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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911, Page 8

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By William Howe in “Overland Monthly ”

• F I only had your knowledge of mine--1 rals and ores, Farnum, I could probably add another million to my present wealth,” said Randolph, as ho, stood with his friend on the vough mountain side reported to contain an exceptionally rich mine.

“And if I had some business ability. I could pay some of my debts, which are creeepmg up higher and higher each year,” carelessly returned Farnum. “What's the use of fancy education, if you don’t know how to put it to a practical use. Hero I stand, with an extravagant education, an acknowledged assay expert by scientists, with sort hands, delicate tastes, a repulse tor work, a love of luxury, and turned upon the world by a once indulgent parent with the words: ‘I have given you an education and a profession; now go shift for yourself. 1 had to do it at a younger age and with scarcely the rudiments of an education.’ It is unjust,” ho ended, with emphasis and a hard expression, as ho kicked a piece of rock. Almost unconsciously his experienced eye recognised great riches for the uncovered mine. "And here I stand," complained his companion, “the only heir to land and millions and commanded' to develop this mine, when I have not the remotest idea how to begin, and never saw a piece of rough ore in all my days. 'lt’s the best way to make a man of you,’ said father." The two men sauntered olf with hard thoughts of their parents and fate. They were unaware of a dejected figure that stood nearby--a figure that just before their appearance had sighed, “If 1 only had the opportunity I could make good. Other men are given a chance, but nothing comes to me. With every incentive—a trusting sweetheart, energy for a whole generation, and faith in success—;! must see others throw away opportunities that I cannot have."

The despondent creature was Ernest Warren, who had somehow been tho dupe of so many seemingly prosperous enterprises. He knew more about mining and its machinery than any other man in Nevada, but he was forever coming out of the small end of the horn. Either the speculation proved worthless or the operators cheated him out of his pay, leaving him to begin again with nothing With all his discouragements, Warren still held a tight hold on his energy and hope. “Every mail has his chance to rise,” he would say in his despondent moments, “and mine will come, too; but when?” Unwillingly, Warren had overheard the conversation of the two men, and now a new hope seized him. “If only ” But no, it could not be. He looked at the spotless, exquisite apparel of tho sons of culture and wealth, and then at his own khaki suit besmeared with mud and grease. They would not even countenance him. he felt assured, yet something made him follow the men to another pile ot rock. On the road below stood their large touring car, and at the base of the mountain lay a mining camp, whose animation made it appear like some miniature pnppet show at that distance. Warren had come very close to the men when Randolph asked his companion: “Do you think it is worth.it?” . “Most certainly," was the reply. It is rich I should say. Of course there is always a risk, but I would make a firm Prediction that you would not be a, loser. "If I only knew some one who would do right by me, I would pay him well, complained Randolph. ' This camp below here is a pack of thieves and robbers. "If," began his friend, but before be could finish, Ernest Warren had, with eome embarrassment, offered his services. To Randolph it seemed like an answer to his wish, but a glance at the shabby clothing caused a repulsive feeling in both men, and they laughed cynically at tho miserable creature. - , “That sounds very pretty, sneered Parnum, “but how are we to know ot your abilities?” , , “You have heard of The Silver Thread, The Golden Curl and The Maiden mines, haven’t you?” he began with excitement. “Oh yes,” assented Randolph. / “Weil,” he went on. “I was the engineer for them all, and I would like to show you how rich the inside of this mountain is. There-is a legend gentlemen, the Indians tell that this partiou-, lar mountain was the treasury of .some ancient tribe, and the Great Spirit threw these rocks upon it because the tribe got too avaricious.’ . Noting Warren’s earnest tone, Farnum said, "You seem to believe the Indian U "I do," returned the engineer, "There is more truth than guess m the Indian legends of the rich-and worthless mines, only the scientific man won’t believe it beforehand.” “If you engineered the mines you mentioned,” said Randolph, “you should not be looking for a job now. ’ . , “Doing your own work right does not make the rest of the world honest, he answered bitterly. “Well, give me your name and address and vou will hear from me in a few days,’’’ concluded the millionaire, and the two men turned towards the auto. "Same old story of the worthless, muttered Farnum. "But I like his face, ’ insisted Randolph—“and I believe he is tjhe man I 11 "That’s a failing of yours, Randolph, to like peopled faces,” laughed his companion. “We had best see wbat the mining companies say of him. Ernest Warren felt hopeful as he viewed the backs of the two men. At last his chance had come. Dorothy would be his and they would have a pretty little home of their own. The future was painted'in roseate colours. A week later a letter came from Randolph, stating that upon inquiry none of the mining companies Warren had mentioned were acquainted with him, and that the owner would have to seek elsewhere for an engineer. "Liars 1” muttered, Warren. “Not content with cheating me out of my pay, they are now blackmailing me and boycotting me. Well, they shall not succeed. I’ll outwit them somehow. If only—” He ' stopped /suddenly, remembered that he I was helpless and penniless. I Contrary to the usual course of events when a man’s honour and profession are assailed, Warren experienced no despair. Instead, a fighting spirit was aroused . within him, prompted by hope and success. After a thoughtful hour upon the very spot where he had spoken to" the two men, the engineer made his decision. He boldly proposed that he borrow SIO,OOO from the millionaire, and he would open up the mine for him, provided that the owner would purchase all necessary implements and machinery. “I feel so cerj tain of the truth of the Indian legend that I want to prove it to you," he wrote in conclusion. "I have no security to offer for the loan but myself. Therefore, if I fail my life is yours; if .1 succeed, my services have paid the debt.” "That sounds like grit \” declared Randolph, after reading the letter. Something of the gambling spirit asserted itself and made the millionaire enjoy taking the i risk. A duly prepared contract was forwarded to Ernest Warren, before the owner of the mine consulted Farnum. When later he informed his friend what he had done, the assayer called him a fool. “Perhaps I am,” slowly assented Randolph, “but there is that Indian tale, and '< I believe the man will make good.” j llis companion looked up disgustedly from his cigar and said nothing. “And I you are going to help me out, Farnum,” | went on the millionaire. "Not I!” announced his friend with emphasis. ‘‘Oh, but you must. Why, I hare told Warren to send the ore specimens to you for examination.”

Kandolph hesitated just a moment to note the astonished expression on the face of the man before him. Then lio proceeded hurriedly to prevent interruption, ‘*l will fix up a laboratory for yon and give you a decent salary, and " *T work for a salary!" broke in Tarnum. “Why, that’s ridiculous! I might

consent to give you the benefit of my knowledge, but for a salary? Never!" ‘‘l know it sounds very commonplace, but I won’t have any man work for me for nothing." "That’s all nonsense,” remonstrated Farnum. "Besides I "

"You know you will enjoy being again in the laboratory," interrupted Randolph, ‘‘and finding out what is inside of that mine; now won’t you?"

"Oh, yes; that’s all very true. But suppose I have to go to a reception or the dpera and have soma stuff boiling on the lamp or some separations that have to be made at 9.30, when I’m enjoying the theatre. What will we do then?" ‘‘Don’t let the laboratory interfere with your social engagements at all. I would have an assistant if you want one." "I hate assistants!’’ expostulated Farnum. ‘“They are always in the way!" "Just as you like," returned the millionaire. "Still, I believe the whole thing is preposterous," announced the assayer, "and you had best drop it before you begin." “But I have begun already, and I won’t drop it. It is going to be a big thing. I know it."

“No salary for me, mind you,” ordered Farnum. "I won't have it."

"Ton will have it; but if you don’t want it, you can turn it over to your creditors. They’ll take it." The two men laughed good-naturedly as they sauntered down the street to the club. The fnattor was settled, and no time was lost in getting things in' operation —both at the mine and in the laboratory. Farnum found pleasure in fitting up his laboratory, while every cheque the millionaire signed for this enterprise was dancing with gold and silver and gems. When the first bag of ore was received, the two men knocked their heads together ,in the. laboratory to see the streaks and specks of metal. , ‘‘lt’s gold!" cried Farnum. "And if it is this good at the surface, what must it bo further down P” This was the first incentive cither man had ever had to accomplish something. As more specimens wore received the ore was found to be richer. Later, gems of rare purity began to come. The enthusiasm of the -millionaire and the assayer rose higher and higher. Farnum became so engrossed in the analyses and testing that he forgot afternoon teas, got late for theatre parties, and found bridge stupid. He even began to give Winifred second place, and she began to pout under the neglect. At last. Farnum suggested, with some temerity tnar she come to the laboratory and watch him work. This ■invitation was not received with much relish, and at first the odours of chemicals were very .offensive, while the numerous appliances and the minuteness of the details seemed to be all unnecessary. It did not take long, however, for Winifred to become interested, too, and later she made herself so useful that Farnum found that he could not very well get along without her help. "I thought you hated assistants,” retorted Randolph one'evening, as he noted Winifred handling the assayer beakers and tubes. "There are exceptions,” returned Farnum, looking at the girl tenderly. "And I understood. Miss Wilson, that you hated odours and mud and rocks and laboratories," went on the millionaire, watching how carefully the girl was weighing some material. "It all depends upon who the professor is,’’ she answered, as the colour deepened in her cheeks. "Ho you know this stuff is as rich as Croesus," cried Farnum, viewing a piece or ore. “I think we had better' go out there next week and see how the land lft "Not yet,” returned Randolph. "Warren said he would send for me at the end of the year. He has made good so far. and I will trust him further.” “But I am wild to get a look at the real thing," insisted the assayer with increasing enthusiasm. "So am I,” agreed the millionaire.

"I think it would be glorious to see cl real min© that contains ail these riches, added Winifred with delight. “We will go there on . our wedding trip," whispered Farnum to her. These words were meant only for Miss Wilson,-but .Randolph heard them, also, and they caused a little sadness at his heart, lor he saw no such bright wedding trip in store for him. A few days after this conversation, Fafnum acknowledged to Randolph that Winifred was quite delighted that he was working. “She said ,sne believed every man ought to have some employment, i did not know 'she would take it so sensibly and she even made no objection when I told her you insisted upon giving me a salary- Really, it has come iu very handy for my debts. They arc all paid now, and I have started on a clean page. Father is awfully pleased, too. And we are going to get married —Winifred and I—just as soon as I know when w'e can look at the mine, for that is to be our wedding trip. Indeed, Winifred is quite interested iu it all," he ended in good spirits. "So I have noticed," returned Randolph, and involuntarily a sigh escaped. "What's the matter, old man? The mine is all right,” hurriedly informed his companion, with concern;

"The mine does not bother me," he assured him.

As if Farnum suspected what did bother the millionaire, he said cheerfully. “Why can’t you take a wedding trip at the same time? That would be jolly!" "No,” he replied dejectedly. “X can give other people wedding trips, but I can’t have one myself." "That's nonsense, man. With your money and social position you can have anything." ■ "That's just toe trouble. The money is in the way. Of all the young ladies of wealth I know, there is not one I would want - for a wife. They are too artificial. I’ve got the money and I would willingly give it to some one iu refurn for honesty and love. That’s what I want, Farnum. This is a time when

riches are a curse rather than a blessing.”

"But don’t you love some girl?" questioned Farnum.

"To ha frank with you, I do; hut I dare not say so, because she is not a millionaire and I am. You know what a howl father would make." "I have no doubt of it, but it is your affair and not your father's. He has not got to marry the girl." "I know, hut I would want him to receive her. I could not stand for her being snubbed, and she would die under such treatment."

"Now is your chance," cautioned Farnum. “Don't let it slip and be miserable all the rest of your days, and make tho girl miserable, too. Look at me, absolutely working for a salary that 1 know I don’t earn."

"Yes, you do," interrupted Randolph. ‘‘Who would have believed it?" went on Farnum. "Wonders will never cease! Take my advice and marry the girl, if she is the right sort." "I will think on it,” concluded Randolph in despondent tones. Out in Nevada, Ernest Warren waa working with an energy that threatened Ercstration. The barren mountain side ad blossomed into a mining camp, with people, shacks, excitement and noise. Dorothy’s mother, Mrs White, had opened a the homely structure was designated with dignity—and she was doing a flourishing business. “Indeed, you- are wofking to 3oath, Ernest,” complained Dorothy. "If you don’t stop, I won’t ever have a wedding day.” "Just one week more, dear," he answered tenderly. “I must show the mail who gave me a chance that I could make good. It has been a glorious battle, dear, , with , you and wealth , and a name to gain" Then they gave themselves over to the sweet forgetfulness of cares, when love’s young dream made light their hearts and labours. ■

The following Thursday was a gala day in "If" camp—as the millionaire's mine had been jocosely titled after the conditional terms of the contract of development became known. When the big auto car ceased its puffing at the Whit« Hotel, Warren was surprised to find two ladies iu the party, lie was still more surprised when he discovered that one was Mrs Farnum. and the other Mrs Randolph. , ■“X fear the ladies will find poor accommodations,'' apologised the engineer. “But they shall have the best." “They wanted to rough it," said Randolph, helping them out of the car. “It has been perfectly glorious!" exclaimed both the women at the same time. Later, when Dorothy was showing them, to their rooms they confided to her that they had just been married and were on their wedding trip. ; “X am sorry we have nothing bride-liko to offer you," returned the 'proprietor'* daughter in disappointment. They assured her that everything was charming and so different from anything they had yet experienced. The trip down the mine was taken, the next day. Even the brides accompanied the party, their indulgent husbands seeing that objections wero useless. Dorothy, too, was permitted to take her first peep into the dark caverns that had made her lover a mere shadow of his former robust self, Randolph was thoroughly satisfied, while Farnum could scarcely believe that so much wealth could be centred in on© spot. Tho old Indian legend was surely true. Late in the afternoon the millionaire and the engineer sat on the hotel porch discussing the mine. “I must congratulate you upon your success, Warren," said Randolph at last. “You have earned the loan. There is indeed no failure in the enterprise." “I am glad to hear you say that/' returned the engineer, “I thank you for your trust, but I was sure I would succeed." , , , Then the millionaire asked Warren to continue the supervision of the mine, offering him a comfortable salary* To this ho consented. , _ “From the looks of things," began Randolph, a smile lurking in the corner of his mouth, “I believe there is to be a wedding soon, isn’t there?" “Yes," assented the man. We were just waiting until after you came." “Then I want to provide the wedding trip. Here's a cheque to go somewhere. You need a change, and 1 am sure the young lady will enjoy it, too. viredding trips have become my speciality," and ho laughed amusedly, though the engineer did not fully understand the full significance of his remark until be had had a conversation with Dorothy later. Just then, Farnum came upon the porch with the two young ladies, quit* full of dust. They had had a most delicious walk over broken rocks, among mesquite bushes and thorny cactus. “If you had not made that gritty proI position to me, Warren," announced .Randolph, "we would not be here now. I “And if the mine had not proved rich, my life would not at this moment be my own." returned, the engineer. ‘ “And if " began Farnum, but he i was interrupted by the appearance of Mrs White. Taking up the last word, she announced hospitably: If don't come to dinner, everything will be °°Whereupon the assemblage entered tho (hotel—all but Warren. He waited for ! the girlish figure coming up the walk, 'for he wanted to tell her the good new, ■ and ask her where the wedding tour 1 should be. _________