Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 13, Number 44, Decatur, Adams County, 20 February 1915 — Page 4

■ !—— THE MASTER KEY. e CHAPTER V. | " ’ Th* Niflht Rider. light lu the bungalow on I I I tbe hill across the valley qemmb winked as some one passed mi beneath it nnd the window. "I can see clearly enough," said 11 llkersou, "that there is a girl mixed up in this affair. Tom Gallon never walked like that” ' lie rode slowly down the steep hill till he reached the pumping engine. Bill Tubbs, tho bulky, sodden faced engineer, camo to the doorway. “Is tills "The Muster Key?’" de ninnded Wilkerson. “it certainly is." wns the response. “And—old Tom Gallon runs it?" Wilkerson pulled out a flask, divining HUI Tubbs’ ruling vice, und the engineer. after a long drink, wiped bls J month with the back of bis oily hands. “So you are looking for Thomas Gallon. are you ? Well, lie owns this mine, but It's mostly run by a youug girl there in that bungalow on the hill. You see, Tom ain't up to what he used to be. The ore is getting worse every day nnd the old man’s sick up there in bls house.” “I'm going up to see hits now," said Wilkerson. lie rode on « few yards and surveyed the snug houses, stamp mill and ail the apparatus of the growing mhio and snarled: “So this is what he wanted for himself!" The man he was seeking lay prop pod up in bed. To Ruth he gave ev- | crything—silks and down and all the soft things of this life. Himself he still slept ou a bard cot with a straw pillow under ids head—that is, ho had slept. It seemed to him that sleep had forever tied, and he was now looking up into Ruth’s face almost plead ingly, trying to keep his grim old lips from asking sympathy. There wns . reason in his mind that be should ac- | cept no tender ministration from the I lovely girl who stood beside him. Ills sacrifice must bo complete; so when his daughter bent over him and asked him if ho felt all right he mustered a smile. "There’s nothing the matter with me. Ruth,” he was saying, and his glance sought that of John Dorr, who stood at the foot of the bed. The eyes of the two men met, and Dorr imperceptibly nodded his head In token that be would not tell. Not that he yet knew tho secret of “The Master Key," but he recognized tbe fact that sooner or later ho was to know. Ruth stooped over and said: “Papa, I don't believe you do feel well I’m going to make you something hot to drink. I’ll bring you a toddy.” And she went into the kitch i en and shut the door. When she was gone John nodded a i pleasant “Good night,” and also left Then old Thomas Gallon rose and , went to his worn desk and got his well thumbed diary. "I am haunted,” he wrote slowly, "al ways haunted. Am I to die without ; knowing whether Wilkerson is alive! and that Ruth is safe?" At that moment be glanced up nnd thought he saw tbe sinister face of his former partner at the window. By the strongest effort of will he managed to control himself and went on writing: “Wilkerson still alive by night! When will he come out into tbe day? ( He shall never have the key that ( would unlock the secret to my little girl’s happiness. I will trust John.” Fancy to yourself scenes that must , have fled like swift films before the , old man's eyes as he put the diary away. The desert and Its mortal | thirst: Wilkerson, ever drinking greed : ( ily of precious water; gold; murder; his escape with tbe plans, their loss I ( in the chest when tbe vessel went | , down in a caldron of flame; the image I j of his dying wife; the picture of the I babe he had lifted from her chill breast —Ruth, for whom be bad suffered. He ’ bowed his head on his folded arms. Such is the bitterness that the night brings upon those who are alone. When Ruth came in with the steaming glass of toddy she quietly set the 1 glass down and went out on the porch to look at the light across the gulch which marked John Dorr's window Youth was calling to youth. It was no apparition elint Gallon had seen at the window this time. It wasj really Wilkerson, who. after one satis fled glance, rode swiftly away. It was midnight when he rapped at the door of the Valle Vista railroad j station and called the sleepy agent “I want to get n telegram through j right away,” he said brusquely. "There! is an extra dollar in your pocket if you can rush it” The slender boy who represented the Rocky Mountain Southern railroad si lently led the way in, turned up the wick of tbe lamp and shoved blanks j and pencil across tbe counter. “You look half asleep to me,” Wilkerson growled as he picked up the pen ell. The boy scanned the stranger quietly and opened the drawer of his telegraph desk and faced his visitor again. Wilkerson caught the glint of the steel barrel of a revolver In that drawer. “You must have some money In the safe," he snarled. The boy looked at him with steely blue eyes and stated In a perfectly matter of fact tone, “I merely wanted to show you that I am awake.” Their glances met It was Wilkerson’s eyes

»» O VJt-J I that fell. He grasped the pencil and wrote on the yellow blank: Valle Vista. Cal., March 17. | Jean Darnell, Astor House, blew York City, N. Y.: Have found Gallon at last Address "Master Key” mine tomorrow. WILKERSON. He shoved the paper across to the operator and snld roughly: "Now, earn that extra dollar!” He banged two silver coins on the counter. The operator scanned the message, took another look at his customer and shoved one of the coins buck.

I “The charge to New York Is sl," he I said mlldlv. * Wilkerson scowled, “Well, rush that i anyway!" He strode out of the little ■ office and mounted Ids horse. The I weary animal tried to turn in toward its accustomed corral, but its rider reined It sharply back into tho road toward "Tbe Master Key” mine. "I think Galion will recognize me," he muttered to himself. Tom Kane, who since the beginning ' of tlie cuinp had been the open handed but close mouthed cook, sounded his triangle. Immediately poured out from the quarters of the unmarried men e stream of miners. As ho had done for many years, Thomas Gallon went to the window to watch this morning ' ceremony. He saw that the men greet I ed John Dorr respectfully, yet gen- ! ially. “It wns a lucky day when John Dorr came,” lie muttered to himself. Then his eye caught the figure of a horse man riding leisurely down the street j apparently careless of the scowls from the men ngainst whom lie brushed roughly. The old man rubbed his eyes feebly nnd looked again. Yes, It wns true. I He could never mistake that figure or that saturnine visage, God! Why had his bullet not gone through that face? He reached for bis gun with somewhat of the vigor of youth; he was safe now ■ One shot out of that window nnd that : ! figure that bad haunted him for years I would tumble and fall and forever dis appear from his life. lie could do it. He put the gun down quietly nnd dropped his chin on ids breast He re alized that Ids years of struggle had broken down the indomitable spirit of his youth and his pride. He was an old ! man; he could not keep Wilkerson from i , coming back. Harry Wilkerson saw that face at the window, nnd his smile hardened He thought ho would take Gallon by surprise possibly, but before be rapped O’-. tI ■ aMSfct.. . ■ ■ • — • "Still partners in ‘The Master Key.”’ on the redwood door Gallon had had ' time to clutch the key—“ The Master Key” to the riches in San Jacinto ' mine—and hurriedly thrust it into a drawer in the desk and shut it from sight. As the door swung open the two men looked at each other. Then the younger man said softly, “Pardner!” “Pardner!” said Gallon, as if incred- ■ ulous. He called to his aid all his frail physical strength to face the final ca tastrophe. “Still partners,” said Wilkerson, step- ' ping on in and closing the door; “still partners in ’The Master Key!’ ” Involuntarily Gallon clutched at his throat, where that golden key bung so long Could he live to fight this thing through? The agony in his chest was unbearable. “What do yon want?” he asked hoarsely. Wilkerson flung his riding quirt on the table nnd pulled off his gantlets. “Well,” he drawled, “partner, 1 guess there are several things 1 want.” He fixed his dark eyes on the old man i “And there’s one thing I’m going to have, and that’s my share of ‘The I Master Key.’ ” I “Your share?” parried Gallon. “My share!” said Wilkerson, reallz- ; ing that he controlled tbe situation. ”1 ! have returned for my just due! “Now. listen, partner, I am going to : stand no nonsense.” “What have you been doing ail these years?” the old man asked dully i “Why haven't you been here before?" I "None of your business,” snarled Wil kerson. “All I’ve got to say is that I managed to get to New York. Now I’m back after finding out that you made . n strike, the find you made when we i were partners. How did you get back r here?" f Gallon looked at his enemy with the t' simplicity of an old man telling a j J proved truth. “They were all my o j friends," he said. "Friends?” said Wilkerson In a sad y i denly changed voice, and. thrusting his y ' contorted face close to Gallon’s. "I [1 don't care about your friends, but you r better care about the enemy you 3 made."

For one instant the mine owner’s face grew stern and pitiless. But he heard n step on the outside porch, nnd his face softened. “My God. Harry; 1 did it for the girl!” The evil soul of Wilkerson flared behind those cold eyes of his, and tor the first time iu, his life he told tbe troth of his inmost heart. “And I must have my share of ’The Master Key’ to miy a woman.” ' “What woman?" Wilkerson leaned forward, and his lipa hissed hate as he returned: "Do

- i vou remember that woman in Y alle z VNtn five years ago—that woman you 1 thought your little daughter too good . to speak to? It wns you who drove 1 i her out of camp, and now"-he smiled ■ fatultonsly-"she’s rich nnd In New I York, nnd she hates you!" Gallon bowed bls head. "Wh.it is it you want. Harry?" he whispered huskily. The other man pulled a paper out of Ids pocket and threw It on the table. "There’s u contract for you to sign.” At this moment the door opened, uni Ruth entered. She stared a moment at the visitor and then looked mxlotisly at her father, who said: "This is an old partner of mine. Rntliy—llnrry Wilkerson." Ruth shyly looked at the tall stranger and then shook hands with him lie held her gentle Ungers a second too long. Her face flushed, and she retired without n backward glance. Without paying any more attention ' to the old man. who hnd now subsid ?d Into a chair by the table, Wilker son walked to tbe window and watch ed the slhn. girlish figure of the young girl tripping down the hill. Then he swung on the old m.rii harshly: “Well. | I need a Job. You need a new super- I intendent. don’t you? 1 guess I’ll take | the place." He stepped quickly to the window I once more. This time he saw Ruth, with Tom Kane, tbe old cook, and an other, in front of the cook house. ■“Come here, Tom. Who is that talk ing to that girl of yours?" he said. Gallon got up heavily from Ills ctmii and walked over to the window, and he could not repress un expression ot relief. "Oh, flint’s the mining eng! neer of ’The Master Key,’ John Dorr!’ With a quick swing Wilkerson was back, leaning over tbe table. lie pick , d up the paper. "Sign here!” he said Insolently. Gallon made a last faint protest: "1 can't do it!" Wilkerson picked up a ]>en, dipped it and put it in the old man’s hand ‘Sign!" Just as the last letter of that signature. which had so long stood for respectability. was blotted at the foot of the paper Ruth entered. “Your father has just made me su pcrintendent of this mine. I'm his old partner, you know!” Ruth looked at her father with con sternation. “Why-why-I thought Job 11"— Thomas Gallon looked up and wiped his lips. “Yes," lie said dully, “I have made my old—my old-partner superintendent of ’The Master Key.’ ” “I expect we’ll see a good deal of each other from now on," Wilkerson said silkily, and with those slim, white fingers of his he reached out and pinch ed Ruth's cheek. Ruth did not draw back. She clinch ed her firm little hand nnd Wilkerson | received a blow in the mouth that made him stagger back. At the moment that be received that stinging blow he heard a movement to one side of him, and, with the old in stinctive fear of Thomas Gallon, be drew away back with his hand on the gun at bis hip. He met the flaring eyes of the old man, who had risen from his scat, and understood that un til life left that decrepit frame its mas > tering passion—the passion which he | could not hope to master-would be love for the girl whom be had just in suited. lie made a daring apology, tbe a polo gy of the coward and tbe liar. "I beg your pardon, Ruth, but you used to sit on my knee when you were a little one." She merely glanced nt him and went out of the bungalow. She did not see her father rise to bls full height and 111 / -.. \ 4 V ■ „ & f./ ' ' “I can’t do it!" straighten his bent shoulders to say, “I killed you once for her sale, and, d-n you. I’ll kill you again, old as I am!" “Come on." Wilkerson said roughly, "don't get excited. Now take me down and introduce me to the boys." Gallon sighed heavily as be obeyed and took him to where John Dorr was now starting his day’s work. “John,” he said heavily, "this Is Harry Wilkerson, the new superintendent 3 of tbe mine. He used to be iffy parte ner. Ik won’t interfere with your work 1 any.” lie paused for breath. "In fact. It will take a lot of extra details off e your shoulders.” John looked at Wilkerson. His heart >■ was filled with bitterness, but he aimir ply said. “All right. Mr. Gallon," and e left, d “Well," sn'id Wilkerson. “I’ll take o charge right away." He picked up a telegraph bl ink nnd sat down nt the desk with :i new assurance. As If he is had Peen disi'iissml by his superior, >o Thomas Galion st ;>pe! feebly >iway.

When be was gone Wilkerson wrote j rapidly; -Master K«y Mine." via Silent Valley. ; March !S» 10—• M v «rb i Jean Dnrnell, Astor House, New »or | J have lust been unpointed superintend } ent of this mine: tell George: letter follows. MAKIS I. I He stared down at his own signature j with a strange Ceeliug that it wus uew I -letters instead of figures! He wine- ( ed as he seemed to Ivar her say: ’ 111 | never marry you until you are rich. Get the money nnd you shall tiave Jean Darnell" 1 The new superintendent gritted lib , '•.eeth. folded up the telegram anti call- I ed roughly to a boy lounging outside , ou the porch: "Here, take this to the telegraph station, nnd be quick about It!" 1 hen he addressed himself to an examina I tion of the reports and time sheets and various papers that explained the j working of the mine. His soft, white fingers caressed receipts that spoke ot gold extracted from the earth. CHAPTER VI. The Golden Key. prr-JFTER he had left his former i yTa partner in the office Thomas Gallon slowly went up to the .< bungalow. There was a glim- , mor of satisfaction In bls dim eyes as ■ lie thought of the fact that the location of the real lode was unknown and' that the plans that might reveal It were fnF beneath the waters of the Pacific. He went inside to the desk | and picked out of tbe locker drawer . tho golden key which held bis secret. He stared ut it and read the num j bers that marked the position of the I lost vessel, and the chest that held the plans. Whom could he trust with this? He looked out of the window j and called to John Dorr. “John!" he quavered. “I’ve alreadj told you ti little about my finding this mine and about my old partner.” “Wilkerson?” "Yes, Wilkerson; but there is anoth ' er secret. I lost the location of the ! mother lode in a wreck at sen. The chest slipped overboard; but find the . wreck and somewhete near it is that old carved chest, and when you open tbe chest”— The old man suddenly staggered forward into Dorr’s arms. “I killed him once,” be muttered fee ! bly, and then the silence which pres I ages the wordlessness of eternity over : came him. John gently laid him down i on the bed and called Ruth. “Father!" she called softly as ehe knelt by the bedside. Thomas Gallon stood on the great divide, but he turned back a moment to gather his strength. Then he mo 1 tioned with his gnarled hand for John ! The young man stepped quietly for , ward and stooped over. “My will, John! I leave Ruth ’The ! Master Key.’ In my desk—bring It!" ; When tbe desired paper was brought ! he whispered: “Read it!" 1 John Dorr opened tbe document and : read it aloud: I ..••»! i eava a n m y property to mj ; daughter, Ruth, to come into her fu.l : possession on her eighteenth birthday. 1 , direct her never to let go of ‘The Mastei Key,' which will make my little girl | happy.” So ran the last words. The old man , lifted himself still farther up and call ied for a pen and ink. Then, muster I ing his failing powers, he wrote in a firm hand the further words: I direct that my daughter keep Harn Wilkerson as superintendent until she is , eighteen. I appoint as executor of this . my last will and testament, John Dorr. THOMAS GALLON. ' The pen fell from his fingers, and he ' lifted bis trembling Laud to his throat . and tore at the string that held the golden key. 11 broke, and lie put tbe ! key in Ruth's lap “That is the secret,” he muttered “John knows—and Wilkerson. Trust John." Again be opened his eyes nnd motioned toward the desk. “The let : ter!" be croaked. Ruth's quick intuition led her to tbe desk again, and she found in the same drawer that had held the will a sealed envelope addressed: John Dorr: To bo opened on Ruth’s eighteenth birthday. Sooner if her welfare Is threat- j ened. Gallon turned*his dimming eyes to Ruth, who took both his chilling hands in hers. “Child! ‘The Master Key’ keep always near you. Some day”—he choked —“it will bring you riches, happiness and love.” » ♦ «•»»» • '.'. hen he first heard that Gallon was dead Wilkerson was appalled. He thought of the woman iu New York nnd regained his courage. This was a use where he must win by brute force tie must immediately show his author Ity. He who struck first would win, he thought; yet in the back of his con sciousness wns the realization that he did not know what disposition Gallon had made of the property And where was that rich vein of gold that would buy him Jean Darnell, with her velvet ways nnd her dark eyes of topaz? Perhaps because for several years he had not handled other men, but been - himself a mere cog in a great machine. Wilkerson mistook the spirit ot the miners. He did not understand that they had a profound respect for Thomas Gallon. “I must get these people in hand." thought Wilkerson, “and do It quick." He spent the afternoon in making a schedule for a sweeping reduction in ' wages. Then be sent for Bid Tubbs, j the engineer. When he had come. ' gross, lUpior sodden and half Insolent 1 the superintendent laughed nt him. “Tubbs, what do you know about this mine?" “Well." Tubbs answered, “the ore panned out pretty good for awhile, but they lost the mother lode. There ain’t a carload worth a dollar come out of here In three months, and that little girl up on the hill won't have notb- ■

I < ug at all unless she takes the advice | of some of us old timers and fires that young rqulrt of an engineer, John I I Wilkerson leaned over nnd his face I suddenly grew white In its intensity o [ oX .^S^. up e rtn t.nde n t of tlai. mine. Tubbs looked astonished nt tbe tone, ! but obeyed. n Wilkerson smiled to himself. o ' man. and he one of the most Important In the camp, was his absolute to<fl and slave. He took his pen and rapidly wrote out nn order: | “Uter this day all wages in this 1 m ine will be reduced 25 per cent. He called one of tho bookkeepers nnd I curtly ordered him to post It on the wall of the office outside. A surprise , awaited him. however. In the att ti dt !of the miners. They paid no attention to ti he had lasted on the office i wall, nor did they seem to recognize the presence of tbe new superintend cut He questioned Ed Mayer, the loading boss. “Miss Ruth Is running The Master Kev!”’ Mayer replied. After the passing of Thomas Gallon things at the mine went very quietly for a few weeks. John Dorr had accepted the subordinate position under Wilkerson and was faithfully dek .Jh" . W I He Jerked Wilkerson to His Feet. voting himself In tbe intervals of his 1 duties to soothing Ruth’s grief. The girl had really been enormously de pendent upon her father. She was only a child, but now in her solitarii ness she turned to John and old Tom Kane with impulsive trust und affec- ! tion. She tried hard to be brave, but the days were long und the nights longI er. The cook bouse bloomed with fresh i roses every day. an excuse for her goi Ing down to talk with old Tom, nnd in tbe evening, wiien the shadows fell across the gulch, John and she would water the flowers together, and he would tell her of his life In college nnd in New York. ' “I'd love to see New York!" she said j ' a dozen times, nnd on each occasion | I John would smile at her and say, “Y'ou i shall.” Neither of them realized lhat circum- i stances would shortly take thorn both, though separately, to New York, for { there was piling up in a secret drawer I In Wilkerson's desk letters written in ; a woman's script Some of them In ' scented envelopes on embossed paper. 1 i Each one of them was signed “Jean i ! Darnell.” When the seventh letter ! came the superintendent reread it 1 many times: I Astor House, New York. May 15. 19—. Dear Harry—From what you say and from what I learn from George. 1 think that I would be willing to put up the money to buy control of your “Master . Key” mine, but you must be sure about , this. 1 know that old Gallon made money I I out of it. but I'm also sure that he was ! concealing something, as you think. Make the mine worth while and—well, I remem- j ber my days In that camp—l'd like my re- | venge. George Everett will handle the I stock end of It very quietly when you say the word. Don’t let your ugly temper get away from you and look out for Dorr. JEAN DARNELL. “Now," thought Wilkerson exultantly, “1 can put the screws on Dorr, i’ll' Are him.” At this moment the man be was thinking so bitterly of appeared, ami Wilkerson, while his courage was still fresh, said Insolently: “1 see you are spending a good deal of time out of your office. Tbe mine can’t afford such extravagance. I guess we’ll have to have a new mining engineer. I've sent for one, so you better pack." For the moment John did not speak. They confronted each other for it moment; then Dorr turned on his heel und walked off. As he did so he brushed Into old Tom Kane. "The miners won’t stand any more of Wilkerson, and they are going to strike tonight, when the day shift comes off," Tom croaked. “Lots of them lire packing their duds uow to get out. D—n him; he has ruined little Rutbie's property!” John looked out of tbe window nnd realized that the various groups of miners, tired, sullen, as if vyalting for something, made nn ugly picture. "I’m nfraid it’s up to them, Tom," he said, a little huskily. "1 have been discharged, and 1 nm leaving myself tonight.” He was perfectly amazed at tbe ef- ' feet of ids words. Dropping the cotfee- ! pot with a crash on the top of the , range, Tom Kane dashed out of the door and into the nearest group of miners, gesticulating and laughing hysterically. He said two words and then rushed back, his bright eyes gleaming fiercely. “That saves the mine for Ruthle, John." he gasped. “Tbe miners were just going to quit quletllke. Now they | will make Wilkerson take you back,

uud you can matlets with tbem. He pedVd anxiously up into the ..■•■n’a face "You won t desert youug man s xace. her. will jou. John. With an inarticulate growl John swung out Into the sunshine and elXi his way through the .tree throng of miners Just coming off shift Abend of him he saw Wilkerson talkhr- to nn old miner, who seemed W b< earnestly. He saw the superIntendent and the miner re-enter the office, und a moment later Ruth apP As C John came to the office door he heard the sound of a scuffle within. He kicked open the frail barrier nnJ stood Inside just in time to see U llkerson draw a guu on Uie old t “ lu ® r ’ -Drop that gun, yon dogs he bellowed, and with one leap was at H llkerson’s throat Wilkerson was no pigmy In strength nnd as agile as a pnntber. He managed to land two stinging blows on John’s eye before Dorr drove him up against the wall, laid his powerful hands on him nnd thrust him io the floor In absolute helplessness. His fist was lifted to give the final finishing blow when bo caught sight of Ruths white face. He Jerked Wilkerson to bls feet, flung him into the corner and strode silently out “John. John! What is tbe matter? demanded Ruth. “That hound In there discharged mel I am going to leave tonight" Her eyes slowly filled with tears. “You are not going to leave Tbe Master Key' mine, are you. John? And—and"- Before he could answer ber appeal in words there was a wild roar down the street and the tramp of booted feet "Get the dynamite and blow the fellow up!" bawled a couple of hoarse voices. "Get a rope and bang him to tbe hoist!" yelled another. Then a full chorus of angry cries rose into the evening air and filled tbe valley with raucous sound. Quickly John drew Ruth aside In the shelter of one of tbe cottages nnd said hurriedly: "This must be stopped, Ruth. I’ll get out there and stop them!” Ruth’s property was In peril. John's stentorian voice rang out across tbe throng: “Stop, men! Stop!" But be soon saw that the crowd was getting out of hand. He perceived three or four of tbe tunnel men racing down the hill to join la the fracas. One of them, he was sure, had been to tbe powder bouse. He gritted his teeth and made his last appeal. “Ruth—Ruth Gallon!” he called. Doubtless none of the miners had noticed ber presence, nnd when ber slender figure emerged from a doorway, boldly yet modestly out toward the man who was trying to bold them in check, there was a dead silence. That silence was portentous. In it was decided the fate of “The Master Key." It was broken by wild and tumultuous cheers as John lifted Ruth ou tbe box, and she held out her slender arms ; in girlish entreaty to tbe men she j knew so well. Cowed, yet as ever alert to snatch at any opening, Wilkerson now came I boldly on tbe scene. Just as be had : bluffed his way many a time before, he uow made a play on which be knew his own safety depended. He mounted on the box beside Ruth. “Miss Gallon has asked me to restore the former rate of wages!” he shouted. 1 “It has been done." What meant that ominous silence? What more must lie say to those faces upturned to his? “And 1 have reapi pointed John Dorr to run this mine," he muttered. I’ossibly he hoped that those low, hoarse tones would not carry far, but attentive ears caught them up und knew their meaning. Old Tom Kane came through the crowd, thrust Wilkerson off the box j without ceremony and raised Bls crackf -j IBP 11 ' : “Stop, men, stop!” ed voice in a yell that brought a per- , feet thunder of cheers from the miners. 1 Without waiting to listen for more , Wilkerson went away with as much bravado as he could muster to the office. ’ On his way he picked up his gun. ■ which John had flung through the win 5 dow, and thrust it in the bosom of his 3 shirt, with a meaning glance backward f at John Dorr, who was now helping • Ruth through the crowds toward the i bungalow, followed by a yelling, 5 trumping, laughing, bellowing column of men >, Once Inside the office Wilkerson a went to Ids desk nnd unlocked the j drawer which held that seventh letter i “Some time"- he muttered meaningly * (Continued nest week)

fast buffalo. East Buffalo, N. Y., Feb. 20-(«„ tai to Dully Democratl-Receipt; .? 400; shipments. iftO; ()lfl( .j al to ’ ''■’ Heavy, $7.00«< $7.15; mixed and m diums. |7.25@»7.35; Yorkers ami l(l ? stags, s4.so (ft $5.50; shoop jpn strong; top lambs. $9.30; cattle, non/ G- T. BURK. ’ New corn Clover seed Alsike seed Wheat , ‘ !1 ............... nmothy tt.oo to'|2» Oafs . 6 ,54c <4* NIBLICK A CO. EgR9 HUU ‘ ,r - FULLENKAMPB, EgR9 Ul,lter PUBLIC SALE. J, the undersigned, having sold my farm, will offer at public sale, 2 mll , s north of Monmouth, or I mile east '<.• Concord church, on Tuesday. Febraary 23, 1915, beginning at 10 o’clock a. m„ the following property, to-wit-Four Head of Horses: One bay coach horse colt, coming 2 years old; one bay mare, 10 years old, safe in foalbay horse, coming 2 years old; black mare, coming 2 years old. Fifteen Head of Cattle: One Jersey cow 7 years old, coming fresh in March; Jersey calf, 6 months old; Guernsey bull, 2 years old; Red cow, will fresh last of February; roan cow. will be fresh last of March; red cow, will be fresh last of March; brindle cow. coming 4 years old: black cow, coming 8 years o!M. fresh in March; bull, 2 years old; 3-year-old roan Durham cow, fresh March 10; Durham heli ar. I year old; 2 bull calves, 6 months , old; bull calf, 3 months old; Durham bull calf, 3 weeks old. Hogs and chickens: Two Poland China sows, ' will farrow in April; 6 Poland China shoats, will weigh about 100 lbs. each; 3 shoats, weighing about 125 ihs. ' each; 100 head chickens; 5 full blooded single comb Rhode Island covkcrels; 8 full blooded R. C. B. Leghorn hens. Farming Implements: Two binders, 2 hay loaders, manure spreader. drill, disc, steel roller, hay tedder, Pioneer fanning mill, Clover seed buncher, set double work harness, 2 two-horse wagons, cultivator, buggy tongue, mud boat, feed cutter, Tiger corn planter, Zanesville com plow, Cchuuk breaking plow, one-horse cultivator, two-horse cultivator, hay rack, crank churn, pair 300 lb. beam scales, range stove, kitchen cabtatt, rocking chairs, lawn mower and many other articles. Terms: —Ail sums of $5.00 and under, cash; all sums over $5.00 pur- ■ chaser must give note with good se--1 curity, bearing per cent interest aft- ' er date of maturity; 4 per cent off for cash. 1 The Ladies’ Aid society of the Con1 cord church will serve dinner. B. G. NYE. John Spuhler, Auctioneer. Willis Fonner, Clerk. . o PUBLIC SALE. i As the undersigned, expects to quit : farming, he will offer for sale at ruin’ • lie auction at his farm, 5% mil es ea - ;t of Decatur, on Wednesday. February 24, 1915, beginning at 1 o’clock p. m., sharp, the following property, to-w.i: Horses: One general purpose horse, II years old. Cattle: Five bead,consisting of one Jersey cow, 5 years old. Jersey cow, 6 years old; ’j-Jers' 1 ? cow, 7 years old; Jersey cow, 2 years old; Jersey heifer. 16 months old. Farming Implements: Walter A. Wood binder, Ohio hay loader. Mo'l hay tedder, fertilizer drill, hay rate, corn plow, cream separator', set d breeching harness, set of work harness, Troy wagon, check rower. These implements have been well taken care of and are almost as good as new. Terms: —All sums under sr>.$ r >. ra;,!l in hand; over $5 a credit of 9 months will he given, purchaser giving bankable note with approved security; 4 ler cent off for cash. No properj removed until settled for. WILLIAM MILLER. John Spuhler, Auct. o CITY LIGHT BILLS. ? City light and power bills 1 are now due. Penalty if not paid on or before the 20th ot , the mor>th. Payable at City Treasurer’s office. 8 — — ’ FOR SALE—Rubber tired, extens’’’ 5 top carriage, good as new. ■ cf Ertierscn Beavers at Beavers * ’ 4.ji ■> j Atz. HUPMOBItE FOR SALE. ’ A Model H. car, 5-passenger. m .. Ina conditicn. A bargain for any e' . i who wants a car. Inquire ’< *’a 1 i 43t(i Democrat.