Part 8 (1/2)
”I trust you have not come in vain.” The ex-missionary beamed benignly. ”It has been my duty and my privilege to comfort the afflicted. What troubles you, William?”
”There's a school of sharks in this village, and I don't trust 'em.
They're too slick for a feller like me,”
”It _is_ an unG.o.dly place,” the doctor agreed. ”I have felt the call to work here, but my duties prevent. Of course I labor in the Lord's vineyard as I pa.s.s through, but--I am weak.”
”Me, too, and getting weaker daily.” Bill summoned a hollow cough.
”Listen to that hospital bark,' I gotta blow this place, Doc, or they'll b.u.t.ton me up in a rosewood overcoat. I gotta sell Eclipse Creek and beat it.” Again he coughed.
”I am distressed. But why do you come here?”
”I aim to sell out to you.”
”What is your price, William?”
”A hundred and fifty thousand, cash.”
Slayforth lifted protesting palms. ”My dear man--”
”That's cheaper'n good advice, and you know it. I took out 'most that much last winter with a scowegian gang of six. Here's the bank's O.K.
But I ain't got use for a lot of money, Doc. I wouldn't know how to run a vineyard like you do. All I want is a nice little corner saloon or a cattle ranch.”
”It is a large sum of money you ask. There is always an element of uncertainty about placer mining.” Doctor Slayforth failed to conceal the gleam of avarice in his eyes.
”Doc, take it from me; there ain't a particle of uncertainty about Eclipse Creek,” Bill earnestly a.s.sured his hearer. ”If I told you what's there you wouldn't believe me. But Thomas, he's got a gal and I got a cough. They both need attention, and he's the only guy that can give it. We're willing to hand you Eclipse Creek if you'll take it.”
There was considerable conversation, and a visit to Eclipse Creek, but the doctor, it proved, was willing to take any good bargain, and a few days later the transfer was made. When the larger part of Slayforth's winter's clean-up had changed hands the two partners adjourned to Thomas's little office.
”Well!” The physician heaved a deep sigh of relief. ”It's all over, and--I feel as if I were dreaming.”
”The _Oregon_ sails to-morrow. It's time to stomp on the fire.”
”I--I wonder if we were wise to sell out at that price,” the doctor mused, doubtfully.
”You lay a bet on it, bo. Something tells me that soul-saver will go bust on Eclipse Creek. I got a hunch that way.” Mr. Hyde's seamy face wrinkled into a broad grin.
”Well, I've more faith in your hunches than I used to have. You've been a good friend, Bill, and a square one.” The speaker choked, then wrung his partner's hand. ”I've cabled Alice to meet us. I want you to know her and--I want her to see that I cured you, after all.”
”I'd admire to meet her, but my taste has allus run more to brunettes,” said Mr. Hyde. Then, since he abhorred emotional display, he continued, briskly: ”Now call the dog. I'm off to buy our duckets.”
Laughing Bill purchased three tickets instead of two, then he went in search of Ponatah. It so chanced that he found her alone. Now neither he nor any other man had ever called upon her, therefore she was dumfounded at his coming.
”Well, Kid,” he announced, ”me 'n' the Doc have sold Eclipse Creek, and we bow out tomorrow on the big smoke.”
Ponatah opened her lips, but no sound issued. She possessed a strong young body, but the strength, the life, seemed suddenly to go out of it, leaving her old and spiritless.
”Got a kind word for us?” the man inquired, with a twinkle.