Adventure Magazine Cover — page 46: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

36 who done that hold-up at Cache Springs six months ago; and now he’s made me a deputy!” The posse maneuvered around the coun- try for several days, but the Finley crowd was elusive. Finally Tom gave it up, though he placed a permanent guard on the road to the mines, being assisted by an ap- propriation from the town government for that purpose. Wentworth and a party of engineers came into the country within two weeks. Tom assisted them to start to the mines. ‘“‘When you go up there,” he suggested to Wentworth, ‘just figure whether a man would ‘sell that place for five hundred dollars.” Wentworth nodded. “By the way, your friend Markum wants to come down here.”’ “What?” “Yes. He’d like to look at the property, but he doesn’t dare. He’s afraid of you and your partner. He thinks you’re quite violent.” Tom gave a direct answer. “Will it hasten the working of the mine if Markum comes?” “T think it will. If he likes the property he’ll probably want to work double shifts. ‘Fhe man’s a glutton for money.”’ “All right. - Tell him I’ not bother him.” “How about your partner?” “He’s the same. Markum’s safe till the mine is working.” “Oh. Allright. I'll tell him.” Tom made a few polite inquiries about Helen, and then the financier started. When he returned for the homeward trip he was raving about the mine. “Congratulations! It’s a wonder! My friends, the mining-experts, say it looks like one of the best properties in the State.” “Worth five hundred dollars?” “Ah. Yes. You’re right. Quite right.” Wentworth put a hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Hall, I feel that perhaps a wrong has been done you. I am going to have a long talk with Markum. Perhaps I may per- suade him to make restitution.” _ It made Tom feel better. OLD PETE sauntered into town a week later with his once splendid store clothes battered, torn and covered with the dust of many miles. He little resembled the debonair Pete who had Adventure sallied forth all dressed up to find a promo- ter. He had found a promoter. Tom learned that he had walked all the way from San Francisco. ‘‘Sure,” explained Pete. ‘The doctor at the horspittle says I wasn’t very strong, so I’d better lie down and rest some more at forty dollars a week. I got me two bottles of Jones’ Elixir and lit out. Me and Jonesy done the rest.” “Do you feel perfectly well now?” “Fit as a fiddle.” Pete told the truth. Though it nearly killed him the long, grueling journey over mountain, valley and plain had finally toughened the old fellow’s body till he resembled hickory. He flexed an arm proudly. “You'll do,” admitted Tom. “Now I’ve got a job for you. How’d you like to be a clerk?” “A which?” “A clerk. Stands behind a counter. Sells crackers, sardines, overalls, lard, bacon, kerosene and calico.” “Tf it wasn’t January I’d say the heat had gotten you. Better lemme give you a spun- ful of Jones.” “Ym not joking. We’re storekeepers. You remember [ started a little outfit up at the mine? The boys have been running it haphazard, but as soon as the corporation starts work up there we’ve got to put it ona business basis. The store is our one big hope.” “Me a counter-jumper? Gosh?’ Then Pete suddenly looked crafty. ‘““Holy smoke! The store’s night up against the mine, ain’t it? Right next to where the tunnel’s got to be! Goshalmighty! I’d never have thought of it! We can watch everybody that comes to the mine. I’m your counter-jumper. Lemme at it. Gosh, Tom, you’re even smarter’n I thought.’’ Tom gasped. He had merely placed the store-tent under the brow of his hill because that position was most convenient. He began to laugh. “That’s accident. Besides we're not going to fight the company. We're going to help it.” “Veh. Unless Markum shows up.” “‘Remember your promise.” “I’m rememberin’. I’m to wait till the mine starts operatin’. I’m rememberin’. The quicker she starts the better I’ll like it.” “We'll see. Now about the store. You COmMiclbook (©