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H-*44+Wg © S»| ■®: €■: m ■«« S:©@ ::•* ::-e® ■; ; : o«a u.^HSf ■ :p- BLACK® ROCKS By RALPH CONNOR ■^TXeUd l ,r eHouied NIxon"aa he caught sight of Graeme. “Here you arel” passing him a bottle. “You’re a knocker, a double handed front door knocker. You polished off old whisky soak here, old demijohn/ 1 pointing to Slavln, “and I’ll lay flvo to one we can lick any blankety blank tblerea in the crowd.” And be held up a roll of bills. V . But Graeme proposed that be should give the hornpipe again, and the floor was cleared at. once, for Nixon's born* plpo was very popular and tonight, of course, was In high favor. In the midst of hl3 dance Nixon stopped short: bis arms dropped to his sides; bis face bad a Icol: of tour, of horror. There, before him, In bis riding cloak and Loots, with bis whip lii bis hand 'as he bad come from his rkU\ cto;d Mr. Cral". Ills face was pallid, and his dark eyes were biasing with fierce light. As Nixon stopped, Crulg step- ped forward to b'.m, and. «>T«ej)ltig his eye.; round upon tbo circle, bo sold In tones Intense \v!lb scorn: "You cowards! You pet a innn nbcrc bo's weak! Corvnrds! You'd damn bis soul for bio money!” Tbero was a dead silence, nnd Craig, lifting bis list, said solemnly: "May Cod forgive you tbls night's Then, turning to Nixon and thro wing bis arm over bin shoulder, be said In a voice broken nnd bushy: “Come on, Mixon! We'll gor’ Idaho mado a motion as !f to stop b!m, but Graome stepped quickly for ward and said sharply, "Make way nisi*, can't youSf ans the crowd fill back, and we four passed through, Nixon walking na In a dream, with Cralg'a arm about him. Down the street we went In silence and on to Craig's shack, w.bere wc found old - man Nelson, with the Ore biasing nnd strong coffee stcnmlng on the stove. It was bo that bad laid Craig, on hi; nr rival from Urn Landing, of Nixon’s fall. There was nothing of reproach, but only gentlest pity. In tono and touch as Craig placed the half drunk, dased man In his easy cbalr, took off bis boots, brought him lils own slippers i him coffee. Then, as bis stu- l to overcome him, Craig pnt forth "Don’t mind, old chap,"'said kindly. But Craig looked at him without a word and, throwing himself Into chalc, put his face In bis hands. As we sat there in alienee the door was sud denly pushed open, and In walked Abe Baker, with the words: “Where If Nix- on?’ and we told turn where he wan Wo were still tslking when again a tap came to the door, and Shaw came In looking much disturbed. "Did yon hear about Nlxo.i!” he alli ed. We told” him wlist we knew, “But did you hear how they got him?’ he asked excitedly. As he told us the tala the men stood listening, with feces growing hard. It appeared that after-the maldng of the league the Black Bock hotel man had. hot Idaho a hundred to fifty that Nixon could not bo got to drink before Easter. All Idaho's schemes bad failed, and now he had unly three days In which to win Ms money, and the ball was bis Inst chance. Hero, again, he was balked, for Nixon, resisting all an- . treaties, barred his shack door and went to bed before nightfall, according to bis InVnrlcble custom on pay days. At midnight some of Idaho's men came battering at the door for admission. Which Nixon reluctantly granted, for half an hour they used every art of persuasion to Induce him to go down to the boll, the glorious success of which wee glowingly depleted, but Nixon remained Immovable, and they took their departure, bodied and curs Ing. In two hours they returned drunk enough to be dangerous, kicked at tha door In vain, finally gained entreuce through the window, hauled Nlxou out of bed and, holding a glass of whisky to Ms lips, hid Min drink, but be knock ed the glass away, spilling ibo liquor over himself and the bed. It was drink or fight, and Nixon was ready to fight, bat after a parley they had a drink all round and fell to per suasion again. Tbs night was cold, and poor Nixon sat shivering on the edge of his bed. If Jie would take one drink, they would leave him alone. Be need not show himself so still. The whisky fumes filled Ms nostrils. If ono drink would get thorn off, surely that was better than fighting and killing aoma one or getting killed. Ho hesitated, yielded, drank MS glass. They eat about Mm amiably drinking and laud ing him as a fine fellow after all. Ono more glass before they left,' then Nixon rose, dressed himself, drank all that : was left of tho bottle, put Ms-money In Ms pocket and came down to tho ' dance wild with Ms old time madness, reckless of faith and pledge, forgetful of. home, wife, babies, his whale being absorbed In ono great passion—to drink 'and drink and drink tilt ho could drink no more. Beforo 81ia\v hml finished his tale CraIk’s eyes were streaming with tears, and groans of rage and pity broko al> ternntely from him. Abe remained specchlcsB for a time, not trusting himself, bat as ho hoard Craig groan. “Ob, the beasts, tha flfPdfT b* soemgd, ei^ourgfed Jyt himself loose, and he began'’swearing with the coolest and most bloodcurdling deliberation. Craig listened with evident approval, apparently finding complete satisfac tion in Abe's performance, when sud denly he seemed to.waken up. caught Abe by the arm and said In a horror stricken voice: “8topl Stop! God forgive usl '“Wo must not swear like this." Abe stopped at once and in a sur prised And slightly grieved voice suld: “Why, wtint's the matter with that! Alu't that what you wanted?” “Yes, yes. God forgive me! I am afraid It was." he answered hurriedly, “hut 1 tbutt not." “Oh. don’t you drorryl” went on Abe cheerfully. “I’ll look after that |mrt. And anyway ain’t they the blankest blankety blank’’- going off again Into a roll of curs:» till Craig. In nn agony of entreaty, succeeded in arresting tbe flow of profanity possible to no one but n mountain stage driver. Abe paused. looking hurt, und asked If they did uot de serve everything he was call- tajrdown upon them. “Yea. yes," urged Craig, "but that Is not our business.” “Well, so I reckoned." replied Abe. recognizing the limitations of tho doth. “You ain’t used to It, and you cau’t be expected to do it. but it just makes me feel good—let out of school like—to proprrly do ’em up. the blauk, blank”— And off be went again. It waa only under the pressure of Mr. Craig’s pray ers nnd commands that he finally agreed to “hold In, though It’s tough.” “What's to be don. :*’ asked Shaw. "Nothing,” answered Craig bitterly. He was exhausted with his long ride from the Laudlug and broken with bit ter disappointment over the ruin of all that be had labored ao long to accom plish. “Nonsense!” said Graeme. “There’s a good deal to do.” It was agreed that Craig should re main with Nixon, while the others of us should gather up what fragments we could find of the broken league. We bad Just opened the door when we met a man striding up ot a great pace. It was Geordle Crawford. “Hae ye seen the lad?” was hla salu tation. ' - No - .w aepiuHA'so i told GeordlZjf ytT last sight of Billy In the orchestral “An’ did ye no’gang alftcr him?” he asked In Indignant surprise, adding, with some contempt “Mon. but ye’re a feckless buddlef* “Billy gone, too?” said Shaw. “They might have let Billy alone. Poor Craig stood In dumb agony. Billy’s fall seemed more than be could bear. We went out leaving him heart broken amid the ruins of bis league. with Abe. uf^get fisck* at 'em. 1 We had uo difficulty gHting them out. Abo began to yell. Some uicn rushed out to learn the cause. He seised tbe foremost man, making a hideous up roar all the while, and In three minutes bad every man ont of the hotel and A lively row golpg on. In two mlnntes more Graeme and 1 bad tbe door of tbe ballroom locked and barricaded with empty casks. We then closed tbe door of tbs barroom leading to tbe outside The barroom was a strongly built log shack, with a basvy door secured, after the manner ot the early cabins, with two strong oak bars, so that wt felt safe from at tack from that quarter. The ballroom ws could not bold Jong, for tbe door was slight and entrance was possible through the window. Bat as only a few casks of liquor were left there our mtln work would be in the bar. so that tbe fight would bt to bold tbe passageway. Tbls we barricaded wltb casks and tables. Bnt by this time the crowd had began to realize what had happened and were wildly yelling at door and windows. With an ax which Graeme had brought with him the casks were soon stove In and left to empty themselves. As I was about to empty the last cask Graeme stopped me. saying: “Let that otand here. It will help us.” And so It did. “Now skip for the barri cade!" yelled Graeme as a man came crashing through the window. But be fore he could regain hla feet Graeme had seized blui and flung him out aimd the heads of the crowd outside. But through the other windows mem were coming In. und Graeme rushed for the barricade, followed by two of tbe ene my. tbe foremost of whom 1 received at. the top and hurled back upon tbe others. 4 “Now be quick!” said Graemes* "I’ll hold (Ida Don't break any bolt ft v on tho floor. Throw them opt ihfcre,” pointing to u Ultle window high up to tho walk I made all baste. The casks did not take much time, und soon the whisky and beer were flowing over tbe floor. It made me think of Geordie's regret over the “alnfu* waste.” Tbe bottles took longer, and. glancing up now and then, I saw that Graeme was being hard pressed. Men would leap, two and three at a time, upon the barricade, cud Graeme’s arms would shoot out, and over they would topple upon the heads of those nearest. It was a great sight to see him standing alone, with a smile on his face and tbe light of bat tle in hla eye, coolly meeting hla as sailants with those terrific, lightning- like blows. In fifteen mlnntes my work was done. “What next?" I asked. “How do we get out?" “How is the door?" he replied. I looked through the porthole and said: “A crowd of men waiting.” “We'll have to make a dash for it, I touch. Slowly Idaho waa dragging bis almost anco6scions victim toward the knife, nis fingers wert touching tbe Much- point when, under a sodden In a^IrMtoo, J pulled out my penknife, opened It with my teeth and drore tbe blade Into Baptiste*# foot With a bloodcurdling yell be sprang down and began dancing round In bis rage, peer ing among tbe barrel#. “Look! Look!” I waa calling In ago ny and pointing. “For heaven’s sake, look, Baptiste!” The fingers bad closed upon tbe knife, tbe knife was already high in tbe air, when, with a shriek, Baptiste cleared the room at a bound, and before tbe knife could fall tbe little Frenchman'# boot bad caught tbe uplifted wrist and sent the knife flying to the wafL Then there was a great rnahlng sound aa of wind through tbe forest, an-! the lights went ont When 1 awoke, ! found myeelf lying with my head on Graeme's knees and Baptists sprinkling snow on my face. As I looked up Graeme leaned over, end. •mUlng down into my eye#, he said: 'W>d boy! It waa a great fight and we put it up well” And then be whis pered. “I owe you my life, my boy.” His words thrilled my heart through end through, for I loved him aa only men c^n love men, but I only answer- 4 could not keep them hack.” waa well done." be said, and I felt proud. I confess I was thankful to be so well out of It for Graeme got off wltb a'bone In bis wrist broken and I wltb a couple of ribs cracked, but bad It not been for tbe opeu bairel of whisky which kept them occupied for a time, offering too good a chance to be lost and for the timely arrival of Nelson, neither of us bad c;«r seen the light % r ir.y t j-.i CHAPTER IX. TBS LEAUUCs REVGNQB. S we Hood outside of Craig’s shock In the dim starlight we could not hide from ourselves that we were beaten. It was not so much grief as a blind fur, that filled my heart, and, looking at tbe faces of the men about me, I read the eamo feeling there. But what could we do? The yells of carousing miners down at Slavln'e told us that nothing could be doue with them that night. To be so utterly beaten nnd unfairly and wltb no .chance of rerengo waa maddening. "I’d like to get back at ’em," laid Abe, carefully repressing himself. ‘Tve got It, men,” said Omeme sud denly. “This town docs not' require all the whisky there la In It" And he unfolded Ms ptnn. It was to gain pos session of Slavln'e saloon nnd the bar of the Block Rock hotel nnd dear out nil the liquor to be found In both these places I did not much like the Idea, hut Geordle aald: "I'm gn’eu airier the lad.- I'll bne imethln' tao due wt’ yon. It's no that easy, an' It's a alnfu' waste.’’ But Abe waa wild to try It, and Shaw was quite willing, while old Net son sternly approved. , “Nelson, you and 8hnW get a' couple of our men and attend to the saloon. Slavln und the whole gang are up at tbi Black Bock, ao you won’t have much trouble, but come to ua aa toon as you can." And so we wcut our ways. Then followed a scene the Ilka ot which I can nevcr-liopo to see again, and It was worth a man's seeing, bnt tbera were times that night when I wished I bail not agreed to follow Graeme In Me plot Aa we went up to the betel I asked Graeme: “Wlmt about the law of this?' "Lawl” he replied Indignantly. “They haven't troubled much about law In the whisky business here. They get a keg of high wines and same drugs and begin operations. No,” he went on: "If we enu get the crowd out nnd ourselvci In qp'll make them break the law In getting us out The law won't trouble ua over smuggled whisky. It wlU he ■ great lark, and they won't crow too loud over (he league.” I did not like (be undertaking at flret but aa I thought of the whole wretched Illegal business nourishing upon the. weakness of the men In tbe mine, and camps, whom I had learned to regard as brothers, and especially as I thought ot the cowards that did for Nixon, I Ltt-ffil KOfilSl S9 .iSil flitemlned, bis breath was coming in short _ “Get down the bars and be ready.” But even as he spoke a chair hurled from below caught him on the arm, und before he could recover a man had cleared the barricade and was upon him like a tiger. It was Idaho Jack. “Hold the barricade!” Graeme called ont as they both went down. I sprang to bis place, but 1 had not much hope of bolding It long. I bad the heavy oak bar of the door In my bands, nnd, swinging It round my bead. I made the crowd give back for a few moments. Meantime Graeme bad shaken off his enemy, who was circling about him upon bis tiptoes, with a long knife In his hand, waiting for a ^chance to spring. “I have been waiting for ibis for some time, Mr. Graeme,” he salt ing. “Yes,” replied Graeme, “ever since 1 •polled your cutthroat game In Frisco. How Is tbe little one?” be added sar castically. Idaho's face lost Its smile snd became distorted wltb fury as he replied, spit ting out his words: “She—Is—where yon will be before I am doue with you.’ “Ah. you murdered her too! You’ll hang some beautiful day, Idaho,” said Graeme as Idaho sprang npon him. Gracme.dodged his blow and caught hie forearm with his left hand and held np high the mprderous knife. Back and forward they swayed over the floor, slippery wltb whisky, the knife held high in tbe air. I-wondered why Graeme did not strike, and then I saw his right hand hung limp from tbe wrist Tbs -men were crowding upon the barricade. I was In despair. Graeme's strength was going fast Wltb a yell of exultant fury Idaho threw himself with all bis weight npon Graeme, who could only cling to him. They swayed together toward me, bnt as they fell 1 brought down my bar upon the upraised hand and sent tbe knife flying across the room. Idaho's howl or rage and pain waa mingled with a shout from below, and there, dashing tbe crowd to right aud left came old Nelson, followed by Abe, San dy, Baptiste, Sbaw and others. As they reached the barricade It crashed down and, carrying me with It ptnued me fast Looking out between the barrels, I saw what froze my heart with horror. In tho tall Graeme had wound hla arms about his enemy snd held him In a grip so deadly that bo could not strike, but Graeme's strength was fall ing, and when I looked I saw that Ida ho waa slowly dragging both across tho slippery floor to where tho knife lay. Nearer and nearer hit outstretch- ed fingers came to tho knife. In vatn I yelled and struggled. My vote* was lost In tho awful din, and the barri cade held me fast Abort m* stand ing on a barrel head, waa Baptiste, yelling tike a demon. In vain I called to him. My fingers could just reach m toot^and hi h{cded not at *11 my founj Craig sound asleep upon U&LCouch. His cjusteruHtlou on wak ing to see us tom. bruised and bloody was laughable, but he hastened to find us warm water and bandagt-s. snd we soon felt comfortable. Baptiste was radiant with pride and delight over the fight and hovered about Graeme and me. giving vent to hla Teellngs in admiring French and English expletives. But Ale was dis gusted because of tbe failure at Sla vin'#, for when Nelson looked In be saw .Slarin'a French Canadian wife fu charge, with her baby on her lap, and be came back to Shaw and said, “Come away; we can’t touch this,” and Shaw, after looking'in, agreed that nothing could be done. A baby held the fort. . As Craig listened to the account of thoSfight he tried hard not to approve, bnt he could not keep the gleam out of bis eyes, and aa I pictured Graeme dating back the crowd thronging the barricade till he was brought down by the chair Craig laughed gently and put his band on Graeme's knee, and went on to describe my agony while Idaho's fingers were gradually nearing the. knife bis face grew pale and his sakt, and the little Frenchman nodded complacently and said: “Bat’s me for sure.' “By the way, how Is your foot?” ask ed Graeme. “He’s fuss rate. Dat's what you call -one bite of-of-dat leel bees. He’s dcro: you put your’flnger dere, he’s not dere. What you coll him?” “Flea!” 1 suggested. “Onir cried Baptiste. “Dat’s one bite of^Ra.” “I was tbankfuM was under the barrels,” I replies!, smiling. “Oni! Dat’s mak me ver mad. I Jump and swear mos awful fad. Dot's pardon tne, M’sleu Craig, hehT* Bnt Craig only smiled at him rathe- sadly^ “It was awfully risky,” he said to Graeme, “and It was hardly worth It They’ll get more whisky, and anyway the league la gone.” “Well,” aald Graeme, with a sigh of satisfaction, “It is not quite inch a one sided affair aa It was.” And we could say nothing In reply, for we could hear Nixon snoring in the next room, and no one had heard of Billy', and there were others of the league that we knew were even now down at Slnvln’s. It was thought best that all should remain In Mr. Craig's shack, not knowing what might hap pen, and so we lay where we. could, and we needed none to sing os to sleep When I awoke, stiff and sore. It was to find breakfast ready and old man Nelson In charge. As we wore seated Craig came In, and I saw that he was not tfio man of the night before. Hit courqge had come back; hie face was qolet and bis eye clear. He was hie own man again. "Geordle has been out all night but has failed to find Billy,” be announced quietly. We did not talk much. Graeme and I worried with our broken bones, and the others suffered from a general morning depression. Bnt after break fast aa the men were beginning to move, Craig took down bis Bible, and. saying. ”Walt a few minutes, men." be read slowly, in hla beautiful, dear voice, that psalm for all fighters, •Ood la our refuge and strength.” and so on to the noble words: “The Lord of Hosts Is with us; The Ood of Jacob Is our refuge.” How the mighty wordh pulled ut to gether, lifted us UU we grew ashamed of our Iguoblo rage and of our Ignoble depression! And then Craig prayed In simple, straightgoing words. There wag ac knowledgment of failure, but I knew hs waa thinking chiefly of himself; there was gratitude, and that waa for the men about him. and I felt my face burn with shame; there waa a petition tor help and we all thought of Nixon and Billy and the men wakening from their debauch at Blarln’s this pure, bright morning. Then he asked that we might be made faithful and worthy ot God, whose battle It was. Then we t!U&od BELSaUfrooK Uqd. wltb Mm In silence, and every man knew a cov enant was being made. But none saw .bit meeting with Nixon. He sent os all away before that. Nothing was beard of tbe destruction of tbo hotel stock In trade. Unpleasant questions wonld certainly bt* asked, and tbe proprietor decide to let alone. On tbe point of respectability tbe success of tb«* ball was not con spicuous. but the tint lie* gue men were content if not jubilant Billy Breen ws* found by Geordle late In tbe afternoon In bis own old and deserted shark, breathing bearJJj, covered up In bis filthy, molderlug bed clothes, wltb a half empty bottle of whisky at bis aide Geordie’s grief and rage were beyond oven his Scotch con trol. He spoke few words, but these were of such com nitrated vehemence that no one felt ti e need of Ale's as sistance In vocabulary. Poor Billy! We carried him to Mrs. Maror’s home, put him in a warm bath, rolled him in blankets and gave him little sips of bot water, then of hot milk sod coffee, es I had seen a clever doctor In tbe hospital treat a similar case of nerve and heart Re pression. But the already weakened system could not recover from the aw ful shock of the exposure following tbe debauch, snd on Sunday afternoon we saw that bis heart was falling fast. All day the suinern bad been dropping In to inquire after him. for Biffr had been a great favorite in otbei Jays, and tbe attentlou of the town had been admiringly centered upon his fight of these last weeks (t was with uo ordl nary sorrow that tbe news of b!s dltion was received. As Mrs. Mavor sang to him bis large, coarse hands moved In time to the music, hut he did not open hla eye* till he heard Mr Craig's voice in the next room. Then be spoke his unu:<*. und Mr. Craig was kneeling Leslie h.'u .« « a.yaie.it. The words came slowly: “01 trUd—to tight hit hour—but—01 got beaten. Hit 'urts to think ashamed o’ me. Oi'd like fa done bet ter—01 would," “Ashamed of you. Billy:*’ sold Craig In a voice that broke. “Not he.’ “And—ye hall—’elped tu? sol'' he went on. “01 wish OI‘d ‘a’ done better—01 do.” And his eyes sought Geordle and then rested on Mrs. Mavcr. who smiled back at him with a world of lore in her eyes. “You bain't h.r shamed o' me —yore beyes aalgb so." he said, look ing at her. “No, Billy,” she said, nnd I wonder ed at her steady voice*, “not a bit Why. Billy. I am proud of you.’ He gazed up at her with wonder and ineffable love In his little eyes, then lifted his bend slightly toward her. She knelt quickly and took it In both of bets, stroking it and kissing it. “Oi baught t’a done better. Oi’m bawful sorry Oi went back on ’Ira. Hit waa the lcmonalde. The boys didn't mean no 'arm, bnt bit started the 'ell hinsldo ” C-eordle burled out some bitter words “Don't be 'ard on ’em. Geordle. They didn't mean no 'arm,” he said, and bis eyes kept waiting till Geordle said bur riedly; “Na, na. lad! I’ll Jnlst leave them till the Almlchty.” Then Mrs. Mavor sang softly, smooth ing his hand, “Just as I Am.«.aud Billy dozed quietly for huff an hour. When he awoke again, his eyes turn ed to Mr. Craig, and they were tron bled and anxious. “OI tried ’ard. Oi wanted to win.” he struggled to say. By this time Craig was master of himself, and he answered In a clear, distinct voice: “Listen, Billy. You tunde a great fight, and you are going to win yet And. besides, do you remember the sheep that get lost over tbe tuoun tains?" This parable was Billy’s spe cial delight -*He didn’t beat It when be got It. did he:-' He took It lu 111. arms and carried It home, and ao he will you.” And Billy, keeping bis eyes fastened on Mr. Craig, simply told: “Will ’er “Surer’ said Craig. “Will ’e?” he repeated, turning his eye* upon Mrs. Mavor. “Why, yes. Billy,” she answered cheerily, though the tears were stream Ing from her eyes. “1 would, and he loves you far more.” He looked at her. smiled uud closed bis eyes. 1 put my hand on his heart It was fluttering feebly. Agalu a trou bled look passed over Uls face. “My—poor-hold—mother!” be whls pered. “She's—hln-tbe—wukus.” “1 shall take care of her. Billy," said Mrs. Mavor In a clear vo*ce, aud again Billy smiled. Then he turned bis eyes to Mr. Craig and trom him to Geordle and at last to Mrs. Mavor, where they rested. 8be bent over and kissed him twice ou the forehead. “Tell ’er,” he aald. with difficulty, "e’s took me ’ome.” “Yes. Billy!” she cried, gazing Into hla gtaking eyes. He tried to lift her hand. 8be kissed him again. He drew one deep breath and lay quite still ’Thank the blessed Saviour!” satd Mr. Craig reverently. “He has taken * tin home.*' But Mrs. Mavor held tbe dead hand tight and sotted out passionately: “Oh, Billy. Billy, you helped me once when I uceded help! I cannot forget!” And Geordle, groaning. “Aye. laddie, laddie!” (Missed out Into the fading light of the early evening. Next day uo one went to work, for to all It seemed a sacred day. They car ried him Into tbe little church, and there Mr. Craig spoke of his k>ug, hard fight aud of bis final victory, for he died without a fear and with lova to the men who. not knowing, had been hla death. And there wae no bitter in any heart, for Mr. Craig read the story of tbe sheep and told bow gently he had taken Billy home; but, though no word waa spoken. It was them the league was made again. 33tff.jAtthlm.OBda the pti*» MU* Ix*wl* Mover,* nuJ the miners threw spj.V* of ever, jit*n Into tbe. opeu gra.e. When Slavln. nobbtiig bitterly, brought his sprte. no one stopped him, though all thought It strange. As we turned to leave the grave tbe light from the evening sun came soft ly through the gap In the mountains aud. tilling tbe valley, touched tbe trees aud the little uiouiid beneath with flo* ry. and 1 thought of that other glory which la brighter than the sun and was not sorry that poor Billy's weary fight waa over, uud I could not help agreeing with Craig that it was there tbe league had Ita revenge. CHAPTER X. WHAT CAMC TO SLAVRI. RJllLLY Bit BEN’S legacy to tbe | Q 1 Black Itock mining camp was a new league, which waa more QfiSni than the old league remade. The league was new In Its spirit and In its methods. The Impression made up on the camp by BUly Breen’s death was very remarkable, and I have nev er been quite able to account for It The mood of the community at the time was peculiarly susceptible. Billy was one of tbe oldest of the old tim ers. Ills decline nnd fall had been a long process, and his struggle for life and manhood was striking enough to arrest the attention and awaken the sympathy of the whole camp. We In stinctively side with a umn In bis struggle for freedom, for we feel that freedom is native to him and to us. Tbe sudden collapse of the struggle stirred tbe men with a deep pity for the beaten man nnd a deep contempt for those who had tricked him to his doom: but though tbe pity and tbe contempt remained, the gloom was re lieved nnd the sense of defent removed from tbe men's minds by tbe trans forming glory of Billy's last hour. Mr. * Craig, rending of the tragedy of Billy's death, iracstigurid defeat Into victory, and this was gradually accepted by tbe men as tbe true reading, though to them It was fui! cf mystery. But they couid all understand aud appreciate ut full value the spirit that breathed through the words of the dying man: “Don't be 'ard ou ’em. They didn't mean no 'arm.” Aud this waa the new Spirit of the league. It was this spirit that surprised Sla- yin Into sudden tears at tbe grave's side. He u.iu «*ome braced for curses and vengeance. i' .r r.ll knew it was lie wbo bad doctored Billy's lemonade, and instead of vengeance tbe tnrsxnge from the dead that echoed through the voice of the living was one of pity and forgiveness. But the days of the league's nega tive. defensive warfare w. re over. The fight was to the death, aud now the war was to be carried Into the ene my’s country. The league men pro posed a thoroughly equipped and well conducted coffee room, reading room and ball to parallel the enemy’s lines of operation and defeat then* with their own weapons upon their own ground. The main outlines of the scheme were clearly defined and were easily seen, but the perfecting of the details called for all Craig’s tact nnd good sense. When, for Instance, Ver- Winton. who had charge of the enfertalumeut department, came for Craig's opinion ns to a minstrel troupe and private theatricals, Craig was prompt with his answer: "Anything clean goes.” ”A nigger show?” asked Winton. "Depeuds npon the niggers.” replied Craig, with a gravely comic look, shrewdly adding. “Ask Mrs. Mavor.” And so the League Minstrel and Dra matic company Uvarno nn established fact nnd proved, ns Craig afterward told me. a great means of grace to the camp. Shaw had charge of the social de partment. whose *i>ecial rare It was to that the men were made welcome to the cozy, cheerful reading room, where they might chat, smoke, read, write or play games, according to fancy. But Craig felt that the success or failure of the scheme would largely depend upon the character of the resi dent manager, who, while caring for reading room arid hall, would control and operate the Important department represented by tbe coffee room. At this point the whole business may come to grief.” he said to Mrs. Mavor. without whose counsel nothing was done. ‘Why come to grief?" she asked brightly. Because If w»* don't get the right man that's wbut will happen.” be re plied In a tone that spoke of auxious worry. “But we shall get the right mau. nev- p fear.” Her serene courage never faltered. “He will come to us.” Craig turned und gazed at her In frank admiration nnd said: “If I only had your courage!” “Courage!” she answered quickly. “It Is not for you to say that.” And at . hla answering look the red came luto her cheek aud the depths In her eyes glowed, and I marveled and wondered, looking at Craig's cool face, whether his blood were running evenly through his veins. But Uls voice was quiet—a shade too quiet I thought—as he grave ly replied: “1 would often be a coward but for the shame of it.” And so tbe league waited for the man to come who was to be resident mana ger and make the new enterprise a success. And come he did. but the manner of Uls coming was so extraor dinary that I have believed In the doc trine of a special providence ever since, for. as Craig said, “If he had cornu straight from hen urn. 1 could not have been more surprised.” While tbe league waa thus waiting. Ita Interest centered upon Slavln. chief ly because he represented more than any other {he forces of the enemy, and, though Billy Breen stood between him tqfi tbe vengeance of the angry men (To ba continued.)