the Major offered no apology for + his precautions, his associates asked for or expected none. Each man + agreed that he would go blindfolded to the spot where the rich ore was to + be broken and packed for removal. + </p> + <p> + Thus had it come about that, while Buell Hampton seemed to have + disappeared from the world, all the while he was very busy indeed, and + great things were in progress. Actual work had commenced some days before + the dance at the Shields’ home, and it continued steadily in the + following routine. + </p> + <p> + The Major, Tom Sun and Jim Rankin passed most of the day sleeping. At + night after dark, they would sally forth into the hills, mounted on three + horses with three pack burros. A few miles away from Encampment the Major + would blindfold his two assistants, and then they would proceed in + silence. When they arrived near Spirit Falls the horses and burros would + be tethered and Major Hampton would lead the way down the embankment to + the river’s bank, then turn to the left, while Tom Sun, blindfolded, + extended one hand on Buell Hampton’s shoulder and still behind was + Jim Rankin with his hand extended on Tom Sun’s shoulder. Thus they + would make their way to a point back of the waterfall, and then some + considerable distance into the mountain cavern where the blindfolds were + removed. With an electric torch the Major lighted the way through the + grotto into the open valley. + </p> + <p> + A little farther on was the dyke of porphyry, quartz and gold. Here the + sacks would be filled with the rich ore—their loads all that each + man could carry. Footsteps were then retraced with the same precautions as + before. + </p> + <p> + Placing the ore sacks on the backs of their burros, the night riders would + climb into their saddles and slowly start out on the return journey, the + Major driving the burros ahead along a mountain path, while Tom Sun and + Jim Rankin’s horses followed. After they had gone on for a few miles + Major Hampton would shout back to his assistants to remove the blindfolds, + and thus they would return to the town of Encampment in the gray dawn of + morning, unloading their burros at the door of Major Hampton’s + house. Jim Rankin would take charge of the stock and put them in a stable + and corral he had prepared down near the banks of the Platte River just + over the hill. Tom Sun would show his early training by preparing a + breakfast of ham and eggs and steaming coffee while the Major was placing + the ore in one hundred pound sacks and carrying them back into the + blockade addition he had built to his home. He would then lock the heavy + door connecting the storehouse with the living room. + </p> + <p> + Usually the breakfast was ready by the time the Major had finished his + part of the work and Jim Rankin had returned. After the morning meal and a + smoke, these three mysterious workers of the night would lie down to + sleep, only to repeat the trip the following evening. Each Saturday night, + as has been explained, Boney Earnest was added to the party, as well as an + extra horse and burro. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton estimated that each burro was bringing out one hundred + pounds nightly, or about three hundred pounds every trip for the three + burros, with an extra hundred pounds on Saturday night. If this ore + yielded $114.00 per pound, the assay value already paid him, or call it + $100.00, it meant that he was adding to his storehouse of treasure about + $220,000.00 as the result of each week’s labors. Thus in three + months’ time there would be not far short of $3,000,-000.00 worth of + high grade gold ores accumulated. If reduced to tons this would make + nearly a full carload when the time came for moving the vast wealth to the + railroad. + </p> + <p> + One night in the midst of these operations, when Jim Rankin and Tom Sun + supposed they were on the point of starting on the usual trip into the + hidden valley, Buell Hampton filled his pipe for an extra smoke and + invited his two faithful friends to do likewise. “We are not going + tonight,” said he. “We will have a rest and hold a conference.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said Jim Rankin. “Speakin’ wide open like, + by gunnies, my old bones are gettin’ to be pretty dangnation sore.” + </p> + <p> + “Too bad about you,” said Tom Sun. “Too bad that you + aren’t as young as I am, Jim.” + </p> + <p> + “Young, the devil,” returned Jim. “I’m + prognosticatin’ I have pints about me that’d loco you any time + good and plenty. ‘Sides you know you are seven years older than me. + Gosh ‘lmighty, Tom, you an’ me have been together ever since + we struck this here country mor’n forty years ago.” + </p> + <p> + Tom laughed and the Major laughed. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that when the carload was ready Jim Rankin was to rig up + three four-horse teams and Grant Jones and Roderick Warfield would be + called on to accompany the whole outfit to Walcott, the nearest town on + the Union Pacific, where a car would be engaged in advance for the + shipment of the ore to one of the big smelters at Denver. The strictest + secrecy would be kept even then, for reasons of safety as well as to + preserve the privacy desired by Buell Hampton. So they would load up the + wagons at night and start for the railroad about three o’clock in + the morning. + </p> + <p> + Thus as they smoked and yawned during their night of rest the three men + discussed and decided every detail of these future plans. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII—A TROUT FISHING EPISODE + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>OR a time Roderick + had hung back from accepting the invitation to call at the Conchshell + ranch, as the Holden place was called. In pursuing the acquaintanceship + with Gail he knew that he was playing with fire—a delightful game + but one that might work sad havoc with his future peace of mind. However, + one day when he had an afternoon off and had ridden into Encampment again + to be disappointed in finding no letter from Stella, he had felt just the + necessary touch of irritation toward his fiancée that spurred him on to + seek some diversion from his thoughts of being badly treated and + neglected. Certainly, he would call on General Holden—he did not say + to himself that he was bent on seeing Gail again, looking into her + beautiful eyes, hearing her sing, perhaps joining in a song. + </p> + <p> + He was mounted on his favorite riding horse Badger, a fine bay pony, and + had followed the road up the North Fork of the Encampment River a number + of miles. Taking a turn to the left through the timbered country with + rocky crags towering on either side in loftiest grandeur, he soon reached + the beautiful plateau where Gail Holden’s home was located. The + little ranch contained some three hundred acres, and cupped inward like a + saucer, with a mountain stream traversing from the southerly to the + northerly edge, where the Conchshell canyon gashed through the rim of the + plateau and permitted the waters to escape and flow onward and away into + the North Fork. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick approached the house, which was on a knoll planted with + splendid firs and pines, he heard Gail singing “Robert Adair.” + He dismounted and hitched his horse under the shelter of a wide spreading + oak. Just as he came up the steps to the broad porch Gail happened to see + him through one of the windows. She ceased her singing and hastened to + meet him with friendly greeting. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, Mr. Warfield, thrice welcome, as Papa sometimes says,” + said Gail, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Roderick, gallantly. “I was riding in + this direction and concluded to stop in and accept your kind invitation to + meet the General.” + </p> + <p> + “He will be delighted to see you, Mr. Warfield, I have told him + about your singing.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was making too much of my poor efforts.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. You see my father is very fond of music—never + played nor sang in his life, but has always taken keen delight in hearing + good music. And I tell you he is quite a judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Which makes me quite determined then not to sing in his presence,” + laughed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can’t get out of it now you’re here. He won’t + allow it. Nor will I. You won’t refuse to sing for me, will you? Or + with me?” she added with a winning smile. + </p> + <p> + “That would be hard indeed to refuse,” he replied, happy yet + half-reproaching himself for his very happiness. + </p> + <p> + “Daddie is walking around the grounds somewhere at present,” + continued Gail. “Won’t you step inside and rest, Mr. Warfield? + He’ll turn up presently.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, this old rustic seat here on the porch looks exceedingly + comfortable. And I fancy that is your accustomed rocker,” he added, + pointing to a piece of embroidery, with silk and needles, slung over the + arm of a chair. + </p> + <p> + “You are a regular Sherlock Holmes,” she laughed. “Well, + I have been stitching all the afternoon, and just broke off my work for a + song.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard you. Can’t you be persuaded to continue?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at present. We’ll wait till Papa comes. And the weather + is so delightfully warm that I will take my accustomed rocker—and + the hint implied as well.” + </p> + <p> + Again she laughed gaily as she dropped into the commodious chair and + picked up the little square of linen with its half-completed embroidery. + </p> + <p> + Roderick took the rustic seat and gazed admiringly over the cup-shaped + lands that spread out before him like a scroll, with their background of + lofty mountains. + </p> + <p> + “You have a delightful view from here,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Gail, as she threaded one of her needles with a + strand of crimson. “I know of no other half so beautiful. And it has + come to be a very haven of peace and happiness. Perhaps you know that my + father last year lost everything he possessed in the world through an + unfortunate speculation. But that was nothing—we lost my dear mother + then as well. This little ranch of Conchshell was the one thing left that + we could call our own, and here we found our refuge and our consolation.” + </p> + <p> + She was speaking very softly, her hands had dropped on her lap, there was + the glisten of tears in her eyes. Roderick was seeing the daring rider of + the hills, the acknowledged belle of the ballroom in yet another light, + and was lost in admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Very sad,” he murmured, in conventional commiseration. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, not sad,” she replied brightly, looking up, sunshine + showing through her tears. “Dear mother is at rest after her long + illness, father has recovered his health in this glorious mountain air, + and I have gained a serious occupation in life. Oh, I just love this + miniature cattle range,” she went on enthusiastically. “Look + at it”—she swept the landscape with an upraised hand. “Don’t + all my sweet Jerseys and Hainaults dotted over those meadows look like the + little animals in a Noah’s ark we used to play with when children?” + </p> + <p> + “They do indeed,” concurred Roderick, with heartily responsive + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “And I’m going to make this dairy stock business pay to beat + the band,” she added, her face fairly aglow. “Just give me + another year or two.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly deserve success,” affirmed Roderick, + emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don’t know. But I do try so hard.” + </p> + <p> + Her beautiful face had sweet wistfulness in it now. Roderick was admiring + its swift expressive changes—he was saying to himself that he could + read the soul of this splendidly frank young woman like a book. He felt + thrilled and exalted. + </p> + <p> + “But here comes Papa,” exclaimed Gail, springing delightedly + to her feet + </p> + <p> + Roderick’s spirits dropped like a plummet. At such an interesting + psychological moment he could have wished the old General far enough. + </p> + <p> + But there was a pleasant smile on his face as Gail presented him, genuine + admiration in the responsive pressure of his hand as he gazed into the + veteran’s handsome countenance and thanked him for his cordial + welcome. + </p> + <p> + “Glad to meet you, Mr. Warfield,” General Holden was saying. + “My friend Shields has spoken mighty well of you, and Gail here says + you have the finest baritone voice in all Wyoming.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Daddie!” cried Gail, in blushing confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’m going to decide for myself. Come right in. We’ll + have a song while Gail makes us a cup of tea. An old soldier’s song + for a start—she won’t be listening, so I can suit myself this + time.” + </p> + <p> + And Roderick to his bewilderment found himself clutched by the arm, and + being led indoors to the piano like a lamb to the slaughter. Gail had + disappeared, and he was actually warbling “Marching through Georgia,” + aided by a thunderous chorus from the General. + </p> + <p> + “As we go marching through Georgia,” echoed Gail, when at the + close of the song she advanced from the domestic quarters with sprightly + military step, carrying high aloft a tea tray laden with dainty china and + gleaming silverware. + </p> + <p> + All laughed heartily, and a delightful afternoon was initiated—tea + and cake, solos and duets, intervals of pleasant conversation, a Schubert + sonata by Gail, and a rendition by Roderick of the Soldiers’ Chorus + from Faust that fairly won the old General’s heart. + </p> + <p> + The hours had sped like a dream, and it was in the sunset glow that + Roderick, having declined a pressing invitation to stay for dinner, was + bidding Gail good-by. She had stepped down from the veranda and was + standing by his horse admiring it and patting its silky coat. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, you mentioned at the Shields’ party that you + expected to go trout fishing, Mr. Warfield. Did you have good luck?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick confessed that as yet he had not treated himself to a day’s + sport with the finny tribe. “I was thinking about it this very + morning,” he went on, “and was wondering if I had not better + secure a companion—someone skilled with rod and reel and fly to go + with me, as I am a novice.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’ll go with you,” she exclaimed quickly. “Would + be glad to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s mighty kind of you, Miss Holden,” replied + Roderick, half hesitatingly, while a smile played about his handsome face. + “But since you put it that way I would be less than courteous if I + did not eagerly and enthusiastically accept. When shall we go?” + </p> + <p> + “You name the day,” said Gail. + </p> + <p> + Roderick leaned hastily forward and placing one hand on his heart said + with finely assumed gallantry: “I name the day?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you know quite well I do not mean that.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed gaily, but all the same a little blush had stolen into her + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I thought it was the fair lady’s privilege to name the day,” + said Roderick, mischievously. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Gail, soberly, “we will go trout + fishing tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “It is settled,” said Roderick. “What hour is your + pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is better,” replied Gail, “to go early in the + morning or late in the evening. Personally I prefer the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I will be here and saddle Fleetfoot for you, say, at + seven tomorrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + And so it was agreed. + </p> + <p> + It was only when he was cantering along the roadway toward home that + Roderick remembered how Barbara Shields had on several occasions invited + him to go trout fishing with her, but in some way circumstances had always + intervened to postpone the expedition. In Gail’s case, however, + every obstacle seemed to have been swept aside—he had never even + thought of asking Mr. Shields for the morning off. However, that would be + easily arranged, so he rode on in blissful contentment and happy + anticipation for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The next morning at the appointed time found him at Conchshell ranch. + Before he reached the house he discovered Fleetfoot saddled and bridled + standing at the gate. + </p> + <p> + Gail came down the walk as he approached and a cheery good-morning was + followed by their at once mounting their horses and following a roadway + that led eastward to the South Fork of the Encampment River. + </p> + <p> + “You brought your flies, Mr. Warfield?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” replied Roderick. “I have plenty of flies—both + hackle and coachman. These have been specially recommended to me, but as I + warned you last night I am a novice and don’t know much about them.” + </p> + <p> + “I sometimes use the coachman,” said Gail, “although, + like yourself, I am not very well up on the entomology of fly fishing.” + </p> + <p> + Soon the road led them away from the open valley into a heavy timber that + crowned the westerly slope of the river. They soon arrived at their + destination. Dismounting they quickly tethered their horses. Gail + unfastened her hip boots from back of her saddle, and soon her bifurcated + bloomer skirts were tucked away in the great rubber boots and duly + strapped about her slender waist. Roderick was similarly equipped with + wading boots, and after rods, lines and flies had been carefully adjusted + they turned to the river. The mountains with their lofty rocky ledges—the + swift running waters rippling and gurgling over the rocky bed of the river—the + beautiful forests that rose up on either side, of pine and spruce and + cottonwood, the occasional whistle and whirr of wild birds—the balmy + morning air filled life to overflowing for these two disciples of Izaak + Walton bent upon filling their baskets with brook and rainbow trout. + </p> + <p> + “The stream is sufficiently wide,” observed Gail, “so we + can go downstream together. You go well toward the west bank and I will + hug the east bank.” Roderick laughed. + </p> + <p> + “What are you laughing at?” asked Gail. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I was just sorry I am not the east bank.” The + exhilarating mountain air had given him unwonted audacity. + </p> + <p> + “You are a foolish fellow,” said Gail—“at least + sometimes. Usually I think you are awfully nice.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think we had better fish,” asked Roderick, + whimsically, “or talk this matter over?” + </p> + <p> + Gail looked very demure and very determined. + </p> + <p> + “You go right on with your fishing and do as I do, Mr. Roderick + Warfield. Remember, I’m the teacher.” She stamped her little + booted foot, and then waded into the water and cast her fly far down + stream. “See how I cast my line.” + </p> + <p> + “You know a whole lot about fishing, don’t you?” asked + Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I ought to. During occasional summer visits to the ranch I + have fished in these waters ever so many times. You must not talk too + much,” she added in a lower voice. “Trout are very alert, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + “If fish could hear as well as see + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Never a fish would there be— + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + in our baskets.” And she laughed softly at this admonition for + Roderick to fish and cease badinage. + </p> + <p> + “Which way is the wind?” asked Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “There is none,” replied Gail. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + “When the wind is from the North + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The skilful fisherman goes not forth,” + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + quoted Roderick. “Don’t that prove I know something about + fishing—I mean fly fishing?” + </p> + <p> + “You have a much better way to prove your sport-manship,” + insisted Gail. “The fish are all around you and your basket is + hanging empty from your shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + “Rebuked and chided,” exclaimed Roderick, softly. + </p> + <p> + They continued to cast and finally Gail said: “I have a Marlow Buzz + on my hook.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is a species of the Brown Palmer fly. I like them better + than the hackle although the coachman may be equally as good. Look out!” + she suddenly exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Roderick turned round quickly and saw her line was taut, cutting the water + sharply to the right and to the left while her rod was bent like a bow. + She quickly loosened her reel which hummed like a song of happiness while + her line sliced the waters like a knife. + </p> + <p> + “Guess you have a rainbow,” cried Roderick excitedly, but Gail + paid no attention to his remark. + </p> + <p> + Presently the trout leaped from the water and fell back again, then + attempted to dart away; but the slack of line was not sufficient for the + captive to break from the hook. + </p> + <p> + The trout finally ceased its fight, and a moment later was lifted safely + from the water and landed in Gail’s net. But even now it continued + to prove itself a veritable circus performer, giving an exhibition of + flopping, somersaulting, reversed handsprings—if a fish could do + such things—with astonishing rapidity. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo,” shouted Roderick, as Gail finally released the hook + and deposited the fish in her basket. + </p> + <p> + Less than a minute later Roderick with all the enthusiasm and zeal + imaginable was letting out his reel and holding his line taut, for he, + too, had been rewarded. And soon he had proudly deposited his first catch + of the day in his fish basket. + </p> + <p> + On they went down the river, over riffles and into deep pools where the + water came well up above their knees; but, nothing daunted, these + fishermen kept going until the sun was well up in the eastern sky. At last + Gail halloed and said: “Say, Mr. Warfield, my basket is almost full + and I am getting hungry.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Roderick, “we will retrace our steps. + There is a pretty good path along the east bank.” + </p> + <p> + “How many have you?” asked Gail. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-six,” replied Roderick as he scrambled up the bank. + </p> + <p> + “I have thirty-one,” said Gail, enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + Roderick approached the bank, and reaching down helped her to a footing on + the well-beaten path. Then they started up-stream for their horses. + </p> + <p> + It was almost eleven o’clock when they arrived at their point of + departure and had removed their wading boots. Gail went to her saddle and + unlashed a little luncheon basket. + </p> + <p> + She utilized a large tree stump for a table, and after it had been covered + with a napkin and the dainty luncheon of boned chicken, sardines and + crackers had been set forth, she called to Roderick and asked him to fill + a pair of silver collapsible drinking cups which she handed to him. He + went to the brook and returned with the ice-cold mountain vintage. + </p> + <p> + “I am just hungry enough,” said Gail, “to enjoy this + luncheon although it is not a very sumptuous repast.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick smiled as he took a seat upon the felled tree. + </p> + <p> + “Expect you think you will inveigle me into agreeing with you. But + not on your life. I would enjoy such a luncheon as this any time, even if + I were not hungry. But in the present circumstances—well, I will let + you pass judgment upon my appetite after we have eaten.” + </p> + <p> + “As they say on the long army marches in the books,” said + Gail, gaily, “I guess we had better fall to.” And forthwith + with much merriment and satisfaction over their morning’s catch they + proceeded to dispose of the comestibles. + </p> + <p> + It was only a little after noon when they reached the Conchshell ranch, + and soon thereafter Roderick’s pony was galloping along the road on + his homeward way. He had never enjoyed such a morning in all his life. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII.—A COUNTRY FAIR ON THE FRONTIER + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE was great + excitement among the bunch of cowboys on the Shields’ ranch when the + local newspapers came out with startling headlines and full announcements + in regard to the annual frontier celebration. That night every line of the + full page advertisements, also the columns of editorial elaborations on + the contests and other events, were read aloud to an eager assemblage of + all hands in front of the bunk house. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Dillon Doublejack</i> predicted that this year’s celebration + would undoubtedly afford the greatest Wild West show ever witnessed + outside of a regular circus display organized as a money-making + undertaking. Everything was going to be just the real thing—the + miners’ drilling contest, the roping competition, the + bucking-broncho features, and so on. More than a score of outlaw horses + that had thrown every cow-puncher who ever attempted to ride them had + already been engaged. The <i>Doublejack</i> further declared that the + tournament would be both for glory and for bags of yellow gold, with World’s + Championships to the best rider, to the best bucking broncho buster, to + the best trick roper, to the fastest cowpony, and to the most daring and + lucky participant in the bull-dogging of wild steers. + </p> + <p> + In the columns of the Encampment <i>Herald</i> special attention was drawn + to the fact that in the rough riding and outlaw bucking contest for the + world’s championship there was a purse of $1,000 to be divided—$450 + for first prize, $300 second prize, $150 third prize and $100 fourth + prize, while in addition Buck Henry, the banker, offered a $200 + championship saddle to the rider who took first place. It was also + announced that the fair association would pay $50 in cash for every horse + brought to the grounds that was sufficiently unmanageable to throw every + rider; each participant to ride any horse and as often as the judges might + deem necessary to determine the winner; chaps and spurs to be worn by the + riders, and leather pulling would disqualify. + </p> + <p> + Both papers referred to the band concerts as a feature of great interest + throughout the three days of the fair. Everything was to be decorated in + colors—red and green, black and yellow, blue and white, pink and + scarlet—from the grandstand down to the peanut boy. The race track + was fast and in excellent condition, and everything would be in readiness + at the appointed time. + </p> + <p> + After each item of news was read out there was a buzz of comment among the + assembled cowboys, challenges were made, bets freely offered and accepted. + As the gathering dispersed Roderick Warfield and Scotty Meisch exchanged + significant glances but spoke no word—they had been as strangers to + each other ever since their fierce quarrel on the morning of the + broncho-busting exercises. Roderick was glad that the day was near at hand + when the fellow would be made to eat his words. And with the thought also + came thoughts of Gail Holden. Gee, but it would be fine to see her ride in + such a contest of nerve and skill! + </p> + <p> + At last the eventful morning dawned and the people swarmed into Encampment + from all the surrounding country. They came from far below Saratoga to the + north. The entire Platte Valley from as far south as the Colorado state + line and beyond were on hand. In fact, from all over the state and even + beyond its confines the whole population moved in to participate in this + great frontier day celebration. A crowd came over from Steamboat Springs + and brought with them the famous outlaw horse Steamboat, who had never + been ridden although he had thrown at least a dozen cowpunchers of highest + renown. + </p> + <p> + When the programmes were distributed, Firefly was found upon the list of + outlaw horses, and also to the surprise of many of his friends the name of + Roderick Warfield appeared as one of the contestants in both the + bull-dogging and bucking broncho events. + </p> + <p> + It was a veritable Mecca of delight for the miners in their drilling + contests and for the cowboys in their dare-devil riding of outlaw horses—testing + their prowess and skill in conquering the seemingly unconquerable. The + lassoing of fleet-footed and angry cattle, the bull-dogging of wild steers + gathered up from different parts of the country because of their + reputation for long horns and viciousness, were spectacles to challenge + the admiration of the immense throng seated in the grandstand and on the + bleachers. + </p> + <p> + It was just ten o’clock on the morning of the first day when the + judges sounded the gong and started the series of contests. The first + event was a cow-pony race, with no restriction as to the sex of the + riders. Ponies were to be fourteen hands two inches or under. There were + seven starters. Up in one corner of the grandstand sat Grant Jones + surrounded by a bevy of beautiful girls. Among them of course was Dorothy + Shields. All were in a flutter of excitement over the race that was about + to be run; for Gail Holden was among the contestants. + </p> + <p> + Gail Holden, quiet, unassuming, yet full of determination, looked a + veritable queen as she sat her pony Fleetfoot clad in soft silk + shirtwaist, gray divided skirt, and gray soft felt hat. With a tremor of + delight Roderick noticed that she wore on her sleeve as her colors one of + his college arm-bands, which he had given her when calling at the + Conchshell ranch one evening after the trout fishing expedition. + </p> + <p> + At last the bell sounded and the word “Go” was given. A shout + went up from the grandstand—“They’re off—they’re + off.” And away the seven horses dashed—-four men and three + lady riders. At the moment of starting Gail had flung her hat to the + winds. She used no quirt but held her pony free to the right and in the + open. It was a half-mile track and the race was for one mile. When they + swept down past the grandstand on the first lap Fleetfoot had gained third + place. A pandemonium of shouts went up as the friends of each madly yelled + to the riders to urge their mounts to greater speed. At the far turn it + was noticed that Fleetfoot was running almost neck and neck with the two + leaders, and then as they came up the stretch, running low, it seemed as + if the race would finish in a dead heat between all three ponies. + </p> + <p> + Just then Gail reached down and was seen to pat her pony upon the neck and + evidently was talking to him. Fleetfoot leaned forward as if fired with + fierce determination to comply with her request for still greater effort + His muscles seemed to be retensioned. He began creeping away inch by inch + from his adversaries, and amid the plaudits and shouts of the people in + the grandstand and bleachers, who rose to their feet waving handkerchiefs + and hats in a frenzy of tumultuous approval, Gail’s horse passed + first under the wire—winner by a short head, was the judges’ + verdict. + </p> + <p> + The second feature was a great drilling contest of the miners from the + surrounding hills. There were twelve pairs of contestants, and Grant Jones + became wild with excitement when friends of his from Dillon were awarded + the championship. + </p> + <p> + And thus event followed event until the day’s program was completed. + </p> + <p> + Gail and Roderick were bidding each other goodnight at the gateway of the + enclosure. + </p> + <p> + “I owe you my very special thanks,” he said as he held her + hand. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” she enquired. + </p> + <p> + “For wearing my old college arm-band in the pony race.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Gail, blushing slightly, “I had to have + something to keep my sleeve from coming down too far on my wrist Besides + they are pretty colors, aren’t they?” + </p> + <p> + But Roderick was not going to be sidetracked by any such naive + questioning. + </p> + <p> + “I refuse pointblank,” he answered, smiling, “to accept + any excuse for your wearing the badge. I insist it was a compliment to me + and shall interpret it in no other way.” + </p> + <p> + Her blush deepened, but she made no further protest. General Holden had + approached. She turned and took his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Until tomorrow then,” exclaimed Roderick, raising his hat to + both father and daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Until tomorrow,” she quietly responded. + </p> + <p> + The morrow brought resumption of the tournament. Gail Holden was to + display her prowess in throwing the lariat, while Roderick had entered his + name in the bull-dogging event. + </p> + <p> + In the roping contest Gail was the only lady contestant. The steers were + given a hundred feet of start, and then the ropers, swinging their + lariats, started after them in a mad gallop. + </p> + <p> + Gail was again mounted on Fleet foot, and if anything ever looked like + attempting an impossibility it was for this slender girl with her neatly + gloved little hands, holding a lariat in the right and the reins of the + pony in her left, to endeavor to conquer and hogtie a three-year-old steer + on the run. And yet, undismayed she undertook to accomplish this very + thing. When the word was given she dashed after the fleeing + three-year-old, and then as if by magic the lariat sprang away from her in + a graceful curve and fell cleverly over the horns of the steer. + Immediately Fleetfoot set himself for the shock he well knew was coming. + </p> + <p> + The steer’s momentum was so suddenly arrested that it was thrown to + the ground. Gail sprang from the saddle, and the trained pony as he backed + away kept the lariat taut. Thus was the steer hogtied by Gail’s + slender hands in 55 3/5 seconds from the time the word was given. + </p> + <p> + All of the lassoers had been more or less successful, but the crowd stood + up and yelled in wildest enthusiasm, and waved their hats and + handkerchiefs, as the time for this marvelous feat by Gail was announced + from the judges’ stand. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon the bull-dogging contest was reached, and Grant Jones + said to those about him: “Now get ready for some thrills and + breathless moments.” + </p> + <p> + When the word was given a wild long-horned steer came rushing down past + the grandstand closely followed by a cowboy on his fleet and nimble pony. + In the corral were perhaps a score of steers and there was a cowboy rider + ready for each of them. Four or five steers were bull-dogged one after the + other. Some had been quickly thrown to the ground by the athletic cowboys + amid the plaudits of the onlookers. But one had proven too strong for the + skill and quickness of his adversary, and after rather severely injuring + the intrepid youthful gladiator rushed madly on down the race track. + </p> + <p> + Presently Roderick Warfield came into view astride his favorite pony, + Badger, riding at full tilt down the race course, chasing a huge + cream-colored steer with wide-spread horns, cruelly sharp and + dangerous-looking. As horse and steer came abreast Roderick’s + athletic form swayed in his saddle for a moment, and then like a flash he + was seen to leap on to the steer’s back and reaching forward grab + the animal’s horns. An instant later he had swung his muscular body + to the ground in front of his sharp homed adversary and brought him to an + abrupt halt. + </p> + <p> + Gail Holden’s face grew pale as she watched the scene from among a + group of her girl friends on the grandstand. + </p> + <p> + The object of the bull-dogging contest is to twist the neck of the steer + and throw him to the ground. But Roderick accomplished more. The steer + lifted him once from the ground, and the great throng of people on the + grandstand and bleachers, also the hundreds who had been unable to obtain + seating accommodation and were standing along the rails, held their breath + in bated silence. The powerful cream-colored steer threw his head up, and + lifting Roderick’s feet from their anchorage started on a mad run. + But when he lowered his head a moment later Roderick’s feet caught + the earth again, and the steer was brought to a standstill. Then the + milling back and forth began. Roderick’s toes sank deep into the + sand that covered the race track; the muscles of his neck stood out in + knots. Finally, with one heroic twist on the long horns as a pry over a + fulcrum, he accomplished the feat of combined strength and endurance, and + the intense silence of the great throng was broken by a report like the + shot of a pistol as the bull-dogged steer fell heavily to the earth—dead. + The animal’s neck was broken. + </p> + <p> + There are very few cases on record where a steer’s neck has been + broken in bull-dogging contests. Roderick therefore had gained a rare + distinction. But technically he had done too much, for the judges were + compelled to withhold from him the honors of the championship because in + killing the animal he had violated the humane laws of the state, which + they were pledged to observe throughout the series of contests. But this + did not affect the tumult of applause that acclaimed his victory over the + huge and vicious-looking steer. Afterwards when his friends gathered + around him in wonderment at his having entered for such an event he + confessed that for several weeks he had been practicing bull-dogging out + on the range, preparing for this contest. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon of the last day, the finals of the bucking-broncho + competition were announced from the grandstand. There were only three + contestants remaining out of the score or more of original entries, and + Roderick Warfield was among the number. Scotty Meisch was there—the + cowboy whom Roderick had challenged—also Bud Bledsoe, the bodyguard + and sleuth of W. B. Grady. Three of the unconquered outlaws were brought + out—each attended by two wranglers; the names of the horses were put + in a hat and each cowboy drew for his mount. Roderick Warfield drew Gin + Fizz, Bud Bledsoe drew Steamboat and Scotty Meisch drew Firefly. And in a + few moments the wranglers were busy. + </p> + <p> + Three horses and six wranglers working on them at the same time! It was a + sight that stirred the blood with expectation. These horses had been + successful in throwing the riders who had previously attempted to subdue + them. The outlaws were recognized by the throng even before their names + were called from the grandstand. + </p> + <p> + The method of the game is this: One wrangler approaches the horse while + the other holds taut the lariat that has been thrown over his neck; and if + the freehanded wrangler is quick enough or lucky enough he seizes the + horse by the ears and throws his whole weight on the animal’s head, + which is then promptly decorated with a hackamore knotted bridle. A + hackamore is a sort of a halter, but it is made of the toughest kind of + rawhide and so tied that a knot presses disastrously against the lower jaw + of the horse. After being haltered the outlaw is blindfolded with a + gunnysack. To accomplish all this is a dangerous struggle between horse + and the wranglers. Then the word “Saddle” is shouted, and the + saddles are quickly adjusted to the backs of these untamed denizens of the + wild. It takes considerable time to accomplish all this and have the + girths tightened to the satisfaction of the wranglers first and of the + rider last. Invariably the rider is the court of final resort in + determining that the outlaw is in readiness to be mounted. + </p> + <p> + At last the moments of tense expectancy were ended. It was seen that one + of the outlaws was ready, and at a call from the judges’ stand, + Scotty Meisch the first rough-rider leaped on to the back of his untamed + horse. + </p> + <p> + The “Ki-yi” yell was given—the blindfold slipped from + Firefly’s eyes, and the rowels of the rider sunk into the flanks of + his horse. Bucking and plunging, wheeling and whirling, all the time the + rider not daring to “pull leather” and so disqualify himself + under the rules, the outlaw once again proved himself a veritable demon. + In just two minutes after the struggle began Scotty Meisch measured his + length on the ground and Firefly was dashing for the open. The scene had + been a thrilling one. Roderick noticed that Scotty had to be helped off + the track, but he felt no concern—the rough-rider parted from his + mount in a hurry may be temporarily dazed but is seldom seriously hurt. + </p> + <p> + Steamboat was the next horse. Bud Bledsoe was wont to brag there was + nothing wore hair that he could not ride. But Steamboat, when he felt the + weight of a rider on his back, was as usual possessed of a devil. But + Bledsoe was not the man to conquer the noted outlaw, and down he went in + prompt and inglorious defeat. + </p> + <p> + Gin Fizz was a magnificent specimen of horseflesh—black as midnight + with a coat of hair that shone like velvet. His proud head was held high + in air. He stood like a statue while blindfolded and Roderick Warfield was + making ready to mount. + </p> + <p> + The vast assemblage in the grandstand held their breath in amazement and + wondered what would become of the rider of the giant black. + </p> + <p> + Then Roderick quickly mounted, and men and women rose to their feet to see + the terribleness of it all. Roderick sent his spurs deep into the flanks + of the black and plied the quirt in a desperate effort quickly to master + and subdue the outlaw. + </p> + <p> + The horse reared and plunged with lightning quickness, and at times was + the center of a whirlwind of dust in his determined zig-zag efforts to + dislodge his rider. He rose straight up on his hind legs and for a moment + it looked as if he were going to fall over backwards. Then seemingly + rising still higher in air from his back feet he leaped forward and + downward, striking his front feet into the earth as if he would break the + saddle girth and certainly pitch the rider over his head. He squatted, + jumped, corkscrewed and sun-fished, leaped forward; then he stopped + suddenly and in demoniacal anger, as if determined not to be conquered, he + threw his head far around endeavoring to bite his assailant’s legs. + But at last the horse’s exertions wore him down and he seemed to be + reluctantly realizing that he had found his master. In the end, after a + terrible fight lasting fully seven minutes, he quieted down in submission, + and Gin Fizz thus acknowledged Roderick’s supremacy. He was subdued. + Roderick drew rein, patted him kindly, dismounted and turned him over to + the wranglers. Gin Fizz was no longer an outlaw; he suffered himself to be + led away, trembling in every limb but submissive as a well-trained + cow-pony. + </p> + <p> + Approaching the judges’ stand, Roderick received a tremendous + ovation both from the onlookers and from his brother cowboys. The + championship ribbon was pinned to his breast, and now he was shaking hands + promiscuously with friends, acquaintances and strangers. But all the while + his eyes were roaming around in search of Gail Holden. + </p> + <p> + At last he was out of the crowd, in a quiet corner, with Grant Jones, the + Shields sisters, and a few intimates. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Miss Holden?” he enquired of Barbara. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she took poor Scotty Meisch to the hospital in an automobile. + She insisted on going.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s not badly hurt, is he?” he asked drily. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no. Just shaken up a lot. He’ll be all right in a week’s + time, Dr. Burke says.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Gail—I mean Miss Holden—didn’t see Gin Fizz + broken?” + </p> + <p> + “No. But she’ll hear about it all right,” exclaimed + Barbara enthusiastically. “My word, it was great!” And she + shook his hand again. + </p> + <p> + But the day of triumph had ended in disappointment for Roderick Warfield. + He slipped away, saddened and crestfallen. + </p> + <p> + “It was all for her I did it”—the thought kept hammering + at his brain. “And she never even stopped to see. I suppose she’s + busy now bathing the forehead of that contemptible little runt in the + hospital. Stella wouldn’t have turned me down like that.” + </p> + <p> + And he found himself thinking affectionately and longingly of the little + “college widow.” He hadn’t been to the post office for + three days. The belated letter might have arrived at last. He would go and + see at all events; and to drown thought he whistled “The Merry Widow” + waltz as he grimly stalked along. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX.—A LETTER FROM THE COLLEGE WIDOW + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">Y</span>ES, there was a + letter from Stella Rain. Roderick took it eagerly from the hands of the + clerk at the general delivery window. A good number of people were already + crowding into the post office from the fair grounds. But he was too hungry + for news to wait for quieter surroundings. So he turned to a vacant corner + in the waiting room and ripped open the envelope. The letter was as + follows: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + “Roderick:— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that what I am about to tell you will be for your good + as well as my own. It seems so long ago since we were betrothed. At that + time you were only a boy and I freely confess I liked you very, very + much. I had known you during your four years in college and you were + always just splendid. But Roderick, a real love affair has come into my + life—something different from all other experiences, and when you + receive this letter I shall be Mrs. Vance Albertrum Carter. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Carter, financially, is able to give me a splendid home. He + is a fine fellow and I know you would like him. Let me be to you the + same as to the other boys of old Knox—your friend, the ‘college + widow.’ + </p> + <p> + “Very sincerely, + </p> + <p> + “Stella Rain.” + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Not a muscle of his face quivered as he read the letter, but at its close + he dropped both hands to his side in an attitude of utter dejection. The + blow had fallen so unexpectedly; he felt crushed and grieved, and at the + same time humiliated. But in an instant he had recovered his outward + composure. He thrust the letter into his pocket, and shouldered his way + through the throng at the doorway. He had left Badger in a stall at the + fair grounds. Thither he bent his steps, taking a side street to avoid the + crowd streaming into the town. The grandstand and surrounding buildings + were already deserted. He quickly adjusted saddle and bridle, and threw + himself on the pony’s back. + </p> + <p> + “‘She knows I would like him,’”he muttered, as he + gained the race track, the scene of his recent triumphs, its turf torn and + dented with the hoofs of struggling steers and horses, thronged but an + hour before with a wildly excited multitude but now silent and void. + “‘Like him’.” he reiterated bitterly. “Yes—like + hell.” + </p> + <p> + And with the words he set his steed at the farther rail. Badger skimmed + over it like a deer and Roderick galloped on across country, making for + the hills. + </p> + <p> + That night he did not return to the bunk house. + </p> + <p> + It was high noon next day when he showed up at the ranch. He went straight + to Mr. Shields’ office, gave in his resignation, and took his pay + check. No explanations were required—Mr. Shields had known for a + considerable time that Roderick was leaving. He thanked him cordially for + his past services, congratulated him on his championship honors at the + frontier celebration, and bade him come to the ranch home at any time as a + welcome guest. Roderick excused himself from saying good-by for the + present to the ladies; he was going to stay for a while in Encampment with + his friend Grant Jones, and would ride out for an evening visit before + very long. Then he packed his belongings at the bunk house, left word with + one of the helpers for trunk and valise to be carted into town, and rode + away. Badger was Roderick’s own personal property; he had purchased + the pony some months before from Mr. Shields, and as he leaped on its back + after closing the last boundary gate he patted the animal’s neck + fondly and proudly. Badger alone was well worth many months of hard and + oftentimes distasteful work, a horse at all events could be faithful, he + and his good little pony would never part—such was the burden of his + thoughts as he left the Shields ranch and the cowboy life behind him. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones was in Encampment, and jumped up from his writing table when + Roderick threw open the door of the shack and walked in. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, old man, this is indeed a welcome visit. Where in the wide + world have you been?” + </p> + <p> + He turned Roderick around so the light would fall upon his face as he + extended his hand in warmest welcome, and noticed he was haggard and pale. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Roderick, “I have been up in the hills + fighting it out alone, sleeping under the stars and thinking matters over.” + </p> + <p> + “What does this all mean, anyway, old man? I don’t understand + you,” said Grant with much solicitude. + </p> + <p> + “Well, guess you better forget it then,” said Roderick half + abruptly. “But I owe you an apology for going away so + unceremoniously from the frontier gathering. I know we had arranged to + dine together last night But I just cleared out—that’s all. + Please do not ask me any questions, Grant, as to why and wherefore. If in + the future I should take you into my confidence that will be time enough.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, old man,” said Grant, “here is my hand. And + know now and for all time it don’t make a derned bit of difference + what has happened, I am on your side to the finish, whether it is a + desperate case of petty larceny or only plain murder.” + </p> + <p> + Grant laughed and tried to rouse his friend into hilarity. + </p> + <p> + “It is neither,” replied Roderick laconically. “All the + same I’ve got some news for you. I have quit my job.” + </p> + <p> + “At the Shields ranch?” cried Grant in astonishment. “Surely + there’s been no trouble there?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, we are all the best of friends. I am just tired of + cow-punching, and have other plans in view. Besides, remember the letter + we got pushed under the door here on the occasion of my last visit. + Perhaps I may be a bit skeered about having my hide shot full of holes, + eh, old man?” Roderick was now laughing. + </p> + <p> + But Grant looked grave. He eyed his comrade tentatively. + </p> + <p> + “Stuff and nonsense. The lunatic who wrote that letter was barking + up the wrong tree. He mistook you for the other fellow. You were never + seriously smitten in that quarter, now were you, Rod, old man?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. Barbara Shields is a fine girl, but I never even + dreamed of making love to her. I didn’t come to Wyoming to chase + after a millionaire’s daughter,” he added bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s Barbara’s misfortune not her fault,” + laughed Grant. “But I was afraid you had fallen in love with her, + just as I fell head over heels in love with Dorothy—for her own + sake, dear boy, and not for anything that may ever come to her from her + father.” + </p> + <p> + “You were afraid, do you say?” quizzed Roderick. “Have + you Mormonistic tendencies then? Do you grudge a twin to the man you + always call your best friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you know there’s no thought like that in my mind,” + protested Grant. “But you came on to the field too late. You see Ben + Bragdon was already almost half engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “So that’s the other fellow, is it?” laughed Roderick. + “Oh, now I begin to understand. Then things have come to a crisis + between Barbara and Bragdon.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is in strict confidence, Rod. But it is true. That’s + why I was a bit nervous just now on your account—I kind of felt I + had to break bad news.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t you worry on my account. Understand once and for + all that I’m not a marrying man.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we’ll see about that later on,” replied Grant, + smiling. “But I should have been real glad had you been the man to + win Barbara Shields. How jolly happy we would have been, all four + together.” + </p> + <p> + “Things are best just as they are,” said Roderick sternly. + “I wouldn’t exchange Badger, my horse out there, for any woman + in the world. Which reminds me, Grant, that I’ve come here to stay + with you for a while. Guess I can put Badger in the barn.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure—you are always welcome; I don’t have to say that. + But remember that Barbara-Bragdon matter is a dead secret. Dorothy just + whispered it to me in strictest confidence. Hard lines that, for the + editor of such an enterprising newspaper as the <i>Dillon Doublejack</i>. + But the engagement is not to be announced until the Republican nomination + for state senator is put through. You know, of course, that Ben Bragdon + has consented to run against Carlisle and the smelter interests.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad to hear it And now we have an additional reason to + put our shoulders to the wheel. We’ve got to send Ben Bragdon to + Cheyenne for Barbara’s sake. Count me in politics from this day on, + old man. You see I am out of a job. This will be something worth while—to + help down that blood-sucker Grady, and at the same time secure Bragdon’s + election.” + </p> + <p> + “Ben Bragdon is the best man for Wyoming.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it. Put me on his committee right away.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll be a tower of strength,” exclaimed Grant + enthusiastically. “The champion broncho-buster of the world—just + think of that.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick laughed loud and long. This special qualification for political + work mightily amused him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t laugh,” Grant remonstrated, in all + seriousness. “You are a man of note now in the community, make no + mistake. You can swing the vote of every cow-puncher in the land. You are + their hero—their local Teddy Roosevelt.” + </p> + <p> + Again Roderick was convulsed. + </p> + <p> + “And by the way,” continued Grant, “I never had the + chance to congratulate you on that magnificent piece of work on Gin Fizz. + It was the greatest ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we’ll let all that slide.” + </p> + <p> + “No, siree. Wait till you read my column description of the immortal + combat in the <i>Doublejack.</i>” He turned to his writing desk, and + picked up a kodak print. “Here’s your photograph—snapped + by Gail Holden on the morning of the event, riding your favorite pony + Badger. Oh, I’ve got all the details; the half-tone has already been + made. The <i>Encampment Herald</i> boys have been chasing around all day + for a picture, but I’m glad you were in hiding. The <i>Doublejack</i> + will scoop them proper this time.” + </p> + <p> + But Roderick was no longer listening. The name of Gail Holden had sent his + thoughts far away. + </p> + <p> + “How’s Scotty Meisch?” he asked—rather + inconsequentially as the enthusiastic editor thought. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Scotty Meisch? He’s all right. Slight concussion of the + brain—will be out of the hospital in about two weeks. But Miss + Holden, as it turned out, did the lad a mighty good turn in rushing him to + the hospital He was unconscious when they got there. She knew more than + Doc Burke—or saw more; or else the Doc could not deny himself the + excitement of seeing you tackle Gin Fizz. But there’s no selfishness + in Grail Holden’s make-up—not one little streak.” + </p> + <p> + In a flash Roderick Warfield saw everything under a new light, and a great + glow of happiness stole into his heart. It was not indifference for him + that had made Gail Holden miss the outlaw contest. What a fool he had been + to get such a notion into his head. + </p> + <p> + “Guess I’ll go and feed Badger,” he said, as he turned + away abruptly and left the room. + </p> + <p> + “When you come back I’ve a lot more to talk about,” + shouted Grant, resuming his seat and making a grab for his lead-pencil. + </p> + <p> + But it was several hours before Roderick returned. He had baited the pony, + watched him feed, and just drowsed away the afternoon among the fragrant + bales of hay—drowsing without sleeping, chewing a straw and thinking + all the time. + </p> + <p> + At last he strolled in upon the still busy scribe. Grant threw down his + pencil. + </p> + <p> + “Thought you had slipped away again to the hills and the starlight + and all that sort of thing. I’m as hungry as a hunter. Let’s + go down town and eat.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m with you,” assented Roderick. “But after + dinner I want to see Major Buell Hampton. Is he likely to be at home?” + </p> + <p> + “It was about Buell Hampton I was going to speak to you. Oh, you don’t + know the news.” Grant was hopping around in great excitement, + changing his jacket, whisking the new coat vigorously. “But there, I + am pledged again to secrecy—Good God, what a life for a newspaper + man to lead, bottled up all the time!” + </p> + <p> + “Then when am I to be enlightened?” + </p> + <p> + “He sent for me this morning and I spent an hour with him. He also + wanted you, but you were not to be found. He wants to see you immediately. + Tonight will be the very time, for he said he would be at home.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all right, Grant. But, say, old fellow, I want half an + hour first with the Major—all alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Mystery after mystery,” fairly shouted the distracted editor. + “Can’t you give me at least this last news item for + publication? I’m losing scoops all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid you must go scoopless once again,” grinned + Roderick. “But after dinner you can do a little news-hunting on your + own account around the saloons, then join me later on at the Major’s. + That suit you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I suppose I’ve got to submit,” replied Grant, as he + drew on his now well-brushed coat. “But all through dinner, I’ll + have you guessing, old man. You cannot imagine the story Buell Hampton’s + going to tell you. Oh, you needn’t question me. I’m ironclad—bomb-proof—as + silent as a clam.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick laughed at the mixed metaphors, and arm in arm the friends + started for their favorite restaurant. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX.—THE STORE OF GOLD + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> COUPLE of hours + later Roderick arrived at Buell Hampton’s home. The Major was alone; + there were no signs of Jim Rankin or Tom Sun; no traces of the recent + midnight toil. The room looked just the same as on the occasion of + Roderick’s last visit, now more than two months ago, except for a + curtain hanging across one wall. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton was seated before the great fireplace and notwithstanding + the season of the year had a small bed of coals burning. + </p> + <p> + “It takes the chill away, for one thing,” he explained after + greeting his visitor, “and then it gives me the inspiration of real + live embers into which to look and dream. There are so many poor people in + the world, so much suffering and so many heartaches, that one hardly knows + where to begin.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Major,” said Roderick, “I am glad to find you in + this mood. I’m one of the sufferers—or at least have been. I + have come to you for some heartache balm. Oh, I’m not jesting. + Really I came here tonight determined to give you my confidence—to + ask your advice as to my future plans.” + </p> + <p> + “I am extremely glad you feel toward me like that, my lad,” + exclaimed Buell Hampton, grasping Roderick’s arm and looking kindly + into his eyes. “I have always felt some subtle bond of sympathy + between us. I have wanted to help you at the outset of a promising career + in every way I can. I count it a privilege to be called in to comfort or + to counsel, and you will know later that I have something more for you + than mere words of advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is your advice I want most badly now, Major. In the first + place I have thrown up my job with Mr. Shields.” + </p> + <p> + “Tired of cow-punching?” nodded Buell Hampton with a smile. + “I knew that was coming.” + </p> + <p> + “In the second place I want to be perfectly candid with you. I have + a prospecting venture in view.” + </p> + <p> + “That I have guessed from several hints you have dropped from time + to time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you spoke a while ago about your reserving some little + interest for me in your great gold discovery. That was mighty kind, and + rest assured I appreciate your goodness to one who only a few months ago + was a stranger to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget that I am a reader of character—that no kindred + souls are strangers even at a first meeting, my son.” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton spoke very softly but very clearly; his gaze rested fixedly + on Roderick; the latter felt a thrill run through him—yes, + assuredly, this great and good man had been his friend from the first + moment they had clasped hands. + </p> + <p> + “You were very good then, Major,” he replied, “in + judging me so kindly. But I am afraid that I evoked your special sympathy + and interest because of the confidences I gave you at one of our early + meetings. You will not have forgotten how I spoke in a most sacred way + about certain matters in Galesburg and what I intended to do when I had + sufficient money to carry out my plans.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember distinctly,” said the Major. “Your frank + confidence greatly pleased me. Well, has anything happened?” + </p> + <p> + “There is just one man on earth I will show this letter to, and you, + Major, are the man.” + </p> + <p> + Saying this Roderick handed over Stella Rain’s letter. + </p> + <p> + After the Major had carefully perused it and put it back in the envelope, + he reached across to Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Roderick, “don’t give that letter back + to me. Kindly lay it on the red coals and let me see it burn to gray + ashes. I have fought this thing out all alone up in the hills, and I am + now almost glad that letter came, since it had to be. But let it vanish + now in the flames, just as I am going to put Stella Rain forever out of my + thoughts. Yesterday the receipt of this letter was an event; but from now + on I shall endeavor to regard it as only an incident.” + </p> + <p> + Silently and musingly the Major complied with Roderick’s request and + consigned the letter to the glowing embers. When the last trace had + disappeared, he looked up at Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “I will take one exception to your remarks,” he said. “Do + not think unkindly of Stella Rain, nor even attempt to put her out of your + thoughts. Her influence over you has been all for good during the past + months, and she has shown herself a very fine and noble woman in the + gentle manner in which she has broken the bonds that had tied you—bonds + impulsively and all too lightly assumed on your part, as she knew quite + well from the beginning. I have a profound admiration for your little + ‘college widow,’ Roderick, and hold her in high esteem.” + </p> + <p> + There was just the suspicion of tears in Roderick’s eyes—a + lump in his throat which rendered it impossible for him to reply. Yes; all + bitterness, all sense of humiliation, were now gone. He too was thinking + mighty kindly of sweet and gentle Stella Rain. + </p> + <p> + “Remember,” continued the Major quietly, “you told me + how she warned you that some other day another girl, the real girl, would + come along. I guess that has happened now.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick started; there was a protesting flush upon his cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Even though you may not yet fully realize it,” quietly added + the Major. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” faltered Roderick; the flush of offended + dignity had now turned into the blush of confusion. + </p> + <p> + The Major smiled benignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my young friend, remember again that I read men’s minds + and hearts just a little. There must be some new influence in your life.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that—how can you say that?” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Because otherwise you would be still up among the hills alone, + young man. Your fight in the wilderness would have lasted for forty days—not + for a single night. The fever of love does not die down so suddenly + without an antidote. The resignation you have shown while we burned that + letter is not merely a negative condition of mind. There is something + positive as well.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I can’t admit that,” protested Roderick. “Or + at least I dare not allow myself to think like that,” he corrected + himself hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we shall see what we shall see. Meanwhile all is well. The + rich harvest of experience has been reaped; the fertile soil awaits the + next tillage. The important moment of every life is ‘The Now.’ + And this is what we have to think about tonight, Roderick.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely, Major. And that is just why I opened the conversation. + As I said at the outset, you assigned me an interest in your gold mine for + a specific object that no longer exists.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” replied Buell Hampton, “I assigned it + on general principles—on the general principle of helping a worthy + young man at the critical period of starting into useful life-work. But I + may tell you also,” he laughed lightly, “that I had in my mind’s + eye valuable and important future services whereby the interest would be + paid for most adequately.” + </p> + <p> + “And these services are what?” asked Roderick, with a + delighted gleam in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “We’ll come to that presently. Where is Grant Jones?” + </p> + <p> + “He was to follow me here in half an hour. Time’s almost up, + unless he’s on the trail of a newspaper scoop.” Roderick was + smiling happily now. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we shall await his coming. What do you say to a little music + to beguile the time?” + </p> + <p> + The Major glanced at his violin resting on a side table. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing would give me greater pleasure,” responded Roderick, + jumping up with alacrity and handing to the master his old Cremona. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you like music,” said Buell Hampton, as he began to + tighten his bow. “Its rhythmic cadences of tone are a language + universal. Its power is unseen but felt, captivating and enthralling alike + the cultured and the untutored. The harmony of tone enwraps the soul like + a mantle. It influences heart and intellect It may depress in saddest + tears or elevate to highest ecstasy. Music is the melody of the Gods. It + is like an ethereal mist—a soft and dainty distillation of a + thousand aromatic perfumes, inspiring and wholesome to the soul as the + morning dew is to buds and blossoms.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he had been gently thrumming the strings, and now he placed + the violin to his chin. Soft and plaintive melodies alternating with wild + and warring airs followed one after the other until the entire room seemed + to be quivering with melody. For fully an hour, unconscious of the passing + time, the Major entertained his guest, and concluded with a rapid surging + theme as if it were a call to battle and for greater achievements. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones had not yet arrived. Roderick recovered from the trance into + which the music had thrown him. He thanked the Major for the pleasure he + had given, then threw a glance at the doorway. + </p> + <p> + “Where the deuce can he be?” he murmured. + </p> + <p> + But at the very moment the door opened, and in walked the belated editor. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been all this time?” asked Roderick, half + petulantly. + </p> + <p> + “On the porch of course,” replied Grant. “Do you think I + was going to interrupt such divine melody?” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton smiled pleasedly while he laid down the violin on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, “be seated, Grant, my boy. I am going + to lose no further time. I have some figures to work on tonight. This is + my first night at home, Roderick, for many weeks. Grant already knows the + story. Now I shall tell it to you.” + </p> + <p> + And straightway the Major related how Jim Rankin, Tom Sun, and Boney + Earnest had garnered the midnight harvests of gold. Then he drew aside the + curtain hanging on the wall, unlocked the stout door which it concealed, + and, to Roderick’s amazement, displayed the piled up sacks of golden + ore. + </p> + <p> + “All quite equal to the rich samples you handled here several months + ago,” said Buell Hampton, as he waved his hand toward the + accumulated treasure. + </p> + <p> + “Great Cæsar!” gasped Roderick. “There must be hundreds + of thousands of dollars there.” + </p> + <p> + “The total will run into millions, young man,” smiled the + Major. Then he closed the door, relocked it, and dropped the curtain. But + he did not resume his seat. + </p> + <p> + “Now this is where your services, and those of Grant Jones will come + in. This great wealth must be safely transported to Denver. And as I have + already explained to you tonight, I still want to guard jealously my + secret of the Hidden Valley on whose resources I may or may not draw again—this + the future must decide. All of us who are interested have abundance for + the present; we are equipped for many good works. The removal of this + large quantity of ore, without attracting public attention here, requires + good judgment on the part of men who can be absolutely trusted. You are + the men selected for the responsible duty. And remember it will be + dangerous duty should our secret leak out. The days of hold-ups are + passing in the West, but have not yet passed; for as you both know there + are still a good few desperadoes among the wilds of our Wyoming mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “My God—what loot!” murmured Roderick, glancing toward + the curtain. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—a rich loot,” acquiesced the Major. “Now you + young men will understand that your interests are my own—that while + I am delighted to share this treasure with my chosen friends, these + friends have been and continue to be quite indispensable to me. Roderick, + your question earlier in the evening is answered—you will have a + rightful share in this gold. Get ready in about a week’s time to + earn it Now go tonight. I will see you later on to unfold my plans for the + journey in closer detail.” + </p> + <p> + “Great guns,” groaned Grant Jones, as the two young men gained + the roadway. “What a newspaper story—what a scoop! And not one + damned word can be put in type.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI.—A WARNING + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>Y SUBTLE alchemy + of thought Roderick’s feelings toward Scotty Meisch had become + entirely changed. On the ranch he had treated the rough, uncultivated and + at times insolent youth with contempt that was scarcely concealed. He was + not of his class; and Roderick by his manner had shown that he counted + Scotty as outside the pale of good breeding—a fellow not to be + associated with except in the necessary work of roping a steer or handling + a mob of cattle. It had been almost an act of condescension on his part to + accept Scotty’s challenge to try out their respective riding + abilities at the frontier fair. Any hurt the lad might have received in + the contest was part of the day’s game, and at the moment Roderick + had treated the incident with indifference. But now he found himself + feeling quite solicitous as to the poor fellow’s condition. Of + course Gail Holden, who had interested herself in the injured cowboy, had + nothing to do with this change of sentiment—at least Roderick’s + consciousness took no cognizance of her influence in the matter. All the + same, as he walked over to the hospital on the following afternoon to + inquire about the invalid, he was conning in his mind the chances of + perhaps meeting Gail there. + </p> + <p> + However Scotty Meisch was alone when Roderick was admitted to the ward. + There was only another occupant of the long room, occupying a cot at the + farther end. The nurse as she brought Roderick to Scotty’s bedside + declared that her patient was getting along fine, and that a visit from a + friend would cheer him up and do him good. Roderick smiled as he sat down + at the foot of the bed and the nurse moved away to attend to other duties. + Except for a bandaged head the cowboy looked fairly fit. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, old man?” Roderick asked in a kindly tone. + </p> + <p> + Scotty seemed quite disconcerted by this friendly greeting. He looked + sheepish and shame-faced. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’ll be all right in no time,” he mumbled. “Expect + you think I’m a mean cuss,” he added, after a moment’s + pause, glancing at Roderick then hastily looking away again. + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t said so,” replied Roderick in a pleasant and + assuring way. + </p> + <p> + “No, I know you hain’t said it. But I’ve never, liked + you from the first time we met over at the Shield’s ranch. I don’t + know why—damned if I do. But I didn’t like you and don’t + like you now, and I’m gosh’lmighty ashamed of myself fer bein’ + so ornery.” + </p> + <p> + “You shouldn’t speak of yourself so harshly,” said + Roderick, somewhat interested in the turn the conversation was taking. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t deserve any kindness at your hands,” Meisch + went on. “I sure planned to kill you onct ‘til I found out you + weren’t sweet on Barbara Shields. Oh, I’m a low-down cuss, but + I’m ambitious. You hain’t the feller I’m after any more. + It’s that lawyer Carlisle and I’ll git him, you jist see. He’s + got to keep out of my way,” and as Scotty, with a black scowl on his + face, said this he looked the part of an avenging demon right enough. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” he continued, “Barbara is older than I am, but + I’m dead gone on her, even if she don’t know it, an’ I’ll + do things yet to that feller Carlisle.” Roderick was fairly + perplexed by these references to Barbara Shields and the disclosure of the + rough cowboy’s feelings toward his employer’s daughter. For a + moment he could not find the proper word to say. He just ventured a + platitude, kindly spoken as it was kindly intended: “Oh, you must + get over these broodings, Scotty.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s not broodings—it’s business, and I mean it,” + he muttered. “Oh, you needn’t look so darned solemn. I’ve + no more bad feelin’s agin you. But when you first came to the ranch, + you know you couldn’t ride any better than a kid. But you began + givin’ yourself airs, an’ then when I thought you were goin’ + to cut me out with Barbara I jist got plum crazy. That’s why I sent + you fair warnin’.” + </p> + <p> + A light broke in on Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “So it was you who slipped that note under Grant Jones’ door, + was it?” he asked in great surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yas. You can know it now; who cares? But it was only later I saw I + was on a blind trail—that it was the other one you’re after—goin’ + fishin’ an’ all that sort o’ thing.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick reddened. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s all fudge too,” he exclaimed uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not so sure ‘bout that,” replied Scotty, with + a cunning look in his eyes. “‘Sides, she’s dead gone on + you, that’s a cert. She was here all yesterday afternoon, and could + speak about nothin’ else—praised yer ridin’ and allowed + she was tarnation sorry to have missed seein’ you on Gin Fizz. Which + reminds me that I’ve got to comgratulate you on the championship.” + He slipped a hand timidly and tentatively from under the bed-spread. + “Oh, I can admit myself beat when I’m beat. You’ve grown + to be a better’n rider than me. I’m only a little skinny chap + at the best, but you showed yourself strong enough to kill that great big + steer in the bull-doggin’. You’ve got me skinned, and you hold + the championship right enough. Shake.” + </p> + <p> + And Scotty at last mustered up the moral courage to extend his hand. + Roderick took it and shook it warmly. So Gail had been talking about him!—his + heart had leaped with joy. + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad to hear you speak like that, Scotty,” he said + with great cordiality. “You and I can come to be mighty good + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Gee, but I wish I looked like you,” remarked Scotty, lapsing + into a half smile. “Shake hands again with me, won’t you?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick reached over and once more bestowed a good honest squeeze; and he + improved the occasion by begging Scotty not to indulge in evil thoughts + about killing people or anything of that sort. + </p> + <p> + “What makes you kind t’ me?” asked the lad as he looked + inquiringly at Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know that I have been particularly kind to you,” + replied Roderick. “I begin to realize that I should have been here + before now to help cheer you up a bit while convalescing.” + </p> + <p> + Scotty turned from Roderick and looking at the ceiling was silent for a + few moments. At last he said: “Expect if I’d stay here a long, + long time you’d keep on bein’ kind t’ me. Possibly you + would bring Barbara with you on some of your visits. But I know I’m + goin’ t’ get well, that’s the pity of it all. I wouldn’t + be in bed now if the doctor hadn’t said I got ter stay here for a + few days. When I’m well, why, then it’s all off with you an’ + Scotty. You won’t pay any more attention to me when I’m once + more sound as a nut an’ ridin’ range than you would a low down + coyote.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I become indifferent to you?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no reason why you should, only you will,” replied Scotty. + “You are of the high-falutin’ an’ educated kind an’—well, + I never went to school more’n two weeks in my life. I got tired of + the educatin’ business—stole a horse and never did go back. An’ + they never caught me, nuther.” + </p> + <p> + He brightened up when he said this and laughed at his cleverness as if it + were a most pleasant remembrance. + </p> + <p> + “Where was your childhood home?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Now, right there,” replied Scotty, “is where yer + presumin’. You’re not talkin’ to me. D’ye suppose + I’m goin’ ter tell yer and have this whole business piped off + and those fellers come out here an’ pinch me for hoss-stealin’. + Not on yer life, so long as Scotty Meisch knows himself.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick smiled as he said: “Surely, Scotty, you are a very + suspicious person. I had no thought of doing what you suggest.” + </p> + <p> + “Waal,” drawled Scotty, “if you’d have been as + near goin’ to the penitentiary as often as I have, you’d learn + to keep yer mouth shut when people begin to inquire into your past hist’ry + an’ not unbosom yerself. Fact is, my hist’ry won’t stand + investigatin’. It’s fuller of thin places an’ holes than + an old-fashioned tin corn grater. You know what a grater is, don’t + you? It’s a tin bent over into a half moon an’ nailed to a + board with holes punched from inside out to make it rough. Where I come + from we used to husk new corn just as soon as it was out of the milk an’ + grate it into meal. About the only thing we had to live on was cornmeal + mush an’ milk. Wish I had some now. I’m hungrier than hell for + it.” + </p> + <p> + The primitiveness of it all rather appealed to Roderick, and he called the + nurse and asked if she wouldn’t serve the patient with some cornmeal + mush with milk for dinner that evening. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” she replied, “if Dr. Burke does not object,” + and went away to make inquiries. In a little while she returned and said: + “The doctor says a nice bowl of cornmeal mush and milk would be just + the thing for Mr. Meisch.” And it was so arranged. + </p> + <p> + When the nurse had gone Roderick noticed a tear trickling down the cheek + of Scotty and in order not to embarrass the boy he turned away and stood + looking out of the window. Presently Scotty said: “I wish ter hell I + was decent, that’s what I wish.” + </p> + <p> + Without turning from the window Roderick inquired: “How old are you, + Scotty?” + </p> + <p> + “Guess I’m about nineteen. I don’t know fer sure. They + never did tell me when my birthday was.” + </p> + <p> + “How would you like to go to school, Scotty? Brace up and be an + educated chap like other fellows.” + </p> + <p> + “Me learn to read an’ write?” exclaimed Scotty. “Look + here, Mr. Warfield, are you chaffin’ me? That’s what some + Englishmen called it when they meant teasin’ and so I say chaffin’. + Might as well use all the big words a feller picks up on the way.” + Roderick laughed aloud at Scotty’s odd expressions and turned to him + and said: “Scotty, you aren’t a bad fellow. You have a good + heart in you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know about that,” said Scotty, shaking his + head. “One time there was a feller told me that tough cusses like me + don’t have hearts—just gizzards.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Roderick, laughing, “my time has come to go + now but I want to tell you I like you, Scotty. You seem to me to be the + making of a very decent sort of chap, and if you will be a real good + fellow and are sincere about wanting to go to school and make something of + yourself, I believe I can arrange for you to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Honest, Mr. Warfield, honest? Are you tellin’ me the truth or + is this a sick bed jolly?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I am telling you the truth,” replied Roderick. + “You think it all over until I come and see you again.” + </p> + <p> + “When’ll you come? Tomorrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Roderick, “I’ll come tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Scotty, “I’ll sure look for yer.” + The next day when Roderick called, Major Buell Hampton and Grant Jones + accompanied him. They had a long talk with Scotty whose rapid recovery + showed improvement even from the previous day. After the subject had been + introduced by Roderick, who told Scotty that he had informed his friends + of the lad’s desire to go to school, Major Buell Hampton observed: + “A printing office, Mr. Meisch, is a liberal education within + itself. I have been talking this matter over with Mr. Jones, the Editor of + the <i>Dillon Doublejack,</i> and with Mr. Warfield, and we have mutually + agreed that if you are in earnest about leaving the range for a while and + will learn to read books and generally improve your mind, we shall give + you the opportunity. As soon as you are able to leave the hospital, how + would you like to go over to the little town of Dillon with Mr. Grant + Jones, this gentleman at my right, and go into his printing office?” + </p> + <p> + “You would be my devil to start in with,” said Grant, + good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + “Guess that’d about fit me,” responded Scotty with a + grin. “I’m a sort of a devil anyway, ain’t I?” and + he looked toward Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jones means a different kind of a devil, Scotty,” laughed + Roderick. “What Major Buell Hampton suggests to you is most + excellent advice, and I think you had better accept the offer. This job + will give you a home, and you will work in the printing office. You will + soon learn to read books, and also you will become a typesetter which, as + Major Hampton told you, is a practical education within itself and will + lead to better things and greater things along educational lines. Of + course, it may be some time before that knock on your head gets all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t worry about my old bean,” said Scotty with a + smile, as he touched the bandage that encircled his cranium. + </p> + <p> + Finally Scotty said he believed he would like to try the new job. “You + know, I’ve been knocked ‘round over the world an’ kicked + an’ thumped an’ had my ears cuffed an’ my shins barked + so much that I don’t hardly know what to make uv you fellers. If I + was sure you wasn’t stringin’ me an’ really meant it all + as a kindness, why, I’ll be goshdamed if I wouldn’t git up out + o’ bed this minute an’ start for Dillon. That’s what I’d + do. I ain’t no piker.” + </p> + <p> + This speech was very amusing to Grant Jones; and he assured the injured + boy that he himself was not going over to Dillon for perhaps a week, by + which time if he were attentive to the instructions of the doctor he + probably would be able to accompany him. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll take you over,” said Grant, “and we’ll + batch it together so far as a place to sleep is concerned in the printing + office. There is a good boarding house just across the street where you + can get your meals.” + </p> + <p> + “Who’s goin’ ter pay for them?” asked Scotty. + “I ain’t got any money.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Roderick, “is what Major Buell Hampton is + going to do for you. Not only will he pay your board for one year until + your work is worth wages in the printing office, but he will also get you + some new clothes and a new pair of shoes and rig you out in good shape, + old man.” + </p> + <p> + “Gee, but you’re good to me, Major Hampton, and Warfield too. + Yer ought ter cuff my ears instead uv bein’ so all-fired kind.” + </p> + <p> + With this the loveless boy turned towards the wall and covered his face. + Both Major Hampton and Grant, as well as Roderick, were noticeably + affected, and the three walked over toward the window while Scotty was + collecting himself. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” said Grant, sotto voce, “in the language of Jim + Rankin, the worst that poor little devil will get—if he goes with me—will + be the best of it.” + </p> + <p> + Then the visitors turned round to say good-by. The invalid had had about + enough excitement for one day. + </p> + <p> + Just as they were departing, Scotty beckoned Roderick to his side. + </p> + <p> + “Stop a minute or two with me—alone,” he whispered. + “I wants ter tell you somethin’.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick excused himself to the others; he would join them on the porch + presently. + </p> + <p> + Scotty’s face wore a keen eager look. + </p> + <p> + “Say, if I helps you,” he began, “I’ll be doin’ + a good turn, won’t I, to the girl that saved my life by hurryin’ + me along to this ‘orspital here?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe she will count it as a favor,” replied Roderick. + “How can you help me, Scotty?” + </p> + <p> + “An’ I’ll be doin’ you a favor,” continued + the lad, without answering the direct question, “if I do a good turn + to your friend with the name that reminds me of Bull Durham terbaccer?” + </p> + <p> + “Buell Hampton,” laughed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “The Major you also call him. Wal, I can drop him a word o’ + warnin’ too.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he has never a thought about love affairs,” replied + Roderick, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “But this is a warnin’ of another kind. Listen.” And + Scotty drew himself up to a sitting posture on the bed. “Come + nearer.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick complied; his ear was close to Scotty’s lips. The cowboy + spoke in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “The Major’s got a pile o’ rich ore stored in his house. + There’s a bunch o’ fellers agoin’ to get it, an’ + they’ll shoot to kill as sure as God made hell.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick mastered his emotion of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “When is this to take place, Scotty?” he asked quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Any night after tonight. Tonight they’ve fixed to square + accounts with some sheep herders over Jack Creek way. Then they’re + goin’ for the Major.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick gripped the other’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Scotty, you have done me the biggest service in the world,” + he said earnestly. “But one thing more—who are these men?” + </p> + <p> + “I dassn’t tell. They’d plug me full o’ holes the + moment I got out o’ here.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick felt perplexed. He did not like to press for information that + might seem to threaten danger for Scotty himself. + </p> + <p> + The latter was watching his face furtively. + </p> + <p> + “I know you’re straight—you’ll never give a feller + like me away if I tell you one name.” + </p> + <p> + “Never. You may stake your life on that.” + </p> + <p> + “Wal, I don’t care what happens to him anyway. He’s a + bad egg—a rotten bad egg clean through. And I’m done with him + from now right on. I’m goin’ to take that printin’ devil’s + job and act on the square.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right, Scotty. And we’ll all help you to get + clear of bad companions and bad influences. So it’s all right for + you to give me that name.” + </p> + <p> + “An’ she’ll be pleased too, won’t she, that Holden + young lady?” + </p> + <p> + “She’ll be always grateful to you for saving Buell Hampton.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s ‘nuff for me. The leader o’ that gang is—” + </p> + <p> + Scotty paused a moment; Roderick waited, silent and still. + </p> + <p> + “Bud Bledsoe,” whispered the lad. “Now I’ve + stopped hatin’ you, I’ve sort o’ turned to hatin’ + him and all his kind. But you’ll not give me away, Warfield? I wants + ter hold down that printin’ job—that editor feller will make a + man of me, that’s just how I feel.” + </p> + <p> + “And just as we all feel,” said Roderick. “Now, Scotty, + you must lie down. Let me fix your pillow for you. You’ve got some + fever yet, I can see. You must rest, old fellow. You look tired.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I’m doggoned tired,” murmured the lad wearily, as + he sank back on the pillow and closed his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “He is sleeping now, I think,” said Roderick to the nurse as + he passed quietly out of the ward. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII.—THE TRAGEDY AT JACK CREEK + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>FTER a brief + consultation on the hospital veranda, Buell Hampton, Roderick and Grant + decided on an immediate consultation with Jim Rankin. They found the + ex-sheriff busy among the horses down at the brush stable over the hill + from the Major’s home. + </p> + <p> + Jim received the startling news with great complacency. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve been expectin’ tumultuous news o’ this kind + for quite a while,” he said. “Oh, I’m up to all the + didoes o’ both the cowpunchers and the sheep herders. Never mind how + I got to know them things. I just know ‘em, and that’s ‘nuff + said, good and plenty, for all present. If the cowpunchers are going to + Jack Creek tonight, there will be hell a-poppin’.” + </p> + <p> + “Not murder, surely?” exclaimed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, there’s no sayin’ how them things end,” + replied Jim. “You see it’s this way. The cowpunchers claim + they’re afeard the sheep’ll cross over Jack Creek, an’ + they’ll go armed with great big clubs as well as shootin’ + irons. They’ll undertake, I’m ‘lowin’, ter kill + with their dubs a whole lot o’ sheep, maybe the hull kit an’ + bilin’ uv ‘em, shoot up the mess wagons where the sheep + herders are sleepin’, an’ the chances are nine outer ten that + they’ll kill the herders an’ then jist nachur’ly burn + the wagons an’ the corpses, kill the shepherd dogs too an’ + throw them on ter the fire and generally do a hellish piece uv intimidatin’ + work. They’ll burn the wagons ter hide evidence uv their guilt. You + bet they’ll git keerless with their artillery.” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” murmured Roderick in horror and surprise. + </p> + <p> + “We must stop this murderous business,” remarked Buell + Hampton. + </p> + <p> + “And get hold of Bud Bledsoe before he can do further harm,” + suggested Grant Jones. “Let’s hunt up the sheriff.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, just go slow, g’nlemen, please,” replied Jim, + expectorating an inconvenient mouthful of tobacco juice and wiping his + lips with the back of his hand. “Jist you leave this business to me. + I’ve been prognosticatin’ trouble for months back, an’ + know jist how to act. No sheriff is wanted—at least not the bum + sheriff we’ve got at the present time. He needs no warnin’ + from us—mark my words. And even if he didn’t chance to know + what we might be tellin’ him, when he did know, it would be his + pertic’lar business to arrive after the killin’—that’s + politics. Do you git me, Major?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid I get you all right, Jim,” replied Buell + Hampton gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let us go and see Ben Bragdon,” proposed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Not on your life,” replied Jim excitedly. “Hell, man, + he’s the attorney fur the cattle fellers.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a gentleman,” exclaimed Roderick, “and if he is + the attorney for the cow men, so much the better. He would advise the + bosses of this contemplated lawbreaking raid and murder, and of course + they would immediately take steps to keep the cowboys from committing such + wickedness.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin’s black eyes fairly snapped as he looked Roderick + straight in the face and exclaimed: “Roderick, are yer as big a + tenderfoot as that? Don’t yer know the cowboys don’t go out + murderin’ uv their own accord on these here cut-throat raids? They + go, by gunnies, ‘cause they’re paid by the higher ups ter do + these dastardly killin’ acts. Why, gosh ‘lmighty, Ben Bragdon + draws a monthly retainer fee uv several figures ter protect the higher ups + an’ there yer are, plain as a handle on a gourd. No, by gunnies, + while the Major and Mr. Jones keep guard here, you an’ me, Roderick, + will have ter go alone an’ jist nachurally take the law into our own + hands. We’ll have plenty uv shootin’ irons an’ loco the + cowboys by shootin’ an’ wingin’ two or three uv ‘em, + Bud Bledsoe in pertic’lar. Oh, you bet I know how to do this job,” + and he chuckled reassuringly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t,” replied Roderick. “I don’t + pretend to know these cold-blooded murdering ways of the West or anything + of this lawless feud that is going on between the cattlemen and the sheep + men. However, I will go with you, Jim. When shall we start?” + </p> + <p> + “Immediately after supper. There’s no moon and it looks a + little squally. It will be darker than a stack of black cats, but by + gunnies, I know the way. All you’ve got to do is to have yer shootin’ + irons ready, follow me and shoot when I shoot Now I guess there’s no + need my onbosomin’ myself any more,” he added with a + comprehensive glance around. + </p> + <p> + Roderick was unable to repress a smile. + </p> + <p> + “All right, Jim, I’m game, and ready for the lark.” + </p> + <p> + “By gunnies, it ain’t no lark howsumever; I know yer game,” + replied Rankin. “You bet I kin tell a scrapper when I see him. Now + not a word to anyone else besides us four—exceptin’ of course, + Boney Earnest I’m goin’ over to the smelter right now, and + will arrange for him to be here tonight to help the Major.” + </p> + <p> + “And Tom Sun?” asked Roderick, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he’s in no danger. Them fellers are after his herders but + not after the big man. They know better—the law would be poppin’ + like hell if they ever made the mistake o’ hurtin’ one o’ + the higher-ups.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides, Mr. Sun is at Rawlins today on business,” observed + Buell Hampton. “He is riding, and is to come straight here. But he + told me not to expect him until midnight.” + </p> + <p> + “Which the cowpunching gang know quite well,” said Jim + emphatically. “You bet they are playin’ up tonight jist + because they cal’clate on his absence. Now we’ll be a-movin’. + Major, get your rifles well oiled—you may need ‘em. My ridin’ + hoss is over at the livery barn, and you an’ me, Roderick, will + start from there at eight o’clock sharp. Oh, you bet we’ll + have tumultuous doin’s. Jist you an’ me ‘ll show these + killin’ cusses they’re holdin’ bob-tailed flushes fur + oncet. They won’t show up here for the gold ore after we’re + through with ‘em. Reminds me uv the old sheriff days, boys. An’ + its ‘lmighty good to be back to them,” he added, pushing his + hat back on his head determinedly. + </p> + <p> + “I think we must put you up for sheriff again next election,” + laughed Grant Jones. + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what I’m prognosticatin’,” + replied the rugged old frontiersman, with a grim smile. “Folks will + see who’s the real sheriff tonight—me or that white-livered + double-dealin’ cur. Mills.” And he strode away in the + direction of the smelting plant, chewing his tobacco cud vigorously. + </p> + <p> + At the appointed hour that night Roderick was at the livery barn, and got + ready his faithful horse, Badger. He had only waited a few minutes when + Jim Rankin made his appearance. They were soon in their saddles and headed + for Jack Creek. + </p> + <p> + The night was very dark, and despite the would-be sheriff’s vaunted + knowledge of the country they lost themselves several times, and on one + occasion had to retrace their steps four or five miles. Wherever it was + possible they urged their horses on as rapidly as was prudent, but often + for long distances it was a case of picking their way at a walking pace + through the inky blackness. It was within an hour of midnight when at last + they turned from the main road to the westward along the north bank of + Jack Creek, which was the dividing line between the flockmasters’ + and the cattle men’s range. Rankin explained that the bands of sheep + were being held about two miles on to the westward. + </p> + <p> + They had not gone very far up the creek when they were startled by the + sight of two great fires burning like haystacks. They spurred their horses + and hurried as fast as possible over the uncertain and little used road, + and soon came upon a weird and terrible scene. Some three or four hundred + sheep had been clubbed to death and lay like scattered boulders over the + ground, while the two covered wagons where the herders cooked their meals + and likewise slept were fast burning to ashes. + </p> + <p> + “By gunnies,” said Jim Rankin, “we didn’t get here + quick enough. They’ve sure done their hellish work. I’ll bet + there’s two sheep herders an’ two shepherd dogs bumin’ + to cinders in them there fires. It’s hell, ain’t it? They beat + us to it for sure. But usually them doin’s don’t come off + ‘til one or two o’clock in the mornin’.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are the balance of the sheep?” inquired Roderick. + “I thought you said there were several thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, boy,” said Jim, “they’re chasin’ down + toward Saratoga as if the wolves were after them. There’s ‘bout + three thousand sheep in each band an’ there were two bands uv + ‘em.” + </p> + <p> + Just then four masked men rode up out of the darkness toward the burning + outfits, but quickly checked their horses when they saw the two mounted + strangers. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t shoot, Roderick, don’t shoot,” whispered + Jim. “By gunnies, they’ve got us covered. Don’t lift + your artillery. They’ll kill us sure if yer do.” Then he + raised his trembling voice in a shout: “Hey, you fellers, we seed + somethin’ burnin’ here. Wonder what ‘tis?” + </p> + <p> + A deep guttural voice came back: “You two ‘ll find it a dam + sight more healthy to git back on the main road an’ tend to your own + business. You have got jist one minute to start.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on,” said Jim, agitatedly, whirling his horse, putting + spurs to him and leaving Roderick trailing far behind. + </p> + <p> + Roderick rode along toward the main road which they had just left after + crossing over Jack Creek. He was disgusted with it all and with Jim Rankin’s + poltroonery in particular. The sight he had seen by the gleaming light of + the burning wagons was ghastly. The innocent, helpless sheep that had been + clubbed to death through the selfishness of men. He was in no mood for + hilarity. It was a sight that would remain with him and haunt him. Then + too, he had received a new measure of Jim Rankin. + </p> + <p> + But Roderick Warfield had all the blind audacity of youth and did not give + the old westerner Jim Rankin the credit he deserved. Jim Rankin was versed + in the ways of these western transgressors, and knew the price he and + Roderick would have to pay for “butting in” on a quarrel + between the cattle and the sheep men that was no direct concern of + outsiders. This price was death, swift and merciless. + </p> + <p> + When Roderick reached the highway he pulled his horse to the right toward + the bridge that spanned Jack Creek. As he approached the bridge he heard + someone say: “Here he comes now.” The voice was not Jim Rankin’s. + </p> + <p> + “Hello,” came a call in yet another voice, just as his horse + reached the bridge. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, Roderick,” cried Jim Rankin, “I’m here.” + </p> + <p> + “Who’s with you?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “They’ll tell you,” replied Jim. + </p> + <p> + Roderick rode up and found three men with drawn revolvers, and one of them + proved to be the sheriff of the county and the others his deputies. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said the sheriff, “you are accused of + killing a lot of sheep up here on Jack Creek and burning a couple of + wagons, and I arrest you in the name of the law.” + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean?” inquired Roderick, hotly. + </p> + <p> + “It means,” said the sheriff, “you fellers will fork + over your shootin’ irons quietly and submit to being handcuffed.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Mills,” said Rankin, resentfully, “you’re + goin’ too dangnation far, by gunnies. I’ll be responsible for + young Warfield, here. I’ll go his bail. Dangnation, don’t + press me any furder or I’ll git peevish.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Sheriff Mills, hesitatingly, “who will + be responsible for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Gosh’lmighty, Mills, we’ve know’d each other + fur twenty-five years. You go my security yourself or by the great horn + spoon you’ll not kerry Rawlins precinct next election.” + </p> + <p> + “Watch that young feller,” instructed the sheriff to his + deputies. “Ride over this way, Jim, where we can speak privately.” + </p> + <p> + A few moments later Rankin called out: “Come on, Roderick, let’s + be goin’. It’s gettin’ late. Everything’s all + right.” And together they headed their horses for Encampment and + rode on in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin presently said: “Well, by gunnies, Tom Sun has leastways + got to hand it to us fur tryin’.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick made no immediate reply and they continued their way in silence. + </p> + <p> + At last Roderick spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You were mighty friendly with that white-livered, double-dealing + cur, the sheriff—that’s what you called him a few hours ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he wasn’t present with a gun in his hand,” + replied Jim. “He sure ‘nuff had the drop on us.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you square him then?” + </p> + <p> + “Politics,” came the sententious answer. “And I guess I + put one over him at that. Somebody’s goin’ to git a dangnation + throw-down, an’ don’t you forgit it.” + </p> + <p> + An hour later they descended at the livery barn. The sky had cleared, and + they had ridden fast under the starlight. Roderick looked the ex-sheriff + squarely in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jim Rankin, the next move in the game is going to be mine. Get + your three fours hitched up at once, and bring them down one by one as + fast as they are ready, to the Major’s. We load that ore tonight, + and start for the railroad before daylight. Do you get me, my friend?” + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin for a moment looked into Roderick’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I git you, Mr. Warfield,” he replied, as he meekly + turned away toward the stables where the twelve powerful draught horses + had been held in preparedness for a week past. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII.—THE FIGHT ON THE ROAD + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>AYLIGHT had not + yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the + road. Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the + Major’s. That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western + lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the + Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one. Bud Bledsoe + and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after + their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came + reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would + be to find the rich treasure gone. The teams by that time would be at + Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination. + </p> + <p> + The little bunch of friends had set to work with a will. Jim Rankin got + the first team down within half an hour, and by that time the Major, Tom + Sun, who had duly turned up from Rawlins, Boney Earnest, Grant Jones and + Roderick had a goodly pile of the one-hundred-pound ore sacks stacked in + front of the house, ready to be lifted into the wagon. Without a hitch or + delay the work proceeded, and now that the loading was completed, and the + rifles and ammunition had been stowed under the drivers’ seats, the + tension of suppressed excitement was relaxed. Pipes were alight during a + final consultation. + </p> + <p> + The three tough old westerners, it was settled, were to drive. Boney had + announced his absolute determination to come along—the smelter could + go to blazes, he had applied some days before for a week’s leave + anyways and if W. B. Grady chose to buck because he took it now, well he + could “buck good and plenty, and be damned to him.” Tom Sun + was keeping in stern repression his wrath against the miscreants who had + massacred his sheep and probably killed his herders as well; it would be + stern satisfaction for him to have a fight on the road, to settle accounts + with Bud Bledsoe by the agency of a rifle bullet. Jim Rankin, after his + quiet taking-down by Roderick at the livery stable, had recovered his + accustomed self-assurance and bellicosity, and was “prognosticating” + all manner of valorous deeds once it came to guns out on both sides and + fair shooting. + </p> + <p> + While these three would manage the teams, Buell Hampton, Grant and + Roderick would scout ahead on their riding horses, and provide a rear + guard as well so that the alarm of any attempted pursuit could be given. + Badger had been fed and rested, and looked fit for anything despite the + night’s ride to Jack Creek. + </p> + <p> + Jumping into the saddle Roderick, accompanied by Grant Jones, who knew the + road well, led the way. The wagons followed, while the Major delayed just + long enough to lock up the house, including the now empty inner chamber, + and clear away the traces of the night’s work. The whole cavalcade + was three or four miles out of Encampment before the sun had risen and the + townsfolk were astir. + </p> + <p> + The distance to be traversed was just fifty miles, and that night the + first camp was made beyond Saratoga. No public attention had been drawn to + the wagons; none of the people encountered on the road or at stopping + places had any reason to think that these ordinary looking ore-sacks held + gold that was worth a king’s ransom. There had been no signs of + ambushed robbers ahead nor of pursuit in the rear. But that night, while a + few hours of sleep were snatched, watch was kept in turn, while each + sleeper had his rifle close at hand. With the first glimmer of dawn the + journey was resumed. + </p> + <p> + It was well on in the afternoon when the Major spied, some distance out on + the open country to the left, the dust raised by a small party of + horsemen. He rode up to the wagons to consult his friends. He had just + pointed out the sign to Jim Rankin, when the riders disappeared behind a + rocky ridge. + </p> + <p> + Jim had been shading his eyes while gazing fixedly. He now dropped his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “By gunnies, they are after us right enough,” he exclaimed. + “That was Bud Bledsoe in the lead—I know his ginger-colored + pony. They’re going to cross Pass Creek lower down, then they will + swing around into White Horse Canyon, coming back to meet us after we’ve + crossed the bridge and are on the long steep hill just beyond. Dang me if + that ain’t their game.” + </p> + <p> + The Major rode ahead to warn Grant and Roderick. The bridge over Pass + Creek was only three miles from Walcott. If the three scouts could gain + the crest of the steep slope, before the robbers, the advantage of + position would be theirs. + </p> + <p> + Roderick grasped the plan of campaign in an instant, and, digging his + spurs into Badger’s flank, galloped off full pelt. Grant and the + Major followed at the best pace of their less mettled ponies. + </p> + <p> + It was less than a mile to the bridge, and Badger was soon breasting the + hill at a swinging canter. Just before reaching the summit Roderick + descended, and throwing the bridle over the pony’s head tethered it + in cowboy fashion. “I’ll be back in a minute, old fellow,” + he said, as he gave Badger an affectionate pat on the neck. Then, rifle in + hand, he walked up the remaining few yards of the slope, and cautiously + peered over the crest into White Horse Canyon. + </p> + <p> + Great Scott! seven or eight horsemen away down at the foot of the + descending incline were just scrambling out of the waste of cacti and + joshuas on to the roadway! The first comers were waiting for the + stragglers, and a pow-wow was evidently being held. Roderick gripped the + butt of his rifle. But he heard the clatter of hoofs behind him, and drew + back for the time being. Waving a cautioning hand to Buell Hampton and + Grant as they approached, he gave the news in a few words. It took only a + minute to tie all three horses securely to the low-growing grease-wood + that here skirted the road—the animals, although well-trained, might + be stampeded by the shooting. Then, rifles in hand, Roderick, Grant and + the Major crept up to the crest of the ridge. Before reaching it the sharp + tattoo of horse hoofs smote their ears. + </p> + <p> + “That’s Bud Bledsoe in the lead on the ginger pony,” + exclaimed Buell Hampton. + </p> + <p> + Nothing more was needed by Roderick; if Bud Bledsoe was there, the gang + were lawbreakers and bent on further villainy. + </p> + <p> + “Bang!” went Roderick’s rifle; and the ginger-colored + horse plunged forward on his knees, and then rolled over, kicking wildly + in the air. Two horses behind stumbled over the obstruction, and instantly + there was a confused heap of struggling beasts and men. Four other riders + had reined in their steeds just in time, and were standing stock-still on + the highway. + </p> + <p> + “Keep it up, but don’t kill,” muttered the Major, just + before he fired his own rifle. Almost at the same instant came “bang” + from Grant’s shoulder, and a second shot by Roderick. + </p> + <p> + At this fusillade the four cowboys still mounted jumped their horses into + the sage brush and cacti and were gone like a streak across country. One + of the fallen horses had struggled to its feet, and a figure leaped into + the saddle. It was Bud Bledsoe—Roderick knew him by his gorilla-like + figure. Leaving his two fallen comrades to their fate, the leader raced + after the fleeing quartette. Three rifle bullets whizzed past him to + quicken his pace. Then the marksmen on the ridge stood erect. + </p> + <p> + Two motionless human figures lay on the road at the bottom of the hill; + the ginger horse had rolled in among the bushes in his death throes, the + other was limping along with a broken leg. Roderick ran down the slope on + foot, leaving the others to follow with the horses. + </p> + <p> + The first man he reached was dead, his neck broken by the fall. Roderick + recognized him at a glance—for when once riding the range with a + bunch of cowboys they had passed a lone rider on a mountain trail and the + name had been passed around—Butch Cassidy, a horse rustler, and an + outlaw of the hills. The other fellow was bleeding from a wound in his + breast; there was a gulping gurgle in his throat. He had evidently been + hit by Grant’s first bullet, which had been fired too quick for any + heed to be paid to Buell Hampton’s merciful injunction. Just as + Roderick raised the limp hand the wounded man opened his eyes; then he + uttered one great sob and died. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later bullets from Grant’s revolver put the injured + horses out of pain. + </p> + <p> + In the dusk of the falling night the dead men were borne on the ore wagons + into Walcott. The station agent recognized the second corpse as that of a + notorious gambler and hold-up artist, an old associate of Big-Nosed George + in early days. The railroad man treated the bodies as trash, but + condescended to wire down the line for the coroner and the sheriff. The + car, which had been ordered several days before, was on the side track + awaiting the ore shippers, and he counselled that there should be no delay + in loading, as a through freight for Denver was due shortly after + midnight. So the fight was forgotten, and the work of transferring the ore + sacks from the wagons was soon in progress, all present, even the Major, + lending a hand. + </p> + <p> + After the task had been completed, the bill of lading prepared and all + charges prepaid, Jim Rankin, Boney Earnest, Tom Sun and Grant Jones + boarded the car. They were well provided with blankets for bedding and + still carried their rifles. Buell Hampton and Roderick remained to arrange + for the sending back of the teams and saddle horses; they would follow on + the morning passenger train, and the whole party would reach Denver + practically at the same hour next night. + </p> + <p> + No further incident occurred. But not until the carload of ore had been + duly delivered, sampled, and weighed did the four faithful and well-armed + guards relax their vigilance. The purchasers were the Globe Smelter + Company, with whose manager Boney Earnest had personal acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + While secrecy was exercised concerning this remarkable ore shipment, yet + the news gradually crept out and it became known that something phenomenal + had occurred. The newspaper reporters hovered around the Globe Smelter + endeavoring to pick up a few crumbs of information. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton and his friends were registered at the Brown Palace Hotel + where they had arranged for connecting rooms. Two days afterwards Buell + Hampton announced to his friends, in the privacy of his room, that the + returns were all he had anticipated. The money had been duly deposited to + his credit, and now he wrote checks running into five figures for each of + his friends, and admonished them separately and collectively to deposit + the money in some Denver bank to their individual credit, then return to + their Encampment homes and each continue his avocation as if nothing had + happened to improve their financial affairs. + </p> + <p> + “As for myself,” said the Major, “I have a mission to + perform, and I probably will not return to Encampment for a matter of + fifteen or twenty days.” + </p> + <p> + That night Major Hampton left for New York carrying with him certified + checks for a large sum of money, and on the following morning the others + took train for Wyoming. Within a few days all had resumed their accustomed + routine. Jim Rankin was back on his stage coach making his usual trips; + Boney Earnest, after an acrimonious scrap with Grady over the question of + absence without leave, was in his old place before the blast furnace; Tom + Sun regained his home at Split Rock, north of Rawlins, Grant Jones + returned to his editorial duties, Roderick to his preparations for a + prospecting expedition. + </p> + <p> + Both Grant and Roderick had brought with them checks for a few thousand + dollars, which they deposited in the local bank to the great surprise of + the cashier. And even before leaving the bank they began to realize that + their importance in the community had already gone up a hundred per cent. + Such is the prompt efficacy of a substantial bank balance! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV—SUMMER DAYS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>ITHIN less than a + year of his leaving Keokuk to play football with the world, as Uncle Allen + Miller had phrased it, Roderick Warfield had established himself in a + sound financial position. So far he had not been made the “pig-skin” + in life’s game. While he was filled with grateful feeling toward + Buell Hampton, and recognized the noble generosity of his friend, he had + at the same time the satisfaction of feeling that he had done at least a + little toward earning a share in the proceeds derived from the carload of + rich ore. And once he found his own mine, his father’s mine, it + would be his turn to follow the golden rule and share liberally with those + around him. + </p> + <p> + When he had handed in the Denver check at the local bank, he had already + found a new deposit to his credit there—a sum of money to which he + had never given a thought from the moment it was won. This was the $450 + coming to him as the World’s Championship prize in the rough-riding + and outlaw-busting competition at the frontier celebration. It was with + intense delight that Roderick decided to apply this windfall to finally + clearing off his New York liabilities. He felt like walking even a bit + more erect than ever now that he would owe not a dollar in the world. + After luncheon he returned to the bank and secured eastern drafts. + </p> + <p> + But there was a balance remaining, and Roderick at once thought of the lad + who had not only suffered defeat in the contest but injury as well. Major + Hampton had already undertaken the provision of clothes and other outfit + for Scotty Meisch. Roderick thought for a moment; then he walked across to + the Savings Bank and started an account in the cowboy’s name with a + credit of $100. He carried the little pass-book with him to the hospital. + </p> + <p> + He found Scotty reclining in a long chair on the veranda. The invalid was + convalescent, although looking pale from the unwonted confinement. His + face brightened with joy when Roderick, looking down with a pleasant + smile, patted him on the shoulder and gripped his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Gee, but it’s good to see you again,” murmured the boy. + “It seems like a hell of a time since you were here. But I got the + postcard you sent me from Denver.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Scotty, as I wrote you, Grant Jones and I, also the Major, + have all been to Denver. We were called away unexpectedly or would have + paid you a parting visit. But I’ve come around at once, you see. + Grant Jones and I got back only this afternoon. Mr. Jones is going to take + you over to Dillon next week. Meanwhile I have brought you this little + book, old fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Scotty glanced at the pass-book, wonderingly and uncomprehendingly. He + turned it over and over. + </p> + <p> + “An’ what’s this piece o’ leather goods for?” + he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That means you’ve got $100 to your credit in the Savings + Bank, Scotty—the consolation prize, you remember, in the + broncho-busting contest.” + </p> + <p> + “Consolation prize be damned. There was no consolation prize.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, there was.” + </p> + <p> + “Not by a danged sight You’ve gone an’ done this, + Warfield.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I got the big money, and hasn’t the winner the right to + give off a bit of it as a consolation prize? Just stuff that book in your + pocket, Scotty, and may the hundred dollars soon roll up to a thousand, + old fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Great guns, but you’re powerful kind to me—all of you,” + murmured the cowboy. There were tears in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “And by the way, Scotty,” continued Roderick, talking gaily, + “that reminds me, I’ve got to go across to Englehart’s + store and take over that grand championship saddle he was showing in his + window—Banker Buck Henry’s special prize, you remember. I had + almost forgotten about it. Why, it’s mine—stamped leather, + solid silver mounts, and all the gewgaw trimmings. How will I look riding + the ranges with that sort of outfit?” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll look just grand,” exclaimed Scotty admiringly. + “But you won’t use that on the range. It will be your courtin’ + outfit.” + </p> + <p> + Scotty smiled wanly, while Roderick laughed in spite of himself. The + invalid felt emboldened. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she’s been over here every day during your absence,” + he continued. “Gee, but she’s pretty, and she’s kind! + And let me tell you somethin’ else. Barbara’s been a-visitin’ + me too. Just think o’ that.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, all the girls are good, Scotty—and Wyoming girls the best + of all,” he added enthusiastically. There was safety in the general + proposition. + </p> + <p> + “Barbara an’ I has made it all up,” continued the lad, + still smiling, wistfully yet happily. “She’s dead stuck on + that lawyer chap, Bragdon, and we shook hands over it. I wished her luck, + and promised to vote for Bragdon at the election for state senator. An’ + what do you think she did when I told her that?” he asked, raising + himself in his chair. + </p> + <p> + “She said ‘Bully for you,’ I bet,” replied + Roderick. “She did more. She kissed me—fair and square, she + kissed me,” Scotty put his finger-tips to his forehead. “Oh, + only there,” he added, half regretfully. “But I’ll never + forget the touch of her lips, her sweet breath in my face.” And he + patted the spot on his brow in appreciative reminiscence. + </p> + <p> + “That’s politics, as Jim Rankin would say,” laughed + Roderick, more to himself than to the cowboy. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, it’s the sort o’ politics I like,” replied + Scotty. “If she’d even only cuff my ears every time I voted, I’d + be a repeater for Bragdon at the polls.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we’ll both vote the Bragdon ticket, Scotty. A girl like + Barbara Shields is worth making happy, all the time. And later on, old + fellow, the proper girl will be coming along for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Looks as if she was comin’ along for you right now,” + grinned Scotty, glancing toward the steps of the veranda. + </p> + <p> + And a moment later Roderick was shaking hands with another hospital + visitor, gazing into Gail Holden’s blue eyes, and receiving her warm + words of greeting over his safe return. + </p> + <p> + “We heard something about a fight near Walcott, you know, Mr. + Warfield—about a mysterious carload of ore. Two hold-up men were + killed, and your name was mentioned in connection with the affair. I felt + quite anxious until Mr. Meisch received his postcard from Denver. But you + never thought of writing to me,” she added, reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “I did not dare,” murmured Roderick in a low tone intended + only for her ears. + </p> + <p> + But Scotty heard and Scotty saw. + </p> + <p> + “This is the very hour the nurse says I’ve got to sleep,” + he said. “You’d better be clearin’ out, War-field.” + </p> + <p> + “And me too?” asked Gail, laughingly. + </p> + <p> + “The pair o’ you,” replied the invalid, as he lay back + languorously and closed his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we’d better be going,” laughed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps Mr. Meisch is awake enough yet,” said Gail, “to + hear that I brought over a chicken for his supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell the nurse I’ll have it fried, please,” yawned + Scotty, as, without opening his eyes, he turned over his head in + slumberous fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Come away then, Miss Holden,” said Roderick. “I suppose + you rode over on Fleetfoot. I’ll saddle Badger, and we’ll have + a gallop across country.” + </p> + <p> + “No doggoned politics there,” exclaimed the cowboy, awaking + suddenly, as he watched the handsome couple disappear. “That’s + the real thing, sure.” + </p> + <p> + The summer days glided past. The Major had returned from New York and had + quietly resumed his old life of benevolence among the poor. But soon there + seemed to be no more poverty in or around Encampment. Roderick, keeping + the mining town as his headquarters, made a series of expeditions into the + mountains, systematically searching every range and every known canyon. He + would be absent for several days at a time, sometimes with Jim Rankin for + a companion, Grant Jones once or twice accompanying him, but latterly with + Boney Earnest as his <i>fidus Achates.</i> For Boney had severed his + connection finally with the Smelter Company, after a quarrel with Grady + that had ended in the blast furnace foreman knocking his employer down. + Such is the wonderful independence that comes from a bank balance—even + a secret bank balance that may not command the deference accorded to known + financial prosperity. + </p> + <p> + Between his prospecting expeditions Roderick spent an occasional evening + either at the Conchshell Ranch or at the Major’s, with a flying call + now and then at the Shields home, especially when Grant was on one of his + periodical visits to Encampment. + </p> + <p> + The month was now September. The rugged mountains still guarded their + secret, and Roderick was beginning to fear that the quest for his father’s + mine was indeed going to be a vain one. But there came an interlude to his + range-riding and gold-dreaming. The state conventions were approaching. + Even love became a minor matter to politics. The air was surcharged with + electricity. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV.—RUNNING FOR STATE SENATOR + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>T BREAKFAST table + one morning Roderick noticed in the <i>Encampment Herald</i> a featured + article about the forthcoming Republican convention. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” replied Grant, when Roderick called his attention + to it, “this convention trouble has been brewing for some time. + Personally, as you know, I am a Republican, even though my paper, the <i>Dillon + Doublejack</i>, is a dyed-in-the-wool Democratic organ.” + </p> + <p> + “What trouble,” asked Roderick, “can there possibly be + about a county convention?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a senatorial convention,” explained Grant. “There + is an old saying,” he went on, “that every dog has his day. + But unfortunately politically speaking there are more dogs than days, and + when two or three contestants try to get in on the same day, why, somebody + is going to get bitten. There is only one state senatorial job from this + district but there may be half-a-dozen fellows who feel called upon to + offer themselves upon the political altar of their country.” + </p> + <p> + “Have noticed a good many fellows down from the hills recently,” + replied Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s politics,” said Grant. “They take a + lay off from their work in the hills—come down here to fill up on + free political whiskey furnished by the various candidates. Oh, take it + from me,” said Grant, looking wise and shaking his head, “these + delegates are a booze-fighting bunch for fair.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment or two the journalistic oracle busied himself with his toast + and butter. + </p> + <p> + “You watch the columns of my paper,” he resumed. “I’m + going to show up these whiskey drinking, habits of the delegates good and + plenty in this week’s issue of the <i>Doublejack.</i> In the + language of Jim Rankin I get a heap peevish with all this political + foolishness. Still,” Grant went on, “I presume it is a part of + the political machinery of the frontier. One thing,” he concluded, + “we all become unduly excited in these ante-convention days.” + </p> + <p> + Political excitement had indeed waxed warm, and the little mining town had + seemingly ceased to think about its mines, its great smelting plant, rich + strikes in the hills and everything else—even the cattle men and the + sheep men appeared to have forgotten their feuds together with their + flocks and herds in the general excitement over the nomination for state + senator from southern Carbon County. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones in his Doublejack editorials made emphatic and urgent appeal + to the people to remember the doctrines of the old Simon-pure Jacksonian + democracy and agree upon a good Democratic nominee. With a split in the + Republican ranks the chances were never better for the election of a + Democratic senator. He pointed out that if Bragdon won the nomination the + Carlisle clique would secretly knife the Bragdon forces at the polls by + voting the Democratic ticket, and on the other hand if Carlisle should + best Bragdon in the nominating contest then the Bragdon following would + retaliate by supporting the Democratic nominee so as to defeat Carlisle in + the end. + </p> + <p> + On the Republican side W. Henry Carlisle, the astute lawyer, was backed by + the smelter interests, while Ben Bragdon, the eloquent, was supported by + the antismelter forces generally and also by Earle Clemens, editor of the + <i>Encampment Herald,</i> one of the best known and most highly respected + party leaders in the state. + </p> + <p> + The so-called smelter interests were certainly discredited because of the + domineering insolence of W. B. Grady and his unfair treatment of the men. + Not only did Grady practice every sort of injustice upon the employees of + the great smelting plant in all its various departments, but he also + quarreled with the ranchmen in the valley whenever he had dealings with + them even to the extent of buying a load of hay. + </p> + <p> + As convention day approached there was a noticeable feeling of unrest and + nervousness. Factional strife was running at high tension. + </p> + <p> + The wise men of the party said they could plainly see that unless harmony + in the Republican ranks obtained at the convention the nominee would be + defeated at the polls, and that if Ben Bragdon’s nomination were + insisted upon by his friends without in some way conciliating the Carlisle + faction the Democrats would be almost certain to win at the following + November’s elections. + </p> + <p> + It was pretty generally conceded that Ben Bragdon, controlled the + numerical strength of the delegates, but the wiseacres would ask in their + solicitude: “Is it wisdom to take such a chance? Does it not invite + a split in the ranks of our party? In other words, does it not mean defeat + for the Republican candidate on election day?” + </p> + <p> + Carlisle was a power to be reckoned with, and had a clannish, determined + following in political affairs, and although he and his friends might be + outnumbered and beaten in the nominating convention, yet what would follow + if Bragdon’s nomination were forced upon them? What would be the + result? Would not Carlisle’s following secretly slash the rival they + had been unable to defeat at the nominating convention? + </p> + <p> + A “dark horse” seemingly was the only way out of the dilemma, + and the more conservative delegates insisted that Bragdon and his friends + must be brought to understand and recognize the possibilities of almost + certain defeat unless harmony could be insured; otherwise Bragdon must be + compelled to withdraw. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning before the day named for the senatorial convention to + assemble at Rawlins the delegates at Encampment and several hundred + friends of the respective candidates started overland for the convention + city. + </p> + <p> + There were two roads from Encampment to Rawlins—one that branched + off from the so-called main road and went along the Platte River bottom. + The distance by either route was about sixty miles. Carlisle and his + following went one road, while Bragdon and his following traveled by the + other road, both arriving at the hotel in Rawlins at the same time with + panting horses. It was a mad race, each faction trying to show supremacy + over the other even at the cost of horseflesh. + </p> + <p> + The delegates gathered in knots of three and four in the lobby of the + hotel, in the barroom and in the private rooms during the afternoon and + evening before convention day. + </p> + <p> + The trains had arrived from the East and the West, and the delegates from + all over the senatorial district were present and ready for the fray that + was certain to come off the following day—indeed, Rawlins, the + county seat, was alive with politicians and the Ferris House, the leading + hotel of the place, was a beehive of activity. The Democratic spectators + were jubilant and made their headquarters at Wren’s saloon. + </p> + <p> + It was at the Ferris House that W. Henry Carlisle had opened his + headquarters in opposition to Ben Bragdon. The Carlisle people said they + had no alternative candidate. Any one of a score of men might be named in + the district, each of whom would be satisfactory; in fact, anyone + excepting Ben Bragdon, provided, of course, it was found that Carlisle + could not be nominated, which they were far from conceding. + </p> + <p> + Bragdon and Carlisle had often before locked horns in hotly contested + lawsuits up in the-hills, but in addition to their legal fights for + supremacy there had been one special controversy that had resulted in a + big financial loss for which each held the other responsible. It involved + a bitter fight over a mining claim wherein both Bragdon and Carlisle had + financial interests, and both had finally lost. It was a rich property and + had by decree of the courts been awarded to a third party. But the + decision did not lessen the feud. The impelling motive in their political + contest was not half so much, perhaps, for the honor of being state + senator as it was a consuming desire in the heart of each to best and lick + the other. + </p> + <p> + Some of the delegates, even those who were inclined to be friendly to + Bragdon’s candidacy, acknowledged that seemingly he had made no + effort to pacify either Carlisle or his friends, and thus, in a way, had + proven himself deficient as a political leader and standard-bearer for the + party. + </p> + <p> + Others claimed that a reconciliation was impossible, that the breach was + entirely too wide to be patched up at the eleventh hour. Still others were + of the opinion that if the Bragdon forces would concede the chairmanship + of the convention to Carlisle and his friends and thus give substantial + evidence of a desire to harmonize and be friendly, past differences could + be adjusted, with the result not only of Bragdon’s nomination but + his election as well. + </p> + <p> + Those high in the leadership of the Bragdon forces laughed incredulously + and scorned to consider such a compromising surrender, and further + expressed their disbelief in the sincerity of Carlisle and his crowd even + if the Bragdon following were willing to make such a concession. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Big Phil Lee, Bragdon’s chief lieutenant, + “I’m a Kentucky Democrat, boys, as you all know, but in this + fight I’m for Bragdon—a Bragdon Republican—and we’ve + got the whip-hand and by the Eternal we will hold it. We Bragdon fellows + have already agreed upon a chairman and a secretary for both the temporary + and permanent organizations of tomorrow’s convention, and we have + selected Charlie Winter to name Bragdon in a nominating speech that will + be so dangnation eloquent—well, it will simply carry everybody off + their feet. He is the boy that can talk, you bet he is. Oh, you bet we’ve + got ‘em licked, Carlisle and all his cohorts. And let me tell you + something else,” continued Big Phil Lee, gesticulating, “we’ll + hold them responsible for the final result. If Bragdon’s not + elected, it will be because Carlisle and his gang knife him at the polls. + Just let them do such a dirty contemptible piece of political chicanery + and they’ll be marked men ever afterwards in this senatorial + district, and not one of them could be elected even to the office of dog + pelter.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI.—UNEXPECTED POLITICAL HARMONY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T WAS just such + talk as Big Phil Lee’s that kept the Bragdon forces lined up and + defiant to the point of an open rupture and a total disregard for the + minority, while the Democrats cheered Big Phil Lee’s remarks with + enthusiastic hoorays. + </p> + <p> + The individual who really held the destiny of the party that year in the + hollow of his hand and within the next few hours proved himself the Moses + to lead all factions from the paths of bickering into the highway of + absolute harmony, was the newspaper man, Earle Clemens. All through the + evening hours the editor of the <i>Herald</i> had been a most eloquent + listener. He was on good terms with everybody, jovial and mixed with all + factions, and yet was scrupulously careful to avoid giving any expression + of advice or stating an opinion. He had, however, been very outspoken in + his editorial advocacy for harmony. + </p> + <p> + Earle Clemens was not only known and respected all over the state as an + able newspaper man, but he was the possessor of a rich tenor voice that + had delighted many an audience up in the hills, and then, too, he had + composed the melody of the state song, entitled “Wyoming”—all + of which tended to his great popularity and powerful influence. + </p> + <p> + While it was quite generally known that Clemens was perhaps closer in his + friendship for Bragdon than any other man in the district, dating from way + back when the generous-hearted young lawyer had helped Clemens at a time + and in a way that money could not buy or repay, yet the editor of the <i>Herald</i> + had all along insisted that unless the Bragdon sympathizers effected a + reconciliation with the Carlisle crowd, it virtually meant, if Bragdon’s + nomination were forced upon the convention, a Democratic victory at the + coming November election. + </p> + <p> + In his last editorial, before the convention was to assemble, he had, in + reply to Democratic newspaper gibes about a high old row which was likely + to obtain at the oncoming Republican convention, branded the writers one + and all as political falsifiers. He boldly announced that not a single + discordant note would be heard when the Republican host came to nominate + its standard bearer, and furthermore that the choice would be emphasized + by a unanimous vote of the delegates. And in the final event the + Republican candidate, he declared, would be elected by such an + overwhelming popular vote that it would make the false Democratic prophets + and bolting Republican malcontents, if there were any, “hunt the + tall timber.” + </p> + <p> + The Democratic press in reply had said that the editor of the <i>Herald</i> + was whistling to keep up his courage, and of course much amusement had + been caused by the spirited controversy. So when the eventful day arrived + fully as many Democrats journeyed to Rawlins to see the fun as there were + Republican delegates. Of course, as good Democrats, they lost no + opportunity to help embitter the two factions and widen the breach between + the Bragdon and the Carlisle forces. + </p> + <p> + Editor Earle Clemens, however, had ideas of his own that he told to no + one. The electric light was shining in his room long after midnight and + his small hand typewriter, which he always carried in his grip, was busy + clicking away—presumably writing copy for the columns of his paper. + What really occurred however, was this: He wrote two letters on the hotel + stationery—one addressed to Hon. Ben Bragdon, and the other + addressed to Hon. W. Henry Carlisle, and the envelopes were marked + private. + </p> + <p> + After the letters were duly typewritten, he placed an electric light under + a pane of glass with which he had provided himself, elevating the glass by + supporting the ends with a couple of books, and then from letters that he + had at some former time received from both aspirants cleverly traced and + signed the signature of W. Henry Carlisle to one letter and in like manner + signed the signature of Ben Bragdon to the other letter—yes, brazen + forgeries. + </p> + <p> + After inclosing them in their respective envelopes, he stole softly out + into the hallway and slipped one under the door of Carlisle’s room + and the other under the door of Bragdon’s room. Then he went + downstairs and bribed the night clerk to call both Bragdon and Carlisle at + sharp fifteen minutes before six o’clock. This done, Clemens + hastened back to his own apartment for a few hours’ sleep, wondering + as he disrobed if the “end would justify the means.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no question,” he said to himself as he climbed into + the bed, “but that the Republican ox is in the ditch and heroic + measures are necessary.” + </p> + <p> + The following morning, when W. Henry Carlisle was awakened by the night + clerk calling out softly the hour of seven o’clock, he hastily arose + and began dressing, but before he had half finished he spied the letter + that had been pushed under his door. Picking it up, he broke the seal and + this is what he read: + </p> + <p> + “My dear Carlisle:— + </p> + <p> + “It probably requires more bravery to make an apology and to ask to + be forgiven than it does to settle differences between gentlemen by the + now antiquated ‘code.’ + </p> + <p> + “I here and now tender my apologies for any unkind words I may in + the past have spoken derogatory to you, and as an evidence of my candor + will pledge you the support of myself and friends for both temporary and + permanent chairman at tomorrow’s convention, if you reciprocate this + offer of a reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + “If you are big enough and broad enough and generous enough to + accept this overture and desire to bury all past differences and from now + on work in harmony together, each helping the other, as did Jonathan and + David of old, why, the opportunity is offered, and we will let bygones be + bygones. + </p> + <p> + “If you accept this apology, meet me at the hotel bar early tomorrow + morning and merely extend your hand of friendship in greeting. I will + understand; but please do not humiliate me by mentioning the fact, even to + your best friends, that I have written this letter, and above all do not + refer to it at our meeting tomorrow morning or at any future time. It is + quite enough if these old differences are wiped off the slate between you + and myself without commenting, or permitting comments to be made. I am not + unmindful, Carlisle, that you are a great big able man and I want you to + be my friend, and I wish to be yours. You have the power to make my + nomination for state senator unanimous. + </p> + <p> + “I have the honor of subscribing myself + </p> + <p> + “Very sincerely yours, + </p> + <p> + “Ben Bragdon.” + </p> + <p> + Across the hall Ben Bragdon was also reading a letter, which was almost a + duplicate of the one that Carlisle was perusing, except that the + conditions were reversed. Carlisle, in his letter of apology, offered to + support Bragdon for the nomination, provided the hatchet was buried and + the Bragdon forces would support him for temporary and permanent chairman. + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of the reading of these respective letters, each wore an + exultant look of mastery on his face. For the time being at least all + other differences were forgotten. In the hearts of both was the thought: + “It’s mighty decent of him; he really is a bigger man than I + thought.” + </p> + <p> + Carlisle was the first man to leave his room and going quickly downstairs + passed hurriedly into the hotel bar, which at that early hour was deserted + except for the immaculate, white-aproned bartender. + </p> + <p> + “What will it be this morning, Mr. Carlisle?” was the + respectful inquiry of the attendant. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing just yet,” replied Carlisle, “I am waiting for + a friend.” + </p> + <p> + A moment later Ben Bragdon came in, whereupon both of these skillful + politicians vied in meeting each other more than half-way and extending + the right hand of good fellowship in kindliest greetings. + </p> + <p> + “Guess we’re a little early,” stammered Bragdon in a + futile attempt to appear at ease and free from embarrassment. They both + laughed a little, and Carlisle remarked that fortunately the bartender was + at his post even if the delegates were slow about getting started on the + day’s work. + </p> + <p> + Just then the night clerk appeared and apologized for calling them so + early. “Don’t know how it happened,” he stammered, + “but I made a mistake of an hour. I called you gentlemen at six + instead of seven. I hope you’ll not—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s all right,” exclaimed Bragdon and Carlisle + in unison, as they good-naturedly waved him aside with their assurance + that they were glad to be up and about. + </p> + <p> + “A couple of Martini cocktails,” said Bragdon to the + attendant. The cocktails were soon before them and tossed off in a jiffy, + with the mutual salutation of “Here’s how.” + </p> + <p> + “Come again, my man; make it half a dozen this time—three + apiece,” said Carlisle, laughing and throwing down a twenty dollar + gold piece. “Might as well have a good appetizer while we’re + about it, and then we’ll relish our breakfast, good or bad.” + </p> + <p> + They chatted about the weather while the cocktails were being prepared. + Finally the cocktails were pushed along the bar counter, three in front of + each. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Bragdon, as they each lifted a glass. + “Here’s to your good health!” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” said Carlisle, “but since we have three + cocktails apiece before us, suppose we drink to the past, the present, and + the future!” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” replied Bragdon, beaming with approval. “Splendid + idea and happily put” He then ordered some of the highest priced + cigars the house afforded and insisted on Carlisle filling his pockets, + while he stowed away a goodly number himself. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the fourth cocktail disappeared, they started for the + dining-room arm in arm, chatting away to one another like two old cronies + who had just met after a long separation. They found seats at a table in a + far corner and in their eagerness to say the right thing to one another + took no notice that a few of the delegates were already at tables in + different parts of the room. The delegates laid down their knives and + forks and looked toward Bragdon and Carlisle in astonishment. Then they + whispered among themselves, whereupon four or five left the room quietly + and hastened with all speed to carry word to the other delegates, most of + whom were still in their apartments. + </p> + <p> + The news spread like wildfire, and a general scramble followed in + hurriedly dressing and rushing downstairs to witness with their own eyes + such an unexpected turn in political affairs between two men who had been + at daggers drawn. + </p> + <p> + Within a very short time the dining-room was well filled with delegates, + but neither Bragdon nor Carlisle paid any attention; nor were they + seemingly conscious that all eyes were turned upon them. Each was + felicitating himself on the turn of events. Then, too, their amiability, + as well as their appetites, had no doubt been whetted into keenest + activity by the cocktails. + </p> + <p> + Ben Bragdon, after breakfast, gave orders that the Hon. W. Henry Carlisle + was to be made both temporary and permanent chairman, and Carlisle + likewise announced that the Hon. Ben Bragdon was to be nominated as + senatorial candidate by acclamation; and each issued his instructions in + such a matter-of-fact, yet stubbornly blunt fashion, that no one offered + any objection or asked any questions. + </p> + <p> + The delegates looked at each other, nudged one another in the ribs and + indulged in many a sly wink of suppressed amusement. But they all quickly + recognized the political advantage insured by a coalition of the Bragdon + and Carlisle forces, and the utter dismay this would cause in the camp of + the Democrats. Therefore they all became “programme” men and + took their orders meekly. So when the convention finally met and got down + to business with Carlisle presiding, it at once proceeded to nominate Ben + Bragdon by a unanimous vote. + </p> + <p> + Seemingly everybody cheered on the slightest provocation and everybody was + in excellent good nature, and after the convention had completed its + labors and adjourned, it was conceded to have been one of the most + harmonious political gatherings ever held in the state. Thus was the + prediction of Earle Clemens, the newspaper scribe, fulfilled to the very + letter. + </p> + <p> + The convention over, the delegates drifted back to the Ferris House and + not long after Big Phil Lee called at Clemens’ room. The editor was + picking away at his typewriter, preparing a report for the columns of his + paper. Grant Jones, Roderick Warfield, and two or three others were in the + room, smoking and talking. But Clemens paid no attention, so intent was he + on his work. Big Phil Lee, who without doubt had been Bragdon’s + loudest shouter, said: “Say, Clemens, I compliment you on your + prophetic editorials. I reckon you are writing another one. You said the + convention would be harmonious, and how in the demnition bow-wows your + prophecy happened to come true nobody knows. But it did.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” replied Clemens, in his light-hearted jovial way, + and then looking out of the window for a moment, added: “I say, Lee, + don’t it beat hell what a little clever horse sense will accomplish + at times in a political convention?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” asked Big Phil, quickly. “You + seem to be posted. By gad! I think it’s high time I was taken into + the inner councils myself and had the seemingly inexplainable made clear + to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Search me,” replied Clemens in a subdued voice, as he bit the + tip of another cigar and struck a match. “Neither Bragdon nor + Carlisle has invited me into any of their secret conferences.” + </p> + <p> + Big Phil Lee looked a bit incredulous, shook his head in a nonplussed sort + of way and said: “Well, so long, boys. I’m goin’ down to + the hotel parlor where Bragdon is holding his reception. They are falling + over one another congratulating Carlisle about as much as they are + Bragdon.” + </p> + <p> + As the door closed behind him, Clemens looked up from his typewriter and + said to Grant Jones, laughingly: “Say, Grant, remember what the Good + Book says?” + </p> + <p> + “Says lots of things—what do you refer to?” asked Grant + </p> + <p> + Clemens replied: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones came over close to him and said: “Look here, Clemens.” + And he fixed him with his eyes as if searching for an answer to that which + was veiled in mystery. But Clemens stood the ordeal and presently Jones + burst out laughing: “It’s all right, Clemens, the <i>Herald</i> + has sure put one over on the <i>Doublejack</i> this time. I don’t + know how it was done, and maybe I never will know. But take it from me, it + was clever—damned clever!” + </p> + <p> + Clemens made no reply, but removing his cigar winked at Roderick Warfield + who was sitting near, puffed rings of smoke toward the ceiling and + afterwards whistled softly the air of “Wyoming,” the state + song, even while he smiled the smile of a knowledge that surpasses + understanding. + </p> + <p> + Delegates and sightseers, Republicans and Democrats, who had journeyed to + see a hotly contested nomination, ostensibly for the state senate but + really for political supremacy, were good-natured and jovial when they + started on the return trip. Big Phil Lee shouted to Earle Gemens who was + on the other stage and said: “We are such a happy family, I presume + we will return on the same road instead of dividing and horse racing.” + </p> + <p> + Clemens and the other returning passengers on the hurricane deck laughed + good-naturedly and said: “Sure, we will stick together from now on + and fight the Democrats.” Presently the crowd commenced singing + vigorously—if a bunch of discordant voices could be so described—various + popular airs of the day. + </p> + <p> + That evening a reception was given Ben Bragdon at the hotel Bonhomme in + Encampment, and the affair was presided over by W. Henry Carlisle. It was + interpreted that the breach between these two attorneys had been + effectually healed to the discomfiture of the Democrats. But no one save + and except Earle Clemens knew how it had been brought about. + </p> + <p> + Roderick Warfield slipped away early from the scene of jubilation, and + carried the glorious news to the Shields’ ranch that Ben Bragdon had + been unanimously nominated. Barbara, with the flush of radiant joy on her + face, could no longer deny the soft impeachment, and he boldly + congratulated her on her coming wedding to the senator-elect for southern + Wyoming. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII.—THE UPLIFTING OF HUMANITY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE following + evening Roderick called at the Major’s home, and found a visitor + there, a stranger yet very well known to him by reputation. This was no + other than the Reverend Stephen Grannon, the travelling parson, of whose + fame as a doer of good deeds at the cost of complete self-sacrifice and + self-denial, Roderick had often heard. + </p> + <p> + “Delighted to see you, Roderick,” said the Major. “Come + right in. You know, of course, the most noted man in the camp—the + man with the saddle bags. What? Never met yet? Well, it is a great + pleasure to me to make you two acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + After cordial greetings had been exchanged Major Hampton continued: + “We have just been discussing some of the great problems of + humanity. Pardon me, my dear friend, but I wish to say to Mr. Warfield + that if I were called upon today to name the greatest humanitarian with + whom I am acquainted I certainly should say—the Reverend Stephen + Grannon.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me too much honor,” interposed the parson hastily. + “You compliment me far too highly.” Major Hampton went on as + if the Reverend Stephen Grannon had made no interruption: “The + school of humanitarianism is small in number, but the combined results of + their labors directed through the channels of service in the behalf of + humanity bear the stamp of greatness. The sincere lover of his fellows + recognizes that the poor of this world have borne and are still bearing + the burdens of the race. The poor have built all the monuments along the + world’s highway of civilization. They have produced all the wealth + from the hills and from the soil The poor of the world have endured the + hardships of conquering the wilds and erecting outposts on the border of + civilization. Indeed they conquer everything except the fetters that bind + them and hold them as an asset of great corporate power that is heartless + and soulless and indifferent to the privations and sufferings of the + individual.” + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Stephen Grannon gave it as his view that the mission of a + humanitarian was not to hinder the world’s progress, nor even to + prejudice anyone against the fortune gathering of the rich, but rather to + dispell the darkness of injustice and assist the great army of the + impoverished to a better understanding of their rights as well as their + powers to conquer the evils that have throughout the ages crept into and + clung to our civilization. + </p> + <p> + “Poverty,” he remarked, “is the cause of much misery and + often the impelling motive to immorality and crime in many forms. Men + often sell and barter their votes and birthrights in this free country to + bribe givers—wily politicians—while our girls are not + infrequently lured into selling their very souls for ribbons and the + gaudiness and shams of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the cure?” asked Roderick, greatly interested. + </p> + <p> + “The cure,” responded the preacher, “is the regeneration + of mankind through the leavening and uplifting power of the principles + taught by the humble humanitarian of Galilee, the great prince of + righteousness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” chimed in Major Hampton, “the Reverend Stephen + Grannon has given you the solution for the problem. Add to this a higher + education. The more highly educated the individual,” continued the + Major, “the greater the crime if they break the law.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Roderick, “this is a free country and we + have free schools. Why do not the poor have a better education?” + </p> + <p> + Reverend Grannon turned quickly to Roderick and replied: “You come + with me to the twenty-odd mining camps, Mr. Warfield, surrounding this + town of Encampment—come with me up in the hills where there are no + schools—see the little children growing up in carelessness because + of the impossibility on the part of their fathers and mothers to provide + them with school privileges. In the school room the teacher becomes the + overseer not alone of their studies but of their morals as well. Let me + take you down in the mines,” he continued, speaking with great + earnestness, “and see the boys from twelve years to twenty-one years + working day after day, many of them never having had school privileges and + therefore unable to read or write.” + </p> + <p> + He paused for just a moment, then resumed: “It brings to my mind + what a very wise man once wrote. It was King Solomon, and among many other + splendid truths he said: ‘The rich man’s wealth is his strong + city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty.’.rdquo; + </p> + <p> + “Roderick,” said the Major as he lit his meerschaum and blew + the smoke towards the ceiling, “my heart is very light tonight, for + I have arranged with the assistance of the Reverend Stephen Grannon to + help relieve this lamentable situation in those mining camps up in the + mountains away from school privileges. I have recently taken the matter up + with the county commissioners and have agreed to build twenty + schoolhouses. Each schoolhouse will consist of two rooms. One will be for + the smaller children during the day and also to serve as a night school + for the young men and young women who are employed in manual labor during + working hours. The other room is a library sufficiently large and spacious + to accommodate the young men of each mining community and thus keep them + away from saloons, brothels, and prize ring attractions. One hour each + evening will be taken up by a reader and a regular course of entertaining + books will be read aloud in a serial way. The books in the library will be + loaned out on tickets and the usual library rules observed.” + </p> + <p> + “Splendid,” said Roderick, “that sounds practical to me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is practical,” said the Reverend Stephen Grannon, “and + thanks to Major Buell Hampton this plan which I have cherished for so many + years will soon be put into effect.” + </p> + <p> + Looking at his watch he turned to the Major and said: “By the way, + Major, I have a couple of poor families to visit tonight. I have promised + them, and they will be disappointed if I do not come.” He arose as + he said this. + </p> + <p> + “My good friend,” replied Buell Hampton, “I am sorry you + cannot remain longer with us, but I would not keep you from your duties.” + </p> + <p> + The Reverend Stephen Grannon put on his top coat, as the evenings were + growing chilly, and after shaking hands took his departure. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone and the door closed, Major Hampton turned to Roderick and + holding up one hand said reverently: “Of such is the kingdom of + heaven. In all my lifetime, Roderick, I have never known another such + splendid character. I have closely observed his work ever since I came to + this camp. Perhaps in his entire lifetime he has not collected fifty + dollars in money. He says he does not want money.” + </p> + <p> + “But he must have money to live on.” + </p> + <p> + “Above all money considerations,” said the Major, looking into + the darkened corner of his living room, “he wants to save souls here + on this earth so that he will have more jewels in his crown over yonder—these + are his own words. There is not a family in the surrounding country that + he is not acquainted with. If there is sickness he is the first one there. + Where the greatest poverty abounds you will find him. He goes out and + solicits alms for those in distress, but keeps nothing for himself + excepting the frailest living. Go through the valley or up in the mountain + gorges or still farther up in the mining camps where the snow never melts + from the shady side of the log cabins, and you will find this noble + character, Reverend Stephen Grannon, doing his good work for the poor—ministering + to their wants and endeavoring to lift humanity into higher walks, + physically, morally, and spiritually.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you have told me all this,” replied Roderick. + “It increases my already high opinion of the parson.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a veritable shepherd among the people,” continued Major + Hampton. “Reverend Grannon is the true flockmaster of Wyoming. The + people are frequently unruly, boisterous, intemperate and immoral, yet he + treats them with greatest consideration and seeks to persuade and lead + them away from their sins and transgressions. Yes, he is a great + flockmaster—he is well named The Flockmaster.” + </p> + <p> + Both were silent for a few moments. Then the Major, as if suddenly + remembering something, looked up and said: “He tells me Scotty + Meisch is getting along fine over in the <i>Dillon Doublejack</i> printing + office.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear that,” exclaimed Roderick. “It is + good to have saved at least one lad from going the way of those outlaws of + Jack Creek. I have never forgotten that ghastly midnight scene—the + massacred sheep and the burning herders’ wagons.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what can you expect?” asked the Major. “When the + social waters are poisoned at the fountain head, the whole course of the + stream becomes pernicious. In this state of Wyoming the standard of + political decency is not high. The people have no real leaders to look up + to. The United States Senator, F. E. Greed, sets a pernicious example to + the rising generation. He violates laws in scores of instances because of + his greed and grafting proclivities, and his bribed supporters go on year + after year supporting him. What the state needs is a leader. High-minded + leaders are priceless. Their thoughts and their deeds are the richest + legacy to a state or a community. Great leaders are beacon lights kindled + upon the mountain peaks of the centuries, illuminating the mental and + moral atmosphere of civilization. The history of the world—of a + nation, of a state and of a community—is the story of their epochal + deeds, while man’s advancement is only the lengthened shadow of + their moral, spiritual and temporal examples. Leaders come up from the + crowd, from among the poor and the lowly. They are immediately recognized + by the great mass of the people and invariably crowned, although sometimes + it is a crown of thorns that they are compelled to wear and endure for + upholding priceless principles in their endeavor to lead humanity to a + higher plane. However,” concluded the Major, “the world is + growing better. The nimble-fingered, tilltapping, porch-climbing derelicts + in politics and commercialism are becoming unpopular. The reprehensible + methods in all avenues of life are being condemned instead of condoned—the + goats are being cast out from among the sheep.” + </p> + <p> + “You interest me very much, Major,” said Roderick. “Your + ideals are so high, your aims so decent and right, that it is a pleasure + to hear you talk. I am a firm believer,” Roderick went on, “in + the justice of the doctrine that all men are created free and equal.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a sad commentary,” replied Major Hampton, “in + this land where liberty is cherished and our Government corner-stoned upon + the theory that all men are free and equal, that even the soberest of us + are compelled, my dear Roderick, to regard such affirmations as + blasphemous. To illustrate: An employee in one of the big manufacturing + combinations committed a burglary—almost petty larceny in its + smallness—another case of Jean Valjean stealing bread for his + children—and yet he was tried before an alleged court of justice and + sent to the penitentiary for ten years. The head of the same institution + pillaged multiplied millions from the poor in unjust and lawless + extortions. When he was caught red-handed in his lawbreaking, instead of + sharing a prison cell with the poor man our courts indulgently permitted + this great highwayman six months’ time in which to reorganize and + have legalized his methods of stealing.” + </p> + <p> + “Such rank injustice,” exclaimed Roderick, “makes my + blood tingle with indignation. It is surely high time a determined crusade + was led against the privileged classes.” + </p> + <p> + The Major made no reply but after a little, looking up from the open grate + and turning to Roderick, he asked him if he was aware that the next day + was the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Encampment Mine and + Smelting Company. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is it?” said Roderick. “Some time ago I noticed + something in the newspapers about the meeting, but as it was of no + particular moment to me I had forgotten it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Major Hampton, “and I guess I will now tell + you that I have been holding a secret from you.” + </p> + <p> + “That so?” exclaimed Roderick questioningly. + </p> + <p> + “You will remember,” the Major went on, “that I left you + in Denver after we made the big ore shipment and that I was away for three + or four weeks. Well, I went to New York, employed two or three big brokers + down on Wall Street, and commenced buying Encampment Mine and Smelter + Company stock on the exchange. Working jointly with a new friend I have + discovered, a professional man of finance yet a true friend of humanity, I + have absolute control of the stock today.” + </p> + <p> + “You have?” exclaimed Roderick. “You own a control of + the stock in this great smelter and the Ferris-Haggerty mine?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the whole enterprise is virtually in our ownership. Well, + something is going to happen tomorrow at the stockholders’ meeting + which I fear will not be pleasant to certain individuals. But duty compels + me to pursue a course I have mapped out. My chosen work in life is to + serve the poor, yet in trying to fulfill this mission I harbor no + resentful thoughts against the rich as a class nor do I intend for them + any unfair treatment.” + </p> + <p> + “If the people only knew,” remarked Roderick, softly, “you + are without doubt one of the richest men in this part of the country and + yet you so honestly prefer the simple life.” + </p> + <p> + “There are two kinds of rich people,” continued the Major. + “One class is arrogant and unfeeling; they hoard money by fair means + or foul for money’s sake and for the power it brings. The other + class use their wealth not to oppress but to relieve the worthy poor. + Personally, Warfield, I do not regard the money which accident has made + mine as being in any sense a personal possession. Rather do I hold it as a + trust fund. Of course I am grateful. The money enlarges my opportunity to + do things for my fellows that I wish to do.” + </p> + <p> + The Major paused a moment, then resumed: “Do you remember, Roderick, + when I first told you, Jim Rankin and the others about my hidden mine that + I said there were six men in the world whom I held in highest esteem?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember well,” assented Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Well, five of you were present then—Tom Sun, Boney Earnest, + and Grant Jones, with yourself and Jim. For the absent sixth one I + specifically reserved a share in my prosperity, although at the time I + withheld his name. Now you know it He is the one entitled to most + consideration among us all—the Reverend Stephen Grannon.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he is,” concurred Roderick, with hearty conviction. + “He can do more good in the world than all the rest of us together, + yourself excepted, Major.” + </p> + <p> + “At present, perhaps,” said Buell Hampton. “But let his + shining example be an incentive to you all—to us all. Well, in a + confidential way, I will tell you, Roderick, that when in New York I also + purchased a large block of bonds that yields an income of something like + $20,000 per year. This income I have legally turned over with proper + writings to the Reverend Stephen Grannon, and already I think you will + discover a vast improvement in the mining camps and throughout the valleys + among the poor. For Stephen Grannon is a godly man and a true + humanitarian.” + </p> + <p> + “My word, but that’s great—that’s grand!” + murmured Roderick with deep enthusiasm. And he gazed at Buell Hampton’s + noble soul-lit face admiringly. + </p> + <p> + The Major rose to his feet—his usual method of intimating that he + wished to be alone. Roderick grasped his hand, and would have spoken + further, but Buell Hampton interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + “Say no more, my dear boy. I am glad that you have been interested + in what I had to say tonight. The veil was lifted and you saw me as I am—anxious + to be of benefit to my fellows. I shall indeed be proud if you find these + doctrines not merely acceptable to yourself, but in some degree at least + stimulative in your acts toward the worthy poor and lowly as the years + come and go.” + </p> + <p> + As Roderick walked slowly along the street deep in thought over Buell + Hampton’s words, he came suddenly upon W. B. Grady and several well + dressed strangers at a street corner. The visitors, he surmised, were + eastern directors of the big smelting company who had come to Encampment + for the stockholders’ meeting on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII.—JUSTICE FOR THE WORKERS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE next morning at + ten o’clock, Major Buell + </p> + <p> + Hampton walked down to the smelter office. He was met at the door of the + directors’ room by the general manager, Mr. W. B. Grady. Despite a + bold front Grady looked careworn and anxious. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on there,” he said as the Major started to enter. + “What do you want?” He spoke roughly. “This is a meeting + of some gentlemen who are interested in the Smelter.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said the Major. “I came down to attend the + stockholders’ meeting.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can’t go in,” said Grady. “Stockholders’ + meetings of this company are private. We do not furnish entertainment and + gossip for onlookers like a justice of the peace court.” + </p> + <p> + “That may all be true—I hope it is true, Mr. Grady,” + said the Major, and he looked him in the eyes with more of pity than of + anger depicted on his face. The crafty manager cringed before the critical + inspection. + </p> + <p> + “I am here strictly on business,” continued Buell Hampton. + “I am a stockholder.” + </p> + <p> + “You a stockholder in our Smelter Company?” + </p> + <p> + “I have that honor,” replied the Major, tersely. “Or at + least I hold powers of attorney from the largest group of stockholders in + your company.” + </p> + <p> + An ashen grey crept into Grady’s face. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” he faltered. “You are not a + shareholder of record on our books.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but you will find as shareholders of record the names of + Charles T. Brown, George Edward Reed, Herbert Levy, Daniel W. Higbee, and + a few others about whom I need not bother.” + </p> + <p> + A new light broke over Grady. He looked more sickly than ever. + </p> + <p> + “These are recent purchasers of stock,” he said, “in New + York and also, if I remember rightly, in Iowa.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely, and together these buyers now hold the controlling + interest in your company. Here are the legal documents constituting me the + attorney for all these men.” He drew a neat little packet of papers + from the breast pocket of his coat. “In other words I am these men—I + hold the controlling power, although I did not choose to disclose the fact + until this morning. Now, will you please let me pass? Thank you.” + </p> + <p> + If a pistol had been thrust against the ribs of W. B. Grady, he could not + have looked more utterly scared. He had stepped aside to let the Major + pass and now bluff and bluster changed swiftly to sycophancy. + </p> + <p> + “All right, Major Hampton,” he said, in his most ingratiating + manner. “Walk right in and let me introduce you to some of the other + stockholders. Of course, only a few of them are here.” + </p> + <p> + The Major followed him into the directors’ room and was duly + presented. + </p> + <p> + “This,” said Grady with patronizing suavity, “is an old + fellow townsman of ours here in Encampment and a friend of mine. Here, + Major, take this chair,” insisted Grady. “You see we are all a + happy family together.” + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton could not but contrast the fawning manner of the general + manager before his superiors, the directors of the Company, with his + notoriously overbearing and insolent treatment of the workingmen. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the chairman, “fortunately we have a very + good manager.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Grady with increased affability. + </p> + <p> + “For myself, I am pleased and delighted at the general manager’s + report which I presume it will be in order now to have read. I think we + have all seen it in advance.” + </p> + <p> + The Major shook his head in dissent but made no comment. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the meeting was called to order, and after the preliminaries + were concluded Mr. W. B. Grady proceeded to read a rather brief but very + interesting annual report. + </p> + <p> + His report was not only a business summary of a most successful fiscal + year, but also abounded with more or less veiled laudations of himself in + his capacity of manager. + </p> + <p> + Attorney Wm. Henry Carlisle, who combined with his legal position a seat + on the board of directors, advised that the election of a directorate for + the ensuing year was in order. By this time it was known to the other + shareholders present that Major Buell Hampton owned or represented a + control of the stock. This rather upset the cut-and-dried program. + </p> + <p> + W. B. Grady, addressing the chairman, said that he presumed Major Buell + Hampton would appreciate being elected a member of the board of directors, + and if the Company’s attorney, Mr. Carlisle, did not object perhaps + it would be well for him to vacate his seat so as to make room for the new + incumbent. + </p> + <p> + Carlisle’s face grew very red at this attempted slight but he said + nothing. + </p> + <p> + Major Buell Hampton arose, and addressing the chairman said: “Since + I have acquired control of the stock of this Company, I have decided that + Mr. Grady shall not be re-elected as a director. But in the first place I + wish to ask of all stockholders present what their intentions are + regarding the declaring of a dividend?” + </p> + <p> + With this he resumed his seat. + </p> + <p> + By every lineament on Grady’s face one could see that he was + furious. + </p> + <p> + “I presume,” said the chairman, “that it would be proper + to follow the suggestion of Mr. Grady, our general manager, and declare a + dividend of seventy-two per cent on the capital stock.” + </p> + <p> + Major Buell Hampton, again addressing the chair, remarked that seventy-two + per cent, was certainly a fat dividend. But for himself he had purchased a + control of the Company’s stock for the purpose of introducing some + innovations in its management, and in order that there might be no + misunderstanding he felt it was now proper to present his views. If any of + the directors were not in harmony, why, of course, it would be inadvisable + for them to stand for re-election to a directorate over which he intended + henceforth to exercise a close supervision. + </p> + <p> + “I now wish to ask the directors of the Company this question,” + added the Major. “What about Boney Earnest’s dividend?” + </p> + <p> + He paused for a reply. + </p> + <p> + For a moment the stockholders and representatives of stockholders present + seemed almost dumfounded. They turned to the manager, Mr. Grady, who + answered the Major by saying he did not know that Boney Earnest, the + dismissed blast furnace foreman, was a stockholder or had any investment + in the concern—“it was all news to him,” he added with a + weak attempt at levity. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton had remained standing, and by silent consent all waited for + him to reply to this statement. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, gentlemen,” he said quietly, “Boney Earnest may + not be a stockholder of record. But all the same he had his all invested + in this smelting plant. Day after day, during year after year, he stood + before the blast furnace, doing work of a class which few men could + endure. It is true he received a daily wage until the date of his + dismissal, but he had invested in addition to his daily duties almost a + life-time of ripe experience in the particular work he was doing for this + concern. In short, he had his all—his strength, his brain and his + experience—invested. In these circumstances I object,” + continued Major Hampton, “to a dividend of seventy-two per cent. I + notice from the manager’s report that he has made ample allowances + for betterments, replacements, and surplus, and even with all these very + proper provisions, the enormous possible dividend of seventy-two per cent, + still remains. An original capital stock of $500,000 and an annual + dividend of $360,000, certainly is a magnificent showing.” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton paused and all present clapped their hands gleefully, as if + the Major was coming around to their way of thinking. + </p> + <p> + After silence was restored he proceeded: “Money is worth probably + from five per cent, to six per cent, per annum on solid, non-hazardous + investments and at least double these figures or more on mining + investments which must be regarded as extremely hazardous. It is not, + however, worth seventy-two per cent. per annum. Therefore, gentlemen, we + will declare a dividend of six per cent, on the capital stock, which will + require $30,000. We will then add the capital stock to the pay roll. The + pay roll for the last year in round numbers is $1,100,000. The capital + stock is $500,000 or a total of both of $1,600,000. We will then declare + the remaining $330,000 of earnings into a dividend on the entire + $1,600,000 of capital stock and annual pay roll combined, which amounts to + a little over twenty per cent. This will give to the shareholders of our + company’s stock a little more than a twenty-six per cent, dividend.” + </p> + <p> + The Major sat down. Consternation was apparent on every countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Major,” said one of the eastern directors, “may I ask + you what would happen and what you would do in carrying out your + altruistic dream if the earnings did not amount to even six per cent, on + the money actually invested?” + </p> + <p> + The Major arose again and with great politeness replied: “Probably + we would not declare a dividend. If we had but $30,000 that could be + legitimately applied to dividend purposes, the amount would belong to the + stockholders. But anything above this preferred dividend to the + shareholders should be declared on the annual pay roll combined with and + added to the capital stock of the company, both classes of investors + participating in the surplus over and above six per cent, preferred + dividend. The question with me,” added the Major, “is this? + How many of you directors are in sympathy with the suggestion I have made?” + </p> + <p> + There came no answer, and he continued: “A while ago I expressed + myself against your manager for a position on the directorate. I always + have a reason for my decisions. It has come to me,” continued the + Major, “that while the original cost of this plant may have been + $500,000 yet by the wicked manipulation of the ‘system’ the + original shareholders were completely frozen out—legally robbed if + you please, of their investment and it is quite probable the Pennsylvania + crowd, the present owners or at least those who were the owners before I + purchased a control, paid very little in real money but much in duplicity + and ripened experience in the ways of the fox and the jackal. I have + learned on excellent authority that Mr. W. B. Grady, by stealth and + cunning, secured the underlying bonds from one of the former builders of + this great plant, and robbed him and left him penniless in his old age. + Unless other means of restitution be devised, the reimbursing of those + stolen sums out of my private purse will be one of my first duties and one + of my greatest pleasures.” + </p> + <p> + Grady rose, his face flushed with passion. But Buell Hampton waved him + down with his hand and calmly proceeded: “I will state another + innovation. There are seven directors who control the destinies of this + company. I now insist that the company’s attorney shall be + instructed to have the by-laws so amended that the head of each + department, beginning at the mine where we extract the ore, then the + tramway which carries the ore to the smelter and all the various + departments in the smelter including the converter—shall be elected + annually by the workers themselves in each of the seven departments. In + this way there will be seven foremen; and these seven foremen shall be + officially recognized by the amended by-laws of this company as an + advisory board of directors, entitled to sit and vote with the regular + directors at each monthly meeting and likewise with the stockholders in + their annual meeting.” + </p> + <p> + Had a bomb-shell been thrown into the stockholders’ meeting greater + consternation could not have been evinced’. Finally Attorney + Carlisle moved that an adjournment be taken until ten o’clock the + next day, at which time the stockholders would re-assemble and further + consider the unexpected and doubtless vital questions now under + consideration. The motion prevailed. + </p> + <p> + Of course the entire matter hinged first of all upon the election of a + directorate. During the adjournment Attorney Carlisle, peeved at Grady’s + readiness to drop him from the directorate, called on Major Hampton and + assured him he was in accord with the views he had expressed and that his + every suggestion could be legally complied with by amending the by-laws. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton, however, did not take the hint implied. He was courteous + but firm. The old régime had to go—the management must be changed, + lock, stock and barrel. Therefore there could be no further utilization of + Mr. Carlisle’s services as attorney for the company. Baffled and + discomfited the lawyer withdrew. He was full of indignation, not against + Major Hampton, but against Grady, for he had warned the latter against + selling a certain block of stock to part with which had jeopardized + control of the corporation. But Grady, in need of money, had replied that + there was no risk, the buying being sporadic and the existing directorate + in high favor with the stockholders because of its ability and readiness + to vote big dividends. + </p> + <p> + Grady had little dreamed that already considerable blocks of the stock had + passed, under various names, into the control of the Keokuk banker, Allen + Miller, to whom he had some time before mortgaged his Mine and Smelter + Company bonds, and who had reasons of his own for displacing Grady and + crippling him still more badly in his finances. Nor had he sensed the + danger that the scattered sales of stock in the East had been in reality + for a single buyer, Major Buell Hampton. Therefore he had been caught + quite unprepared for the combination of forces that was able now to throw + him down and out at the first meeting of stockholders. For once the fox + had slept and had been caught napping in the short grass, away from the + tall timber. + </p> + <p> + Carlisle had of late been too busy “doing politics,” and had + allowed matters to drift even though he had seen possible rocks ahead. Now + the two old-time confederates were blaming each other—Carlisle + denouncing Grady for parting with the stock control, Grady upbraiding + Carlisle for neglect in not having taken steps to discover who were the + real buyers of the shares being gradually transferred on the company’s + stock books. The blow, however, had fallen, and there was no means of + blocking the transfer of power into new hands. + </p> + <p> + When the stockholders’ meeting reconvened the following morning, + Major Buell Hampton submitted the names of five men whom he desired on the + directorate. They were—Roderick Warfield, Grant Jones, Boney Earnest + and himself, together with Ben Bragdon, who would also take up the duties + of attorney for the company. This left only a couple of places to be + filled by the eastern stockholders. Two names from among the old directors + were offered and accepted. Indeed the selection of directors became a + unanimous affair, for seeing themselves utterly defeated both Grady and + Carlisle, glaring at each other, had left the room. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton’s views on corporations and dividends, and his new + plan of management for the Smelter Company spread all over the camp with + astonishing rapidity, and there was general rejoicing among the miners and + laborers. + </p> + <p> + One employee in the smelter who had been with the company for some three + years made the discovery that, while he was receiving three dollars per + day, which meant an annual income to himself and family of $1095, his + dividend would bring him an extra lump sum of $219 annually. + </p> + <p> + When figuring this out to his wife he said: “Think of the pairs of + shoes it will buy for our kiddies, Bess.” + </p> + <p> + And the woman, an Irishwoman, had replied: “Bless the little darlin’s. + And hats and coats as well, not to speak of ribbons for the girls. God + bless the Major. Sure but he’s a wonderful man.” + </p> + <p> + Several workers sitting in a corner of the Red Dog saloon were calculating + with pencil and paper their annual dividends on the already famous Buell + Hampton plan. + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” said one of them after they had their several accounts + figured to the penny, “maybe we won’t make the dividend bigger + next year—what?” + </p> + <p> + “I should say,” responded another. “I’ll do at + least twice the work every day of the coming year, because there’s + now an object for us poor devils to keep busy all the time. We’re + sharing in the profits, that’s just what it means.” + </p> + <p> + “There’ll be a great reduction in breakage and waste,” + remarked another employee. + </p> + <p> + “The directors can leave it to us to make the next year’s + dividend a dandy one.” + </p> + <p> + These were just a few of the grateful encomiums flying around. + </p> + <p> + On the day following the stockholders’ meeting the newly elected + directors convened, all except Grant Jones, who was over at Dillon and had + not yet been advised of his election. After Major Buell Hampton had been + voted into the chair a communication from W. B. Grady was read, stating + that he wished to know at once if the directors desired his services for + the ensuing year; if so he required a written contract, and should the + directors not be ready to comply with this ultimatum they could interpret + this letter as a formal resignation. There was a general smile around the + directors’ table at this bluffing acceptance of the inevitable. It + was promptly moved, seconded, and carried unanimously that Mr. W. B. Grady + be at once relieved from all further connection with the Smelter Company’s + plant and business. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton then explained that in accordance with his scheme the men in + the various departments would be invited at an early date to elect their + foremen, and these foremen in turn would have the power, not to elect a + general manager, but to recommend one for the final consideration of the + directors. Until a permanent appointment was made he suggested that Boney + Earnest, the blast furnace foreman dismissed by the late manager because + of a personal quarrel, should take charge of the plant, he being a man of + tried experience and worthy of absolute trust. This suggestion was + promptly turned into a substantive motion and adopted by formal + resolution. The meeting adjourned after Director Bragdon in his capacity + as company attorney had been instructed to proceed immediately to the work + of preparing the proper amendments to the by-laws and taking all legal + steps necessary to put into operation the new plan. + </p> + <p> + Thus neither mine nor smelting plant was shut down, but everything went on + without interruption and with greater vigor than before the momentous + meetings of stockholders and directors. The only immediate visible effect + of the company’s radical change in policy was Grady’s + deposition from the post which had enabled him to exercise a cruel tyranny + over the workingmen. + </p> + <p> + And in the solitude of his home the dismissed manager, broken financially + although those around him did not yet know it, was nursing schemes of + revenge against Buell Hampton, the man of mystery who had humiliated him + and ousted him from power. + </p> + <p> + Where was his henchman, Bud Bledsoe?—that was the question throbbing + in Grady’s brain. But Bud Bledsoe was now an outlaw among the hills, + with a price on his head and a sheriff’s posse ready at a moment’s + notice to get on his heels. + </p> + <p> + “By God, I’ve got to find him,” muttered Grady. And that + night, in the falling dusk, he rode out alone into the mountain + fastnesses. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX.—SLEIGH BELLS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE morning after + the directors’ meeting, when Roderick awakened and looked out of the + window, he found the air filled with flakes of falling snow. He wasted no + time over his toilet. Immediately after breakfast he bundled up snugly and + warmly, went over to the livery stable and engaged a team and a sleigh. + Soon after, the horses decorated with the best string of sleigh bells the + livery could provide, he was holding the reins taut and sailing down + through the main street of the little mining town headed for the country. + He was going to the Shields ranch. Half a dozen invitations had been + extended him during the past weeks, and he told himself he had been + neglectful of his old employer. + </p> + <p> + When he reached the ranch and his team was duly stabled, the sleigh run in + out of the storm, he was cordially welcomed by the family before a roaring + fire of cheerfulness, and a multitude of questions were poured upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not come sooner and what about Major Hampton and the + smelter? We have heard all sorts of wonderful things?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what have you heard about the Major?” inquired Roderick, + endeavoring to get a lead to the things that had evoked such surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you,” said Barbara. “Papa heard of it the + day before yesterday when he was in town. The stockholders were having a + meeting, and people said it had turned out to the surprise of everyone + that Major Hampton was the owner of a control of the company’s + stock.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Roderick, “the rumor is correct. Great + things have indeed happened. But haven’t you heard from Ben Bragdon?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose he has been too busy reconstructing the by-laws and + the company’s affairs generally. Major Hampton has put him in as + attorney. There’s a financial plum for you, Miss Barbara.” + </p> + <p> + “And Mr. Carlisle?” she asked in great astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Like W. B. Grady, he is down and out,” replied Roderick. + “There’s been a clean sweep. And behold in me a full-blossomed + member of the board of directors. Our chairman, the Major, has handed me + over a small library of books about smelting of ores, company management, + and so on. He tells me I’ve got to get busy and learn the business—that + I’m slated as vice-president and assistant manager, or something of + that kind. What do you think of all that, Mr. Shields? There’s a + rise in the world for your cowboy and broncho-buster of a few months ago.” + </p> + <p> + The cattle king and all the others warmly congratulated Roderick on his + rising fortunes. Dorothy now took the lead in the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “You folks, keep still a moment until I ask Mr. Warfield just one + question,” she said eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” exclaimed Roderick, quickly, “I can answer the + question. No, Grant Jones has not been over to Encampment for quite a + while.” + </p> + <p> + A general laugh followed. + </p> + <p> + “He has a devil over at his office,” added Roderick gravely. + </p> + <p> + “A what?” they exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “A devil. You surely know what a devil in a printing office is? It + is a young fellow who washes the ink from the rolls and cleans the type or + something of that sort—sweeps out, makes fires and does a wholesale + janitor business. If he is faithful for fifteen or twenty years, then he + learns to set type and becomes a printer. Grant is breaking his new devil + in. Scotty Meisch, formerly one of your father’s cowboys, is his + name.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, little Scotty,” exclaimed Barbara. “I remember him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, does that necessarily keep Grant away?” asked Dorothy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, he is not necessarily kept away. He is probably a believer, + Miss Dorothy, that absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ I was very + disappointed,” Roderick went hurriedly on, smiling, “that + Grant was not in town to share the sleigh with me in coming over this + morning. Of course he doesn’t know it yet, but he also has been + elected as one of the directors of the Encampment Mine and Smelter + Company.” + </p> + <p> + “He has?” exclaimed Dorothy, her face lighting: “My + word, but he’ll be all puffed up, won’t he?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” replied Roderick, “Grant is a very sensible + fellow and he selects his friends and associates with marked + discrimination.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s what I think,” concurred Dorothy + emphatically. + </p> + <p> + She was not a little embarrassed by a second ebullition of general + laughter. There was a flush of rising color on her pretty cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t care,” she added bravely. “If I + like anybody I let them know about it, and that’s all there is to be + said.” + </p> + <p> + While luncheon was in progress, Roderick suggested that as the sleighing + was very good and his sleigh a very large one—the seat exceedingly + wide—the young ladies should come sleigh-riding with him in the + afternoon. + </p> + <p> + “Splendid,” shouted the sisters in unison. “Certainly, + we will be delighted provided mother has no objections.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” said Mrs. Shields, good-naturedly. “This first + snow of the season makes me feel like having a sleigh-ride myself. But, + there, your seat certainly won’t take four of us, and I know that + Mr. Shields is too busy to think of getting out his sleigh this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’LL tell you what I’ll do, Mrs. Shields,” + said Roderick, stirring his coffee. “I’ll take you for a ride + first. We will go as far as the river and back again, and then if the + young ladies are real good why of course I’ll give them the next + spin.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” said Mrs. Shields, “you young people go on and + have your sleigh ride and a good time.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” objected Barbara. “You shall have the first sleigh + ride, Mama, and if you don’t go then Dorothy and I stay at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Come now, Mrs. Shields,” urged Roderick, “accept my + invitation, for I see if you don’t I shall not be able to persuade + the young ladies to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mother,” said Dorothy, “it is just lovely of him + to invite you, and certainly the sleigh ride will be invigorating. The + truth is, we girls will enjoy the ride afterwards doubly if we know you + have had the first ride of the season before we have ours.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Mrs. Shields, “since you all insist, + so let it be.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after Roderick’s team was hitched to the sleigh and came + jingling down to the front gate. Mrs. Shields was tucked snugly in under + the robes and away they dashed with sleigh bells jingling, down the road + towards the Platte River several miles away. + </p> + <p> + When they got back Barbara and Dorothy were in readiness, and Roderick + started away with them amid much merry laughter and promises from the + girls to be home when they got home but not before. The snow was still + falling in great big flakes and the cushion beneath the runners was soft + and thick. Mile followed mile, and it was late in the afternoon when the + sleighing party found themselves in Encampment. Roderick insisted that the + young ladies should have supper at the Hotel Bonhomme; they would start on + the return trip home immediately afterwards. + </p> + <p> + When the sleigh drove up to the hotel, who should be looking out of the + front door but Grant Jones? He rushed outside and assisted the sisters to + alight. + </p> + <p> + “I will be back in a few minutes,” shouted Roderick, as he + dashed away to the livery stable. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Joe,” said Roderick while the horses were being + unhitched, “I will want the rig again after dinner, and Grant Jones + will also want a sleigh.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” replied the stableman. “I can fix him out + all right and everything will be in readiness. Just telephone and I’ll + send the rip over to the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + At the dinner table Grant Jones was at his best. He had already heard + about the Smelter Company affairs and his own election as a director, and + waved the topic aside. It was the surprise of seeing Dorothy that filled + him with good-humor and joviality. As the meal progressed he turned to + Roderick and said: “Oh, yes, Roderick, I’ve just been hearing + from Scotty Meisch that during the summer months you learned to be a great + trout fisherman.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Roderick with a smile, “I certainly had a + great trout-fishing experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” asked Barbara quickly. + </p> + <p> + “On the South Fork of the Encampment River.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Roderick Warfield,” said Barbara quite emphatically, + “I invited you to go trout fishing with me a good many times, and + you told me I should be the one to teach you the gentle art. Instead of + this you go away and learn to catch trout all alone. How many did you + catch?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick reddened with embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-six,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that was a pretty good catch for a novice. How big were they?” + </p> + <p> + “About two pounds,” Roderick answered, absent-mindedly. + </p> + <p> + Grant Jones was fairly choking with laughter. “I say, Barbara,” + he began. + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t go trout fishing alone,” interrupted Roderick + quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Barbara,” persisted Grant, calling to her across + the table. But Barbara was all attention to Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Who went with you?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Gail Holden,” he replied and his face was actually + crimson. + </p> + <p> + Barbara laid down her knife and fork and leaned back in her chair, placed + her arms akimbo with her pretty hands on her slender waist line, and + looked at Roderick as if she were an injured child. Finally she said: + “Trifler!” Then everybody laughed at Roderick’s + confusion. + </p> + <p> + But he quickly recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + “Trifler yourself!” he laughed back in rejoinder. “What + about Ben Bragdon? What would he have said had we gone trout-fishing + together?” + </p> + <p> + “You were not out of the running then,” said Barbara archly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I was, although the secret was to be kept until after the + nomination for senator.” + </p> + <p> + It was Barbara’s turn now to blush. She looked around in some + bewilderment. Grant had bestowed a vigorous kick on Roderick’s shins + beneath the table. Only then did Roderick realize that he had broken a + confidence. Dorothy was eyeing Grant reproachfully. It was a case of + broken faith all round. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you sisters have no secrets from each other,” exclaimed + Roderick, meeting the situation with a bright smile. “In just the + same way Grant and I are chums and brothers. Besides it was a friendly + warning. I was saved in time from the danger of shattered hopes and a + broken heart, Miss Barbara.” + </p> + <p> + “So went fishing for consolation,” she replied with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “And found it,” laughed Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Who says that?” demanded Roderick, sternly. “Miss + Holden would have every reason seriously to object.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil says it,” replied Grant, assuming a grave + countenance. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a poor joke,” said Roderick, offended. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Scotty Meisch is an observant lad,” remarked the editor + drily. + </p> + <p> + “The printer’s devil!” cried Dorothy, clapping her + hands. And all four laughed heartily—Roderick most heartily of all + despite his momentary dudgeon. + </p> + <p> + “Then since all these whispers are going about,” remarked + Barbara when quiet was restored, “I think it will be advisable for + me to have a heart-to-heart talk with Gail.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, please don’t,” faltered Roderick. “Really, + you know, there’s no foundation for all this talk—all this + nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed? Then all the more need for me to drop her a friendly + warning—guard her against shattered hopes and a broken heart and all + that sort of thing.” + </p> + <p> + The tables were fairly turned, but Barbara, with quick woman’s wit, + saw that Roderick was really pained at the thought lest Gail Holden might + learn of this jesting with her name. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t be afraid,” she said, reassuringly. “We + three will keep your secret, young man. We are all chums and brothers, + aren’t we now?” And with one accord, laughing yet serious too, + they all shook hands to seal the bond, and any breaches of confidence in + the past were forgiven and forgotten. + </p> + <p> + It had been a merry supper party, but it was now time to be starting for + the ranch. As they rose from the table Roderick turned to Grant and said: + “You will have to excuse me, old boy, as I am taking the ladies + home.” + </p> + <p> + “Taking the ladies home? Well, ain’t I goin’ along?” + asked Grant, with a doleful look at Dorothy. + </p> + <p> + “No room in our sleigh,” said Roderick coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick,” said Grant, half sotto voce, “you are cruel.” + But Roderick was unsympathetic and did not even smile. He turned away + indifferently. Drawing Barbara aside, he told her in an undertone of the + arrangements he had made with the livery stable for an extra sleigh. + </p> + <p> + “Then you’ll be alone with me,” she said, with an amused + smile. “Won’t you be afraid? Broken heart, etc?” + </p> + <p> + “Not now,” he replied sturdily. + </p> + <p> + “Or of Mr. Bragdon? He mightn’t like it, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m not afraid of him,” laughed Roderick. “And + I guess he will trust me—and you,” he added gently and with a + chivalrous little bow. + </p> + <p> + Shortly the sleighs were brought round to the hotel. Grant was beside + himself with delight when he discovered the extra rig for himself and + Dorothy, and he laughingly shouted to Roderick: “I say, old man, you’re + the best ever.” Soon the merrymakers were tucked snugly beneath the + lap robes, and were speeding over the glistening expanse of snow to the + joyous tinkle of the silver bells. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX.—WHITLEY ADAMS BLOWS IN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">R</span>ODERICK WARFIELD’S + election to a seat on the board of directors of the Encampment Mine and + Smelter Company had for him a series of most unexpected consequences. He + had had no knowledge that Uncle Allen Miller and a number of his financial + followers in Iowa were now large stockholders in the corporation. Nor had + he been aware that Major Buell Hampton, after his journey to New York, had + visited the Keokuk banker. The Major had learned from his brokers in Wall + Street that Allen Miller was on the market for this particular stock and + had already acquired a considerable holding. Hence his flying business + visit to Keokuk, which had resulted in the combination of forces that had + gained the control and ousted Grady, Carlisle, and their pawns on the old + directorate. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton had since been in continuous correspondence with the banker, + but had never for a moment associated the names of Allen Miller and + Roderick Warfield as having any possible connection by relationship or + otherwise. The selection of the new board had been left entirely in Buell + Hampton’s hands after the banker had given his assent to the + profit-sharing scheme. That assent had not been won without considerable + argument. The plan upset all the banker’s old theories about + industrial enterprises. At the same time the shrewd old man of finance was + reading the signs of the times, and had long since come to realize that a + readjustment of the relations between capital and labor was inevitable. He + was all the more inclined to make this experiment, in the first place + because he was not going to be bothered with the working out of the + practical details, and in the second place because the magnetic + personality of Buell Hampton had at once inspired him with confidence both + in his ability to do things and in his integrity. Therefore the shrewd old + banker had fallen in with the Major’s plans, and given him a free + hand when entrusting him with the powers of attorney for himself and the + other Iowan stockholders. + </p> + <p> + In point of fact there was another secret motive animating Allen Miller to + this line of action. Unless he cooperated with Buell Hampton, the control + would remain with W. B. Grady and his associates. And it was Grady whom + the banker was after—Grady, the financial shark who had robbed his + lifelong friend, General John Holden, of his underlying bonds in the + original and now defunct smelter company, at the time when the + amalgamation scheme had been devised to freeze out the first founders of + the enterprise. General Holden had been the chief victim of this rapacious + trick of financial jugglery, and Allen Miller was working secretly to undo + the wrong. But the banker was animated not only by reasons of friendship. + He had another incentive almost as strong. He wanted to satisfy his keen + sense of personal pride toward Roderick Warfield. For the vital cause of + quarrel between the old banker and the youth he loved yet had disowned was + the unnamed girl he had thrust upon Roderick as a suitable bride because + of her fortune. And this fortune had been proved to be illusory on the + very day succeeding the rupture that had culminated in Roderick’s + fine display of scorn and anger, when he had flung himself out of the + banker’s room and started off for parts unknown to fight his own way + in the world. + </p> + <p> + It was the financial disaster which had overtaken General Holden that had + opened Allen Miller’s eyes to the truth that he had been utterly + wrong in his attempted methods of managing a headstrong, and as the old + guardian had thought at the time a wayward, youth like Roderick Warfield. + He had bitterly regretted the harsh words that had dared the offender to + play football with the world and, as he now realized, had by their + sarcastic bitterness driven the high-mettled young man from his boyhood + home. He had never doubted Roderick’s prowess to make a way for + himself by his own unaided efforts, and, despite the quarrel, had always + felt sure of the lad’s affection. So Roderick one day would come + back, to find the latchstring hanging outside the door of his home, the + promised place in the bank still awaiting him, and—the pride and + dogged determination of the old man would not yield the point—the + rich, attractive, and in every way highly eligible bride still available. + The only flaw in the program was Gail Holden’s fall from fortune, + and to repair this had been the object of the banker’s continuous + and strenuous endeavor. + </p> + <p> + He had grabbed at the chance of lending money on the Mine and Smelter + Company bonds standing in the name of W. B. Grady, which bonds he + considered were by moral right really the property of General Holden. But + he had lent discreetly, postponing any big advance while he held the + documents and nosed around for information that might give some valid + reason to dispute their ownership. And in course of time he had made one + surprising discovery. Obtaining from General Holden all correspondence + with Grady, he had found one sentence in which the sponsor for the new + amalgamation scheme had guaranteed the withdrawal of all underlying bonds + in the old smelter company before the scheme would be put through. Yet + this condition had not been complied with, for Allen Miller had, in the + course of tracing every old bond, discovered that five were still in + existence and had never been surrendered. They belonged to a widow away + back in Pennsylvania who had gone to Europe and whose whereabouts at the + time Grady apparently had not been able to ascertain. But the persistent + old banker had followed the trail and through his agents in France had + purchased this particular parcel of bonds at a high figure. They were few + in number and insignificant in face value, but to Allen Miller they were + priceless, for these underlying bonds put W. B. Grady in his power and + could be made the means eventually of compelling restitution to General + Holden of the fortune that had been filched from him. Grady would have to + make good or face the criminal charge of a fraudulent transaction. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton had been told nothing about this—it was sufficient for + Allen Miller’s immediate purpose to have the company control wrested + without delay out of Grady’s hands. This would render litigation + easier, perhaps avoid it altogether—the better alternative, for the + law’s harassing delays and heart-sickening uncertainties are + proverbial. So when Buell Hampton had come to Keokuk in the cause of + humanity, to fight for the toilers at the smelter and in the big mine, he + had been agreeably surprised to find in the old banker such a ready + listener to his philanthropic arguments. The alliance had been struck, + with the result that Buell Hampton had been able to swing the stockholders’ + meeting exactly as he desired. + </p> + <p> + Up to the very eve of that meeting the Major had kept his counsel and held + his hand. The merest hint of the power he possessed might have given time + for so astute a knave as Grady to devise some means more or less + unscrupulous of repelling the attack. Therefore Buell Hampton had not + dropped one word of what he intended to do until he had spoken to Roderick + in his home on the night before the stockholders’ meeting. Little + did either of them know at that time how vitally and directly Roderick was + interested in the outcome of the Major’s fight for the downtrodden + poor. + </p> + <p> + After the eventful meetings of stockholders and directors it had been + Buell Hampton’s first duty to send a full report of the proceedings + to Allen Miller of Keokuk, whose power of attorney had enabled him to + effect the coup deposing Grady and giving a share of the profits to the + actual toilers at the furnaces and in the mine. In the course of this + report the names of the new directors were set forth. Judge of the old + banker’s utter amazement when his eyes fell upon the name of—Roderick + Warfield. Surprise quickly yielded to joy and delight. The news was + telephoned to Aunt Lois. The old banker could not leave town at the moment—an + issue of city bonds required his close attention. But that very night an + envoy was dispatched to Wyoming in the person of his bright and trusted + young clerk, Whitley Adams. + </p> + <p> + And the first of the series of surprises for Roderick Warfield, one + afternoon a few days after the sleigh ride, was the sight of his old + college chum tumbling out of a bob-sled which, in default of coaching + facilities, had brought him over from the railroad at Rawlins. Whitley had + stopped the sled in the main street along which, in the crisp sunshine + that had followed the heavy snowfall, Roderick happened to be strolling. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, old scout,” cried the new arrival with all the ease of + a veteran globe-trotter. + </p> + <p> + “Where in thunder did you drop from!” exclaimed Roderick, + clutching at his hand. + </p> + <p> + “From Iowa’s sun-kissed cornfields to Wyoming’s + snow-capped hills,” laughed Whitley, humming the tune of the hymn he + was parodying. + </p> + <p> + “What has brought you here?” + </p> + <p> + “Lots of things. A letter for you, to begin with.” + </p> + <p> + “From whom?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Uncle Allen Miller.” + </p> + <p> + “But he doesn’t know I’m here, does he?” + </p> + <p> + “The whole world knows you’re here, dear boy,” replied + Whitley, pulling the latest issue of the <i>Encampment Herald</i> out of + his pocket. “Why, you’ve become famous—a director of the + great smelting corporation.” And he flourished the journal aloft. + </p> + <p> + “Who sent you that paper?” + </p> + <p> + “Major Buell Hampton, of course. At least he sent it to your uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “Get out. You’re kidding, Whitley.” + </p> + <p> + “No kidding about me, old man. Those irresponsible days are now + over.” Whitley drew himself up with great dignity. “If Buell + Hampton hasn’t told you that he came to Keokuk and made the + acquaintance of Banker Allen Miller, well, that’s his affair, not + mine. Where shall we have dinner? I’m as hungry as a grizzly.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a moment, Whitley. Do you mean to tell me Uncle Allen knows + the Major?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure. They’ve been as thick as thieves—or rather I + should say as close as twins—Oh, that reminds me. How are dear + Barbara and Dorothy?” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up—stop your nonsense. What were you going to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, just this, that ever since the Major paid us a visit at Keokuk, + letters have been passing nearly every week between him and the banker. I’ve + seen all the correspondence.” + </p> + <p> + “I have known nothing about this,” said Roderick, in great + perplexity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, doubtless you are not in the same confidential position as I + occupy,” replied Whitley airily. “But of course now that you + are a director of the company you’ll come to know—or at least + should know; that’s part of your duties—that Allen Miller is a + big stockholder.” + </p> + <p> + There flashed to Roderick’s mind Buell Hampton’s vague + reference, on the night preceding the stockholders’ meeting, to some + new friend, a professional man of finance, with whom he held joint control + of the company’s stock. + </p> + <p> + “A true friend of humanity,” he murmured, recalling the Major’s + words. “Great Scott, that’s about the last identification tag + I would have expected for Uncle Allen.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, old chap,” interposed Whitley, “don’t + mumble in conundrums. You take it from me that Buell Hampton and your + uncle are financial pals—associates might be the more dignified + word. That’s no doubt why the Major nominated you for the board of + directors.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick paled. + </p> + <p> + “By God, if that’s the case, I’ll resign tomorrow. I’ve + been standing on my own feet here. I owe nothing to Uncle Allen.” + </p> + <p> + “There now, put all that touchy pride in your pocket, Roderick. By + jingo, you’re worse than Banker Miller himself. But I took the old + gentleman down a few pegs the afternoon he learned that you were in + Wyoming,” Whitley rambled on, laughing. “He declared that I + must have known your hiding place all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “And you answered?” + </p> + <p> + “Owned up at once, of course. Told him that others besides himself + could be trusted with a confidence—that neither he nor anybody else + could have bulldosed me into betraying a client. A client—that’s + what I called you, old man. Oh, you can’t give me business points + nowadays. What do you think he said in reply?” + </p> + <p> + “Ordered you out of the room, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Not on your life! Commended my sagacity, my trustworthiness; told + me again that I was a born banker, one after his own heart. And to show + that he meant what he said, he raised my salary five dollars a week, and + handed me over fifty dollars extra spending money for this trip. What do + you think of that?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t express a thought—I’m too much surprised + over the whole train of events.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I suppose he knew I’d have to buy a few boxes of candy + for the beautiful Wyoming girls,” Whitley went on. “I had told + him after my first trip here that they were regular stunners—that + they had been buzzing about me like flies around a pot of honey. Oh, he + laughed all right. I know how to manage the old fellow—was half + afraid he’d be coming along himself instead of sending me this time. + But he bade me tell you he couldn’t possibly get away from Keokuk + just now. Which reminds me—here’s your letter, old man; and + one, too, from Aunt Lois. She saw me off at the train, and gave me a kiss + to pass on to you.” Whitley, a bunch of letters in his hand, made a + movement as if to bestow upon Roderick the osculatory salute with which + he had been entrusted. But Roderick, smiling in spite of himself, pushed + him back. + </p> + <p> + “You irrepressible donkey: Hand over my letters.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, the letters.” Whitley began to sort the bunch of + correspondence. “This is for Buell Hampton. And this is for Ben + Bragdon. I suppose he’s in town?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But he’s pretty busy.” + </p> + <p> + “Won’t be too busy to attend to me, I reckon. Then W. B. Grady”—he + was fingering a neatly folded, legal looking document “I hope that + Grady hasn’t cleared out from Encampment yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Not that I’ve heard. In fact I saw him on the street this + morning. You seem to have business with everyone in town.” + </p> + <p> + “Just about hits it, old man. And General John Holden. Ah, yes, that + reminds me,” Whitley suspended his sorting of the letters, and + looked up. “How’s the college widow, old man?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick reddened. + </p> + <p> + “That’s all off,” he answered stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “I guessed that’s just what would happen. Best so, by a long + chalk, So Stella Rain is free again. Guess I’ll stop off on my way + home, and take a run to Galesburg. Nice girl, you know, Stella. No saying + but I might make an impression now she is”— + </p> + <p> + “Stella Rain is married,” interrupted Roderick, speaking + sharply and shortly. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t say? Too bad.” + </p> + <p> + “Happily married, I tell you—to some rich fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then, she threw you over, did she? Ho, ho, ho! But that’s + all right, old fellow. Saves all complications. And Gail, how’s + Gail? Oh, she’s a pipit pin. + </p> + <p> + “By gad, Whitley, you shut up. Come and have your dinner. But you + haven’t given me my letters yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I forgot Well this one is for General Holden. I’ve got to + see him at once.” + </p> + <p> + “What about?” + </p> + <p> + “Confidential business, my friend. Ask no questions for I want to be + spared the pain of refusing you the slightest information. Great guns, + Rod, we financial men, you know, hold more secrets than a father + confessor. We’ve got to keep our mouths shut all the time, even to + our best friends. This is my letter of credit to your local bank—no + limit, mind you, on my sight drafts on Keokuk. Ah, yes, here are your + letters—one from Aunt Lois, the other from your old guardian. Hope + he has put a fat check inside.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t need his checks—if there’s any check + here, you can take it back.” And Roderick ripped open the envelope. + </p> + <p> + But there was no offending slip of colored paper enclosed, and he thrust + both the letters unread into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Now we’ll dine,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “A moment, please.” And Whitley turned to the driver of the + bob-sled waiting in the middle of the road. + </p> + <p> + “Go and get your dinner, my man,” he called out. “Then + hitch fresh horses in that sled, and come to my hotel, the Bonhomme; that’s + the best place in town, if I remember right, Roderick,” he said with + a glance at his friend. Then he continued to the driver: “Charge + everything to me, and don’t be longer than a couple of hours. Now + come along, Roderick. You dine with me—oh, I have an ample expense + fund. But I’m sorry I’ll have to leave you immediately after + dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick was overwhelmed by all this grandiloquence. He hardly dared to + take his old chum’s arm as they walked along the street. But at last + he stopped, burst out laughing, and slapped the man of affairs squarely + between the shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Whitley, old chap, you’re a wonder. You play the part to + perfection.” + </p> + <p> + “Play the part?” protested Whitley, with a fine assumption of + dignity. “I <i>am</i> the part—the real thing. I’m your + rich old uncle’s right hand man, and don’t you forget it. + Would a little ready cash now be a convenience?” + </p> + <p> + Then Whitley’s arm went round his comrade’s neck, and with a + simultaneous whoop of laughter they passed into the hotel. + </p> + <p> + But during the next twenty-four hours Roderick saw very little of his + college chum. And during the same period the said college chum + accomplished some very remarkable things. Immediately after dinner the + bob-sled sped out to Conchshell ranch, and General Holden signed the legal + papers that attached, as a measure of precaution, the bonds standing in + the name of W. B. Grady and now in the custody of the bank at Keokuk as + security for a loan. And for half the night Attorney Ben Bragdon and + Whitley Adams were closeted with W. B. Grady in a private parlor of the + hotel, and the fight was fought out for legal possession of the + fraudulently acquired bonds—a fight that put the issue squarely up + to Grady whether he would accept Banker Allen Miller’s terms of + surrender or face a criminal charge. It was in the grey of the breaking + dawn that the vanquished Grady crept out of the hotel, wiping the beads of + cold sweat from his brow, while Whitley was quietly folding up the + properly signed transfers that gave back to General Holden bonds of equal + value to those of which he had been robbed by false pretences and promises + never fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Whitley was again at the Conchshell ranch, and breakfasted + with the General and his daughter. It was the latter who bound him to + secrecy—to the solemn promise that neither he nor Mr. Bragdon should + divulge to anyone the story of this restored family fortune. Gail declared + that she was going to make good with her dairy cattle venture, that + neither she nor her father wanted to return to the old life of fashion and + society at Quincy, that they had no wish to appear as rich folks. Whitley + listened to all the arguments, understood, and promised. And that the + transfer of the bonds should not be connected with General Holden’s + name it was agreed that for the present they should pass to Banker Allen + Miller as family trustee. + </p> + <p> + Whitley’s chest had expanded fully two inches when he drove away, + the trusted emissary for the carrying into effect of these decrees. He had + had a few minutes alone with Gail and, introducing the name of Roderick + Warfield in a casual way, had assured her that he, like everyone else, + would know nothing about these strictly family affairs. She had blushed a + little, reiterated her thanks, and at parting had, he could have sworn, + given him an extra friendly pressure of her dainty little fingers. + </p> + <p> + Whitley drove straight to Ben Bragdon’s office, and took the + precaution of adding to the professional seal of secrecy a direct + expression from the General of his wishes in the matter. + </p> + <p> + During the afternoon the young banker from Keokuk personally delivered the + letter from Allen Miller addressed to Major Buell Hampton. Whitley had + insisted upon Roderick accompanying him. The relationship between Roderick + and Banker Miller was now revealed. The Major received the news without + much surprise. + </p> + <p> + “In the loom of life,” he said, with great solemnity, “the + shuttle of destiny weaves the threads of individual lives into a pattern + which is only disclosed as time goes on. Thus are the destinies of men + interwoven without their knowing either the how or the why. Roderick, my + dear fellow, from this day on we are simply more closely bound to each + other than ever.” + </p> + <p> + The evening was spent at the Shields ranch. Whitley congratulated Barbara + on her engagement to Ben Bragdon, and then took Dorothy’s breath + away by congratulating her and the absent Grant Jones as well. + </p> + <p> + Dorothy blushed furiously, and disowned the soft impeachment; to which + Whitley replied that unless her sweetheart got busy promptly and toed the + line, he himself was coming back to Encampment to cut out so tardy a + wooer. “Tell Grant Jones from me,” he said, “that it’s + taking chances to leave the tempting peach upon the tree.” She + slapped his hand playfully for his audacity, and Roderick hurried the + flippant financier out of the room. + </p> + <p> + At midnight, in the bright moonlight, Whitley departed for Rawlins to + catch his train. Nothing could persuade him to prolong his visit—Banker + Miller would be hopping around like a cat on hot bricks, the bank going to + wreck and ruin if he did not hurry back, the girls of Keokuk growing quite + jealous of the beauties of Wyoming. + </p> + <p> + Like a whiff of sweet perfume the joyous youth was gone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI.—RODERICK’S DISCOVERY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>OTWITHSTANDING + their change in fortunes, + </p> + <p> + Roderick and Grant still made the editor’s shack their home—the + old place endeared to them by many fond associations. A few days after + Whitley Adams’ visit they were seated at the breakfast table, and + Grant had proposed that they should go deer hunting. + </p> + <p> + “Excellent weather,” he explained, “as the snow is just + deep enough up in the mountains to drive the deer down. Finest sport in + the world. Nothing like going after big game.” + </p> + <p> + “You almost persuade me,” said Roderick, setting down his + coffee and looking at Grant with increased interest. “All the same I + hate to leave the smelter plant even for a day or two. You see I’m + just beginning to get a hang of the business, and I’ve quite made up + my mind to master it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let it rip. You’re not tied down to the works, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not—you don’t imagine I think myself + qualified as yet to be tied down. ‘But what about guns?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” said Grant, “I have a.32 Winchester, one + that has got a record too, by gunnies, as Jim Rankin would say. Its record + is great.” + </p> + <p> + “How big a record?” inquired Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Seven deer,” answered Grant. + </p> + <p> + “All your own killing?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no. To be downright truthful since you force me to + particularize, I’ll admit I never killed but one deer with it. But + that does not interfere with the gun’s record.” And then he + continued: “I have no doubt Major Hampton will be delighted to loan + you his gun. He has a .30 calibre Government Springfield and in his hands + it has accounted for many a buck.” + </p> + <p> + After breakfast they called on Major Hampton. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, gentlemen,” said the Major as he opened the + door and bade them welcome. + </p> + <p> + “We are going deer hunting,” said Grant, quite + enthusiastically. “I have a gun, but + this-would-be-slayer-of-big-game, Roderick, is gunless and when we return + he may be deerless. Was just wondering, Major, if you would care to loan + your famous deer killer to him. Guess its long record,” he added, + “would fill a book.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, certainly,” replied the Major in an absent-minded way; + and then presently he went on: “Do not interpret my hesitation as + unwillingness to accommodate you. It is well you came just when you did, + for within half an hour I myself will be starting for the mountains and my + mind was pre-occupied with my own little preparations.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t you come with us, Major?” asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “But I won’t be depriving you of your gun?” enquired + Roderick simultaneously. + </p> + <p> + “I answer ‘no’ to both questions,” was the smiling + response. “I am going out on one of my lonesome excursions—to + commune with Nature face to face for a brief spell. And when I go I need + no rifle—even the very deer there are my trustful friends.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning he took down his rifle from its accustomed place and brought + it over to Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “This old Springfield has served me well,” he said, smiling in + his own magnificent way. “It was my friend in dark days of need. In + my lifetime, gentlemen, I have never spilled the blood of any living thing + wantonly, and I do not believe man is justified in taking the life of even + a worm on the pathway, a rabbit in the hills, cattle or sheep in the + fields, or a deer in the wilds unless it is for food and to sustain life.” + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly looking at Grant the Major said: “I understand W. R. + Grady is up in the hills?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, so I have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he doing? Looking for a mine?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly. They say he is at the Thomas Boarding House most of the + time up at Battle.” + </p> + <p> + “Guess,” interrupted Roderick, “that he is not very + happy since the new order of things—your new plan, Major—put + him out of business.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is getting in touch again with his old heeler, Bud + Bledsoe,” suggested Grant. “That outlaw gang has been lying + low for quite a while, but I’m expecting to hear about some new bit + of deviltry any day. Am in need of a corking good newspaper story.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, since you are bent on hunting big game,” laughed the + Major, “these miscreants might provide you with all the exciting + sport you are wanting.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a brace of good fat bucks will be good enough for us. Where’s + the likeliest place to start from, Major? You’re the local authority + on these matters.” + </p> + <p> + “You know where Spirit River Falls are?” asked Buell Hampton. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve heard of them but have never been there,” replied + Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I think that I’ve seen them from above,” observed + Roderick, “but I don’t know the way to them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know where Gid Sutton’s half-way house is located?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied Roderick. “I was there less than a + month ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Spirit River Falls are located about six or seven miles south + and east of the half-way house. I advise that one of you go up the South + Fork of the Encampment River and the other keep to the right and go over + the hills past Conchshell ranch into a park plateau to the south; then + have your meeting place this evening in an old log structure that you will + find about three-fourths of a mile directly through the timber southeast + from the falls. If you are wise, you will load up two or three burros, + send them with a trusty, and have him make camp for you in this old + deserted hut. You will find a cup of coffee, a rasher of bacon and a few + sandwiches very appetizing by the time you have tramped all day in your + deer-hunting quest And the country all around is full of deer.” + </p> + <p> + The young men thanked him warmly for his advice. + </p> + <p> + “In point of fact,” continued Buell Hampton, “I’ll + be up in the same region myself. But I’m travelling light and will + have the start of you. Moreover, we can very easily lose each other in + that rugged country of rocks and timber. But don’t mistake me for a + buck, Roderick, if you catch sight of my old sombrero among the brushwood;” + saying which he reached for the broad-brimmed slouch hat hanging against + the wall. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll take mighty good care,” replied Roderick. “But + I hope we’ll run up against you, Major, all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you won’t find me,” answered Buell Hampton, with a + quiet smile. “I’ll be hidden from all the world. Follow the + deer, young men, and the best of luck to you.” + </p> + <p> + The two comrades started away in high feather, anticipating great results + from the tip given them by the veteran hunter. Going straight to the + livery bam, they rigged out three burros, and sent with them one of the + stablemen who, besides being a fairly good cook, happened to be familiar + with the trail to Spirit River Falls, and also knew the location of the + “hunter’s hut” as they found the old log structure + indicated by Buell Hampton was locally named. + </p> + <p> + These arrangements concluded, Roderick and Grant started for the hills. + Some half a mile from Encampment they separated—Jones going along + the east bank of the South Fork of the Encampment River and Roderick + following the North Fork until he came to Conchshell canyon. The day was + an ideal one for a deer hunt. There was not a breath of wind. The sky was + overcast in a threatening manner as if it were full of snow that was + liable to flutter down at the slightest provocation. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick reached the plateau that constituted the Conchshell ranch he + concluded to bear to the left and as he said to himself “Keep away + from temptation.” He was out hunting wild deer that day and he must + not permit himself to make calls on a sweet-throated songster like Gail. + On through the open fields and over the fences and into a thick growth of + pines and firs, where he plodded his way through snow that crunched and + cried loudly under his feet Indeed the stillness of everything excepting + his own walking began to grate on his nerves and he said to himself that + surely a whitetailed deer with ordinary alertness could hear him walking + even if it were half a mile away. + </p> + <p> + As he trudged along mile after mile he was very watchful for game or + tracks, but nothing stirred, no trace of deer was discernible in any + direction. He was following the rim of a hill surmounting some boxlike + canyons that led away abruptly to the left, while a smooth field or park + reached far to the right where the hills were well covered with timber. + Here and there an opening of several acres in extent occurred without bush + or shrub. + </p> + <p> + It was perhaps one o’clock in the afternoon and he was becoming a + bit leg-weary. Brushing the snow away from a huge boulder he seated + himself for a short rest. Scarcely had he done so than he noticed that + occasional flakes of snow were falling. “More snow,” he + muttered to himself, “and I am a good ways from a cup of coffee if I + am any judge.” + </p> + <p> + After he was rested he got up and again moved on. Just then, as he looked + down into a box canyon, he saw three deer—a doe and two half-grown + fawns. Quickly bringing his gun to his shoulder his first impulse was to + fire. But he realized that it would be foolish for the animals were at + least five hundred yards away and far below the elevation where he was + standing. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said to himself, “I will leave the rim of this + mountain and get down into the canyon.” + </p> + <p> + He hastily retreated, and took a circuitous route intending to head off + the deer. In due time he approached the brow of the precipitous bluff and + after walking back and forth finally found a place where he believed he + could work his way down into the canyon. It was a dangerous undertaking—far + more so than Roderick knew—and might have proved his undoing. + </p> + <p> + He was perhaps half way down the side of the cliff, working his way back + and forth, when suddenly some loose stones slipped from under his feet and + away he went, sliding in a sitting position down the side of the mountain. + He had sufficient presence of mind to hold his gun well away from him to + prevent any possible accident from an accidental discharge. The cushioning + of the snow under him somewhat slowed his descent, yet he could not stop. + Down and down he went, meeting with no obstruction that might have given + him a momentary foothold. Presently he saw, to his great relief of mind, + that he was headed for a small fir tree that had rooted itself on a ledge + near the bottom of the canyon. A moment later his feet came thump against + its branches, and while the jar and shock of suddenly arrested motion were + very considerable yet they were not enough to be attended with any serious + consequences. + </p> + <p> + Somewhat dazed, he remained seated for a few moments. But soon he found + his footing, and pulling himself together, brushed away the snow from his + apparel and made sure that his gun was all right. After a glance around he + picked his way down some distance farther into the canyon, and then + turning to the right along a little ledge started in the direction where + he expected to sight the deer higher up the hill. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he stopped. There were the deer tracks right before him going + down the gorge. + </p> + <p> + “By George,” he muttered aloud, “I did not get far + enough down. However, I will follow the tracks.” And forthwith he + started on the trail, cautiously but highly expectant. + </p> + <p> + The direction was westerly, but he had not gone far until the canyon made + an elbow turn to the south and then a little farther on to the east. + “I wonder,” said Roderick to himself, “what sort of a + maze I am getting into. This canyon is more crooked than an old-fashioned + worm fence or a Wyoming political boss.” + </p> + <p> + The box canyon continued to grow deeper and the rocky cliffs higher, + zig-zagging first one way and then another until Roderick gave up all + pretense of even guessing at the direction he was travelling. + </p> + <p> + “Strange I have never heard of this narrow box-canyon before,” + he thought. + </p> + <p> + After walking briskly along for about an hour, keeping the tracks of the + retreating deer in view, he suddenly came to an opening. A little valley + was spread out before him, and to his amazement there were at least a + hundred deer herded together in the park-like enclosure. + </p> + <p> + Roderick rubbed his eyes and looked up at the high and abrupt precipices + that surrounded this open valley on every side. It seemed to him that the + walls rose sheer and almost perpendicular several hundred feet to the + rocky rim above. He followed on down, filled with wonderment, and + presently was further astonished by finding several great bubbling + springs. Each basin was fully a hundred feet across, and the agitated + waters evidently defied freezing, for they fairly boiled in their + activity, overflowing and coming together to form quite a big tumbling + mountain stream. + </p> + <p> + Stealthily following on and keeping the great herd in view he mentally + speculated on the surprise he would give Grant Jones when he came to + display the proofs of his prowess as a hunter of the hills. Surely with + his belt full of cartridges and the large number of deer in sight, + although as yet too far away to risk a shot, he could add several antlered + heads to Grant’s collection. The stream grew larger. There were a + number of other springs feeding their surplus waters into brooks which + eventually all joined the main stream, and he mentally resolved that the + next time Gail and he went trout-fishing they would visit this identical + spot. He laughed aloud and asked the question: “Will she be mine so + that we may come together for a whole week into this beautiful dell?” + </p> + <p> + The farther he advanced the less snow he found in the strange, rock-fenced + valley. The grasses had grown luxuriantly in the summer season, and the + deer were browsing in seeming indifference to his presence yet moving on + away from him all the time. He began wondering if all this were a mirage + or a reality. He looked a second time at the slowly receding herd and + again he laughed aloud. “Such foolishness,” he exclaimed. + “It is an absolute reality, and right here I will make my name and + fame as a hunter.” + </p> + <p> + He stopped suddenly, for just across the stream, standing among the + boulders and pebbles of an old channel, were four deer, not two hundred + feet away. They were looking at him in mild-eyed wonder, one of them a + noble, splendidly antlered buck. Lifting the Major’s Springfield to + his shoulder Roderick sighted along the barrel and fired. Three of the + deer ran away. But the buck jumped high into the air, attempted to climb + the opposite bank, failed and fell backward. + </p> + <p> + Hurriedly crossing over the stream and slipping in his excitement off the + stones into knee-deep water, he came quickly up to the wounded deer. + Instantly the animal bounded to his feet, but fell again. Roderick fired a + second shot which reached a vital spot. The magnificent denizen of the + hills had been vanquished in the uneven contest with man’s superior + knowledge and deadly skill. + </p> + <p> + The novice in huntsman’s craft had received all sorts of book + instructions and verbal explanations from Grant Jones. So he at once drew + his hunting knife, thrust it into the jugular vein of the dying deer, and + bled him copiously. Only the hunter knows the exultant feelings of mingled + joy and excitement that possessed Roderick at that moment. His first deer! + Resting the gun against a small cottonwood tree that grew on a raised bank + between the old channel and the flowing waters, he walked to the stream, + washed the crimson from his knife, and returned the weapon to its sheath. + </p> + <p> + Then he looked around to get his bearings. He knew he had come with the + waters from what seemed to be a westerly direction. The stream was + evidently flowing toward the east. As he walked along in the old channel + over the sandbar he kicked the rocks and pebbles indifferently, and then + stopped suddenly, gasped and looked about him. + </p> + <p> + On every side the mountains rose precipitately fully six or seven hundred + feet. There was no visible outlet for the stream. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” he exclaimed with bated breath, “that + I am in the lost canyon? And this,” he said, stooping down and + picking up a nugget of almost pure gold—“is this the sandbar + on which my father and Uncle Allen Miller found their treasure yeans and + years ago? Marvelous! Marvelous! Marvelous!” + </p> + <p> + For the moment the slain deer was forgotten. His achievement as a hunter + of big game no longer thrilled him. He was overwhelmed by a mightier surge + of emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said finally in a low voice of conviction, “this + at last is the lost find!” + </p> + <p> + And he sank down on the gold-strewn pebbly sandbar, limp and helpless, + completely overcome. + </p> + <p> + A minute later he had recovered his composure. He stood erect He gazed + down the valley. The startled herd of deer had vanished into the brushwood + and low timber. + </p> + <p> + But there, slowly ascending along the river bed, was the figure of Buell + Hampton. Roderick stood stockstill, lost in amazement, waiting. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII.—STAKING THE CLAIMS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>O IT is you who + have found my Hidden Valley,” said Buell Hampton as he drew near. + His voice had a regretful ring, but as he grasped Roderick’s hand he + added cordially: “I thank God it is you, Roderick. When I heard the + rifle shots I was afraid it might be Bud Bledsoe or some of his gang.” + </p> + <p> + “Your hidden valley, Major?” murmured Roderick, + interrogatively and with emphasis on the first word. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my son—the valley from which I took the carload of rich + ore we sold in Denver.” + </p> + <p> + “Great guns, Major. I too have discovered gold—placer gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “At your feet. Look.” And Roderick stooped and picked up a + fine smooth-worn nugget as big as a pigeon’s egg. “Look, look, + look,” continued Roderick. “It is all around us on this + sandbar.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not happen on this spot,” said Buell Hampton. “The + fact is I hardly explored the valley at all. I had all the gold I wanted + or could ever want in my own find.” + </p> + <p> + “Then where is that find?” + </p> + <p> + “Lower down the stream—a dyke of porphyry and white quartz. + But you already know the kind of ore Jim Rankin, Tom Sun, and Boney + Earnest helped me to get out of the valley. It is quite different from + your gold.” + </p> + <p> + The Major stooped, and collected a handful of good-sized nuggets. + </p> + <p> + “How did you come to find this place, Roderick?” he asked, + gazing up at the sheer cliffs around them. + </p> + <p> + “I have been searching for it,” he replied, “since ever + I came to Wyoming. Oh, Major, it is a strange story. I hardly know where + to begin. But wait. Sit down on that boulder. I have my father’s + letter with me. You can read it and will then understand.” + </p> + <p> + From an inner pocket Roderick produced the map and letter which had never + left his possession, night or day, since his Uncle Allen had handed him + the sealed packet in the bank manager’s room at Keokuk. Without a + word Buell Hampton took the seat indicated, and after a preliminary glance + at the map proceeded to read the long epistle left by the old miner, John + Warfield, as a dying legacy to his son. Roderick sitting on his heels + watched in silence while the other read. + </p> + <p> + “Your father was a sensible man,” remarked Buell Hampton, as + at last he refolded the paper. “I like the spirit in which he wrote—the + fervent expression of his hope that this wealth will prove a blessing to + you instead of a disquieting evil. Yes, you have undoubtedly found your + father’s lost mine. But, Roderick, why did you not tell me of this + before? I would have gladly helped you to a quicker discovery. This map + here I would have recognized at a glance as the map of my happy retreat, + my Hidden Valley.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Major, I may seem to have been a bit reticent—or + independent, may I call it? But you will remember that it was early in our + intimacy when you showed me and the others those rich ore specimens in + your home. And you yourself were reticent—bound us to secrecy, yet + gave us no-single clue as to the whereabouts of your wonderful discovery.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I wanted to protect this place from intrusion—I + indulged in the dream that the treasure of the valley might be made to + fall only into worthy hands, which dream could never be realized unless I + guarded my secret from one and all.” + </p> + <p> + “Your sentiment I quite understand. But don’t you see, Major, + it was this very reticence on your part that made me reticent—that + virtually sealed my lips? I have often thought of showing you my father’s + letter, of telling the full reasons that brought me to Wyoming. But to + have done so after you had shown us that ore would have been simply to + press you for further information—to have asked you to divulge the + location of your mine which you had resolved to keep secret so that I + might possibly be assisted in the quest for my father’s lost claim. + I couldn’t do that I am sure you will now understand my feelings.” + </p> + <p> + “Fine feelings, Roderick,” exclaimed the Major, extending his + hand. “Feelings after my own heart I understand them, and can only + compliment you on your sturdy independence. But how did you get here?” + And again he glanced up the precipitous mountains. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think I might almost say I tumbled down into the canyon,” + laughed Roderick. “I slipped and tobogganed down a steep slope. Then + I followed the tracks of four deer I was after, and found myself here. By + the way, have you looked at my splendid buck?” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton rose, and as if by force of habit drew his hunting knife and + proceeded to dress and gambrel the deer. Roderick watched the skilled + hands at work. Before many minutes the carcass was hanging on the peg of a + broken limb. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, a fine buck,” remarked the Major, stepping back + admiringly. “Your first, I believe?” + </p> + <p> + “My very first.” + </p> + <p> + “Not often that a man kills his first deer and discovers a gold mine + on the same day, eh?” laughed Buell Hampton. “But where is + Grant Jones?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t seen him since morning. We followed your + directions, and took opposite sides of the river.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he will meet you tonight at the old log hut?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s our arrangement. But how are we to get out of this + box-canyon?” + </p> + <p> + “I can show you an easier way out than the toboggan slide by which + you came in,” replied the Major, smiling. “At the same time I + think I should prefer to follow your tracks, so that in the future I may + know this second means of access. I am afraid the secret of this little + sequestered valley can be no longer kept from the world. I presume you are + going to stake out a claim and record it.” + </p> + <p> + “You bet,” laughed Roderick. “There’s no sentiment + about sequestered valleys or happy retreats in my make-up. Great Scott, + there’s a cool million dollars of gold lying around right here. I’m + going to take no chances of the next man finding the spot. Isn’t + that common sense, Major?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” replied Buell Hampton, “it is common sense + in your case. And you are obviously following your father’s bidding + in making the fullest and the best use of the wealth he tried so long in + vain to rediscover. Are you familiar with the regulations as to staking + out a claim?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I’ve posted myself on all that.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, choose your ground, and I’ll whittle your stakes.” + He rose and again unsheathed his hunting knife. + </p> + <p> + “Major,” cried Roderick, “along this old channel there’s + at least three men’s ground. We’ll stake for you and for me + and for Grant Jones.” + </p> + <p> + “But Grant Jones must have been on his claim before he can file on + it. That’s the law.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll bring him down tomorrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, go ahead,” said the Major. “I think it is right + and proper to secure all the ground we can. I believe it will be all for + the best that it should be in our hands.” + </p> + <p> + Within an hour stakes had been placed at the corners of the three placer + claims, and the proper location notices, written on leaves torn from Buell + Hampton’s note book, affixed to a stake in the centre of each claim. + </p> + <p> + “I think that this complies with all legal requirements,” + remarked the Major, as they surveyed their workmanship. “Now, + Roderick, tit for tat. You will come down the valley with me, and we shall + secure, as lode claims, the porphyry dyke from which I have cut out merely + the rich outcrop.” + </p> + <p> + Another hour’s labor saw the second task completed. + </p> + <p> + They were back at Roderick’s sandbar, and had filled their pockets + with nuggets. + </p> + <p> + “Now for the ascent,” said Buell Hampton. “Tomorrow + morning we shall return, and breakfast here on your venison. Hurry up now; + the evening shadows are already falling.” + </p> + <p> + The trail left by Roderick and the four deer through the canyon and along + the <i>zigzag</i> gash in the mountains above the bubbling springs was + clearly traceable in the snow. When the narrow ledge by which Roderick had + descended into the gorge was reached the Major took the precaution of + blazing an occasional tree trunk for future direction. Progress was easy + until they reached the abrupt declivity down which the hunter had slipped. + A little farther along the deer appeared to have descended the steep + incline by a series of leaps. In the gathering dusk it was impossible to + proceed farther; steps would have to be cut or a careful search made for + some way around. + </p> + <p> + “We must go back,” said Buell Hampton. “Now I will show + you my means of access to the canyon—one of the most wonderful rock + galleries in the world.” + </p> + <p> + Retracing their footsteps they hastened along at the best speed possible, + and soon reached the tunnel into which the river disappeared. Producing + his electric torch, the Major prepared to lead the way. He lingered for + just a moment to gaze back into the canyon which was now enveloped in the + violet haze of eventide. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not lovely?” he murmured. “Alas, that such a + place of perfect peace and beauty should come to be deserted and + despoiled!” + </p> + <p> + Roderick was fingering the slugs of gold in his pocket. He followed the + direction of the Major’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is all very beautiful,” he replied. “But + scenery is scenery, Major, and gold is gold.” + </p> + <p> + The little torch flashed like an evening star as they disappeared into the + grotto. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton and Roderick had gazed up the canyon. + </p> + <p> + But they had failed to observe two human forms crouched among the + brushwood not fifty yards away—the forms of Bud Bledsoe and Grady, + who had that morning tracked the Major from his home to the falls, under + the cataract, through the rock gallery, right into the hidden canyon, + intent on discovering the secret whence the carload of rich ore had come, + bent on revenge for Grady’s undoing with the smelting company when + the proper moment should arrive. + </p> + <p> + That night Buell Hampton, Roderick Warfield, and Grant Jones supped + frugally at the hunter’s hut on ham sandwiches and coffee. Down in + Hidden Valley on the gold-strewn sandbar W. B. Grady and his henchman + feasted royally on venison steaks cut from the fat buck Roderick’s + gun had provided. They had already torn down the location notices and + substituted their own. And far into the night by the light of their camp + fire the claim-jumpers searched for the nuggets among the pebbles and + gathered them into a little heap, stopping only from their frenzied quest + to take an occasional gulp of whiskey from the big flask without which Bud + Bledsoe never stirred. When daylight broke, exhausted, half-drunk, both + were fast asleep beside the pile of stolen gold. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII—THE SNOW SLIDE + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>URING the night a + few flakes of snow had fallen—just the flurry of a storm that had + come and tired and paused to rest awhile. The morning broke grey and + sombre and intensely still; the mantle of white that covered the ground + and clung to bushes and tree branches seemed to muffle every sound; the + atmosphere was clear, but filled with brooding expectancy. + </p> + <p> + The three friends at the hunter’s hut were early astir. Roderick, + despite the fact that fortune had at last smiled and crowned with success + the prolonged quest for his father’s lost mine, was strangely + oppressed. Buell Hampton, too, was grave and inclined to silence. But + Grant Jones was gay and happy, singing blithely during the preparations + for breakfast. + </p> + <p> + On the previous night he had received the story of the find with exultant + delight. With such a rich mining claim all the ambitions of his life were + about to be realized. He would buy out his financial partners in the <i>Dillon + Doublejack</i> and publish it as a daily newspaper—hang the expense, + the country would grow and with it the circulation, and he would be in + possession of the field against all-comers. Then again he would acquire + the <i>Encampment Herald</i> although keeping on the brilliant Earle + Clemens as editor; also start another paper at Rawlins, and in a little + time run a whole string of journals, like some of the big newspaper men + whose names were known throughout the nation. Listening to these glowing + plans as they drank their morning coffee around the campfire, Roderick and + the Major could not but admire the boyish gaiety of this sanguine spirit. + </p> + <p> + “I’m going to propose to Dorothy tomorrow,” exclaimed + Grant by way of grand finale to his program of great expectations, “and + the Reverend Stephen Grannon will marry us before the week is out We’ll + spend our honeymoon in Chicago so that I can buy some new printing presses + and things. Then we’ll be back in time to bring out a grand + mid-winter number that will make all Wyoming sit up and take notice. By + gad, boys, it’s great to be a newspaper editor.” + </p> + <p> + “Better to be a newspaper proprietor,” laughed Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Or both combined,” suggested the Major. + </p> + <p> + “There you’ve hit it,” cried Grant. “And that’s + just the luck that has come my way at last—thanks to you, Roderick, + old scout, and to you, Major, as well.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” protested Buell Hampton. “With your happy + disposition and great capacity for work, success was bound to be yours, my + dear fellow. The manner of its coming is a mere detail.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the way a good friend cloaks good deeds,” + replied Grant. “However, we’ll let it go at that. Pass the + frying pan please; this bacon’s just fine.” Plans for the day + were carefully discussed. The man in charge of the burros had not been + taken into their confidence; as a member of the expedition he would be + properly looked after later on, but meanwhile strict secrecy was the only + wise policy until the location papers had been properly filed at the + county seat, Rawlins. This filing would undoubtedly be the signal for a + rush of all the miners and prospectors within a hundred miles of the + little treasure valley among the hills. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there will be a regular stampede,” remarked the Major—“provided + the snow holds off,” he added with a glance at the grey canopy of + cloud overhead. + </p> + <p> + “I think we are in for another storm,” said Grant, gazing + around. “If so, the whole country will be sealed up until the + spring.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is not the worst thing that might happen,” commented + Buell Hampton. + </p> + <p> + “Would certainly give us ample time to make all our arrangements for + the future,” concurred Roderick. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that they would take with them that morning the sacks in + which the provisions had been brought up, and bring back as much gold as + they could carry. For a moment Grant and Roderick discussed the + advisability of leaving their guns behind. But there were outlaws among + the mountains, and it was deemed prudent to carry the weapons. + </p> + <p> + All preparations were now completed, and a start was made, the stableman + being left in charge of the camp with instructions to have a good fire of + embers ready for the brisket of venison they would return with about the + noontide hour. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton led the way at a swinging gait, + </p> + <p> + Roderick followed, then came Grant Jones singing lustily: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + “As I was coming down the road, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tired team and a heavy load, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I cracked my whip and the leader sprang + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the off horse stepped on the wagon tongue.” + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + A little way down the hill Grant called a halt He had discovered on the + light dusting of overnight snow the tracks of a big bear, and for the + moment everything else was forgotten. Bear-hunting to him was of more + immediate interest than gold-hunting, and but for the restraining hand of + Buell Hampton the ardent young sportsman would have started on the trail. + </p> + <p> + “Let’s stop a while,” he pleaded. “Just look at + those pads. A great big cinnamon bear—a regular whale.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said the Major decisively, again glancing at the + sky. “We must press on.” + </p> + <p> + “I’d like a hug all right,” laughed Roderick, “but + not from a cinnamon bear in a snowdrift.” + </p> + <p> + “Gee, but I’m sorry I left my dogs at Dillon,” remarked + Grant regretfully. “The last thing I said to Scotty Meisch was to + look after the dogs even if the printing press burned. There’s no + friend like a good dog, Major.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather a doubtful compliment,” replied Buell Hampton with a + smile. + </p> + <p> + “Present company always excepted,” laughed the editor + adroitly. “Well, well; we must let Mr. Bruin go this time. Lead on, + Macduff, lead on.” + </p> + <p> + And again as he fell into Indian file he sang his song. + </p> + <p> + The lilt and the words of that song, the picture of the stalwart figure in + the pride of young manhood carolling gaily while marching along through + the brushwood and down the timbered hillside, were des-tined never to fade + from the memory of Roderick Warfield. With a sob in his heart he would + recall the scene many and many a time in the days to come. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile at the camp fire in Hidden Valley, Grady and Bud Bledsoe were + also afoot. They had awaked from their half drunken slumber, chilled to + the very marrow of their bones. Even the sight of the heap of nuggets + could not at first restore warmth to their hearts. There was no whiskey + left in the flask—not a drain. Their teeth chattering, they piled + fresh brush on the camp fire, and then a half-rotted tree stump that soon + burst into flame. Then when warmth at last crept through their frames, + they too made their plans for the day. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton and Roderick Warfield might come back. Perhaps they had + camped all night in the mountain cave. In any case it would be safer to + leave the canyon by the other way—by the trail along which Roderick + must have entered and which was quite clearly defined in the snow as it + led up the gorge. Yes; they would clear out in that direction, and Bud + Bledsoe, who knew every track among the mountains, further proposed that + they would then cross the range and take the west road to Rawlins. With a + price on his head he himself could not enter the town—although a + little later some of the new-found gold would square all that, for the + present he must lie low. But he would guide Grady on the way, and the + latter would get into Rawlins first and file the location papers without + anyone at Encampment knowing that he had made the trip. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the dope,” cried Bud Bledsoe, as he jumped to + his feet and began stuffing his pockets to their fullest capacity with the + big and little slugs of gold. Grady followed his example. Then both men + took up their guns, Bledsoe also the light but strong hair lariat which + was his constant companion whether he was on horse or foot, and began + making their way up the canyon, following the well-trodden path through + the snow along which Buell Hampton and Roderick had retraced their + footsteps the evening before. + </p> + <p> + It was a couple of hours later when the Major, Grant Jones, and Roderick + emerged from the grotto. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” exclaimed the Major. “Look there!” + And with extended arm he pointed to the ascending smoke of the camp fire + higher up the valley. + </p> + <p> + With the caution of deerstalkers they ascended by the stream. They found + that the camp fire was abandoned. The half-gnawed bones, the empty whiskey + flask, the remnant heap of nuggets, the hollows on the sand where the two + men had slept—all helped to tell the tale. The names on the + substituted location papers completed the story—W. B. Grady’s + name and those of some dummies to hold the ground, illegally but to hold + it all the same. Bud Bledsoe, the outlaw, had not ventured to affix his + own name, but the big whiskey bottle left little doubt as to who had been + Grady’s companion in the canyon overnight. + </p> + <p> + The miscreants had departed—the tracks of two men were clearly shown + at a little distance from those left by Roderick and the Major. They had + ascended the gorge. + </p> + <p> + “We have them trapped like coyotes,” declared the Major, + emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not so sure about that,” remarked Grant Jones. + “If there is one man in this region who knows the mountain trails + and mountain craft it is Bud Bledsoe. He’ll get out of a box canyon + where you or I would either break our necks to a certainty or remain like + helpless frogs at the bottom of a well. Then I’ve got another idea—a + fancy, perhaps, but I—don’t—just—know.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke slowly, an interval between each word, conning the chances while + he prolonged his sentence. + </p> + <p> + “What’s your idea?” asked Roderick. But the Major waited + in silence. + </p> + <p> + At last Grant’s face lighted up. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, by jingo,” he cried, “that may be their plan. If + they can get over the range on to the Ferris-Haggerty road they may make + Rawlins by the western route. That’s why they may have gone up the + canyon instead of returning by the cave. For they came in by the cave; it + is you they followed yesterday, Major, into the valley. The tracks show + that.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already satisfied myself on that point,” replied Buell + Hampton. “I have no doubt, since we balked Bledsoe in his previous + attempt, that he has been on my tracks ever since, determined to find out + where I got the rich ore. But it surprises me that a man in Grady’s + position should have descended to be the associate of such a notorious + highwayman.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, moral turpitude makes strange bedfellows,” said Grant, + pointing to the depressions where the two claim-jumpers had slept “But + there is no use in indulging in conjectures at the present time. I’ve + a proposal to make.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us hear it,” said the Major. + </p> + <p> + “Luckily I brought my skis with me, strapped to one of the burros. + Didn’t know when they might come handy amid all this snow. Well, I’ll + go back to the hut, and I’ll cut across the range, and will + intercept these damned robbers, if that’s their game, to a + certainty.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather risky,” remarked Buell Hampton. “Feels like more + snow.” And he sniffed the ambient air. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’ll be all right. And you’ve got to take risks + too. I’ll give Roderick my rifle, Major, and you take your own. You + can follow the trail of these men, and if they have got out of the canyon, + then you can get out the same way too. If so, we’ll all meet on the + range above. Roderick, you know where the Dillon Trail crosses the + Ferris-Haggerty Road?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we can’t miss each other if we all make for that point. + And if you don’t arrive by noon, I’ll go right on to Rawlins + by the western road, and lodge our location papers. I’ll know you + have Bledsoe and Grady trapped and are holding the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Sounds feasible,” said Roderick. “But first of all we’ve + got to tear down these fraudulent location notices and put our own up + again.” He pointed to one of the corner stakes. “Just look—these + claim-jumpers came provided with regular printed forms.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go ahead with that right now,” said Grant. “No + doubt the papers have been changed too down on the Major’s ground. + When you’re through with that job, follow the trail up the canyon. + Now I’m off for my skis, and then for the road over the hills. + Good-by. Take care of yourselves. Good-by.” + </p> + <p> + And down the valley they heard his voice singing the song of the mountain + trail: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + “As I was coming down the road, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tired team and a heavy load, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I cracked my whip and the leader sprung + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the off horse stepped on the wagon tongue.” + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Then his figure disappeared round a bend, and all again was still. + </p> + <p> + But Bledsoe and Grady had taken their time in ascending the canyon. But at + last they reached the impasse that had brought Buell Hampton and Roderick + to a halt the previous evening and caused them to retrace their steps as + the tracks revealed. Just as they were discussing whether it might not be + necessary for them also to turn back, a deer dashed wildly past them on + the narrow bench where they stood—so close that they might have + almost touched it with an outstretched hand. + </p> + <p> + Grady jumped back, frightened by the sudden bound of the swiftly speeding + animal. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what that means?” asked Bledsoe quietly. + </p> + <p> + “We started the deer, I suppose,” stammered Grady. + </p> + <p> + “No. But someone else did—lower down the gorge. We are being + trailed, boss. We’ve got to get out of this hole in double-quick + time or chance being shot down from behind a rock.” + </p> + <p> + “This wall is impossible,” exclaimed Grady, his frightened + face gazing up the cliff. + </p> + <p> + Bledsoe was surveying the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute,” he said at last. Then he swung his lariat, + the noose of which, going straight to its mark, caught a projecting tree + stump full fifty feet above. + </p> + <p> + “If you can make that,” he added, as he pulled the rope tight, + “there’s a ledge running right around and up—see?” + He pointed with his finger, tracing a line along the rocky wall. “Now + up you go. I’ll hold the rope. It’s dead easy.” + </p> + <p> + Grady dropped his rifle, and with both hands began to climb. Weighted with + the gold in his pockets, he made the ascent slowly and laboriously. But at + last he gained the ledge, and scrambling now on hands and knees as he + moved further upward and onward he speedily disappeared over the rim of + the cliff. + </p> + <p> + On Bledsoe’s lips was a smile of cold contempt. + </p> + <p> + “Hell!” he muttered. “I wanted him to pull up the junk + first. However, I’ll manage, I guess.” + </p> + <p> + He proceeded to tie to the riata his own and Grady’s rifle. Then he + swung himself aloft. + </p> + <p> + But he was not half way up when a rifle bullet flattened itself on the + rock not a foot from his head. + </p> + <p> + “Hands up!” came a voice from below. + </p> + <p> + “By God, ain’t they up now?” muttered the outlaw grimly, + as he jerked himself to a higher foothold. A few more springs and he was + standing on the ledge. Then, when a second bullet knocked off his hat, he + ducked and scurried along the narrow footway almost as quickly as Grady + had done, and was gone from the view of the two riflemen lower down the + canyon. + </p> + <p> + “Come on,” exclaimed Roderick. “They don’t seem to + have any guns. We’ll get them yet.” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton followed to the foot of the cliff. The rifles tied to the + lariat showed that the fugitives were in truth disarmed, so far at least + as long-distance weapons were concerned. The Major carefully hid the + rifles in a clump of brushwood. + </p> + <p> + They were now prepared to follow, but caution had to be used, for Bud + Bledsoe no doubt had a brace of revolvers at his belt. Roderick climbed up + the rope first, while Buell Hampton, with his Springfield raised, kept + watch for the slightest sign of an enemy above. But the fugitives had not + lingered. Roderick, from the edge of the cliff, called on the Major to + make the ascent, and a few minutes later they stood side by side. + </p> + <p> + High up on the snow-clad face of the mountain were the fleeing figures of + Grady and Bledsoe. Yes, they were making in the direction of the + Ferris-Haggerty Road. Grant would certainly intercept them, while Roderick + and the Major stalked the quarry from the rear. + </p> + <p> + “I intend to get that thousand-dollar reward for Bud Bledsoe’s + hide,” laughed Roderick, slipping a cartridge into the chamber of + his rifle. + </p> + <p> + “We must not shoot to kill,” replied the Major. “It will + be sufficient that they surrender. We have them at our mercy. Come along.” + </p> + <p> + He advanced a few paces, then paused. + </p> + <p> + “But there,” he murmured, “I do not like this snow.” + He held out his hand, and a first soft feathery flake settled on his palm. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well be all right,” cried Roderick. “Besides we’ve + got to help Grant.” + </p> + <p> + They trudged along, walking zig-zag up the hill to lessen the incline, but + always keeping close to the trail of the men they were pursuing. On the + plateau above the snow lay deeper, and at places they were knee-deep in + the drift, their feet breaking through the thin encrusting surface which + frost had hardened. + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity we have not web snowshoes or skis,” remarked + Buell Hampton when they had paused to draw breath. “We could make so + much better time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the other fellows are no better equipped than ourselves,” + replied Roderick, philosophically. “But, by jingo, it’s + snowing some now.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, the feathery flakes were all around them, not blindingly thick as + yet, but certain precursors of the coming storm. The trail was still quite + clear although the fugitives were no longer in sight. + </p> + <p> + An hour passed, two hours, three hours—and hunters and hunted still + plodded on. Roderick felt no misgivings, for he could tell from the lie of + the hills that they were making steadily for the junction of the + Ferris-Haggerty Road with the track over the range to Dillon, where Grant + Jones would now be waiting. But at last the snow began to fall more + thickly, and the encircling mountains came to be no longer visible. Even + the guiding footprints were becoming filled up and difficult to follow. + </p> + <p> + All at once Buell Hampton stopped. + </p> + <p> + “These men have lost their way,” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “They are going round in a circle. Look here—they have crossed + their own track.” + </p> + <p> + The evidence was unmistakable. + </p> + <p> + “Then what are we to do?” asked Roderick. “I suppose we + hardly know where we are ourselves now,” he added, looking uneasily + around. + </p> + <p> + “I have my pocket compass—luckily I never travel without it in + the mountains. But I think it is prudent that we should lose no further + time in making for Encampment.” + </p> + <p> + “And Grant Jones?” + </p> + <p> + “He can look after himself. He is on skis, and knows every foot of + the Dillon trail.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Grady and Bledsoe?” + </p> + <p> + “Their fate is in other hands. If we follow them any longer we will + undoubtedly be caught in the storm ourselves.” He held a hand aloft. + “See, the wind is rising. There will be heavy drifting before long.” + Roderick now felt the swirl of driven snow on his cheeks. Yes, the wind + had risen. + </p> + <p> + “But we’ll endeavor to save them,” continued Buell + Hampton. “Perhaps, as they are circling round, they are not far away + from this spot even now. We will try at all events.” + </p> + <p> + And raising both hands to form a voice trumpet, he uttered a loud: “Hallo + I hallo!” + </p> + <p> + But no answer came. Again he shouted, again and yet again, turning round + in all directions. Everything remained silent and still. + </p> + <p> + The Major now glanced at his compass, and took his bearings. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” was all he said, as he led the way through the loose + crisp snow that crunched and cheeped beneath their feet. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later the storm by some strange vagary abated. The wind was + blowing stronger, but it seemed to be driving the snow-laden clouds up + into the higher mountain elevations. All of a sudden a penetrating shaft + of sunshine flashed through the dancing snow-flakes, then the flakes + themselves ceased to fall, and the sun was shining on the virgin mantle of + white that enveloped range and peaks as far as the eye could see. + </p> + <p> + Roderick glanced down the mountain side. Almost beneath his feet was + Conchshell Ranch—he could see the home on the little knoll amid the + clustering pine trees. For the moment he was thinking of Gail. But the + hand of Buell Hampton had clutched his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” + </p> + <p> + And Roderick looked—away in the direction of Cow Creek Canyon, a + mighty gash in the flank of the mountains nearly a thousand feet deep and + more than half a mile across. Standing out, clear and distinct in the + bright sunshine, were the tall twin towers on either side of the gorge, + supporting the great steel cable which bridged the chasm and carried the + long string of iron buckets bringing ore from the Ferris-Haggerty mine, + fourteen miles distant, down into the smelter at Encampment. Roderick at + his first glance saw that the aerial cars, despite the recent snow-storm, + were still crawling across the deep canyon, for all the world like huge + spiders on a strand of gossamer. + </p> + <p> + But as his eyes swept the landscape he beheld outlined on the white + expanse of snow the figures of three men. One, standing fully a hundred + yards away from the other two and lower down the hill, was the + gorilla-like form of Bud Bledsoe. The others were Grady and Grant Jones on + his skis. + </p> + <p> + And as Roderick looked, before he could even utter a cry, these two + figures clutched at each other. For a moment they swayed to and fro, then + Grant seemed to fling his man away from him. + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same instant, just as a picture might be blotted from a + screen by cutting off the light, both figures had vanished! Then, like + steam shot from a geyser, there ascended high into mid-air a great cloud + of powdered snow, and to the watchers’ ears came a deep boom + resembling the prolonged and muffled roar of thunder or big artillery. + </p> + <p> + “Good God! A snow slide!” gasped Buell Hampton. + </p> + <p> + Roderick was stricken dumb. He stood rigid, frozen with horror. He needed + no one to tell him that Grant Jones had gone over the rim of the canyon, + down a thousand feet, smothered under a million tons of snow. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV—THE PASSING OF GRANT JONES + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">E</span>ARLY the following + morning several hundred searchers were at the scene of the snow slide in + Cow Creek Canyon. Every precaution was taken not to have anyone walk along + near the rim of the gorge a thousand feet above. There were still hundreds + of thousands of tons of snow on the narrow plateau at the top, which any + disturbance, even no greater than a stone thrown by the hands of a child, + might start moving. If another slide should occur it would overwhelm and + crush the intrepid searchers below. + </p> + <p> + A systematic probing of the snow with long iron rods had been begun at + once and kept up perseveringly until three o’clock in the afternoon. + Then one of the searchers touched clothing or something with his rod. The + snow was quickly shoveled aside, and at a depth of about seven feet the + body of Grant Jones was found lying flat upon his back with his right arm + stretched out above his head, the left doubled under him. The face was + quite natural—it wore a peaceful smile. None of his clothing had + been disturbed or tom—even his cap and his skis were in place. The + poor fellow had simply been crushed to death or smothered by the many tons + of snow. + </p> + <p> + Immediately a makeshift sled was constructed by strapping two skis + together sideways. On this the body was taken up the steep hills by a + cautiously selected route to Battle, three and a half miles away, and + thence on to Encampment, twelve miles farther, the improvised sled being + drawn all the way by strong and willing men of the hills. Accompanying the + remains were Roderick Warfield, Jim Rankin, Boney Earnest, and other + faithful friends, while following came a great cortege of miners, mill + hands, and mountaineers. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight before the mournful procession reached town. And awaiting + it even at that late hour was a dense crowd, standing with bared heads and + tear-stained faces. For in all the hill country the name of Grant Jones + was a household word. His buoyant good-nature was recognized by everyone, + and probably he did not have an enemy in all southern Wyoming where his + brief manhood life had been spent. Fully a thousand people, of both sexes, + of all classes and all ages, formed the escort of the little funeral sled + on its last stage to the undertaker’s establishment. Here the body + was received by Major Buell Hampton and the Reverend Stephen Grannon. It + had been the Major’s duty that day to seek out the clergyman and + bring him down in a sledge from the hills to administer the last sad rites + for their dear dead friend. + </p> + <p> + Next day the search was resumed for Grady’s remains. Bud Bledsoe it + was known had escaped—the Major had seen him running downhill after + the disaster and others had tracked his footprints, to lose them in a + clump of timber. So there was only one more body to be recovered. The task + of probing with the long iron rods went on for several hours. The + searchers knew the necessity of working both carefully and with speed, for + another snow slide was imminent. And at last it came, toward the noon hour. + But warning had been passed along, so that no lives were sacrificed, the + only result being to pile a veritable mountain of snow over the spot where + Grady’s body presumably lay. The search was abandoned, without + regret on anyone’s part; in the spring the avalanche would give up + its dead; until then the mortal remains of the unpopular and disgraced + capitalist could well remain in their temporary sepulchre of snow, “unwept, + unhonored, and unsung.” + </p> + <p> + But for Grant Jones there was public mourning, deep, sincere, and solemn. + Toward evening the whole town of Encampment seemed to be wending their way + to the little church where the Reverend Stephen Gran-non was to preach the + funeral sermon. And these are the words which the venerable Flockmaster + spoke to the hushed and sorrowing congregation. + </p> + <p> + “My friends, our hearts today commune with the battalions who have + ‘crossed over.’ Love broods above the sleeping dust in a + service of tears. The past is a dream—the future a mystery. + Sometimes the tides of dissolution creep upon us silently. Again they are + as stormy seas and rough breakers that sweep all with reckless cruelty + into oblivion. But whether the parting be one way or the other, in + peacefulness or in the savagery of a storm, to loving hearts it is ever a + tragedy. + </p> + <p> + “The grief which is ours today is as old as the ages. It brings us + into fellowship with the centuries. We know now why Eve wept for Abel and + David lamented Absalom. Death is the most ancient sculptor in the world. + Ever since men lived and died, death has made each grave a gallery and + filled it with a silent statue. Death hides faults and magnifies virtues. + Death conceals the failings of those who have passed while lovingly and + enduringly chiselling their noble traits of character. + </p> + <p> + “Centuries of philosophy have not succeeded in reconciling men to + the sorrows of dissolution. Death makes us all equal with a mutual sorrow. + We cannot forget our friend who rests here in his final sleep. In happy + symbolism his shroud was whitest snow, and love thrills our hearts with + sympathetic memory. Such love is the kindest service of the soul. + </p> + <p> + “Affection for those who have departed has built the mausoleums of + the world and makes every monument an altar of grief. Whether the hope of + immortality is a revelation or an intuition is not under consideration + today. Each man believeth for himself. We know that primitive man away + back in Egypt buried his dead on the banks of the Nile and thought of + immortality. We know that love throughout the ages has touched the heart + with its wings, and hope from the beginning to the end whispers to us that + ‘if a man die he shall live again.’ I believe that the + doctrine of evolution gives a potent hope of immortality. Evolution takes + the mud of the lake and makes a water lily—the hollow reed in the + hand of the savage grows into a modern flute—the rude marks of + primitive man in the stone age become poems and anthems in our own age. If + mist can become stars—if dust can become worlds—if the + immortality of biology is a truism—if love can come from sensations, + if the angel of the brain can spring into being from simple cells, why + then cannot the soul endure forever although undergoing transitions in the + course of its divine development? + </p> + <p> + “I believe in the immortality of the soul. I believe in the religion + of humanity. Yes, on the far away rim of eternity, Faith seeks a beckoning + hand and the human heart pulses anew with inspiration and unfaltering + belief in the immortality of the soul. Let us believe there are songs sung + and harps touched and kisses given and greetings exchanged in that other + world. It is better that all other words should turn to ashes upon the + lips of man rather than the word immortality. Our hearts once filled with + this belief—this great truth—then every tear becomes a jewel, + the darkest night flees before the breaking dawn and every hope turns into + reality. + </p> + <p> + “Before us, my friends, lies the dust of the dead—Grant Jones. + Away from home—away from father and mother, brother and sister—far + up in these hills where the shoulders of the mountains are clothed with + treacherous banks of sliding snow—he was here seeking to carve out a + destiny for himself, in the morning of early manhood. The Kismet of his + life, clothed in mystery, caused him to lay down his tools and leave to + others his but partially accomplished mission. He was journeying upward + toward life’s mountain-crest—already the clouds were below him + and the stars about him. For do we not know from his gifted writings that + this man held communion with the gods? His heart beat full of loftiest + hope. And then—even before high twelve—he fell asleep. He is + gone; but a myriad of memories of his achievements gather thick about us. + We see him as he was, and this virion will abide with us throughout the + years. + </p> + <p> + “He was a student and a scholar. He read books that had souls in + them—he read books that converse with the hearts of men and speak to + them of an exalted life—a life that unfolds an ethical and a higher + duty incumbent upon the children of men. He knew much about the literature + of his day—was acquainted with the great authors through their + writings. Keats was his favorite poet, Victor Hugo his favorite prose + author and ‘Les Misérables’ his favorite book. Music had a + thrilling charm for him. To his heart it was the language of the eternal. + He heard songs in the rocks of towering cliffs, in primeval forests, in + deep gorges, in night winds, in browned grasses and in tempestuous storms + and in the pebbled mountain brooks. + </p> + <p> + “We need have no fear for his future, my friends—with him all + is well. A heroic soul, a matchless man, cannot be lost. His heart was a + fountain of love. Virtue was his motto—hope his star—love his + guide. Farewell, Grant, farewell. When with the silent boatman we too shall + cross the river of death and steal away into the infinite, we believe that + you will be standing there in the rosy dawn of eternity to welcome us, to + renew the sweet ties of love and friendship that here on earth have bound + our hearts to yours.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the Reverend Stephen Grannon, the Flockmaster of the Hills. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV.—A CALL TO SAN FRANCISCO + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>OROTHY mourned for + Grant Jones—for days she wept and would not be consoled. Roderick + had not seen her since the disaster; when he had called at the ranch + Barbara had brought a message from her room that she dared not trust + herself yet to speak to anyone, least of all to the one whom she knew to + have been Grant’s closest and dearest friend. + </p> + <p> + Roderick had now taken apartments in the Bonhomme Hotel—it would + have been too heartrending an experience to return to the shack where + everything was associated with the memory of his lost comrade. It had been + his painful task to pack the books, the little ornaments, the trophies of + the chase, the other odds and ends of sacred relics, and send them back + East to the old folks at home. He had known it to have been Grant’s + own wish that, when death should come, his body should rest among the + hills of Wyoming. So when a simple headstone had been placed on the grave + in God’s acre at Encampment, the last sad duty had been performed. + Grief was now deadened. The sweet pleasures of fond reminiscence remained, + the richest legacy that man can leave behind him. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton and Roderick never met without speaking of Grant, without + recalling some pleasant episode in their association, some brilliant or + thoughtful contribution he had made to their past conversations. With the + aid of fragments of torn paper that had been clutched in the dead man’s + left hand, the hand that had been doubled under him when the body was + found, they had pieced together the story of that fateful encounter with + Grady. The latter, bent on discovering and jumping Buell Hampton’s + secret mine, had carried into the mountains the proper declaration papers + in printed forms, with only the blanks to be filled in—name, date, + exact location, etc. Grant must have become aware that these papers were + all ready signed in Grady’s pocket—perhaps in defiance the + claim-jumper had flaunted them in his face. For the struggle had been for + the possession of these documents, the torn quarters of which were still + in Grant’s hand when the fatal dislodgement of snow had taken place. + The full infamy of Grady’s long contrived plot was revealed. + Righteously indeed had he gone to his doom. + </p> + <p> + A week had passed when Roderick found a letter on the breakfast table at + his hotel. It was from Barbara Shields. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + “My dear Mr. Warfield:— + </p> + <p> + “I write to tell you that we are going to California—to + spend the winter in Los Angeles. We are all sorrow-stricken over the + great calamity up in the hills, and Dorothy—the poor dear girl is + simply stunned. I have known for a long while that she was very fond of + Grant, but I had no idea of the depths of her feelings. + </p> + <p> + “Papa says Mama and I must start at once and endeavor to cheer up + Dorothy and help her forget as much as possible the sadness of this + terrible affair. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bragdon called last night, and is to be our escort to the + coast. We shall probably return about the first of May. Please accept + this as an affectionate good-by for the time being from us all. + </p> + <p> + “With cordial good wishes, + </p> + <p> + “Sincerely your friend, + </p> + <p> + “Barbara.” + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Meanwhile snow had been descending off and on day after day, until now the + whole of the mountain country was effectively sealed. Evidently a rigorous + winter had set in, and it would be many months before Hidden Valley would + be again accessible. Roderick was not sorry—the very mention of gold + and mining had become distasteful to his ears. Even when with the Major, + they, never now spoke about the secret canyon and its hoarded treasures—in + subtle sympathy with each other’s feelings the subject was tabooed + for the present Bud Bledsoe had disappeared from the district, no doubt + temporarily enriched by the nuggets with which he had filled his pockets. + In the spring most likely he would return and rally his gang of mountain + outlaws. But until then there need be no worry about the snow-enshrouded + claims, the location papers for which had been now duly registered at the + county seat in the names of their proper owners. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton had his books and his work for the poor wherewith to occupy + his mind. Roderick found his consolation at the smelter. Early and late + now he worked there, learning the practical operations from Boney Earnest, + mastering the business details with the aid of a trustworthy old clerk + whose services had been retained as secretary. Boney, having been made the + choice of his brother foremen in accordance with the new plan of + operations, was duly confirmed in his position of general manager, while + Roderick, formally elected vice-president by the board, held the salaried + and responsible post of managing-director. + </p> + <p> + Major Hampton withdrew himself more and more into the seclusion of his + library; he rarely came to the smelter plant; he left everything in + Roderick’s hands once he had become satisfied of the young man’s + aptitude for the work; he was content to read the managing director’s + weekly report showing steady progress all along the line—increased + output, decreased operating costs, large reductions in waste and + breakages, in a word the all-round benefits resulting from friendly + cooperation between capital and labor, no longer treating each other as + enemies, but pulling together in happy conjunction and for mutual + advantage. + </p> + <p> + Another circumstance contributing to the general harmony of the community + was the departure of W. Henry Carlisle, the deposed attorney of the + smelter company. One of Senator Greed’s hirelings, Carlisle had been + rewarded by that master of political jobbery with a judgeship in Alaska. + Thus was the whole country made to pay the price of shameful underhand + services that had tainted the very atmosphere and might well have caused + the man in the moon to hold his nose when crossing the state of Wyoming. + </p> + <p> + However, Carlisle’s going put an end to much bitterness and + squabbling in Encampment, and now month succeeded month in peaceful + routine. As both smelter and mine were now working Sundays as well as week + days, Roderick could rarely take a day off—or at least he would not + allow himself a day off. + </p> + <p> + However, along with Major Buell Hampton he was the guest of Mr. Shields + for Christmas Day dinner, and learned the latest news of the exiles in + California; that mother and daughters were well, Dorothy something like + her old happy self if chastened with a sorrow that would always leave its + memory, and all thoroughly enjoying the unaccustomed luxury of a winter of + warmth and perpetual sunshine. There was another item in Mr. Shields’ + budget. Whitley Adams had spent a month in the capital of the southwest, + had brought along his big touring car, and had given the girls no end of a + good time. + </p> + <p> + “What took him to Los Angeles?’ asked Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, important banking business, Barbara says,” replied Mr. + Shields quite innocently. + </p> + <p> + Roderick smiled. “Would Dorothy be consoled,” he asked + himself. The enterprising youth certainly deserved the prize; Roderick + recalled the mirthful warning sent to dear old Grant in the latter’s + dilatory courting days about the tempting peach and the risk of a + plundering hand. Indeed Whitley and Grant had been wonderfully akin in + their boyish good-nature and irrepressible enthusiasm. With Grant gone, it + seemed quite natural that Whitley and Dorothy should be drawn together. + Roderick could wish no greater happiness for Dorothy, no better luck for + his old college chum. Such was the train of his musing the while Buell + Hampton and their host were discussing the wonderful growth and unbounded + future of Los Angeles, the beautiful city of garden homes and cultured + family life. + </p> + <p> + For New Year’s Day Roderick was invited to the Holdens’ place, + and spent a delightful afternoon and evening. Gail sang and played, and + the General seemed to be mightily interested in all the wonderful results + being achieved at the smelter under the new régime. Gail listened somewhat + distrait, but when the conversation about ores and fluxes and cupola + furnaces and all that sort of thing seemed likely to be indefinitely + prolonged she stole back to her piano and began singing to herself, soft + and low. + </p> + <p> + And presently, while the General meandered on in a disquisition about + refractory ores, Roderick was no longer paying attention. He was listening + to the warbling of a thrush in the forest, and his straining ears caught + the words of the song—“Just a-Wearyin’ for You.” A + thrill ran through his nerves. He excused himself to the General, and + crossed over to the piano. Gail instantly changed her song; by a skillful + transition she was humming now, “Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie + Dhon.” But their eyes met, and she blushed deeply. + </p> + <p> + During the following weeks Roderick thought much and often about the + beautiful Gail Holden, and occasionally now he would relax from business + duties to enjoy a gallop with her on a sunny afternoon over the foothill + ranges. They talked on many themes, and, although words of love were as + yet unspoken, there came to them the quiet sense of happiness in + companionship, of interest in each other’s thoughts and + undertakings, of mutual understanding that they were already closer and + dearer to each other than friendship alone could make them. + </p> + <p> + Spring was now rapidly approaching. The meadowlarks were singing, and the + grass beginning to grow green in the valleys and foothills, the wild + flowers to paint the slopes and dells in vivid colors. General Holden had + several days before gone to San Francisco, to visit his brother there in + regard to some family business. Gail had been unable to accompany her + father; she had declared that the little ranch at this season required all + her attention. To comfort her in her loneliness Roderick had promised to + go riding with her for an hour or two every afternoon. This pleasant duty + had been properly fulfilled for several days, and one afternoon, with + Badger ready saddled in front of his office, the young vice-president of + the smelter company was just clearing up a few items of business at his + desk before mounting and taking the road for the Conchshell Ranch. + </p> + <p> + A telegram was laid at his hand. He opened it casually, talking the while + with Boney Earnest. But when he saw the name on the slip of paper, he + started erect. The message was from Gail, and had come from Rawlins: + “My father is in hospital, having met with a street accident in San + Francisco. Have just had time to catch the afternoon train at Rawlins. My + address will be the Palace Hotel. Will telegraph news about father on + arrival.” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” exclaimed Roderick. “She has taken that + journey alone. And no one to help her in her trouble and sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + There was no alternative—he could but wait with all the patience he + could command for the next day’s overland. For he had instantly + resolved to follow Gail. Like a flash had come the revelation how deeply + he loved the girl; it had only needed the presence of tribulation to cause + the long-smouldering spark of the fire divine in his heart to leap into + flame—to make him realize that, come weal, come woe, his place now + was by her side. + </p> + <p> + That afternoon he made all his preparations for departure. The evening he + spent with Buell Hampton, and frankly told his friend of his great love + for Gail. The Major listened sympathetically. + </p> + <p> + “All the world loves a lover,” he said, a kindly glow upon his + face. “Humanity demands, conscience approves, and good people + everywhere applaud the genial and glowing warmth of honest love of man for + maid. And I commend the choice of your heart, Roderick, for surely nowhere + can be found a finer woman than Gail Holden. Go in and win, and may good + luck follow you. For friendship’s sake, too, I think it highly + proper you should proceed at once to San Francisco and look after General + Holden. I hope he is not dangerously hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no other information except this telegram,” replied + Roderick. “But I’ll surely wire you from San Francisco.” + </p> + <p> + Jim Rankin drove the stage next morning. Roderick took his accustomed + place on the box seat, and listened to Jim’s accustomed flow of + language on all the local topics of interest. But during the long drive of + fifty miles there was only one little part of the one-sided conversation + that Roderick ever remembered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, siree,” Jim said, “all the folks is readin’ + books these days. I myself have took the craze—I’ve got a book + about the horse out of our new libr’y an’ I’ll be + dog-busted if I ever knew the critter had so many bones. Tom Sun is readin’ + about wool growin’ in Australia, and is already figgerin’ on + gettin’ over Tasmanian merino blood for his flocks. And I’m + danged if old Wren the saloon-keeper ain’t got stuck with a volume + on temperance. ‘Ten Bar-Rooms in One Night’. no, by gunnies, + that’s not it—’Ten Nights in a Bar-Room’—now + I’ve got it right Guess it will do him a power o’ good too. + Then all the young fellers have started goin’ to night classes. I + tell you the Reverend Grannon with his schools an’ his libr’ies + is just workin’ wonders. An’ who do you think is his right + hand man, or boy, or devil—call him which you like?” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” asked Roderick vaguely. + </p> + <p> + “Scotty Meisch, that little tad of a cow-puncher you and poor old + Grant Jones took up and made a printer’s devil of. Well, the parson + got his hooks in him and tells me he’s turned out to be a + first-class organizer—that’s his word. It’s Scotty who + goes around, starts each new lib’iy, and sets the machin’ry + goin’ smooth an’ proper. It’s a case of a round peg in a + round hole, although who the hell would have thought it?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick was pleased to hear this good news of Scotty Meisch, but, + returning to his thoughts about Gail, failed to follow Jim as the latter + switched off into another line of “unbosomings.” + </p> + <p> + He was glad to be alone at last and in the drawing room of the Pullman car + which he had reserved by telegraph. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI—IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>FTER a tedious and + delayed trip of three days and nights Roderick’s train steamed onto + the mole at Oakland. During the last night he had refused to have the + berth in his drawing room made down, and had lounged and dozed in his + seat, occasionally peering out of the car window. The hour was late—almost + three o’clock in the morning. The train should have arrived at seven + o’clock the evening before. + </p> + <p> + There was the usual scramble of disembarking, red-capped porters pressing + forward to carry hand baggage from the train to the ferryboat. + </p> + <p> + “Last boat to San Francisco will leave in five minutes,” was + shouted from somewhere, and Roderick found himself with his valise in hand + being pushed along with the throng of passengers who had just alighted + from the train. Once on the ferryboat, he climbed to the upper deck and + went well forward for the view. The waters of the bay were illumed with a + half-crescent moon. Far across, six miles away, was San Francisco with its + innumerable lights along the waterfront and on the slopes of her hills. To + the right were Alcatras Island and the lighthouse. + </p> + <p> + Then the sharp ping-ping of bells sounded and the great wheels of the boat + began to turn. Roderick was filled with the excitement of an impatient + lover. “Gail, Gail, Gail,” his throbbing heart kept thrumming. + Would he be able to find her? San Francisco was a strange city to Gail as + well as to himself. She had been on the train ahead of him, and might by + this time have left the Palace Hotel, the address her telegram had given. + But he had learned from one of the porters that Gail’s train had + been greatly delayed and would not have arrived before eleven o’clock + the previous night. He reasoned that she would perforce have gone to the + hotel at such a late hour, and would wait until morning to hunt up the + hospital where her father was being cared for. + </p> + <p> + The boat had hardly touched the slip and the apron been lowered than he + bounded forward, hastened through the ferryhouse and came out into the + open where he was greeted by the tumultuous calls of a hundred solicitous + cab-drivers. Roderick did not stand on the order of things, but climbing + into the first vehicle that offered directed to be taken to the Palace + Hotel. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at the hotel Roderick paid his fare while the door porter took + possession of his grips. Glancing at a huge clock just over the cashier’s + desk, he noticed the hour was three-thirty a. m. Taking the pen handed to + him by the rooming clerk, he signed his name on the register, and then let + his eyes glance backward over the names of recent arrivals. Ah, there was + the signature of Gail Holden. Fortune was favoring him and he breathed a + silent prayer of thankfulness that he had overtaken her. + </p> + <p> + Yes, he would serve her. He would help her. She should see and she should + know without his telling her, that nothing else mattered if he could only + be with her, near her and permitted to relieve her of all troubles and + difficulties. + </p> + <p> + “Show the gentleman to his room,” said the night clerk and + bowed to Roderick with a cordial good night. + </p> + <p> + As Roderick turned and followed the boy to the elevator, he realized that + he was not sleepy—indeed that he was nervously alert and wide awake. + After the boy had brought a pitcher of ice-water to the room, received his + tip and departed, Roderick sat down to think it all over. But what was the + use? “I cannot see her until perhaps eight o’clock in the + morning. However, I will be on the outlook and in waiting when she is + ready for breakfast. And then—” his heart was beating fast + “I certainly am terribly upset,” he acknowledged to himself. + </p> + <p> + Taking up his hat, he went out, locked the door, rang for the elevator and + a minute later was out on the street. He was still wearing his costume of + the mountains—coat, shirt, trousers, and puttees, all of khaki, with + a broad-brimmed sombrero to match. A little way up Market Street he + noticed a florist’s establishment. Great bouquets of California + roses were in the windows, chrysanthemums and jars of violets. + </p> + <p> + He walked on, deciding to provide himself later on with a floral offering + wherewith to decorate the breakfast table. He had often heard San + Francisco described as a city that turned night into day, and the truth of + the remark impressed him. Jolly crowds were going along the streets + singing in roistering fashion—everyone seemed to be good-natured—the + cafés were open, the saloon doors swung both ways and were evidently ready + for all-comers. When he came to Tate’s restaurant, he went down the + broad marble steps and found—notwithstanding the lateness or rather + earliness of the hour—several hundred people still around the supper + tables. The scene had the appearance of a merry banquet where everyone was + talking at the same time. An air of joviality pervaded the place. The + great fountain was throwing up glittering columns of water through colored + lights as varied as the tints of a rainbow. The splash of the waters, the + cool spray, the wealth of ferns and flowers surrounding this sunken garden + in the center of a great dining room—the soft strains of the + orchestra, all combined to fill Roderick with wonder that was almost awe. + He sank into a chair at a vacant little table near the fountain and + endeavored to comprehend it all He was fresh from the brown hills, from + the gray and purple sage and the desert cacti, from the very heart of + nature, so utterly different to this spectacle of a bacchanalian + civilization. + </p> + <p> + The wilderness waif soon discovered that he would be de trop unless he + responded to the urgent inquiries of the waiter as to what he would have + to drink. + </p> + <p> + “A bottle of White Rock to begin with,” ordered Roderick. + </p> + <p> + As he was sipping the cold and refreshing water it occurred to him that he + had not tasted food since breakfast the day before in the dining car of + the train. Yes, he would have something to eat and he motioned to the + waiter. + </p> + <p> + After giving his order he had to wait a long time, and the longer he + waited the hungrier he became. Presently a generous steak was placed + before him. Potatoes <i>au gratin,</i> olives, asparagus, and French peas + made up the side dishes, and a steaming pot of coffee completed a + sumptuous meal. + </p> + <p> + When he had paid his check he discovered it was almost five o’clock + in the morning, and as he mounted the marble stairway he laughingly told + himself he wouldn’t have much of an appetite at seven or eight o’clock + when he came to sit down at the breakfast table with Gail Holden. Gaining + the sidewalk he found that darkness was shading into dawn. + </p> + <p> + Instead of returning by way of Market Street, Roderick lit a cigar and + turning to the right walked up a cross street toward the St. Francis + Hotel. In front was a beautiful little park; shrubbery and flowers lined + the winding walks, while here and there large shade trees gave an added + touch of rural charm. + </p> + <p> + He seated himself on one of the iron benches, took out his watch and + counted up the number of minutes until, probably, he would see the object + of his heart’s desire. How slow the time was going. He heard the + laughter of a banqueting party over at the Poodle Dog, although at the + time he did not know the place by name. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he murmured, “San Francisco is certainly in a + class by itself. This is the land where there is no night.” + </p> + <p> + The contrast between the scenes in this gay city and the quiet hill life + away up among the crags, the deep canyons and snow-clad peaks of southern + Wyoming was indeed remarkable. + </p> + <p> + It was the morning of April eighteen, 1906, and the night had almost + ended. There was a suggestion of purple on the eastern horizon—the + forerunner of coming day. The crescent moon was hanging high above Mt. + Tamalpais. + </p> + <p> + The town clock tolled the hour of five and still Roderick waited. + Presently he was filled with a strange foreboding, a sense of oppression, + that he was unable to analyze. He wondered if it presaged refusal of the + great love surging in his heart for Gail Holden, the fair rider of the + ranges, the sweet singer of the hills. An indescribable agitation seized + him. + </p> + <p> + The minutes went slowly by. His impatience increased. He looked again at + his watch and it was only a quarter after five. The city was wrapped in + slumber. + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly and without warning Roderick was roughly thrown from his + seat and sent sprawling onto the grass among the shrubbery. He heard an + angry growling like the roar from some rudely awakened Goliath of + destruction deep down in earth’s inner chambers of mystery—a + roar of wrath and madness and resistless power. The ground was trembling, + reeling, upheaving, shaking and splitting open into yawning fissures, + while hideous noises were all around. Buildings about the park were being + rent asunder and were falling into shapeless heaps of ruin. + </p> + <p> + Struggling to his feet, his first impulse was to hasten to the hotel and + protect Gail. As he arose and started to run he was again thrown to earth. + The bushes whipped the turf as if swished to and fro by an unseat hand. + For a moment Roderick was stunned into inaction—stricken with the + paralysis of unspeakable fear. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII—RODERICK RESCUES GAIL + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T WAS but a few + seconds until Roderick was again on his feet Hurriedly taking his + bearings, he started off through the little park in the direction of the + Palace Hotel. In the uncertain morning dawn the people from innumerable + bedrooms above the stores were pouring into the streets. They were + scantily attired, most of them simply in their night garments, and all + were dazed and stunned with a terrible fright Before Roderick had reached + Market Street the thoroughfare was almost blocked by this frantic and + half-clothed mass of humanity. His powerful athletic frame and his + football experience stood him in good stead, although here roughness had + to be exchanged for greatest gentleness. He was very persistent, however, + in his determination to reach the hotel in time if possible to be of + assistance to Gail. + </p> + <p> + Less than ten feet in front of where he was crowding his way through the + throng of people a portion of a cornice came tumbling down from far above. + A wailing cry went up from the unfortunates pinned beneath. Roderick + leaped quickly forward and with the strength of a Hercules began to heave + aside the great blocks of stone. Others recognized his leadership, + instantly obeyed his commands and lent their united strength in helping to + release three men who had been caught under debris. The cries of the + injured were piteous. Indifferent to the danger of falling bricks and + mortar Roderick caught up one poor fellow in his arms and carried him as + if he were a babe into a receding doorway. + </p> + <p> + “My legs, my legs,” the victim moaned. “They’re + broken—they’re broken.” + </p> + <p> + Quickly removing his coat Roderick placed it beneath the man’s head + for a pillow, and leaving others to guard, he hastened back to the scene + of the tragedy, only to find that the spark of life had now gone out from + the other two bodies pitifully maimed and crushed. + </p> + <p> + He pushed his way into the middle of the street amid the surging mob, and + again turned his steps toward the Palace Hotel. At last he found himself + near to the entrance of the great hostelry. But everyone was seeking to + escape and rushing to the street in riotous disorder. By dint of + indefatigable efforts he managed to get within the gateway and then to the + large trysting room across the hall from the hotel office. A group of + women were endeavoring to revive a poor sufferer who evidently had + fainted. Approaching, he saw blood coursing down the fair face of the + unfortunate. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he exclaimed. “It is Gail.” + </p> + <p> + An instant later he had gently pushed the helpers aside and gathered the + girl in his strong arms. Moving backwards, forcing a passage step by step + with the determination of one who acts intuitively in a crisis, he managed + to gain the open. He hoped the air would restore Gail to consciousness. + </p> + <p> + Crossing to the other side of the street where the throng was less dense + he started toward a high hill that rose up far away. It was covered with + residences, and if he could once reach that vantage point with his charge + he felt sure it would be an asylum of safety. The distance was + considerable and presently the way became steep. But he was unconscious of + any weight in the burden he carried. His only thought was to get Gail away + from the burning, falling buildings—away from the central part of + the city which was now a fiery pit wrapped in sheets of devouring flame. + </p> + <p> + Finally attaining the eminence—it was Nob Hill although he did not + know the name—he found the porches and front lawns of the beautiful + houses filled with frightened people viewing the scene in awe and + amazement. Formalities were forgotten; solicitude and helpful kindness + reigned supreme among all the people of the stricken city. + </p> + <p> + He called to a little group huddled on the front porch of their home. + “Here is a lady,” Roderick explained, “who has been + injured and fainted. Will you please get water and help to revive her?” + </p> + <p> + In hurried eagerness to assist they quickly brought a cot to the porch and + upon this Roderick gently placed the still unconscious girl. Her face was + deathly white, and a great red gash was discovered across one side of her + head, from which the blood was trickling down the marble cheek. The wound + was bandaged by tender hands and the face laved with cooling water. After + a little Gail opened her eyes and asked piteously: “Where am I? + Where am I?” + </p> + <p> + “You are safe,” said Roderick as he knelt by her side. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is it you, Mr. Warfield? How glad—how glad I am to see + you. Where am I?” + </p> + <p> + “In San Francisco. Don’t you remember?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I remember now,” she replied weakly and lifted one + hand to her aching head. “But papa?—where is my father?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to look for him now. You are with kind people and they + will care for you. Rest quietly and be patient until I return.” + </p> + <p> + Her dark blue eyes looked helplessly up into his for a moment; then he + turned and was gone. + </p> + <p> + Roderick rushed down the hill, back to the scene of devastation where he + might be useful in helping to save human life, determined also in his + heart to find General Holden. But where was he? In some hospital, as Gail’s + telegram had told. + </p> + <p> + He was debating with himself whether he should return to seek some + directions from Gail. But just then the surging, swaying crowd pushed him + irresistibly back, then swept him away along Market Street. The Palace + Hotel was on fire. Policemen and firemen were thrusting the people away + from the known danger line. + </p> + <p> + Just then he heard a voice crying out in heart-rending anguish: “My + little girl’, my little girl.” It was a frantic mother weeping + and looking far up to the seventh story of a building she evidently had + just left. There leaning out of a window was a curly haired tot of a + child, perhaps not more than four years old, laughing and throwing kisses + toward her mama, all unconscious of danger. + </p> + <p> + “I came down,” sobbed the weeping mother to those around, + “to see what had happened. The stairway is now on fire, and I cannot + return. Will no one, oh Lord, will no one save my little girl?” + </p> + <p> + Roderick looked up to where the woman was pointing and saw the child. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he exclaimed, “smoke is coming out of the next + window.” He noticed that the adjoining building was already a mass + of fire. At a glance he took in the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on a minute,” he shouted. “I will try.” + </p> + <p> + There was an outside fire escape that led from the top story down to the + first floor. Roderick made a leap, caught hold of the awning braces, + pulled himself up with muscles of steel, and grasped the lowermost rung of + the escape. A moment later he was making his way up the narrow iron + ladder, pushing through the aperture at each floor, with almost superhuman + swiftness. When he reached the window he lifted the child in his arms and + hastily started on the downward journey. + </p> + <p> + “Hold tight, little girl,” was all Roderick said as he felt + the confiding clasp of her tiny arms about his neck. + </p> + <p> + Many of the people below besides the almost frenzied mother were watching + the heroic deed with bated breath. Just then a cry of terror went up. The + great wall of a burning building across the street was toppling outward + and a moment later collapsed, burying many unhappy victims beneath the + avalanche of broken brick and mortar. + </p> + <p> + Whether the little girl’s mother had been caught by the falling wall + or not Roderick had no means of determining. A choking cloud of dust, ash, + soot and smoke enveloped him in stifling darkness; he could hardly + breathe. The very air was heated and suffocating. But down and down he + went with his little burden clinging tightly to him. Arriving at the + awnings he swung himself over, secured a momentary foothold, then grasped + the braces with his hands and dropped to the littered sidewalk below. + </p> + <p> + The mother of the girl was nowhere to be seen. He turned down the street + to get away from the horrible sight of the dead and the piteous cries of + the dying. He had scarcely reached the next corner when the child, who was + mutely clinging to him as if indeed she knew he was her savior, released + her arms and called out gleefully: “Oh, there’s mama, mama, + mama.” Then the mother stood before him, weeping now for joy, and + through her tears Roderick saw a face of radiance and a smile of gratitude + that time or eternity would never erase from his memory. + </p> + <p> + Nothing mattered now—her little girl was safe in her arms. “I + don’t know who you are, sir,” she exclaimed, “but I owe + to you the life of my child, and may the good God bless you.” + </p> + <p> + But this was no time for thanks. Roderick was looking upward. + </p> + <p> + “Come quickly,” he shouted, “come this way—hasten.” + And he pulled them down a side street and away from another sky-scraper + that was trembling and wavering as if about to fall. + </p> + <p> + They turned, and ran along a street that was still free from fire and led + toward the St. Francis Hotel and the little park fronting it where + Roderick had sat at dawn. Carefully he guided the woman’s steps, + keeping to the middle of the street, for the sidewalk was encumbered with + debris and threatened by partly dislodged brickwork above. Here and there + the roadway was rumpled and rough as a washboard by reason of the + earthquake, while at places were great gaping fissures where the earth had + been split open many feet deep. But soon they were in the open square, and + mother and child were safe. Knowing this, Roderick allowed them to pass on—to + pass out of his life without even the asking or the giving of names. + </p> + <p> + For there was other work to his hand; he hurried back to the last + crossing. There under the fallen débris, was a woman obviously of + refinement and wealth whose life had been vanquished without warning. One + hand was extended above the wreckage. It was shapely and encircled with a + bracelet, while a single diamond solitaire ring adorned her finger—perhaps + a betrothal ring. Two human ghouls—not men—had whipped out + their ready knives and were in the very act of severing the finger to + obtain the jewel. It was these brutes that Roderick had come back to face. + </p> + <p> + Like a flash he leaped forward and with a well directed sledge-hammer blow + felled one of these would-be robbers of the dead. Then he grappled with + the second scoundrel. The man in his grip was none other than the outlaw, + Bud Bledsoe! + </p> + <p> + With knife already open and in his hand the inhuman wretch slashed + Roderick’s cheek, and the red blood spurted down his face and neck. + Roderick loosed his hold and stepped back a pace—the next gash of + this kind might easily be a fatal one. But not for one instant did he lose + his presence of mind or nerve. As the cowardly miscreant advanced, cruel + murder in his eyes, Roderick by a swift swing of his right parried the + upraised hand that held the knife, and then, seizing the opening, he + delivered with his left a smashing uppercut. Bledsoe reeled for a moment + like a drunken man, then sank to the ground a huddled heap, and finally + rolled over kicking convulsively and quite insensible. + </p> + <p> + The knockout had been effected quickly and well—like a butcher would + fell a bullock. + </p> + <p> + Already the devastated city was under martial law, and three or four + soldiers coming hurriedly up just then, and having seen from the opposite + corner the hellish attempt of the two wretches to despoil the dead, shot + them instantly, Bledsoe where he lay writhing, the other as he staggered + dazed-like to his feet. + </p> + <p> + Roderick wiped the blood from his face, and thanked the soldiers. “Good + for you, young fellow,” cried one of them as they continued on their + way. + </p> + <p> + His wound forgotten, Roderick again looked round to see where he could + render the most efficient service. + </p> + <p> + The night came on, and he was still at work, rescuing and helping. He had + been recognized by the Citizens’ Committee of Safety and now wore a + badge that gave him the freedom of the streets. In all his goings and + comings he was ever looking for General Holden, and he also made numerous + trips to Nob Hill, searching for the house where he had left Gail. But he + could never find the place again, for the raging fire was fast + obliterating all guiding landmarks. + </p> + <p> + Thus for two days—terrible days, pitiful days—for two nights—terrible + nights, pitiful nights—Roderick drifted with the bands of rescuers, + doing deeds of valor and of helpfulness for others less strong than + himself. His face was black with soot and clotted with blood, his coat he + had parted with at the beginning of the disaster, the rest of his clothing + was tattered and torn, his sombrero had disappeared, when and how he had + not the faintest notion. + </p> + <p> + The fire had now burned out its center circle and was eating away at the + rim in every direction. Roderick suddenly remembered he had tasted no food + since his early breakfast at Tate’s an hour before the earthquake + crash. The pangs of hunger had begun to make themselves felt, and he + concluded to turn his steps toward the outer fire line and endeavor to + find something to eat. + </p> + <p> + As he walked along from house to house he found them all deserted. Some of + the household goods were scattered about the lawns, while boxes, trunks, + and bulky packages were piled on the sidewalks. Presently he found a + basket which contained a single loaf of bread. This he ate ravenously, and + counted it the greatest feast he had ever had in his life. He ate as he + hurried along, thinking of Gail and General Holden—wishing he might + divide the bread with them. + </p> + <p> + The roar of consuming, crackling flames, the deep intonations of + intermittent dynamite explosions, and the occasional wail of human beings + in distress, rose and fell like a funeral dirge. + </p> + <p> + His feet intuitively turned back to the burned district. There might + yet be more work for him to do. + </p> + <p> + He determined to pick his way across the ruins, and ascending the hill + opposite make another desperate effort to find Gail. After a fatiguing + climb over hot embers and around the twisted steel skeletons of burned-out + buildings he finally stood on the rim of the hill above the saucer-shaped + valley of flames. Only charred and smoking ruins were about him. The + beautiful residential district had like the business sections below, been + swept with the fires of destruction. + </p> + <p> + Where was Gail? Was she safe? Was she dead? Would he ever find her? These + were some of the questions that kept him in agonizing incertitude. + </p> + <p> + There was a weird uncanny attraction about this great amphitheatre of + flame—an attraction like that of a lodestone; and he feared lest + Gail had left her refuge in a vain search for her father and met with + another serious accident. Roderick had visited all the unburned hospitals, + but no trace of General Holden had he been able to find. The quest for + both must be resumed; so down the hill he trudged again. + </p> + <p> + Ashes and burning cinders were falling like huge flakes of snow. Once more + Roderick was in the midst of a throng of people—gaunt and + hollow-eyed, wearied and worn-out, just staggering along. At last he + recognized the little park in front of the St. Francis Hotel. Yes, he + would go there, stretch himself on the grass, and rest and sleep for at + least a few hours. This would make him ill the fitter for his task of + searching. + </p> + <p> + Just as he was about to cross the street a dozen people shouted for him to + look out; but he did not turn quickly enough to discover nor escape a + burning wooden rafter that fell from the upper story of a building and + struck him an ugly glancing blow on the head. Roderick dropped to the + ground unconscious. + </p> + <p> + At this very moment a Red Cross automobile was passing. It stopped + abruptly at the sidewalk. Two men stepped quickly down and lifted the + almost lifeless body into the machine. A moment later the auto glided away + down a side street in the direction of Golden Gate Park. + </p> + <p> + That night there were many in the camps of refuge around the burning city + who thought about the tall, strong-muscled, square-jawed young stranger in + khaki garb, while their hearts welled up with gratitude for his timely + assistance and chivalrous deeds of bravery. Had they but known of the fate + that had at last befallen their nameless hero, grateful thoughts would + have been turned into fervent prayers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII—THE SEARCH FOR RODERICK + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE general shock + of horror caused by the San Francisco disaster was intensified at + Encampment when the news ran round that three local people had been in the + stricken city at the moment of the earthquake shock which had laid the + business centre in ruins and prepared the way for the subsequent + far-sweeping conflagration. No telegram came from either the Holdens or + Roderick Warfield, and their silence, their failure to relieve the anxiety + of the friends they must have known were deeply concerned about their + safety, could only cause ominous conjectures as to their fate. There was + no possibility of reaching them by wire, for the Palace Hotel, the only + known address, had been one of the first buildings destroyed. + </p> + <p> + But Buell Hampton did not wait for telegrams to reach him. He had no + sooner been apprised of the catastrophe than he was on his way to Rawlins, + hiring a special conveyance on the mere off-chance that railway schedules + would have been disarranged and a train might be caught at any moment. In + this he showed his usual good judgment for within an hour of reaching the + station he was on board a belated limited, in which he had the further + good fortune to find one solitary sleeping berth unoccupied. The train was + loaded with returning San Francisco people who had been absent when their + homes had been swept away, anxious friends of sufferers, doctors, nurses, + relief workers of every kind, newspaper men, all hurrying to the scene of + sorrow and suffering. + </p> + <p> + It was on the morning of the fifth day after the earthquake that Buell + Hampton, provided with a special permit, at last found himself amid the + ruins of San Francisco. Many buildings were still burning or smoldering, + but the area of destruction was now defined and the spread of the flames + checked. With saddened heart the Major picked his way along what once had + been Market Street but was now a long mound of fallen stones, bricks, and + mortar lined by the skeletons of lofty iron-framed buildings. Here the + work of clearing away the debris in search of victims was in progress. But + any inquiries of those actively engaged in these operations were useless. + Buell Hampton passed on. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he came upon the bread line, a wonderful sight—a long row + of people of all sorts and conditions, the rich, the poor, the educated, + the ignorant, the well dressed, the tattered, ranged in single file and + marching slowly past the commissary to receive a supply of provisions for + their own famishing selves or for their destitute families. Buell Hampton + scanned each face; neither General Holden nor Roderick were in the line, + nor was there any sign of Gail. + </p> + <p> + Then he began a systematic visitation of the refuge camps that had been + formed around the bumed-out area. The remainder of that first day he spent + in Golden Gate Park. It was not until the succeeding afternoon that he + found himself in the crowded tent city out on the Presidio. Here at last + his patient and persistent efforts were rewarded. He caught sight of Gail + seated near the door of a tiny tent-house and strode eagerly forward to + greet her. In his deep emotion he folded the young girl to his breast, and + she in turn clung to him in her joy of meeting at last a dear friend from + home. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your father?” was the Major’s first inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “He is safe. We have this little tent, and I am nursing him. His + right arm was broken in the street accident, but immediately after the + fire began all the hospital patients were removed to open places, and here + I found him, thank God, the very first evening. You see, my uncle’s + house was burned. He is quartered across the bay at Oakland.” + </p> + <p> + “Your head is bandaged, Gail. Were you badly hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was nothing,” she replied, pulling off the narrow + band of linen that encircled her brow. “Just a little scalp wound + when I fell, and it is quite healed now. But, oh, I remember so little + about the terrible disaster—how I got out of the Palace Hotel at + all.” + </p> + <p> + “And Roderick—where is Roderick?” asked Buell Hampton. + </p> + <p> + Gail’s eyes opened wide—with wonder, then with fear. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick, Roderick!” she exclaimed in a trembling voice. + “Then it was not a dream?” + </p> + <p> + “What dream?” + </p> + <p> + “That it was he who carried me out of the hotel building and to the + veranda of the house where he laid me on a cot and kind friends bathed my + wound.” + </p> + <p> + “No dream, this. It was Roderick for certain. He followed you on the + next train to San Francisco—intending to go straight to the Palace + Hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Followed me? Why did he follow me?” + </p> + <p> + “To render you help when your father was hurt—because he loves + you—of course, you must have divined how deeply he loves you.” + </p> + <p> + The color rose slowly to Gail’s face. But there was fear still in + her eyes. She pressed her clasped hands to her breast. + </p> + <p> + “Then where is he now?” she asked in a tense whisper. + </p> + <p> + “That is what I want to know—I have been seeking both you and + him. When did you meet last?” + </p> + <p> + “Five days ago. After saving me he rushed straight away to seek for + Papa. I came to believe that it was all a dream. For I have not seen him + since. Oh, he must have been hurt—he may have been killed.” + And burying her face in her hands she burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton laid a kindly hand on her shoulder. “Come, my dear, we + can do no good by giving way to weeping. I have been through many of the + refuge camps, and I shall go right on searching now. You see there are + thousands of people in these Presidio grounds. He may be within a stone’s + throw of us here at this very moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let me help you.” With a hand she dashed away her tears, + and stood before him now, calm and resolute. “I will come with you + right now. I need no hat or anything.” + </p> + <p> + “But your father?” + </p> + <p> + “He is all right He is resting quite peacefully. Just spare one + moment, please. Come in and shake hands. He will be so happy to see you.” + </p> + <p> + She led the way to the tent door and parted the awning. Buell Hampton + entered and warmly greeted General Holden. But he told him he could not + linger, for Roderick must be found. + </p> + <p> + During the remaining hours of daylight the Major and Gail searched along + row after row of tents. But Roderick remained undiscovered—no one + had ever heard his name or could remember having seen anyone answering to + the description given. Reluctantly Buell Hampton quitted the quest and led + Gail back to her own place of refuge. + </p> + <p> + “I am sleeping at Berkeley,” he explained. “It is best + that we should both have our night’s rest. But I shall be back here + for you soon after daybreak, and if you can engage someone to watch by + your father we shall search together all day long. Will that suit, you, + Gail?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you are so kind taking me,” she replied, resting her + hands on his shoulders, tears of gratitude in the eyes that looked up into + his. “It would break my heart not to be with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not rob you of love’s sweet duty,” he replied + as he stooped and gently kissed her on the brow. + </p> + <p> + Another day went by, but still their efforts were unrewarded. On the + following morning they started for the Seal House, to search the many + improvised hospitals which they had learned were located there. The first + place they entered was an immense tent with two or three hundred cots + ranged in crowded rows. + </p> + <p> + As Buell Hampton and Gail walked down the long central aisle, each took + one side to scan the physiognomies of the poor sufferers, some moaning in + delirium, others with quiet pale faces that lighted up to return the smile + of sympathy and encouragement Presently, the Major who was walking a few + feet in advance heard an exclamation of joy, and turning quickly saw Gail + Holden kneeling at the side of a cot There was a bewildered look on the + face of the patient—a lean drawn face, pallid beneath the tan, the + chin stubbled with a beard of a few days’ growth, the forehead + swathed in bandages, one cheek scored with a healing scar. Gail had taken + one of his hands in both her own. He looked from Gail to Major Hampton and + then from the Major back to Gail. + </p> + <p> + “Is this a vision?” he asked feebly, as if doubting his + senses. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick, my dear fellow, is it really you?” exclaimed the + Major, as he bent down over him. “For days we have been hunting for + you. And now we’ve found your hotel”—he glanced around + with a little smile—“we don’t propose to lose sight of + you again.” + </p> + <p> + Loosening his hand from Gail’s and taking both of hers in his own + and smiling feebly, Roderick said: “Really, Gail, I hardly know yet + whether you are actually here or I am dreaming. You looked pretty white + that day I carried you from the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no dream about me, Roderick,” replied Gail brightly. + “We are going to take care of you, Major Hampton and myself, just as + you so kindly looked after poor little me.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a nurse approached: “So your friends have found you, + Mr. Warfield?” she said with a cheerful smile. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Roderick, “the very best friends I have + in all the world.” As he spoke Gail felt the gentle pressure of his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “Is this your ward?” inquired the Major of the nurse. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have had charge of it ever since this makeshift hospital was + put up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, how is the patient, our friend Mr. Warfield?” + </p> + <p> + “He had received a pretty ugly cut—a falling piece of wood or + something of that sort—on the top and side of his head—a sort + of glancing bruise. But he is getting on very well now. We have his fever + under control. For a number of days he was very flighty and talked a great + deal about Major Hampton.” + </p> + <p> + “I am honored,” said the Major, bowing. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you are Major Hampton?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Gail, “Major Buell Hampton is Mr. Warfield’s + best friend—that is, one of the best.” And she looked quickly + at Roderick. + </p> + <p> + “How fortunate that you have come when he is convalescing. But tell + me,” asked the nurse, “who is Gail? In his delirium he talked + a great deal about her.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick’s face flushed, and Gail with rising color immediately + changed the subject by asking: “How soon would it be safe to have + the patient removed?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, perhaps tomorrow or the next day. The doctor says he is now + quite out of danger—the fever is practically gone.” + </p> + <p> + At Roderick’s request he was propped up on his little white iron + hospital cot, chairs were brought, and until far on in the afternoon Gail + and the Major sat on either side, conversing in quiet, subdued tones, + relating incidents in the terrible disaster, planning for their early + return to Wyoming just as soon as Gail’s father and Roderick himself + could stand the journey. + </p> + <p> + A couple of days later Buell Hampton and Gail arrived at the hospital in + an automobile, and carried Roderick away to a yacht anchored in the bay + that had been placed at their disposal. Here Roderick found General Holden + already installed in a comfortable deck chair, and he was introduced by + Gail to her Uncle Edward, a hale old gentleman bearing a striking + resemblance to his brother. The General looked fit even if he did carry + his right arm in a sling, Roderick although weak from loss of blood was + able to walk, and both could well congratulate each other on their + providential escape. + </p> + <p> + “We are not going to talk about these awful times,” said the + General as he gave Roderick his left hand and returned the cordial + pressure. “But I have to thank you for saving our dear Gail. We all + fully realize that without your brave and timely help we would not have + her with us today.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” protested Roderick. “Somebody else would + have done what I did. I was just happy and lucky in having the privilege.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you!” murmured the father, again pressing the hand + which he had not yet relinquished. + </p> + <p> + “And so say I,” exclaimed the uncle. “We could not do + without our little Gail.” And he patted her cheek affectionately. + </p> + <p> + There followed a week of blissful rest and happy companionship, at the end + of which it would have been a hollow mockery to pretend in the case of + either invalid that any more nursing or lolling in long chairs was + required. Railroad accommodations were secured for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX—REUNIONS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>EN days before the + departure from San Francisco telegrams had been sent in all directions + giving forth the glad tidings that General Holden and Gail, Roderick and + Buell Hampton, were safe and would soon be on their homeward way to + Wyoming. Among those thus notified had been the Shields family at Los + Angeles and Allen Miller at Keokuk. But it was a great surprise to find + Whitley Adams waiting the arrival of the morning train at Rawlins with his + big Sixty Horse Power automobile, and bearing the news that Mrs. Shields, + Barbara and Dorothy had returned, while also Uncle Allen and Aunt Lois had + come to Encampment so that appropriate welcome might be given to those who + had recently come through such terrible and harrowing experiences. Jim + Rankin and Tom Sun were also on the platform to exchange hand-grips with + Roderick and the Major. + </p> + <p> + After the first glad salutations Whitley pointed to his car, and announced + that he was going to drive the party over to Encampment. + </p> + <p> + “Sorry to be starting in opposition to the regular stage,” he + said with a sly little wink in Roderick’s direction. “But you + see Mr. Rankin’s horses are hardly good enough for the occasion.” + </p> + <p> + Jim drew himself up and pointed to his old Concord stage coach standing + by, all ready for the road. + </p> + <p> + “The dangnationest finest pair uv roan leaders and span uv blacks at + the wheel that ever had lines over ‘em in this part of the country,” + he declared sturdily. “Just wait a bit, young man. ‘Fore we’re + many miles on the road I make free to prognosticate you’ll be under + the bed-springs uv that new fangled wagon uv yours and my hosses will be + whizzing past you like a streak uv greased lightnin’. How would a + little bet uv ten or twenty dollars suit you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bankers never gamble,” replied Whitley with undisturbed + gravity. “Well, you’ll follow with the luggage, Mr. Rankin, + and no doubt we’ll have the pleasure of seeing you again sometime + tomorrow. Come away, Miss Holden. Luncheon is to be waiting at my hotel in + Encampment in a couple of hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Blame his skin,” muttered Jim when the big automobile had + whirled away. But Tom Sun was convulsed with laughter. + </p> + <p> + “He got your dander fairly riz, Jim,” he chuckled. + </p> + <p> + Jim’s visage expanded into a broad grin. + </p> + <p> + “Guess that’s just what he was arter. But ain’t he the + most sassy cock-a-whoop little cuss anyhow?” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I help you with the luggage?” laughed Tom Sun. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you just quit the foolin’ game, Tom. Don’t come + nachural from you. Besides I might be gettin’ a heap peevish and + kind o’ awkward with my artillery. Suppose we lubricate?” + </p> + <p> + So the old cronies crossed over to the Wren saloon, where a brace of + cocktails soon restored Jim’s ruffled dignity. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the automobile was speeding along. + </p> + <p> + Roderick was on the driver’s seat beside Whitley, and absorbing the + news. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I just insisted on your Uncle Allen coming along,” + Whitley was telling him. “And Aunt Lois, too. My old folks will + arrive at the end of the week. Meantime Aunt Lois is helping me with my + trousseau.” + </p> + <p> + “Your trousseau!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—socks and things. You see it’s all fixed up between + me and dear Dorothy. Oh, she’s the best girl ever—you’ll + remember I said that from the first, Rod, my boy.” His face became + grave, and his voice took a humble tone. “Of course I know I can + never, fill the place of Grant Jones, and I told her that. But I’ll + do my best to make her happy, and I think she cares enough for me to let + me try.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick pressed the hand next him resting on the steering wheel. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure you’ll be very happy, both of you,” he + said; “and I congratulate you, Whitley, old fellow, from the bottom + of my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Whitley looked round and was his gay, light-hearted self once again. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, old chap. Well, Barbara and Ben Bragdon are also ready. We’re + only waiting for you and Gail.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick’s face reddened. + </p> + <p> + “You’re mighty kind but rather premature, I’m afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, fudge and nonsense! We’re all agreed the thing’s + settled, or as good as settled. Great guns anyone with half an eye could + have told it, to see you handing her out of the train a little while ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, Whitley.” + </p> + <p> + “There now, just forget all that. So when talking matters over with + Bragdon and our dear twins I suggested that we might as well ring the + wedding bells for six as for two at a time—may come cheaper with the + Reverend Grannon, you know, if we hand it to him wholesale.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick no longer attempted to protest, and Whitley rambled on: “But, + say, old fellow, your Uncle Allen has one on you. He declares that Gail + Holden is just the very girl he intended for you right from the beginning—the + young lady about whom you kicked when you had that row in the banker’s + room a year and a half ago—Great Scott, how time does fly!” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible,” exclaimed Roderick in profound amazement + </p> + <p> + “The very same,” replied Whitley. “The little tot of a + girl with whom you had that desperate love affair down the river years and + years ago—oh, quite a pretty story; your uncle told it to me with no + end of charming details. And now he is mighty proud, I can tell you, over + his own foresight and sagacity in picking just the right girl for you at + the very start.” + </p> + <p> + “He said that, did he?” queried Roderick with a grim smile. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and that if you had followed his advice you could have had her + then, without running away from home and facing all sorts of hardships and + dangers.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” exclaimed Roderick firmly. “Gail Holden is + not that sort of girl. Uncle Allen forgets that she had to be won—or + rather has to be won,” he added, correcting himself when he caught + the smile on Whitley’s countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you won’t forget,” laughed Whitley, “that I + stood out of the contest and left the way clear for you. Lucky, though, + that the College Widow took the bit between her teeth and bolted, eh, old + man?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” whispered Roderick, throwing a warning glance over his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “What are you two boys talking about?” asked Gail, with a + bright smile from her seat at the back of the tonneau. + </p> + <p> + “Old college days,” laughed Whitley, as he changed the clutch + for a stiff up-grade. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at Encampment, they found Allen Miller walking nervously up and + down the platform in front of the hotel. The red blood in Roderick’s + veins surged like fierce hammer strokes, with eagerness to once more grasp + the hand of his old guardian. + </p> + <p> + He hastily excused himself, jumped from the auto and grasped the extended + hand of his old guardian. He was soon led away by his uncle Allen, to the + parlors of the hotel, to meet his Aunt Lois. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am so glad you brought Roderick here, Allen; for I just knew + that I would get all fussed up and cry. + </p> + <p> + “There, there, Aunt Lois,” said Roderick cheerily, after + embracing her warmly, “we are not going to be separated any more,—or, + if we are, it will not be for long at any one time. I know the way back to + old Keokuk,” said Roderick, laughing and hugging his dear aunt Lois + again, “and you and Uncle Allen now know the road out to the Wyoming + hills.” + </p> + <p> + “I declare, Lois,” said Uncle Allen, “you and Roderick + act like a couple of school children.” He laughed rather loudly as + he said this, to hide his own agitation; but it was noticed that his eyes + were filled with tears, which he hastily brushed away. + </p> + <p> + It was a happy luncheon party at the Bonhomme Hotel, Whitley playing the + host to perfection, his guests, besides the new arrivals, being the whole + Shields family, Banker Allen Miller and his wife, and the young state + senator, Ben Bragdon. And early in the proceedings Gail to her surprise + learned that Roderick was no other than her little boy lover on the river + steamer <i>Diamond Joe</i> some fifteen years ago, and blushed in sweet + confusion when Allen Miller in radiant good humor joked about coming + events casting their shadows before. Roderick went to her rescue and + promptly switched the topic of conversation. + </p> + <p> + Toward the close of the meal Buell Hampton was expounding to the banker a + great irrigation scheme he had in view—to bring into Encampment + Valley the waters of French Creek and Bear Creek, the former by a tunnel + through the Hunter Range, the latter by a siphon under the Great Platte + River, whereby a hundred thousand acres of rich valley lands, now + wilderness because waterless, could be brought into profitable + agricultural bearing. + </p> + <p> + “So you are going to drive us cattle men off the face of the + country,” laughed Mr. Shields. + </p> + <p> + “Better happy homes than roaming herds,” replied Buell + Hampton. “What nobler work could we take in hand?” he asked. + “The smelter and the mine are running themselves now. Let us then + see what we can do to make the desert blossom like the rose. Mr. Miller, + Mr. Shields, myself—we can all help with capital. Mr. Bragdon, there + is a life’s work for you in this enterprise.” + </p> + <p> + “Lawyers always come in for fat pickings,” laughed Whitley + Adams. + </p> + <p> + “General Holden,” continued the Major, “I am sure will + want to join in too. Then Roderick—” + </p> + <p> + He paused and glanced in his young friend’s direction. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m prepared to turn in all the gold from my mine,” + exclaimed Roderick enthusiastically. + </p> + <p> + Indeed Buell Hampton had kindled the spirit of enthusiasm all round. The + project was as good as launched—the dream of a generation of + pioneers within sight of realization. + </p> + <p> + When coffee was being served on the veranda, the Major drew Roderick + aside. They were seated alone at a little table. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick, my boy,” Buell Hampton began, “I want to see + you tonight at my home—all alone. Come about eight o’clock. I + have several matters of importance to communicate. During the afternoon I’ll + be busy—I have some banking business to transact, besides I wish an + hour or two with your uncle before my talk with you tonight. I am sorry to + leave such a happy gathering, but am sure”—this with a gentle + glance in Gail’s direction—“that the time will not hang + heavily on your hands. Until eight o’clock then;” and with a + tap on Roderick’s shoulder the Major crossed over and spoke a few + words to Allen Miller, the two taking their departure a few moments later. + </p> + <p> + Roderick was mystified—less by Buell Hampton’s actual words + than by his grave look and manner. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Gail had risen and entered the drawing room that opened by + French windows off the veranda, and the sound of her voice at the piano + broke him from his momentary reverie. He rose and joined her. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL—BUELL HAMPTON’S GOOD-BY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">R</span>ODERICK was prompt + to the minute in keeping his appointment. He found the Major seated before + a bright log-fire, and his first glance around the old familiar room + showed the progress of some unusual preparations. The open lid of a + traveling trunk revealed clothing and books already packed; the violin in + its case rested on the centre table. + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton interpreted his visitor’s look of wonderment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Roderick,” he said with a smile that was both tender and + serious, “I am going away. But let us take things in their order. + Sit down here, and let us smoke our pipes together in the old way—perhaps + it may be for the last time in each other’s company.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t say that, my dear Major,” protested Roderick, + in accents of real concern. + </p> + <p> + But Buell Hampton motioned him to his seat, and passed over the humidor. + For a minute or two they smoked in silence. At last the Major spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick, I have news that will greatly surprise you. I had a + telegram from Boney Earnest just before we left San Francisco. I said + nothing to you, for I did not wish with needless haste to disturb your + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Not about Gail?” asked Roderick, his face paling. + </p> + <p> + “No, no. This has nothing to do with Gail—at least it only + affects her indirectly. You spoke today at lunch time about turning in the + profits of your gold mine into the Encampment Valley irrigation scheme. I + want to put you right on this mining matter first. Boney Earnest’s + telegram showed that neither you nor I have a gold mine any longer. Hidden + Valley has disappeared. Our claims are under five hundred feet of water.” + </p> + <p> + “How could this have happened?” + </p> + <p> + “You have read in the newspapers that the cosmic disturbances of the + San Francisco earthquake extended entirely across the continent. Indeed + the shocks were felt distinctly in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and + other Atlantic points. Well, a number of prospectors have been up among + the mountains getting ready to stake around our claims, and they report + that three miles above Spirit Falls a vast new lake has been formed, + completely filling the canyon.” + </p> + <p> + “The shake brought down the grotto cavern, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “And sealed it, damming back the river. That is undoubtedly what has + happened. So Roderick, my dear fellow, you have to forget that gold. But + of course you know that all I have is yours to share.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Major,” exclaimed Roderick, laying a hand on his + friend’s shoulder. “Besides your all too generous gift at + Denver, I have my salary from the smelter company, and I’m going to + chip in to the limit of my power for the advancement of that glorious + irrigation scheme of yours. I did without the mine before. Thank God I can + do without it now. My dear father’s letter served its purpose—it + brought me to Wyoming, and although I have no right to say so just yet I + do believe that it has won for me Gail Holden’s love.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it,” remarked Buell Hampton quietly. “She + has loved you for a long time—you were all in all to her before you + followed to San Francisco, as the poor girl’s anguish showed during + those days when we both thought that you had perished.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Major,” cried Roderick, the light of great joy + illuminating his countenance, “if I have won Gail Holden’s + love I have won greater treasure than the treasure of Hidden Valley—greater + treasure than all the gold claims in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Spoken like a man,” replied Buell Hampton as he gripped + Roderick’s hand. The latter continued, his face all aglow: “Everything + has come out right When my Unde Allen refused to help me in my New York + ventures he really saved me from cruel and accursed Wall Street where more + hearts have been broken and lives of good promise wrecked than on all the + battlefields of the world. When he handed me my father’s letter, he + took me out of that selfish inferno and sent me here into the sweet pure + air of the western mountains, among men like you, the Reverend Stephen + Grannon, Ben Bragdon, Boney Earnest, and good old Jim Rankin too, besides + our dear dead comrade Grant Jones. Here I have the life worth living, + which is the life compounded of work and love. Love without work is + cloying, work without love is soul-deadening, but love and work combined + can make of earth a heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “And now you speak like a philosopher,” said Buell Hampton + approvingly. + </p> + <p> + “Which shows that I have been sitting at your feet. Major, for a + year past not altogether in vain,” laughed Roderick. “From + every point of view I owe you debts that can never be repaid.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me improve this occasion by just one thought, Roderick. It + is in individual unselfishness that lies the future happiness of mankind. + The age of competition has passed, the age of combination for profit is + passing, the age of emulation in unselfishness is about to dawn. The + elimination of selfishness will lead to the elimination of poverty; then + indeed will the regeneration of our social system be begun. Think that + thought, Roderick, my dear fellow, when I am gone.” + </p> + <p> + It was ever thus that Buell Hampton sought to sow the tiny grain of + mustard seed in fertile soil. + </p> + <p> + “But why should you go away, Major?” asked Roderick + protestingly. + </p> + <p> + “Because duty calls me—my work for humanity demands. But we + shall come to that presently. For the moment I want to recall one of our + conversations in this room—in the early days of our friendship. Do + you remember when I gave it as my opinion that it would be conducive to + the happiness of mankind if there was no abnormal individual wealth in the + world?” + </p> + <p> + “That a quarter of a million dollars was ample for the richest man + in the world—I remember every word, Major.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Roderick, today I have transferred to your credit in your + Unde Allen’s bank precisely this sum.” + </p> + <p> + “Major, Major, I could never accept such a gift.” + </p> + <p> + “Just hear me patiently, please. The sum is quite rightfully yours. + It is really only a small fraction of what your father’s claim might + have produced for you had I taken you earlier into my full confidence and + so helped you to the location of the rich sandbar with its nuggets of + gold. Moreover, you know me well enough to understand that I count wealth + as only a trust in my hands—a trust for the good of humanity. And I + feel that, in equipping such a man as yourself, a man whom I have tested + out and tried in a dozen different ways without your knowing it—in + equipping you with a sufficient competency I really help to discharge my + trust, for I invest you with the power to do unmeasured good to all around + you. I need not expatiate on such a theme; you have heard my views many + times. In sharing my wealth with you, Roderick, I simply bring you in as + an efficient helper for the uplift of humanity. It therefore becomes your + duty to accept the trust I hand over to you, cheerfully and wishing you + Godspeed with every good work to which you set your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Major, I can but accept the responsibility. I need not tell + you that I shall always try to prove myself worthy of such a trust.” + </p> + <p> + “I have yet another burden to place on your shoulders. The balance + of the wealth at my present disposal I have also handed over to you—as + my personal trustee. At this moment I do not know when and in what amount + I shall require money for the task I am about to undertake. Later on you + will hear from me. Meanwhile Allen Miller knows that my initial investment + will be equal to his own in the valley irrigation scheme. You, Roderick, + as my trustee may contribute further sums at your absolute discretion; if + the work requires help at any stage, use no stinting hand irrespective of + financial returns for me, because with me the thing that counts mainly is + the happiness and prosperity of this town, its people, and the surrounding + valley lands.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Major, can’t you remain with us and do these things + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No; the call is preemptory. And if perchance you should never hear + from me again, Roderick, continue, I beg of you, to use my money for the + good of humanity. Count it as your own, use it as your own. I lay down no + hard and fast rules to guide you. Give to the poor—give to those in + distress—pay off the usurer’s mortgage and stop excessive + interest that makes slaves of the poor family struggling to own a little + thatched cottage. Give wherever your heart is touched—give because + it is God’s way and God is prompting you by touching your heart.” + </p> + <p> + Roderick listened in silence, deeply moved. He saw that Buell Hampton’s + mind was made up—that no pleading or remonstrance could alter the + decision at which he had arrived. The Major had now risen from his chair; + there was a softness in the rich full tones of his voice, a look of half + pain in his eyes, as he went on: “But remember, although we may be + parted, our friendship abides—its influences endure. Friendship, my + dear Roderick, is elemental—without commencement and without end—a + discovery. From the beginning of furthest antiquity, the pathway of the + centuries have been lined with tablet-stones pronouncing its virtues. + Friendship is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. It is an + attraction of personalities and its power is unseen and as subtle as the + lode-stone. It is the motive that impels great deeds of bravery in behalf + of humanity. It speaks to the hearts of those who can hear its accents of + truth and wisdom, and contributes to the highest ideals of honor, to the + development of the sublimest qualities of the soul. It is the genius of + greatness; the handmaiden of humanity. I have sometimes thought that if we + could place in our own souls a harp so delicately attuned that as every + gale of passion, of hope, of sorrow, of love and of joy swept gently over + the chords, then we would hear in the low plaintive whisperings the melody + of friendship’s sweetest note—that quivers and weeps and + laughs on the shore line of immortality.” + </p> + <p> + “Your friendship, Major,” said Roderick fervently, “will + always be one of the most deeply cherished things in my life. But I cannot + reconcile myself to the thought that we should part.” + </p> + <p> + Buell Hampton laid a hand upon the young man’s shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Duty calls—the two little words are enough, although it + grieves me sore to think that most likely we shall never meet again. Your + work is here—your usefulness lies here. But as for me, my mission in + the hills is finished. I am going to a far away country—not a new + one, because there are many in squalor and poverty where duty leads me. + There I will begin again my labors for the lowly and the poor—for + those who are carrying an unjust portion of life’s burdens. There is + no lasting pleasure in living, my dear Roderick, unless we help hasten the + age of humanity’s betterment. Good-by,” concluded the Major, + smiling into Roderick’s eyes and pressing his hand warmly—“good-by.” + </p> + <p> + Almost dazed by the suddenness of the parting Roderick Warfield found + himself out in the darkness of the night He was stunned by the thought + that he had gripped his dear friend’s hand perhaps for the last time—that + there had gone out of his life the one man whom above all others he + honored and loved. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed Buell Hampton from among the people of the hills. None of his + intimates in or around Encampment ever saw him again. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI.—-UNDER THE BIG PINE + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>N the following + afternoon Roderick saddled his pony Badger and rode over to the Conchshell + ranch. The Holdens received the news of Buell Hampton’s mysterious + departure with deep regret; the Major had become very dear to their + hearts, how dear they only fully realized now that he was gone. + </p> + <p> + It was toward evening when Gail proposed that they go riding in the woods. + The invitation delighted Roderick, and Fleetfoot and Badger were speedily + got ready. + </p> + <p> + “Let us follow the old timber road to the south,” Roderick + suggested. “I want to show you, only a few miles from here, a + beautiful lake.” + </p> + <p> + “I know of no such lake,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “Yet it is less than five miles away, and we shall christen it + Spirit Lake, if you like the name, for it lies above Spirit Falls.” + </p> + <p> + “You are dreaming. There is no such lake.” + </p> + <p> + “I will show it to you. Come along.” + </p> + <p> + Upward and onward he led her over the range. And when they gained the + summit, there at their feet lay the great new lake about which Buell + Hampton had told him, fully seven miles long and two miles wide, and not + less than six or seven hundred feet deep as Roderick knew, for he had + gathered nuggets of gold on the floor of the little canyon now submerged + beneath the placid blue waters. + </p> + <p> + Gail gazed in silent admiration. At last she exclaimed: “Spirit + Lake! It is well named. It is more like a dream than reality.” + </p> + <p> + He helped her from the saddle. They tethered their mounts in western + fashion by throwing the reins over the horses’ heads. They were + standing under the branches of a big pine, and again they gazed over the + waters. At the lower end of the lake was a most wonderful waterfall, + dashing sheer down some four hundred feet into Spirit River. + </p> + <p> + For several minutes they continued to gaze in enraptured silence on the + scene of tranquil beauty. Toward the east the forest was darkly purple—to + the west, across the waters, the hills were silhouetted in splendid + grandeur against a magnificent sunset. The whole range seemed clothed in a + robe of finest tapestry. The sun was rapidly approaching the rim of the + western horizon. + </p> + <p> + The afterglow of the red sunset marked paths of rippling gold on the + waters. Vague violet shadows of dusk were merging over all. Nature was + singing the lyric of its soul into things—crooning lake and + mountains and forest-clad slopes to slumber. + </p> + <p> + It was Gail who at last broke the spell. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how beautiful, how supremely beautiful,” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is the earthquake that has wrought all this wonderful + change,” explained Roderick’. “And now, dear Gail, I + have a story to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + And, seating her on the turf by his side, under the big pine, where the + waters lapped at their very feet, he proceeded to relate the whole + romantic story of his father’s lost find—his own lost claim. + By the time the narrative was ended the sun had set behind the hills. + Roderick rose, and giving his hands, helped Gail to her feet. + </p> + <p> + “So all this wonderful treasure of Hidden Valley lies beneath these + waters,” she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but for me the real treasure is here by my side.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke these words his arm stole around her waist. She did not appear + to notice his half timid embrace as together they stood viewing the + panorama of a dying day. Presently he drew her closer. + </p> + <p> + “The day and the night blend,” he whispered softly as if + fearful of disturbing the picture. “Shall not our lives, sweetheart,” + asked Roderick with vibrant voice, “likewise blend forever and + forever?” + </p> + <p> + Gail half turning lifted her slender hands to Roderick’s cheeks and + he quickly clasped her tightly in his strong arms and kissed her madly on + lips, eyes and silken hair. + </p> + <p> + “Roderick, my lover—my king,” said Gail through pearly + tears of joy. + </p> + <p> + “My little Gail,” whispered Roderick, exultantly, “my + sweetheart—my queen.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the light of day vanished. The sounds of night began walking abroad + in the world. Dusk wrapped these lovers in its mantle. The day slept and + night brooded over forest, lake and hills. + </p> + <p> + In a little while they lifted the bridle reins of their mounts and turning + walked arm in arm down the old timber road toward Conchshell ranch. + </p> + <p> + They halted in the darkness and Roderick said: “Do you mind, dear, + if I smoke?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” was her cheery reply. + </p> + <p> + He bit the cigar and struck a match. The fight reflected on Gail’s + radiant face. “Wonderful,” he ejaculated as he tossed the + match away, laughing softly. He had quite forgotten to light his cigar. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what did you see, Roderick, you silly fellow, that is so + wonderful?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw,” said Roderick, “the dearest little woman in the + wide, wide world—my mountain song girl—who is going to be + kissed with all the pent-up passion of a ‘grizzly’ in just + one-half second.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AFTERWORD + </h2> + <p> + Into the warp and woof of my story of the West, “The Treasure of + Hidden Valley,” there have been woven a few incidents of the great + calamity that some years ago befell the city of San Francisco. Perhaps + some of my readers will care to peruse a more detailed description of that + tragic happening. + </p> + <h3> + W. G. E. + </h3> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T was on April 18, + 1906, that San Francisco was shaken by a terrible earthquake which in its + final effects resulted in the city being cremated into cinders and gray + ashes. + </p> + <p> + The trembling, gyrating, shaking and swaying vibrations, the swiftly + following outbursts of fire, the cries of those pinned beneath fallen + débris and of the thousands who were seeking to escape by fleeing into the + parks and toward the open country, produced the wildest pandemonium. + </p> + <p> + While there was no wind, yet a hundred fires originating at different + points quickly grew into sheets of towering flame and spread to adjacent + buildings, burning with demoniacal fierceness as if possessed by some + unseen mysterious power, pouring forth red hot smoke until the prostrate + city was melted into ruin by the intense heat of a veritable hell. + </p> + <p> + The night of April 17 and 18 had almost ended in San Francisco. It had + been like many another night in that cosmopolitan city. Pleasure-seekers + were legion,—negligent, care-free, wrapped in the outward show of + things—part of it good—part of it not so good—some of it + downright wicked as in Ancient Pompeii. Yet the hour was late—or + early, whichever you will—even for San Francisco. The clock in the + city hall had resounded forth five strokes. Peaceful folk were in the + realm of dreams that precede awakening. The roistering hundreds of a + drunken night had gathered in places of vice and were sleeping away the + liquor fumes. The streets were almost deserted. + </p> + <p> + The great printing presses that had been reverberating with the thunders + of a Jove, gathering and recording the news from the four quarters of the + earth, had paused and all was still. Here and there morning papers were on + the streets and the preliminary work was in progress of sending them forth + to the front doorsteps of the homes of rich and poor, from one end of the + city to the other. Then, without warning, just eighteen minutes after the + city clock had tolled its five strokes, one of the greatest news items and + tragedies of the world’s history was enacted. An historical + milestone of the centuries was on that eventful morning chiseled on the + shore line of the Pacific Coast. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly from the womb of sleeping silence, from far below the earth’s + crust, just as the dawn of a new day began purpling the eastern sky, there + came forth a rumbling and muttering of unearthly noises like the + collapsing of palaces of glass or the clanking of giant chains. It came + from beneath the entire city and was borne upward and abroad on the + startled wings of a mysterious fear. It was a shrieking, grinding + confusion of subterranean thunder, like the booming of heavy artillery in + battle. It was deafening in its dreadfulness, and drove terror to the + heart of the hardiest. It sounded to the affrighted people as if two + mighty armies of lusty giants of the underworld were grappling in mortal + combat and in their ferocious anger were unwittingly breaking the earth’s + fragile shell into yawning cracks and criss-cross fissures. Mount + Tamalpais was fluttering like the wings of a snared pigeon. + </p> + <p> + In the space of seconds, the whole populace awoke, excepting those who had + answered the last call; for some there were, pinned under falling walls, + who were overtaken by swift death in the very act of awakening. + </p> + <p> + The uncounted number that were crushed to death and had life’s door + closed to them forever, no one will ever know. In the forty-eight seconds + that followed the beginning of the deep guttural bellowing of hideous + noises from somewhere below the earth’s surface, buildings rocked + and heaved and twisted, while heavy objects of household furniture were + tumbled across rooms from one corner to the other and the occupants + helplessly tossed from their beds. + </p> + <p> + Such an awakening, such lamentations, such cursing, such prayers, and then + into the debris-littered streets the multitude began pouring forth, + half-clothed, wild and panic-stricken. + </p> + <p> + The stunning shock, like a succession of startled heart-beats, lasted + twelve seconds less than one minute, but those who experienced the ordeal + say it seemed an eternity—forty-eight seconds—terrible seconds—of + sickening, swaying suspense. A heaving earth, jerking, pulsing to + and fro in mad frenzy, while countless buildings were swaying and keeping + time to a wild hissing noise like the noise of boiling, blubbering fat in + a rendering caldron. + </p> + <p> + It was the dawn of a new day abounding in hideous noises—detonations + of falling masonry, the crash of crumbling, crushing walls, the shrieks of + maimed and helpless victims—and all the people stupefied with a + terrible fear, women weeping in hysterical fright and everyone expectant + of they knew not what, unable to think coherently or reason, yet their + voices filling the stricken city with cries and moans of heart-rending + terror and lamentation. And all the while there came up from somewhere an + unearthly threatening roar that awed the multitude into unnatural + submissive bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + At the end of eight and forty seconds the frantically tossed earth quieted—became + normal and was still. Some of the buildings righted and were quiescent, + and a moment of silence followed, except for the crowing of cocks, the + whinnying of frightened horses and the whining of cowering dogs. This + condition, however, was only of momentary duration. + </p> + <p> + Almost immediately the streets became a wild scene of turmoil as the + half-clothed, half-crazed men, women and children went rushing up and down + in every direction, they knew not why nor where. Doors were broken open to + allow egress, shutters were slammed, windows were hastily raised, and like + a myriad of ants the rest of the people who until now had been penned up, + struggled forth into open ways—thinly clad, some almost naked, + trembling, gazing about awe-stricken, looking each at his fellow, + indifferent to the destruction going on about them, each filled with + prayerful thankfulness for life. Then, like a rehearsed orchestra of many + voices, there arose, seemingly in unison, a chorus of heart-piercing wails + and calls from thousands of throats for loved ernes—loved ones lost + who could not answer. + </p> + <p> + In the pale light of that April dawn, this vast army of survivors, while + chilled with outward cold, shivered also with an unspeakable inward dread. + </p> + <p> + Along the streets of proud San Francisco in every direction were huge + masses of bricks, cornices, fallen ragged chimneys and walls, tumbled + together in complex dykes of débris like the winrows of a hay field and + interspersed with the dead and dying bodies of man and horse alike, + vanquished in life’s uneven contest. + </p> + <p> + A little later in the vicinity of the ten-million-dollar courthouse, + crowds of frightened people gathered, attracted perhaps by the terrific + thundering of the mammoth stone slabs and concrete sides and columns of + the structure, as, in their loosened condition from the steel skeleton, + they kept crashing down upon the street in riotous disorder. + </p> + <p> + Every block in the city held its tragedy, its silent evidence of a mighty + internal upheaving of Goliath strength. There were hundreds of dead, while + others lay maimed in tortured suffering, buried under wreckage, pinned + down by the giant hands of the Angel of Destruction. The unfortunates + still living were fastened like insects caught in traps, helpless, but + hoping for relief, awaiting the unwritten chapter that was yet to come. + </p> + <p> + The great earthquake of San Francisco had spent its force—its rude + results lay in careless disheveled evidence on every hand—and now + the nerve-strained, half-crazed and bewildered people caught the sound of + fire bells clanging hurriedly into nearer distances. + </p> + <p> + The fire hose and the corps of hook and ladder men came rushing with all + speed, drawn by frenzied horses, hastily turning street corners and + dashing around fallen walls while the automatic fire bells were cutting + the air in metallic, staccato beats of wildest alarm. Soon the throbbing + of the fire engines began and false hope sprung rife in the hearts of the + people. Those running south on Market Street paused in bewilderment, not + knowing which way to go, for fire calls and flames were evident, not in + one location nor two, but in hundreds at widely separated places + throughout the erstwhile magnificent metropolis of the Occident. + </p> + <p> + Black columns of smoke began rising from ominous red furnace flames + beneath, and curled lazily into the balm of the upper air, indifferent to + the wails of the helpless unfortunates maimed and pinned beneath the + wrecked buildings of a demolished and burning city. + </p> + <p> + The murky smoke like mourning crape hung mutely above, while beneath its + canopy life’s sacrificial offering lay prostrate, the dying and the + dead. The consuming flames spread quickly, and the horror of the hopeless + condition of the injured was soon apparent, while the sobs and cries of + the doomed victims became maddening because of the very impotency to + succor them. + </p> + <p> + The suddenness of it all did not give time for the rescuers. Then too, the + smoke-blinded and half-choked people in the crowded, congested streets + were stampeding toward the open country—to Golden Gate Park and the + Presidio. Many of the trapped victims, well and strong, might have escaped + but could not exert normal power to shake off the fetters that held them + down under fallen wreckage too heavy for their hampered strength. It was a + veritable bedlam, some cursing, some praying, most all crying loudly as if + in crazed pain for assistance. + </p> + <p> + The first paroxysm passed, the poor unfortunates seemingly became more + patient, believing that relief would surely come. The crackling flames + mounted higher and came alarmingly nearer. Finally, as the conflagration + with a hurried sweep began to envelop these pinioned human beings, they + shrieked in agony like lost souls in terrible anguish at a most horrible + and certain death. Their voices rose with the rising of the flames until + at last the piteous cries were hushed perforce, and only the crackling + sound of burning wood and the forked tongues of raging red fire greeted + the sun, that morning of April 18, as it climbed above the eastern + mountains and looked upon the scene of woeful destruction. + </p> + <p> + Is it any wonder that strong men wept? Is it to be marveled at that those + separated from friends and relatives grew bewildered, frantic and crazed + with grief and fear, and that chaos reigned supreme? + </p> + <p> + Gradually amid the whirl of emotions there stepped forth men who until now + had been stunned into silence and temporarily bereft of reason. The first + staggering shock passed, they became possessed in a measure with calmness + and courage. They girded their belts afresh and although many of them + began by cursing the heartless, cruel fire and the terribleness of it all, + they quickly and determinedly turned to the stupendous work of endeavoring + to subdue its ravages. + </p> + <p> + Then a new terror raised its ghostly head and held the people in a grip of + deepest despair. The earthquake had broken the supplying water mains, and + presently the city was without water and the fire engines and other + fire-fighting apparatus were worthless junk. It was a grievous blow to + momentarily raised hopes and courageous resolution. + </p> + <p> + The flames raged on with the fleetness of race horses, eating out the + heart of the city, burning it into cinders, and cremating the flesh and + bone of fallen victims. + </p> + <p> + Dynamite was brought into use, gunny sacks and bedding of all sorts were + saturated with water from barrels and tanks. Grappling hooks and human + hands made up the armament of puny defense against the over-powering and + masterful flames of annihilation. + </p> + <p> + Against these feeble weapons, the grim demon of fire planned an attack of + certain devastation. It was as if his Satanic Majesty with all his imps + were in their ruthless cunning directing a fiendish work that would permit + no record but death to the unfortunate, no record to the proud city but + gaunt-ribbed skeleton buildings, red hot cinders and blackened ash heaps. + </p> + <p> + Overturned stoves in a thousand houses throughout the residential + districts had early started a multitude of fires and split the + fire-fighters into many divisions, and therefore into less effective units + in their futile efforts even partially to check the mighty master—the + devouring tempest of fire that crackled and sported in its insatiable + greed. + </p> + <p> + There was still to follow yet another misfortune, an execrable crime—that + of wicked inhuman incendiarism. At places flames burst forth kindled by + the hands of a coterie of merciless ghouls. These inhuman devils added to + the calamities heaped upon their fellows by setting fire to unburned + dwellings whose owners had fled. There was neither necessity nor reason + for their dastardly acts. With sponges soaked in kerosene, they did this + damnable work—indulging dreams perhaps of greater loot, greed and + avarice in their cruel eyes, blackest hell in their debauched hearts. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of this losing fight with terrors of the fire king, + seemingly unconquerable, only one ray of hope was discernible—there + was no wind from ocean or bay in San Francisco that April morning. The + clouds that filled the heavens with ominous blackness were only stifling + smoke from the burning buildings below. + </p> + <p> + High above the crimson snake-tongued flames the black smoke hung like a + pall, silent and motionless, while fringing it around far away in every + direction was the clear blue sky, serene, unfathomable. + </p> + <p> + As the heroic work of fighting the fire demon progressed, it was soon + discovered that the police were insufficient. Crowds of ghouls were + pressing the firemen, while robbery, rapine and murder ran riot. Human + blood that day was easily spilled. For the sake of pelf and plunder, life + was cheap. + </p> + <p> + The boldness of this lawless condition brought about its own remedy. + Strong men arose in their might. Under able leadership they quickly formed + a committee of safety. The National Guard was sent to help them. + </p> + <p> + General Fred Funston of the U. S. Army telegraphed to the Secretary of War + for authority, and within three hours was hurrying United States troops + into the burning city, and immediately placed it under martial law. The + crowds were quickly driven back by the soldiers, fire lines were + established, government troops, guards and police all bent nobly to the + task of endeavoring to subdue the flames. Buildings were dynamited to shut + off the fire’s progress, insubordinate as well as predatory ruffians + were shot down without mercy, and thus was order brought out of chaos. But + as the hours went by, despite all efforts, the gormandizing flames + consumed acres and acres of buildings. + </p> + <p> + Every wandering automobile was pressed into service and loaded with + dynamite. Thus for hour after hour the losing fight with the merciless + flames went on. + </p> + <p> + As the fire burnt its way south on Market Street, the isolated centers + crept toward each other with ever widening circles of flame. While there + was no breeze to fan them on, yet the flames seemed possessed of some + invisible means of progression—an unseen spirit of continued + expansion lurked within. The buildings were like so much dry timber, + igniting without direct contact of spark or flame, only from the + tremendous heat that was generated. Sweeping on and on the different + conflagrations at last came together—joined in greater strength, + flared up hundreds of feet high, until it looked as if the entire city was + one vast molten lake of undulating waves of fire. + </p> + <p> + The roar of the flames could be heard far beyond the confines of the city—the + immense columns and clouds of black smoke continued to sweep upward, until + high aloft they spread out into the great canopy as if in shame they fain + would hide from angels above the terrible destruction being wrought in + this fiery pit below. + </p> + <p> + As the hours went by, the exodus of people continued. The fascination of + it all held the multitudes spell-bound. They for a time were forgetful of + hunger, but moved on, this way and that as the burning districts compelled + them to go. The public parks began to fill with refugees. The Presidio and + the hills overlooking the city were blackened with throngs of people + shivering from cold and beginning to suffer the pangs of hunger, the rich + and the poor touching shoulders, condoling one with the other in + lamentations. This surging mass of famishing humanity were clothed, or + partially clothed, in strange and ridiculous costumes. + </p> + <p> + Household goods littered the outlying streets. Most of the wayfarers who + reached the country had little luggage. Many had carried some useless + article nearest at hand, selected in their hurry without thought of its + value or utility. + </p> + <p> + One woman held a bird cage under her arm—empty, with the door + swinging open. Another carried a carving knife in one hand and a + feather-bedecked hat of gaudiness in the other. One man was seen dragging + an old leather-bound trunk by a rope—investigation proved the trunk + to be without contents. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the people had lost their all, and in most cases were + famishing, yet the great mass were good-natured and tolerant, the strong + helping the weak. The chivalry of the West and its rugged manhood abided + in their midst There was a common brotherhood in the ranks of these + homeless human beings. Distinctions between rich and poor were obliterated—they + were all fellow refugees. + </p> + <p> + No street cars were running in the city. Market Street, into which the + greater number of street car railroad tracks converged, was littered with + fallen buildings, useless hose and fire fighting apparatus, twisted beams, + cinders, heaps of hot ashes and charred bodies of the dead. + </p> + <p> + It was about eleven o’clock in the morning of the first day of this + terrible devastation that the famous Palace Hotel had finally been emptied + of its last guest. The rooms throughout were bestrewn with fallen plaster + from ceiling and walls, but otherwise, strange to narrate, the structure + had suffered but little damage from the earthquake while all around were + collapsed and fallen buildings. + </p> + <p> + At the Mission Street side of the building and on the roof the employees + had fought bravely to save this noted hostelry. But as the noon hour + approached they gave up all hope. Hurrying through the rooms of the + departed guests in an endeavor to save, if possible, abandoned luggage, + they gossiped about the “yellow streak,” as they called it, of + a world-noted singer—a guest of the hotel—who had been + frightened almost to death by the earthquake and developed evidence of + rankest selfishness in his mad efforts to save himself. + </p> + <p> + Then in sadder tones they talked of the impending and inevitable + destruction of the magnificent hotel, where most of them had been employed + for years. As the heat from the on-sweeping flames began to be unbearable, + they hurried away one by one until the famous caravansary was finally + deserted by man and in full possession of the ruthless devouring flames. + </p> + <p> + Great crowds stood on Montgomery Street near the site of the Union Trust + Building and watched the burning of the Palace Hotel. Held back by the + soldiers in mournful silence, the mass of people watched the angry flames + leaping from roof and windows. Soon the fire spread to the Grand Hotel + across the street. The flames shot up higher, and then when their task of + destruction was finally finished, gradually sank down until nothing but + roofless, windowless, bare bleak walls, gaunt, blackened and charred, were + left—a grim ghost of the old hotel that boasted of a million guests + during its gorgeous days of usefulness, and around which twined a thousand + memories of the golden days of the Argonauts of California. + </p> + <p> + Half a block away a newspaper building had been blown up by dynamite—a + similar attempt with the Monadnock Building failed of its purpose. + </p> + <p> + When night finally fell, those on the north side of Market Street rejoiced + greatly, for it seemed that the fire, at least in the down-town business + district, had burned itself into submission. So said a well-known milliner + for men, as he ate a huge steak at a famous resort on the ocean shore and + indulged heavily in champagne in celebration of the saving of his + premises. He celebrated a day too soon—the following morning his + business house was in ashes. + </p> + <p> + To the few who were care-free in the sense that they had not lost + relatives or friends, the panorama of the fire when darkness came on will + never be forgotten because of the wonderful pyrotechnic display—the + magnificent yet appalling splendor and beauty of the burning city. + </p> + <p> + The scene was set as by a wonder-hand of stagecraft. The fire was raging + fiercely in an immense pit—topographically the lowest part of the + city. Around this pit the rising ground, like a Greek amphitheatre, + stretched up toward the Sutro Estate and Ricon Hill on the one side and + toward California Street, Nob and Telegraph Hills on the other. To the + east was Alcatraz like a sentinel in the waters; across the Bay the cities + of Alameda, Oakland and Berkeley. On every vantage point the people + gathered—on the heights of Alcatraz and on the roofs of buildings in + the trans-bay cities. In silence they gazed at the awe-inspiring drama of + destruction that was being enacted before them. + </p> + <p> + With the advance of night, the towering flames in this vast sweep of many + miles of a circular fire line presented a scene that defies description. + The general color effect was of a deep blood red, while the smoke as a + background to the picture belched up in rolling black volumes, with here + and there long forks of flashing fire shooting above the deep crimson glow + of the mighty furnace. + </p> + <p> + Before the roaring billows of flame the tallest buildings were as tinder + wood in their helplessness. The Call Building, lifting its head high above + its neighbors, was like an ignited match-box set on end. The living + flaming wall behind overtopped it as a giant does a pigmy. + </p> + <p> + Nine o’clock! Ten o’clock! Midnight!—and those who + watched and waited and slept not, with nothing but excitement to stay + their hunger, saw in the lurid light that by a flank movement the fire had + unexpectedly crept far up Montgomery Street from the Ferry. The trade + winds were stirring. The fire, in its pulsing undulations, presented the + lure and the sensuous poetry of death. It barred all trespassing on the + one side and burnt its way through on the other. It was seen that the + entire banking district was doomed. Alas, the feeble protests of feeble + men! It was a wild outlaw, untamed and untamable fire, that defied all + human interference. + </p> + <p> + And Chinatown—the world-noted Chinatown of San Francisco—what + of that? It too had gone the way of annihilation. They say brutality was + practiced, and it is whispered to this day that those in charge of + dynamiting the Chinatown section of the city were careless and did not + warn the inmates of opium dens—it is said they blew up many + buildings that held within them, or in the grottoes beneath, innumerable + inmates. Whether or not this is true no one can positively say. If true, + there is some excuse. The Chinese dwellings were honey-combed underground + with dark and devious passages, and it was perhaps impossible, for lack of + time and dearth of knowledge how to penetrate these hidden recesses, to + warn the drugged dreamers. + </p> + <p> + In this district the fire raged as if possessed by a million devils. Over + the city’s tenderloin on the edge of Chinatown, it swept with a + flame of reckless wrath and purification. Buildings whose very timbers + were steeped in vice and immorality burned into ashes of cleanliness. The + haunts of the lustful, the wine-bibber and the dope-fiend were consumed in + a fashion horrible, terrible, pitiless and final. + </p> + <p> + The city was burned into scrap iron of contortioned steel beams, ragged + chimneys half broken and heaps of blackened cinder. As the hours went by + it seemed the fire continually found new fuel to feed upon in its savagery + and madness. The accumulation of days and years of human labor crumbled + into nothingness. Thousands, then hundreds of thousands, then millions, + until the enormous total reached $600,000,000 of wealth that was melted + away in this fiery crucible! + </p> + <p> + Egypt, cursed by Moses and weeping for its firstborn, was in no more + pitiable plight than this calamity-visited city of San Francisco shaken by + earthquake shock, then swept by fire. + </p> + <p> + Four and one-half miles one way the fire travelled, then four and one-half + miles the other it burned its devastating way. Behind it in its path of + ruin were only cracked granite walls, twisted steel girders, crumbling and + broken cornices; before it, a scattering field of a few untouched + buildings yet to conquer. + </p> + <p> + A Nero with an evil eye on a city’s undoing, and the power of a + wicked tyrant to fulfill his sordid wish, could have been no more ruthless + in his dastardly heartless methods of destruction. + </p> + <p> + When the fire was finally ended the buildings that had been burned, if + placed in a row, would have extended for two hundred miles in a straight + line. + </p> + <p> + Never in the world’s history has there been such a fire. The burning + of ancient London was child’s play beside it. Chicago’s fire + was a mere bagatelle. Never has the world read, never had the world + dreamed, of such a conflagration. In days to come, grandfathers will tell + of it to their grandchildren, nodding their sage old heads to emphasize + the horror of it all, relating to the young people who gather about their + knees, how great buildings supposed to be fire-proof crumpled up before + the swirling sheets of melting flame and the entire city became a prey to + the all-devouring conqueror. And this is the tragic story of proud San + Francisco, cosmic-tossed and fire-beleaguered capital of the Occident. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Treasure of Hidden Valley, by +Willis George Emerson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TREASURE OF HIDDEN VALLEY *** + +***** This file should be named 52461-h.htm or 52461-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/4/6/52461/ + +Produced by David Widger from page images generously +provided by Google Books + + +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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