Part 46 (1/2)

Redmond and Reynolds laughed, and even Harmon smiled. The editor was happy and contented, and life seemed very pleasant just then. He was satisfied to listen in silence while Reynolds related the story of his experiences in the north, and his great triumph in winning the only daughter of the dreaded ruler of Glen West.

”It all seems to me like a fairy-tale,” Harmon, remarked, when Reynolds had finished. ”To think that in so short a time you have undergone such wonderful adventures, discovered my old friend, and won this fair maiden. And the gold; what of it? You will begin mining at once, of course.”

”We intended to do so,” Redmond replied. ”But on our way here we were fortunate enough to sell our interests to one of the largest mining concerns in the United States for a most gratifying sum. You see, there was great excitement in that region when it was learned that gold had been discovered. Miners literally flocked into the place, and the wilderness has been suddenly converted into a busy mining camp. We were offered large sums for our claims, but refused all until we reached Whitehorse. There we were met by the agent of the great Hibberdash Mining Company, and so tempting and liberal was his offer, that we sold out our entire interests. We are perfectly satisfied, as we shall now be free from all mining worries.”

”This is really wonderful!” Harmon exclaimed. ”What a write-up that will make for my paper. You must let me have the entire story, Redmond. And you will write it, won't you?”

”Business as usual, I see,” and Redmond smiled. ”When time permits, I shall do what I can. I expect to be very busy for the next two weeks, and after that I must go north again.”

”Go north again!” Harmon repeated. ”Why, I thought you were through with the north forever.”

”Oh, no, not at all. I have work to do there yet. It is necessary for me to be present at the trial of that villain, Curly, and that will take some time. Then I wish to visit Glen West, and attend to some matters there. Sconda and his wife will look well after our house, for we plan to go there every summer for a holiday. And we shall take you, too, for I know you would enjoy the scenery.”

”That would be a great treat to me,” Harmon replied. ”But you will have time to write that article before you leave, will you not?”

The others laughed, so anxious was the editor for the welfare of his paper.

”I am afraid I shall not have time now,” Redmond told him. ”There is much to be done in the two weeks before the great event.”

”The great event! I do not understand.”

”Look,” and Redmond drew his attention to Glen's blus.h.i.+ng face. ”Now do you understand?”

”Oh, I see,” and Harmon smiled. ”A wedding; is that it?”

”It seems so from all appearance, and that means a great deal of work for us all.”

”And you will live here?” Harmon eagerly asked, turning to Glen.

”We hope to, Mr. Harmon, providing you care to have your daughter so near. If not, we can stay in China or j.a.pan, and you will not be troubled with me.”

”Stay in China or j.a.pan! What do you mean?”