\PT ‘ l'* (’i)N’TI Nl ED ., „ fl,saver«, the men ofTenrn „ L> and In their little mor ! the ore and In tiny porta < cited for many a star I,.- aftiiite button« of «hininu I The gold wn« the** and at L the most I the llitlo" Iwtr»!! in earnest Lj; ws bonten bec.ten smooth by ..., It becuno it l>ec-ime • a stage s L great railroad sent survey *•„./,tn each of the deep nnl L can von« In the nttemnt to L,, -nighty camp whose fame L-uning to shine throughout fid. The beaut.: J grassy bills Ltcbi’d ".id cu. tijus of red | paths appeu. i le . .itig from to burrow 1-ke runways lu a k nrairie dogs. L.u street of Bozie was 10,000 Le the sea. but at last, on the [pine mountain, a vein of ore L *;_’.< • * t , the ton was dlscov- L.l another town arose—full 11,- L above sea leva.-the highest i. all America, and this became celebrated above all others L. called 8 ■.■ town. L end Skytown dominated the Lap and gave name to it. B >• L.. >unt n. Pin Gulch, HoS- I l vere sub irdluate In fan» aa Lire topographically. and the [ gion as the Skj - L.:,.:.g 1 ■ ■ -tr.’ t. days the barroom of the j 1!.,;. .*• in Doze was the cell- of the w hole camp. k1 ik exchange . .-veiling with l*:i-:- I . fr i l eaver, Kansas City, I Salt Lake City, San I’rancis- I I.\, iv York Every great news- I Lad its representative there, I Ll indefatigable, seeking the I r r« of strikes and sales. I H’ time when Raymond entered i .- the busiest, most vital I -jui* ways the most pictur- hilling district in the world. It I l LCght ns a poor mail's I fci territory was being open- ■ E.n a evening brought ■ ' s. ores of them, lirrets of Bozie were graceless ^--i.ss. but Valley Springs was it uf t *ees and growing vines, t-aof tiie peak were tents, slab Like. .. of aspen pules, and Ini » j . while splendid stone pal- M already appeared in the val- E every comfort and nearly ev- Ury vf the east was obtainable. winuioa. I'-'j was the cupola of Sky I It i.’ •. ed the whole field, I'-l only by the glittering crest Lilyi’U. '.liieh rose nearly 4.0UO ig’-er into the thin and tleckless I ■■ ni.il II in and Indian hud Eureka and a half dozen tillages l.iv below. h i» th.- town, the camp, toward Haymond had been gazing In I and irr* solution for two years I which lie directed his steps as I* he was able to walk with M■*. I - I flaw vigor. « week be did nothing but stroll It? i.i-l down the streets of Bo- I Wring bls surroundings, llsten- I I all that was said and asking I p-K questions of every man who II ta know anything of mining I k The altitude at first troubled I tatly, but be ute well and slept | bnd day by day his strength and T’”' '' r. ex landed within li'-n. d I -.• in t > V: iiitely seek a place I f1 ’" (>. i - bands at tab r. t.it a. fie .at t lasting hi s shins 1 '' ■* big tire In the hotel lie be- Binienseiy Interested lit the g and fcl 1-r -j- .i’t.ens and easy, u istu 1- “ of a middle aged miner who "■'1| ':H i. t i the fire replying • questions of a young ro- li. id was bent nbsorbedly - and pencil. The i I '' **tbtied every requisite of a f .... massive head, cov- Fta grizzled hair; his handsome, [’■ i'eateu. smiling fHce; bis worn red with mud; bis I r n 'it and his broad hat, ' «« yet unfailing grace, i the most picturesque > and when some one ■ ■ back and called i ' Itaymond realized, , " arming of the heart, r . ’ -' "l“>n Ro.-ky Moun- kn.-w the range« of the i ' as the lines on the I f11 ’ hand 'r. he touched the ’« Kai ?•*•• 'h'>uln 1 saw wliat Matt’s lov­ ing eyes could n it discern—N ira was overworked and losing heart. In spite of her ready smile and cordial second­ ing of her husband's Invitation, “Ye mi st make your home with us." sin* was not strong enough to take on this Raymond'» blood lea ped uith thejoyu) It. extra care, and he resolved to stay In play no more with cards or dice, but Bozie till be could build a cabin fur with lodes and shafts. I’m always tak­ himself. ing on new chances. I load meself up with ’good things' till me back is broke CHAPTER X. and me bands fall empty." ATE In the afternoon, after they There was something winning in the had talked long at the mouth of humorous glance of bis big. gray eyes, the mine. Kelly aud Raymond and Raymond sat with him long. Hi« A left 1 vast exi>erience, bis in 1 imltahle g * »1 along the ridge toward Skytown, nature, b»« physical pride, all appealed which was built where the ground r >se to Ute rancher with such power that he from a pine clad plateau to a rocky left him with a distinct exaltation. point overlooking the valley to the "Here is the man to help me make nty north. It bad but one busin«*ss street, fortune, and 1 can be guide to him." which repeateil in unpainted lumber he added, and be went to sleep that al) the shoddy architecture of a prairie night with greater confidence In bls town, whose flaming battlements pre­ future than at any time since taking tend to a dignity which they do not Barnett’s ranch. He set his teeth bard fulfill. In the determination to win. ar.d though The chief business of th»* street was he had put Ann quite out of his plans gambling. Next In order sbxxl rum­ for the future, she remained an Inspira­ selling. with assaying a «lose thinl. tion and a lure. The street was swarming, as usual, but Ills feeling of confidence In Kelly the talk was direeted for the moment was deepened by bls ride with him to one t<4>ic. A convention of miners next day. had been called to meet In the Golden Turning from the gulch road. Kelly Horn saloon, aud several who knew “ led Are the y° way a up the side of Pine moun­ Kelly called out. "Hello, Matt; were along k 1 ■•"■ li « keen gray tain. eyes on a trail which braided Use f going to make you president of the upon a grassy slope like a union.” "> «n>, sir. What can brown ribbon The air was k^tbe Kelly smiled as If all this were a sky a fleckless blue hemisphere. Ray­ Joke and Introduced hit friend and d | ‘ ' • good natured mond’s blood leaped with the Joy of it partner Ravmond shook hands with i ami with a sense that bls feet were set each man heartily, well knowing that I I - ¡*u b»a fairly com- For the flrwt time since the opening STLX, t-nebing in Eorti v .*tat to *»k rour *d- of the Golden Hon»’» door gambling F »r.Ì*** If you and toiling at windlass"« wb.*e Join was suspended and th* machines of [ *.. ® lBpf *nd wanted to yri-I out resoundingly «• chance set aside The proprietor. ■ what would you ore boxes row The •ala man with cioas cllpp«d y«UpF L i forth buoy*-' tctlv'.ty *** •** hair, a man who looked like a CatiFnc priest, mountid a box at one cud of the room aud called th«* house to order. "You know the purposes of this meet­ ing." lie said. "Now, who will you hav«* for chairman?" "Kelly! Kelly!" cried a dozen mon. "Munro!" shouted those farther up the hall. “Moved aud aecondej that Munro lie chairman." said the smooth faceil man. "All who fax or -ay ‘Aye!’ ’’ A -1 ut of many mingled voi.-cs answered. "<>p posed, 'No.’" only an <•bv. *us i. iuorl- ty voted * No." "Munro is ekvted. Jack, get up here!" As th«* new chairman’s lu* 1 rose above tlie throug Raymond experieuc ed a shock "1 know that man." he said under his breath. Munro was a clean shaven, boyish fellow, with black hair pushed back from liis face. 11«* was young an I handsom«* and beg in speaking in a cl«*ar, musical and most persuasive voice. It was plain he was ou g*Ksl terms with his audience uud quite certain of himself. "1 don't know why 1 should Is* mad« chairman of this meeting." In* -T l aft er some local allusions, "unle-s it be to open the way for the real speaker and man of the hour—the man who lias a message for you—Tom Larned of Dead Pine." While the crowd applauded Larned climbed to his place and began to speak. II«* was a short man, with a forward thrust of the chin His high forehead was smooth and pale. Its calm lines In vivid contrast with his burning blue eyes. He ignor«*d all of Munro’s Joking and thrust his way lu to th«* mlddl«* of his contention. "I hear some men say we don't need a union here, but I tell you you do. You’re going tin* way of all mining camps. As soon as the claims are all taken consolidations begin and wages will be cut. A big mining camp must In* run by union labor. The work bus got to be done by men bred to tlie mine, aud they must be organized. If even tlie mule an«! the grub stain* They are holed up five buudrvd or a thousand f«*et underground, working for a company, aud this company. 1 tell you. has no regard f**r its hands. Their interests an* not those of the udn«*r. You tuny blarney all you like, but the miners must look out for their owu Interests, Just as the employer hires lawyers and agents to look after his." "Very true." repliisl Kelly calmly. “I'm not objectin’ to that. Organize and take care o' labor’s interests, but don't ask tne, an employ«*r of lalmr. to throw up me hat «hen you vote to raise th«* wages of me live mem I'll fight scandalous"— “ill it. Kelly! You have him oti three legs and goln’!" shout««! a wag. and. amid the laughter that followeil. Kelly leaped down and made for tin* door. When Raymond overtook him again lie was in talk with a lean young fol low with large, bright eyes, who had the ton«* of an old and bitterly disap­ point««! man. Kelly intnsluceil him. ‘‘Rob, shake hands with Mr. Dolan, c irrespond«*nt of ti e X a.ley Springs News. Jim, tills 1.« my new partner." Dolan, as he clasped hands, remark- e«l, "You've met up with a go»nl man, a man that won't do ye, and there aren't many like him In this town." Only long after did It conn* to Ray­ mond's mind that Kelly had been giv­ ing Dolan a note eon«*erulng their plans and that his whereabouts would be at once made known to Valley Springs and to Louis. "Who is this man Munro?" asked Raymond as they left the reporter und started for home. “lie's a ilevll-may-car«* chap from R«*d t’liff. He pretends to bi* a miner »ml Is a partner with an old fellow on the north side o' tin* hill, but he's workin’ for Hanley lookout for the roulette wheel. The boys all think a heap of him. They say he always give« 'em a square deal.” they’re not, they'll work for nothing This camp is about to decline’’— “No! No!" sliout<*d a dozen mon. Tin* speaker held up a baud. "Walt a moment! I menu to say that this swarm of easy going tramps scratch­ ing the surface looking for a mine "111 begin to melt away. It is already melt lug away. These men on horseback, these grub stakers. these burro punch ers, will not dig gold for other men.” ("You bet they won’t!" shouted a big lunged fellow.] "’1 lie real miners have got to get underground and stay there! You understand? Stay there! Aud they will want somebody ou top to look after their interests. They’ll want a union if you don't; but, 1 tell you. ycu short term miners will want a Luiou before February is out." In such wise he argued, and even Kelly admitted «the truth of what he said. Others sp ike. grizzled old fel­ lows from other districts, mon who had given up all hope of disc ***.ng a lea«! for themselves; men with families to feed and educate, who had fallen to contentment with a g iod wage and a steady Job. But in some of th«* speeches a note of bitterness toward Valley Springs made itself beard. Sky town had begun to bate the valley as the home of those who lived on the la­ bor of others, and some of those in tin* valley, as Raymond well knew, ex-' pre-sisl their contempt of those wh i dwelt in the Sky by calling them “re I necks." In allusion to tlielr tanned or drink inflamed faces. 1‘oiiticaiiy the two town« were alrea 'y a« wl.le npart ns th" poles, and references to this di­ vision were numerous during the even­ ing. The county was divhled ugaiust itself and hopelessly Imbittereil. and Boz!«* was eager to be free from the valley. Ke!!y. weary of the wrangle, touche.1 Raymond on tin* arm and turned to­ ward the door. A big miner, delecting this movement, shouted out, “Here’s Kelly taking a sneak!" Instantly Kelly was seized, a couple of brawny fellow« lifted film to t’.ie b r. and so. towering over them nil. tlie b!g prospector to >k off bls bat and. with smll tig <*on po-iire. snhl: “Boys. I wish ye well. I make no objection to the plan«, but why «li mid I, an old burro puncher, bother me head about a un­ ion? No one 1« cuttln' my wages. No one is shortenin' my hours of labor. Beside«”—and here be broke Into a broad smile—‘Tin an employer of labor meself.” •T>own wfd 'Im!” shouted Munro. “To what extent?" asked another. “To the whole of five men not count­ in' meself,” answered Kelly with a ro­ guish grin. "And I'm a har-r-rd mas­ ter.” A roar of laughter responded to his Jest. “Iiown with tlie oppressor of labor!” shouted Munro. "Off with ’»head!” Kelly playfully struck nt him with his hat am! then became serious. “Now, boys, let me tell you. I hon­ estly don't think yon need a union. The landscape is wide up here; there's a chance for every man In the hills. I believe In tlie big. free land When any man tries to corner me. I take me mule and strike out Into the wild coun try. I have no fear of the Re«! Star Mining company nor any other, and you needn't. I do not oppooe the un Ion. Mind what I’m sayin’. It'» well enough for those who believe In it and na«le It, but lave me out of it. The Kelly« will take care of thern- aafvea.** lurried was on the box before Kelly bad time to get down and, leveling bls finger at him, cried out sharply: “That's all well and g**od for you. Matt Kelly, a skilled prospector, a man with a paying mln$ already, but bow about these men who have no skill tn finding gold, who are working for money to start tbemaelves a home? How aliout tboee who are hoping to bring their families here aud clothe and educate them? They are nvt so toed of all outdoor«. They haven't . "Does he?” "I think so. I never heard to the con­ trary." "Laru«*d was right about the union," said Raymond. "The big owners in the Springs are sending east for their miner». They know that men like you and me will not do their deep work for them. He's right, too. In saying these cowboys and farm hands from tin* states won't make miners. They don't Intend to work underground. We'll find ourselves left short some morning If we depcml ou these fellows, who can hit the trull at ten minutes' notice." "Sure thing.” said Kelly. “This g. t- tin' under th«* crust o’ th«* earth and livin' there is unholy busmess not for free tm u like ourselves. It's ;..l g >ln’ to be doue by the Roo.sblaus und the dag.ies." In «Hence the two men looktsl abroad over th«* valley toward the dim Hue of peaks faintly lit by the big silver bright moon. A »euieuce from Richter came Into Raymond's mind, "In tin* presence of beauty, beneath the stars, men think of love," ami bis heart uched with a sense of loss. I neon a .ously. In spite of Ills at­ tempt to put himself away fr >m her pres» nee, Ann had come to domlnute bls musing hour«. At th night of her lie grew resolute aud hopeful aud, reaching forth a powerful hand, grap­ pled the air us if It were th«* throat of a liith *r * Invincible opponent and said, "I will win!" He uckii iwledged that wealth had p iwer to aid him. "So long ns I am unknown and pur and in disgrace she can only consider me what I am—a failure. Money is a measure of value, mid wealth I must have first; then leisure und the higher life.” t have f nd Rot* W**’r» all O. K. Don't worry. LOUIB. A« he han*'.e*l It ov«r he said gayly, ill that do?" “That's s:iti«f i* t >ry. Now rush it.” As they walked out Raymond stern­ ly askisl: "Waut to stay with tne, do you? Well, everybody works where I live. We don't allow Idlers If you bad something to do you’d k«*ep out o’ mischief." I.ou.s twisted hl« small right arm. "I’m ready for anything." "Got your outfit your whole kit?" "I’v. got om* camera and my draw­ ing materials " Ray mom! packed his hand hags on the liorN«*, anil together they set out up the trail. At first the lad exulted and crietl out like a bln«* Jny, but his breathing grew labored as they roae, aud nt last Raymond turued. "Now. see here. Louis, this air is pretty thin till a fellow gets used to It; you'd bet­ ter mint it. You'll enjoy the scenery better.” With n feeling that be was succumb­ ing to an unmanly woakn«*ss, l.ouls clumbered to th«* horse's Link and perched among ids pos-esslons, while Itaymond, striding ahead, list the way tip and up till the whole world seemed coming Into view. "Oh. this Is tine! Jupiter, this 1« th«* place for me!” Hi* was uufelgm*dly delighted with everything with tin* new shacks, with (he slab tables and the plank eha « und with the liberal and smoking d . her which Mrs. Kelly provided I ,t lie drew a hisilng breath of admi i tion over tin* grand figure of old Mi thew Kelly. "Ge«>, but you're a wc der! 1 must do you." Kelly was puzzi««! ami a llttl«* cm barrassed by th;« out-poken admira­ tion and regard«*»! Louis with delinlto disfavor till la* pr* mted him with a pencil drawing of th«* Imls playing ot» th«* doorstep, aud tlien fie said: "The Lurtl God bus m i le a power o’ people that the Kellys have nit seen. This is wan of them Now, Isn’t that n won­ der? He put tlie whole tiling together In five minute«." Th«*, after he ae- cepted the b iy for the cunning that lay in his fingers. Raymond wrote that night to Ann ns formally as the riot In his brain would permit: I planned to take m? self out of your life ns comr*let«*ly as If 1 were dead, but Diuls ivould not bav«* It so. Wh* n t met him on th** hill today nml he told me (HA ITER XI. how tang !*•■ had bs a fro» liMta i As* N tin* second morning after tils tetmlneil to hustle him back to the Springs, but he nsk«. unless you obj*«-t, I shall keep Raymond slid from his horse uud put him. Our fife Is rough, but not contam­ inating. I wl.l see that no harm com«*« to his artu about the reeling lud. "When him. did you come to camp?" There Wil» nothing mor«* personal in Louis leaned against bis big friend. “(Jh. I've been here a week. I knew the letter than this, but Anu's heart you were here somewhere, but I wartn««l to the writer unaccountably. couldn't get track of you. Don was Ami yet the thought of Louis in a min- over here yesterday, but I doilged liiui. lug camp troubled her. “1 ought to gt aud he went back. I didn’t sign my aud fetch him away." she said to Ixm. “No. no! Y'ou remain here, aud I own name on the register.” Il«* grin­ ned slyly. “See my boots. Aren't tli«*y will go over ami see the little »«-amp anti bring him back if possible.” right Tlie next m iming Raytuonl put Into Raymond Io >k<-d down at the t>oy’s Mnall legs clothed with miner's laced action n measure lie bail formnlatisl boots. ' You lielleve In dressing the during the ulgiit. He callisl Louis to part, dou't you? You are a kldlet.” him. and tog* ther they ascended the He laughtsl at tlie boy’s chapfallen "Lookout." as Kelly calle*! th«* ledge look, for I-ouls detested lielng called a back of his cabin. "See here, lad. I've boy, and add««!: "Well, what n iw? brought you up here to usk you a few Ixx*s your slater know where you are?" questions," «ahi be. I.'iuls lira*««! hlrueelf. “Fire away!” “No.” “As I understand It, y«m and—Ann Raymond's whole expression change«!. “Climb that horse," be said sternly. are alone In the world—I mean you are “You’re going back to town, aud you’re closer to «-itch other than to nny one going to send her n telegram ut once." els«*—«be-« your liest friend You’ve As b«- Its! the borne down the bill given fier u great «leal of anxiety, my Rayrnoud comprehended something of lad, and that Isn't right. You must go the anxiety the runaway bad brought straight back to tier and apologize an*! to Ann and that be Indirectly was the ask her iwrinlsslon to come hack. If cause <>f It. hot at the door «if the of «he consent», then I'll make a place for flee be sal«! more gently; "Now, youn you here.” "She won't consent. I'd have to run ker h«q> off You're g *lng to send wort! away again, and I’d do It!” he a«ld<*