The Argosy, Vol. 76, No. 3 — page 36: what you’re looking at

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

506 beating out Deane’s gold for Deane’s ultimate success with the Eastern syndicate. Big Steve was sleeping off his spree in the bunk-house, the vengeful Chombo might be plotting somewhere in the hills, and the “gang” under leadership of the Mallorys was probably making ready for the next move. - None of these things bothered Bremerton. It was his part to take his difficulties as they came, and deal with them as his judgment counseled at the moment. He had made a good start and, for the present, that sufficed. CHAPTER IX. A DECLARATION OF WAR SATURDAY and Sunday passed with- out bringing any fresh difficulties for the new superintendent. The camp, which clung to that seared and blighted valley like a barnacle to the hulk of some weatherbeaten ship, resounded with the peaceful activities of mining and milling. The distant hills were blue and serene, and gave not the slightest hint of harboring enemies who were eager to stalk and slay. Bremerton settled comfortably into the routine of his work. He came and went about the mining property with the perfect nonchalance of one to whom fear and worry are un- known. Bart Case, otherwise known as Smear,” one of the ore-haulers, re- marked upon the super’s calmness and apparent ease of mind. He addressed himself to Dutch Fred, the other teamster. “ The fool ain’t got sense enough to know he’s a marked man, Dutch.” “Vat I care?” was the response. ‘‘ He’s a goner in two weeks, T bet you.” ‘“What’ll you bet? I don’t care nuther, but it’ll be plumb interestin’ to passive « THE ARGOSY. bet and then watch for what happens. Lay you a dozen bags o’ smokin’ he’s still on the job come two weeks Saturday.” “TI don’t get smoking much easier as dot, Smear. It’s a go.” In this manner Bremerton’s tenure of life become a gamble among the men. But Smear was unjust. The superintendent was not a fool. He understood thoroughly that he was gambling with fate. The stake was large, however, and he was cheerfully taking a gambler’s chance. Monday morning two events came to pass. One Bremerton was expect- ing. The other was a surprise. Directly after breakfast, Big Steve, hollow-eyed, his cheeks flabby and. of a sickly yellow tinge, tramped heavily into the office and ranged himself alongside the desk. He emitted a rasp- ing cough by way of claiming the super- intendent’s attention. Bremerton was studying a penciled map of the Mariquita property. He did not look up until Big Steve had brought a hamlike fist smasing down on the desk top. “Think I’m going to wait here all “day?” demanded the amalgamator. “Tm after my time.” Bermerton sat back and regarded the huge form fixedly. ‘Oh, it’s you, is it?’ he asked. “Yes, it’s me, and I’m here for my money.” “Going to quit?” The flabby jaw fell open and the sunken eyes stared. -“ Ain’t that what you said?’ de- manded Big Steve. “ Didn’t you tell the boys to break it to me that I was fired?” “T believe 1 did, but I’ve changed my mind. Bryden, we need an amalgamator. I’ll merely assess you for the bunk-house windows and keep you on if you’ve a mind to stay.” Big Steve dréw his thick fingers across his head, in a puzzled way; then, thinking Bremerton was afraid to discharge him, he laughed crafttly. COMicdoo S CO@