Bacon Frank - Lightnin' _ After a Play of the Same Nam - Frank Bacon

8/12/2019 Bacon Frank - Lightnin' _ After a Play of the Same Nam - Frank Bacon

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The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lightnin',

by Frank Bacon

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Title: Lightnin'

After a Play of the Same Name by Winchell

Smith and Frank Bacon

Author: Frank Bacon

Release Date: November 11, 2010 [EBook#34280]

Language: English


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*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK

LIGHTNIN' ***

Produced by Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier,

Mary Meehan and

the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

at

http://www.pgdp.net

LIGHTNIN'


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BY FRANK BACON

After the Play of the Same

Name by

WINCHELL SMITH andFRANK BACON

With Illustrations fromPHOTOGRAPHS OF THE

PLAY

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK


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Copyright 1920, by Harper &

Brothers

Printed in the United Statesof America

Published February, 1920


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YOU LOOKED INTO

LIGHTNIN'S SHREWDLY

HUMOROUS EYES, ANDYOU SMILEDSMILED

WITH HIM


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CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER II

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER V

CHAPTER VI

CHAPTER VIICHAPTER VIII

CHAPTER IX

CHAPTER X

CHAPTER XICHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XIII

CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XV


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CHAPTER XVI

CHAPTER XVII

CHAPTER XVIII

CHAPTER XIXCHAPTER XX

By BOOTH TARKINGTON

By MARY ROBERTS RINEHARTBy GENE STRATTON-PORTER

By ZANE GREY


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ILLUSTRATIONS

You Looked into Lightnin's Shrewdl

Humorous Eyes, and You SmiledSmile

with Him

"Promise Me You Won't Sign the Deed" .

Bill Hesitated

Lightnin', in His Faded G. A. R. Unifor.. Listened Attentively

..He Took It from His Pocket, Saying

"Millie, I Want to Show You Something"


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LIGHTNIN'


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CHAPTER I

"Him?" the local postmaster of Calivad

would say, in reply to your question abou

he quaint little old man who had jus

ambled away from the desk with a bundl

of letters stuffed in his pocket. "Why

hat's Lightnin' Bill Jones! We call him

Lightnin' because he ain't. Nature didngive no speed to Bill. No, sir, far as

know, Lightnin' 'ain't never done a day'

work in his lifebut there ain't none of u

ever thinks any the less of him for thatBill's got a way with him, an' he kin tel

some mighty good yarns. Lightnin's al

right!"


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And when you met Bill Jones you agree

with the postmaster. You looked into

Lightnin's twinkling, shrewdly humorou

eyes and you smiledsmiled with himYou thought of the reply he made to a

stranger who protested against hi

ndolence.

"Well," Bill said, with that shrewd glance

of his, "I ain't keepin'you from makin'

million dollars, am I?"

Old Bill was full of remarks like that, an

sometimes those about him were not s

sure as to his lack of speed, in spite of hi

aimless, easy-going habits. You never canell from the feet alone. Those closest t

him were not sure at all; he "had the

guessing." There was no doubt that hi

wife, simple, earnest, hard-workin


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woman that she was, loved him. Sh

mothered him and did not seem to worr

much about his shiftless ways. He was he

husband, and that was enough for herWhat Mrs. Jones thought of her husband'

mental acumen would be another question

perhaps, but up to the present she ha

always consulted Bill's wishes and soughhis advice. Their adopted daughter

Millie, a pretty, wholesome, brown

haired girl of nineteen, worshiped Bil

Any one who said a word against "daddy

had Millie to deal with. The third perso

Bill had guessing was John Marvin,

young man who owned a tract of land ana cabin a few miles down the trai

Marvin had a lot on his mind, and wa

studying law all alone in the cabin a

nights into the bargain, but he liked t


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have Bill drop in, liked to hear him talk

Bill could tell some pretty tall yarns, bu

he told them so well you had to swallow

hem. There was an odd, friendlyunderstanding bond between the ambitiou

young fellow and the easy-going

humorous old man. They confided in eac

other a great deal, andwell, like MrsJones and Millie, Marvin frequently foun

himself crediting Bill with a semblance o

mental speed. But then his mind woul

picture the ambling, aimless figure of Bil

Jones with its shock of disordered gra

hair and half-shut eyes, and Marvin woul

smile to himself and turn his thoughts tsomething else. But he wondered

nevertheless.

At the present moment, the afternoon of


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ate summer's day, Bill Jones was doing

ittle wondering himself, though no on

would have suspected it as he amble

azily up the trail, bound for home. Thingwere not going well with the Jones family

Mrs. Jones and Millie were worrying, an

Bill knew it. Characteristically, he had

evaded the issue for several years, conteno let each day take care of itself as best i

could, but now matters were reaching

crisis and circumstances were forcing Bil

o consider it. They had been selling th

imber on the land, but that did not help

much; and now they were taking summe

boarderswhen they could get them, foboarders were scarce. Again, this onl

made more hard work for Millie and Mrs

Jones.


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t was of this Bill was thinking as he wen

along. He had been sent to get the mail an

o meet the morning train from Sa

Francisco for the purpose of enticing few boarders to the Jones establishment i

possible. He should have been home hour

ago with the mail, and there were som

odd jobs awaiting him, but he had dallien the little local town. This was his usua

habit, for, like a good many lonely souls

Bill was also a social one. People liked t

buy Bill drinks and cigars in the taver

and listen to his yarns. But to-day Bill wa

ingering intentionally; he knew that hi

wife and Millie expected to take him intconsultation this afternoon in regard to th

critical state of the family affairs

aturally Bill dreaded such a proceeding

but there was something more than that t


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t to-day. His old heart, usually full o

happy-go-lucky sunshine, was harborin

shadows, for he knew that he ought to hel

and wanted to. But how? As he had turnedslowly homeward, Lightnin' hadn't th

faintest idea.

Then suddenly, when about a mile frohe house, Bill paused in the middle of th

rail, chuckled, and then sat down on

fallen tree. He pushed back his battere

old hat, drew a bag of tobacco and Manila paper from his pocket, and rolle

himself a cigarette. All signs and

manifestations indicated that Bill Jone

was overwhelmed by an idea. He sapuffing the cigarette and grinning t

himself for a few minutes; then he aros

slowly and ambled on; but now the ambl


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was not so aimless. It had a suggestion o

he walk of a man with a purpose, an

here was a gleam of satisfaction an

humorous self-importance in his half-shueyes.

earing the house, he observed his wif

sitting on the broad veranda, rocking tand fro, obviously on the watch for him

From force of habit, Bill tried to make

detour with the intent of entering unsee

hrough the back door; but, knowing hiways, Mrs. Jones was too quick for him

She called to him, and, with the air of on

who had no intention whatever of enterin

by the back door, he came up on the porcand dropped into a chair beside her.

"Well, mother," he said, amiably, "you

ook all tuckered out. Glad to see yo


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restin'."

"Where you been all day?" she asked

gnoring his remark. Her tone was nonoo tender, but there was a gentle gleam i

her motherly, tired eyes as they sought he

husband's, sheepishly hiding behind half

closed lids.

"Just takin' a look at town," Bill drawled

"Just takin' a look." He settled himsel

comfortably in his chair and rolled cigarette.

"Don't you know there's some new

boarders come?"

"Sure," said Bill, easily. "I sent 'em, didn

? Told 'em you was the best cook in two

states, mother. Guess I ought to know."


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Millie, an apron over her neat and simpl

house dress, came out and drew a chai

between her foster-parents. She glance

quickly from one to the other, and then hegentle brown eyes came to rest lovingl

on old Bill. He returned her smile.

"What a long time you were, daddy!" shsaid. "I bet you stayed away just becaus

you knew mother and I wanted to talk t

you to-dayown up, daddy!"

Bill grinned delightedly, despite hi

knowledge of the rather grave situation th

girl's smiling comment covered. "Well

Millie," he answered, "I'm here now, ain? Guess we can have a little talk befor

hem boarders begin to yell for thei

supper. I kinder wish as you didn't have to

cook for 'em, motheran' Millie waitin


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on 'em. 'Tain't fair."

Mrs. Jones's lips twitched; the weight of

hard day was on her."It ain't no use puttin' it off, Bill," she said

wearily. "We got to do somethin'. Mr

Townsend was here this afternoon."

"What o' that?" asked Bill.

"Well, he's pretty shrewd, you know, an

he's thinkin' about us, Bill. He seen howmuch of the timber's gone. He knows w

sold another strip o' land last month fo

next to nothin'"

"What's that to him?" Bill queried, rollin

another cigarette and apparentl

completely absorbed in the operation.


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"Hehe's just worried about us, an' it'

nice of him, Bill, him knowin' us all thes

years. Hehe thinks as we might mov

ntointo one o' them little cabins dowhe trail an'"

"Lem Townsend's all right," Bill cut in

azily, "but we ain't goin' to move, motherAn' it ain't nobody's business, neitherno

even Lem Townsend's. I hope you told

him that."

"Why, Bill!" Mrs. Jones exclaimed

sharply. "I told him no such thing! An'

ain't so sure but what I ain't goin' to tak

his advice!"

Bill looked at her, a hidden smile in hi

eyes. "It's your property, mother," he said

quietly.


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Tears sprang into the woman's eyes and

she made an impulsive gesture.

"You mustn't think that way, Bill!" shecried. "I know you deeded the whol

place over to me when we were marrie

and it was all you had! I wasn't thinkin

o' that'ceptin' as I always think. Youmust say our place, Bill. It's yours an

mine an' Millie's. We'll stick together. Bu

we got to dosomethin'."

Bill glanced slyly at the girl, whos

brown head was bowed thoughtfully

"What you think, Millie?" he asked.

"I don't know what to say," she replied

slowly. "I could go back to San Francisco

and work as I did last year. But maybe w

could pull through this winterif only w


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could get boarders. I don't mind the work

andand I'd rather stay home here."

Bill's eyes suddenly twinkled. "What's thmatter?" he chuckled. "John Marvin com

back from the city to stay at his cabin?"

Millie blushed. "Daddy!" she pouted.

Mrs. Jones did not seem any too please

at her husband's remark. "John Marvi

ain't got nothin' to do with it!" sh

exclaimed. "I don't see what he come

foolin' around here for, anywayMilli

ain't got himon her mind!"

"I should say not!" Millie echoed, thougt occurred to Bill that the softness of he

brown eyes belied the petulant toss of he

head. "Perhaps, after all, it would be bes


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for me to go back to Mr. Thomas's office!

Bill turned his half-shut eyes on he

quickly, but Millie did not note thexpression of genuine concern in them. H

sat lost in thought. The last winter ha

been the most difficult of all for them

Millie, feeling that it was time for hebeing some help, had studied typewritin

and stenography and had obtained

position in the office of Raymond Thomas

a San Francisco lawyer. Presumably on vacation, Thomas had chanced to spend

week at the Jones place the previou

summer. Millie had told him of her desig

o help the family, and Thomas hadsuggested that she take the position ope

n his office.

But that had been a dreary and lonel


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winter for Bill and his wife. Millie'

pretty face and youthful ways had bee

missed sorely; the girl had come to be al

n all to the old couple, and they could nobear to see her go away again for anothe

ong winter.

Then, too, Bill had his own reasons fofeeling grave and down in the mouth whe

Millie suggested her returning to work i

he office of Raymond Thomas. Bill Jone

was not one to analyze, or to voice oexplain his thoughtseven to himself

unless he took a notion to, or considere

hat the right moment had arrived; it wa

all too much trouble, anyway. Certaihoughts were running through his min

now, however; running a little at random

o be sure, but they were there. His youn


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friend, John Marvin, had worked i

Thomas's office for a timewas workin

here when Millie entered the office

ndeed, that was how Marvin had meMillie and found, to his delight, that the

were neighbors up in Nevadathat sh

was the pretty daughter his friend Bil

Jones was always mentioning.

But Bill was thinking now especially o

he fact that Marvin had left Raymon

Thomas's office suddenly, and had toldBill precisely why he had left.

"Don'tyouthink it would be best for me t

go back, daddy?" Millie questionednterrupting his random musings. "Mayb

mother could manage here, with one o

wo boarders and the money I shall sen

her. And there will be your army pension


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Mr. Thomas is coming to pay us a visit to

morrow, you know, and I'll ask him a

once for my old position. I know it will b

all right, for he's always been perfectlsplendid! He told me the position woul

always be open to me. You have no idea

how kind and considerate he is, daddy

Then maybe next summer"

"Next summer we're all goin' to be rich!

said her odd foster-father, unexpectedly

"Yes, sir, meanin' you an' mother, Milliegirl, next summer we're goin' to be awfu

rich. Leastways, you an' mother is. Bein

rich wouldn't mean nothin' to meI'

above it!"

"Why, daddy!" Millie exclaimed, starin

at him. "HowWhat do you mean

daddy?"


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Slumped away down in his chair, Bill'

eyes were now all but closed tight and h

was grinning.

"Nothin' particular," he answered, softly

"'Cept that maybe Bill Jones ain't calle

Lightnin' for nothin'."

"Bill," said his wife, "this ain't no time fo

o be smart! If you have anything to say,

wish to goodness you'd say it!"

Bill half opened his eyes and glanced a

her. "Millie ain't goin' back to that tailor

made lawyer's office," he said.

"Daddy, please!" said Millie, flushing.

"You mustn't make fun of Mr. Thoma

when"


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"All right, Millie," he stopped her, restin

his thin hand on her brown hair for a

nstant. "I wouldn't say nothin' as woul

hurt you. But you won't have to go backmy dearnot unless you really want t

eave us. I got an idea, motherthat's wh

was late gettin' home. Ideas take time

specially when they're good ones! I got good one what'll fix this whole business!"

Bill stuck his thumbs in his faded old shir

comically. Even slumped down in hichair as he was, the suggestion of

harmless swagger was in his mannerth

easy swagger of one who, hithert

unconsidered, has astonished the skepticby giving birth to an idea and solving

problem. There was something about Bil

hat suppressed the gentle but none the les


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amused smile that was dimpling Millie'

cheeks.

"Out with it, daddy!" she demandedrestraining a desire to pull his ear.

"If Lem Townsend is so anxious to help

us," he stated, "he can arrange all th

details for you, mother. I 'ain't got time fo

detailsthat's what I told Grant once

when we was havin' supper befor

Petersburg. Got enough to do with thdea. Lem can put the ads. in them Ren

papers, an' hire the maids for you, an

hings like that." Then Bill suddenl

stopped, hugely enjoying the mystificatioof his two listeners.

His wife sat up. "Bill Jones," she said

"you been drinking again down to town


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hat's what I think!"

"Go on, daddy!" Millie encouraged

putting her hand on his arm. "I feel thayou've thought of something! Tell us!"

gnoring his wife's accusation, Bill gav

Millie a grateful glance and resumed, i

his slow drawl:

"I got an ideasure enough, mother an

Millie! It didn't hit me until I was half

way home to-day, but I got it lookin' at th

mornin' train what goes on through t

Reno. I've looked at a pile o' trains in m

ime, but I never got no idea from 'e

before. Look here, don't the state line ru

plumb through the middle o' this house

so's half of it is in California an' the othe

half in Nevada? Well, what's the matte


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with makin' this house a hotel temporar

for busted hearts what takes six months t

cure? Lots o' them rich folks from the Eas

who goes on down to Reno to git divorcewould like to live on the lake, but the

can't because they got to live in Nevad

for six months. They can live on one sid

o' this house an' be in Nevada. An' at thsame time they gits all the good o' livin' i

California! They'd be tickled to death an

hey'd be comin' in shoals all year, winte

an' summer. An' what they pays ain

nothin' to themthe Reno hotels is so ric

off them they don't want to take in no on

what 'ain't a busted heart! You better starright away gettin' ready, mother!"

Mrs. Jones and Millie gasped. Bil

however, having spoken at considerabl


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ength for him, merely reached for hi

eternal bag of tobacco and paper and idl

rolled himself a cigarette.

Millie clapped her hands. "Why, mother!

she cried, "daddy's rightit is an idea

And so simple!"

"All big things is simple," Bill remarked

with the air of one who ought to know.

Mrs. Jones stared from her husband t

Millie. "Oh, Bill," she said, finally, "

really think we can do it! And now I'll tel

you somethin'. II was goin' to sugges

his very thing some time ago, butbut

hought you wouldn't approve of it o

account o' Millie. Lem Townsend put the

notion in my head when he was talkin

about our sellin' the timber."


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Bill looked up. "Lem thought of it, eh

Didn't think Lem had that much sense

Anyways, I bet I thought of it firstI mus

a' been thinkin' of it for a long timwithout knowin' it. Why shouldn't

approveon account o' Millie, mother?"

"II don't know," said his wifeuncertainly. "I hear some of the

divorcers isis"

"Shucks, mother," Bill stopped her"They're human beings, ain't they? An

hem as ain't we needn't take. But they'r

all right. I seen a lot o' them on the trains

Right smart lookers, most o' them! Thecan't help it if their hearts gets busted, ca

hey? Human beings is human beings

Besides, we gotter look at it from

business point o' viewas Lincoln said t


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me about the Civil War. I was a business

man once an'"

Millie laughed, and Bill, remembering thahe was in the bosom of his family and tha

here were certain things he couldn't "ge

away with" there, subsided.

Evidently Mrs. Jones had been thinkin

hard during the past few minutes, and now

she spoke. "We'll do it, Millie!" she said

"Some o' them Reno hotels got starteovernight, just like this, an' we can do th

same. It'll be kinder queer at first, turnin

our home into a hotel, but maybe we ca

soon make enough toto make it a homagain. Shall we try it, Millie?"

"Of course!" Millie exclaimed. "I think i

will be great fun! You're awful clever


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daddy, to think of it!"

Bill, who had rolled and lighted anothe

cigarette, arose and stuck his handcarelessly in the pockets of his worn

baggy old trousers. "'Tain't nothin'," he

remarked, swaying on his heels and toes

"Nothin' at all! I think o' lots o' things likhat, but I don't tell 'emtoo busy! Well

mother, as Lem Townsend's comin' ove

o-night, you better have him fix the

details. I got to go an' think some morabout the idea!"

He moved away with elaborate unconcer

and started to amble down the verandsteps. His wife suddenly remembere

several odd jobs he should be attendin

o, but she did not stop him. Her mind wa

full of plansand one is naturally timi


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about asking a Man with a Big Idea t

perform menial tasks.


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CHAPTER II

After supper the following evening Bil

slipped from the house and amble

hrough the woods to the lake border

where a young moon, cradled above th

western ridge, sent its shafts of silver ligh

across the darkened waters. It was eviden

hat Bill Jones wanted to be alone. Hsettled down on the trunk of a fallen tre

and absently rolled himself a cigarette

When it was satisfactorily lighted h

glanced down the shore. It was desertedbut a little way back, on the woodlan

path, he observed two people strolling i

he dim shadows of the pines and cedars

He knew that the girl in the white dres


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was Millie, and he guessed that the ma

with her was John Marvin. Bill was no

especially romantic, but there was n

doubt that the sight of those two togethepleased him. He knew that the pair had no

seen much of each other of late, and h

wondered why. He himself had not seen

John Marvin for nearly two weeksThough he did not indulge in romanc

personally, he understood much, and h

sighed deeply as he watched the di

figure of the girl strolling along the path

His mind wandered off through a vista o

past years to the time when Millie ha

first come to the Tahoe region and to theJones family, a bit of a girl of three

Sinking into a reverie, Bill failed to not

hat the pair had finally parted, Marvi

striding off up the trail in the direction o


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his cabin. A pull at his ear brought him

back to earth.

"Why, daddy! What are you doing out herall alone?"

Millie sat down beside him, putting a

arm around his neck.

"Hello!" said Bill, reaching for his bag o

obacco and papers. "Where's John?" h

asked, a humorous gleam in his eyes, as h

met hers.

Millie seemed to hesitate befor

answering: "He's gone back to his place.

old him Mr. Thomas was here and hwouldn't even come in to see him! He say

he does not like it. I don't think it is any o

his business," she added, giving Bill


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hug.

"Why ain't it?" Bill asked.

Again Millie hesitated, then said, "MrThomas is just as nice as he can be daddy

and"

"His yaller gloves is nice. So's his caneMust take him an awful long time t

dress."

Millie took her arm away and looked ahim. She caught the lift of his eyebrow

and the peculiar expression of his half

open mouth and half-shut eyes, a

expression which always decorated Bill'face when he gave vent to sentiment

which Millie had come to regard a

"Daddy's intuitions." Bill always use


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rivial words at such moments, but that di

not minimize the effect.

"But, daddy, it seems so hard to make youunderstand how good Mr. Thomas ha

been to me! Mother understands. He too

such pains with me. I was a perfec

greenhorn and didn't know the first thinabout office work. No matter wha

mistakes I made, he was just as patient a

he could be. And he says he loves thi

beautiful country up here! He liked to heame tell about our wonderful waterfall."

Bill puffed his cigarette, an odd gleam i

his eyes, perhaps of amusement, perhapof wisdom. Millie glanced back towar

he house; then her eyes swept the shor

and finally came to rest on somethin

barely visible far up on the mountain


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John Marvin's cabin. She sighed an

continued to gaze in the same direction

Bill stole a look at her.

"Liked to hear about our waterfall, eh?" h

remarked. "I thought so."

Millie started. "Thought what, daddy?

she asked, her brown eyes trying to rea

his face.

"Nothin'. Nothin'," he replied, with a not

of finality that she had long learned t

know as indicating the futility of furthe

questioning.

"Well," she said, rising, "I think you'dbetter come up to the house, daddy.

suppose you left Mr. Thomas all alon

here on the veranda, didn't you? You


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might have stayed and entertained hi

until I got back."

"Guess he entertains himself pretty well,said Bill. "Besides, mother's with him."

"But you ought to be there, too, daddy

you're the head of the house, you know!"

He gave her an amused glance as sh

cuddled his arm in hers and walked hi

off. "All right, Millie, but I kinder keep

fergettin' that part of it."

Coming up the veranda steps, they foun

Mrs. Jones sitting there with a handsome

perfectly groomed young man of possiblwenty-seven. Raymond Thomas looke

actually too good to be true in tha

backwoods region. He arose quickly


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placed a chair for Millie, and then drew

one beside his own, urging Bill to occup

t.

"Please sit right here, Mr. Jones!" h

nsisted, with an easy, flattering smile

"Where did you disappear to after supper

've been looking all over for you. I wano hear some more of those famous storie

of yours! Tell me how to get him started

Miss Buckley," he added, with moc

appeal and turning his dazzling smile oMillie.

"Oh, daddy just starts himself!" sh

answered, laughing.

Bill dropped into the chair and crosse

his legs. Gingerly he took the ciga

Thomas offered him.


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ong pull at the cigar. "I was i

Washington on private business when

hem two was goin' on. I was greatl

disappointed."

"I can imagine so!" exclaimed Thomas.

"You can imagine a lot o' things, can

you?" said Bill, unexpectedly. "I ofte

magine I never saw some people. I

makes you feel better. But about the

battles. Ye know Grant 'd never won thebattle of Lookout Mountain if it hadn

been for me"

"Indeed!" cried Thomas, in a tone o

pleasant surprise.

"Nope. I was the only man he would le

ook out."


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Thomas laughed effusively and gentl

apped Bill on the back. "Capital!" h

exclaimed. "You must tell me some more

ater on. And you've got to come to townwith me some time, Mr. Jones. But"and

for a moment he turned his brilliant smil

on Millie and Mrs. Jones"I've bee

hinking ever since supper of that greadea of yours about turning this place int

a hotel for the broken-hearted. Really, I'v

given much serious thought to it, as I wa

elling your wife just before you and Mis

Buckley joined us. I am so interested i

you all that I hate to act like a damper, bu

have very grave doubts about it being paying proposition. And then I fear non

of you have taken into consideration th

vast amount of work, preparation, an

alteration the scheme will entail. Now, a


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Mrs. Jones and Millie greeted Townsend

cordially and the girl placed a chair fo

him while he turned to shake hands wit

Thomas, who had recovered his slightlshattered poise and risen gracefully

Townsend shook hands genially, but there

was a lurking frown in Raymond Thomas'

eyesmore than a suggestion that he waannoyed at the interruption, and, fo

reasons of his own, resented the presenc

of another person on the veranda. Hi

dazzling smile was at work, however.

"It is a pleasure to meet the future lega

ight of Washoe County!" he said.

"That's rightbetter make yourself soli

with him now," said Bill, throwing awa

he remains of the cigar and bringing ou

his tobacco and papers. There wa


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something in his voice that somehow di

not bring a laugh.

"Why, daddy!" cried Millie. "I don't thinhat's funny at all!"

Bill merely glanced at her and went o

rolling his cigarette. Thomas had give

Bill a keen, puzzled look; but no one coul

ever tell from Lightnin's expressio

whether or not any special meaning la

back of his words.

Mrs. Jones created a diversion. Eagerl

she imparted Bill's great idea t

Townsend and their intention of carrying i

out at once. Millie joined in and aske

him if he would help. He declared himsel

at their immediate disposal.


54/548

"I'm very glad you are going to do i

mother!" he said. "In my judgment, it is a

excellent solution of your problem. You

will recall that I suggested this"

"But I beat you to it, Lem!" Bill cut i

quickly. "Forethought and execution is th

whole carnage!"

Raymond Thomas had been listenin

closely. If there was disapproval and

annoyance at the turn things were taking, idid not show in his face.

"But are you sure this venture will pa

hese good friends of ours, Mr

Townsend?" he asked, in a tone of grave

doubt. "Those divorce peoplethey ar

mostly women, you knoware generall

on short rations, though they have bee


55/548

used to having a lot of money to spend. I'

afraid they'll demand comforts an

uxuries that will run expenses into bi

figures, and they won't want to pay enougo make a reasonable margin of profit."

"I am certain it will pay splendidly!

replied Townsend. "Look at the Renohotels! Oh yes, I strongly advise ou

friends to tackle it!"

Thomas frowned slightly. "Perhaps yoare right, Mr. Townsend. I presume you

have investigated the matter. But there i

another point to consider. I don't think

well, personally, I do not think it ialtogether a good plan toto brin

women of that sort into contact wit

women like Mrs. Jones and Mis

Mildred."


56/548

He turned to Millie, his expression one o

delicate concern and appeal.

"It's fine of you to speak like that, MrThomas," she said, flushing slightly, "bu

mother and I have talked over all that. We

do not mind. And, besides, I don't think i

right for us to feel that way about it. I'sure most of those women are nicean

maybe they need just the sympathy an

care we can give them."

Lemuel Townsend, on hearing Thomas'

statement, had sat bolt upright. "Sir," h

said, in tones of personal injury, adjustin

his glasses and eying Thomas from head tfoot, "I think that a rather broad an

sweeping statement for you to make. Mis

Mildred is perfectly correct in he

surmise. I must remind you that I am


57/548

evada attorney. I have known, in my life

many of these young women, and I hav

found them most estimable!"

"Ye like 'em, don't you, Lem?" remarked

Bill, chuckling.

Townsend flushed; he looked appealingly

at Mrs. Jones and Millie, his judicia

manner gone. It must be confessed tha

Millie suppressed something resembling

giggle.

"You old fogies up here in the mountain

have the wrong idea!" Townsend said

urning to Bill. "Why should two peopl

be hitched together when they are pullin

n different directions? That doesn't ge

hem any place." He rose and reached fo

his hat on the veranda rail. "Well, I mus


58/548

be off. I'll get to work at once, Mrs. Jones

The Reno papers shall have your ad. to

morrow, and I'll get busy on some othe

hings at once."

The two women rose, profuse in thei

hanks, which he smilingly waved aside

With a nod to Bill, and a rather formabow to Thomas, he went down the steps.

Thomas resumed his seat and his dazzlin

smile; there was nothing in his manner tshow that he had been thinking quickly. H

crossed his legs easily and drew ou

another cigar.

"Have you ever thought of selling th

place, Mrs. Jones?" he asked, suddenly.

"Whywhy, no! Can't say as we have!


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she answered, evidently surprised. "An'

don't know as we could if we wanted to

Ain't much call for a place like this, Mr

Thomas!"

"But you can't always tell about thes

hings, my dear lady," said Thomas

addressing himself exclusively to MrsJones. "It might not be so hard to find

purchaser, and at a good price, too."

"II don't think Bill would like to sell,she replied, doubtfully. "Would you

Bill?"

Her husband made no reply. He sat gazin

straight ahead, his eyes half shut as usual.

"Perhaps Mr. Jones is indifferent on th

subject," Thomas resumed. "Now I a


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sure that if he felt that you and Mis

Mildred were well provided"

"Say, you're kinder full of ideas yourselfain't you?" Bill interrupted, unexpectedl

urning and bringing his thin, unshave

face close to the other man's, quit

unwonted force and anger in his manner.

"Daddy!" Millie cried, while his wif

stared at him.

The anger left his face and the old

shrewd, humorous light crept back into hi

eyes.

"I don't believe in more 'n one idea at ime," he said, grinning. "NoI gues

mother an' me an' Millie 'll try out tha

ittle busted-heart notion o' mine first


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afore we tackles any other notions. Gues

'll turn in, motherhad a kinder tall day

Look sorter all in yourself. Better com

along. Tirin' business, havin' ideas. If MrThomas 'ain't been entertained ernough

maybe Millie 'll stay down an' keep th

show goin'." And he got up slowly, stuck

his hands in his pockets, and ambled inthe house.

"I think we'd better go in, too, mother,

said Millie, rising. "I know you're jusfagged out, and it's late, anyway. You

won't mind if we leave you to finish you

cigar, Mr. Thomas, will you?"

"Not at all! Not at all!" Thoma

exclaimed, with his smile. "A thousand

pardons for keeping you up so latei

was thoughtless of me!"


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He sprang to the screen door, held it open

for them, and called a cheery "Good

night!" as they disappeared up the stairs

Then he sat down again and thoughtfullfinished his cigar. He appeared to have

ot to think about, to figure out. Whe

finally he went up to his own room a ligh

burned there for an hour longer.

n the morning Bill Jones was up an

about unwontedly early. He got himsel

some breakfast, then went to the little deswhere the few boarders habitually left th

etters they had written the night before fo

he outgoing mail, which he took to th

post-office. He found some half-dozeetters on the desk this morning, and h

examined the addresses deliberately. On

n particular seemed to interest hi


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mmensely. It was in a handwriting he had

seen before and recognized as that o

Raymond Thomas. He put a finger to hi

cheek and gazed up at the ceilingwhics the same as saying that Bill Jones wa

making a careful mental note of the nam

and address on that letter. It wa

addressed to one Everett Hammone, thGolden Gate Land Company, Sa

Francisco. It was quite obvious that Bil

Jones had a strong desire to know th

contents of that letter; but he dropped i

carelessly among the rest, bundled the

up with a string and stuffed them in hi

pocket as he strolled out of the house ohis daily journey.

Out on the trail a bit, his ambling fee

came to a pause. He took out his tobacc


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and papers and rolled a cigarette. Lightin

t, he turned around and gazed up th

mountain, his eyes blinking in the mornin

sunlight as they rested on the dot that waJohn Marvin's cabin. For a moment i

seemed as if Bill had it in mind to chang

his direction and go up the mountain.

"I sure would like to have er talk wit

John," he mused. "Sure would. 'Ain't had

alk with him for some time. But I guess a

John is pretty put to it with that therimber propositionthings must be gittin

some excited up there! Maybe I'll go up

o-morrer."

And having characteristically decided t

do it to-morrow, Bill continued hi

morning stroll toward the post-office.


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66/548

CHAPTER III

For reasons obvious and otherwise, Bil

Jones did not carry out his intention o

visiting John Marvin's cabin "to-morrow.

n spite of himself, Bill naturally wa

drawn into the vortex of work an

preparation necessary to turning his hom

nto the Calivada Hotel. The period ochange was a nightmare to Bill, the onl

eaven in his misery being the astonishin

fact that he actually evolved quite

number of ideasideas which MrsJones, Millie, and Lem Townsend not onl

O.K.'d, but put into instant executionan

found exceedingly workable. He mad

many attempts to disappear from th


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premises, but his wife, or Millie, or Le

always had an eye on him and managed t

frustrate his hasty sorties or more subtl

schemes to take French leave. This wenon day after day, and now Bill had

endured nearly six weeks of more or les

pleasantly enforced captivity.

n the mean time the mysteriou

"excitement" up the mountain about whic

Bill had mused that morning on the trai

had come to a head, and John Marvin'ittle cabin seemed to be the center of it.

t was shortly after sundown one evenin

hat a big, red-headed lumberjackobviously a Swede, put his head in th

door of the cabin and glanced quickl

around the one room. Seeing that ther

was no one inside, he entered, closing th


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door behind him. Going to the window, h

ooked out through the thick grove of pine

and cedars, but evidently could see n

one. He was breathing hard, as if frorunning, and he sank into a chair.

His rest was short-lived. There was a ra

at the door, which was instantly pushedopen, and a lanky, sinewy man i

sombrero and riding-breeches, with tw

revolvers at the belt, strode in. Th

Swede, on his feet in an instanrecognized the intruder as Nevin Blodgett

sheriff of Washoe County.

"What you want?" the lumberjack askedn his heavy voice.

The sheriff did not answer at once, bu

ook a quick survey of the cabin's contents


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his eyes lighting up as they rested upon th

unwashed dishes on the table, telling of

recent meal. There was a self-satisfie

swagger about the sheriff as he walked upo the Swede.

"You're John Marvin, ain't you?" he

demanded.

"No, sir," replied the Swede, with a heav

frown.

The sheriff looked puzzled for a momen

hen it seemed to dawn on him that it wa

ust possible that a big, red-headed Swed

was not likely to be John Marvin.

"Well!" he snapped. "Then I guess you're

working for him, ain't you?"

The lumberjack shook his head and wen


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close to Blodgett, emphasizing his words

"Who I work for bane my business!

There was no fear in his manner as h

stood looking into his interrogator's facwith a grin that boded ill for any on

ooking for trouble.

Blodgett backed away, his eyes followinhe breadth of the Swede's husk

shoulders and the line of his powerfu

arms.

"None of that!" he said. "You're with the

gang that's been chopping down tha

imber out there. You know well enough

hat Marvin's stealing that timber, donyou?"

"Stealing?"


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"Yes! He's stealing it from the Pacific

Railroad Company, and I'm here to arres

him for it!"

"Humph!" The Swede shrugged hi

shoulders and wheeled around, gazin

anxiously out of the window, where th

path through the forest was visible.

"You know where he is, don't you?

Blodgett asked.

"He gone away."

"Where?" Blodgett stamped his spurre

boot.

"I doan' know."

"When did he go?"


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"Maybeyesterday."

"When's he coming back?"

"I doan' think he coomin' back." ThSwede deliberately put a kettle on th

stove and whistled indifferently.

Blodgett was evidently torn between desire to maintain his dignity and authorit

as sheriff and a rather healthy reluctanc

o have any trouble with the great, hulkin

Swede.

"It's going to be hard for you if you'r

ying"

He got no farther. The Swede stepped up

o him with blazing eyes.

"You call me liar?" he yelled. "I throw


73/548

you out the door!"

Blodgett backed quickly awayver

quickly. His hand sought the latch behindhim. "If you threaten me, the next thing yo

know you'll find yourself in jail!" h

cried, shaking his fist.

The Swede's only answer was an ugl

grin. Blodgett opened the door, slammin

t after him as he went away.

The big lumberjack stood quiet for severa

minutes, listening to the sounds of retrea

beaten by the hoofs of Blodgett's horse

Assured that the sheriff was safely out o

he way, he crept to the window, thrust hi

head over the sill, and gave a low whistle

There was a stir in the soap-plant outsid


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and Marvin emerged, hurried around t

he door, and entered the cabin.

"Good work!" he exclaimed, laughing anclapping the grinning Swede on the back

"You got rid of him very well, Oscar

ow I'll go on with my supper!"

He took off his coat and went over to th

stove, where he began to shake the dampe

o let out the ashes. Oscar came and stoo

beside him.

"He tell me"

"I know what he told you," Marvi

nterrupted, continuing to shake the ashes.

"Do that land belong to the railroad?

There was a slight note of alarm in th

Swede's voice.


75/548

"It does now, Oscar," Marvin replied

hrowing some paper and wood into th

stove and lighting it; "but I sold the timbe

a long time before the railroad got thproperty, and I'm trying to save the timbe

for the man who bought it from me."

"Oh!" The Swede turned toward the dooras if to go. "Bane they arrest you for that?

"Not unless they find me!" Marvi

chuckled.

"An' me an' the boyscan they arres

oos?"

"No, Oscar," Marvin laughingly reassuredhim. "You fellows are working for me and

you are not supposed to know anythin

about my affairs."


76/548

"Oh!" The Swede gave a satisfied nod o

his head. "I seeyou know that from

from your books." He jerked his thum

oward a table in the corner on whicsome law-books stood.

"Yes," said Marvin, looking into the

coffee-pot. "Anyhow, you'll be gone in thmorning. The job's done, thanks to you an

he boys."

The lumberjack stood for a momentnodding his red head; then he turne

slowly and went out.

Marvin put the coffee-pot on the stove

watched it a minute, and then san

houghtfully into the shabby bu

comfortable arm-chair at the end of hi

reading-tablewhich also served as


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dining-table. He sat there for severa

minutesuntil the coffee, boiling over o

he stove, brought him out of his reveri

and to his feet. At the same moment hcaught the sound of remote but high word

coming from that part of his land wher

he recently cut timber was stacked.

"I tell you he bane gone away!" he heard

n Oscar's heavy, threatening voice.

Hurriedly pushing the coffee-pot on to thback of the stove, he sprang to the door

but before he could reach it it was thrus

n against him and he was thrown bac

nto the middle of the room, where hstood, perforce, facing a tall, athletic

ooking man in motor togs. The man'

strong, intellectual face, undoubtedl

pleasant and agreeable ordinarily, wa


78/548

now clouded with anger, his jaw set and

grim.

At sight of him, however, Marvin's fistunclenched and he smiled amiably

despite the other's attitude.

"Why, hello, Mr. Harper!" he exclaimed

holding out his hand. "You're just the man

've been looking for! But you seem a bi

upset. What's the trouble?"

gnoring the outstretched hand, Harpe

hrew off his duster and tossed it, with hi

gloves, on the table.

"Just a minute, young man," he said, with grim tightening of his jaw and his kee

eyes boring into Marvin's. "Just a minute.

came here to have a look for myself and t


79/548

see precisely where I stand." He turne

and carefully closed the door.

Marvin went to the stove and calmlpoured himself a cup of coffee. "Well," he

remarked, with a laugh, "won't you have

chair and some coffee firstyou ca

shoot just as easily sitting down."

Harper, his hand at his belt, glared at him

"You don't think I mean business, do you?

he said, grimly. "Or perhaps you think yo

have beaten me to it, eh? Now what sor

of man are you and what nice little gam

s this you are playing? Here I buy a grov

of timber from you, and while my back i

urned you sell the property, timber and

all, to the railroad! I want an explanatio

and I want it now!"


80/548

"You have the facts a bit mixed up,

Marvin replied, still smiling and noddin

oward the chair, at the same time placin

he coffee on the table. "Sit down anwe'll talk it overand I think you'l

decide not to shoot!"

Harper, however, was adamant.

"All right," said Marvin. "In the firs

place, when I sold you the timber you sai

you were going to cut it at once"

"Correctcorrect! But something came u

and I could not attend to itand I don

see how that exculpates you in the least!"

"It doesn't," replied Marvin, adding, as h

ook up his coffee, "if you won't join me

'll have to go it alone, as this is the firs


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've had since morning. Well, when I sold

you that timber I never thought I woul

sell any of this property. My mother loved

every inch of it. It was our dream thawhen I received my diploma an

established a practice we would make

home here; but she was taken sick"

"Yes, I remember your telling me abou

her being in the hospital." Harper's voic

softened a bit.

Marvin was silent a moment. "I took her t

San Francisco. She died there."

Harper fumbled with the buckle of hi

belt. His heart went out to the younge

man; yet he felt that right was on his side

He picked up a picture of Mrs. Marvi

hat stood in a small frame on the table


82/548

"I'm deeply sorry," he said, softly. "I did

not know."

"There is no need to apologize," Marvianswered, quietly. "You have a perfec

right to demand an explanation about tha

imber." With a last swallow of coffee, he

put down his cup and stood squarelfacing Harper, and his own expressio

was grim as he continued:

"When we got to San Franciscomotheand Ia lawyer in whose office I ha

been a student came to the hospital and go

nto her good graces. He had taken a grea

nterest in me and I would have taken aoath as to his integrity. But when I cam

up here to sell you the timberand mothe

and I needed the money desperately at th

imethis man took advantage of m


83/548

absence to persuade mother to deed hi

fifty acres, nearly the whole of th

property! It was to be a pleasant surpris

for me when I returned! Instead of cash, hgave her a batch of stock in the Golde

Gate Land Company, stock of which

have been unable to dispose. And the nex

day he resold the property to the PacifiRailroad Company for three or four time

he price represented by the stock he gav

mother. I found that out later, of course

Well, after mother's death I hurried up

here, only to discover that you had not cu

he timber I sold you before the propert

was sold. I got busy at once and have beestaying on here until the gang out ther

finished cutting it and piling it on what i

eft to me of the property. Your timber is

ready for you, Mr. Harper, any time you


84/548

are ready to haul it away."

t was Harper's turn to put out his hand

"I'm mighty sorry I misunderstood youMarvin!" he exclaimed, as the latte

returned the clasp. "But look here! Can

you do anything about this fellow, thi

awyer? What's the rascal's name?"

"Raymond Thomas. He's up in these part

quite frequently of late. Made himsel

solid with some dear friends of mine, I'sorry to say, and I'm worried about it.

can't help believing that he's up to som

new game, though I can't just see what i

s. He's a remarkably smooth customert's very hard to pin anything on him. I'

going to make him disgorge my property i

can, but I shall have a difficult legal figh

on my hands."


85/548

Harper nodded understandingly. "I see,

seecovered himself cleverly. I don

know the gentleman, but I'll be only to

glad to do anything to help you, Marvin.He took a turn about the room, whil

Marvin leaned against the table. "I'll hav

he timber hauled away at once. I didn

have it cut, myself, becausewell, I'vhad a lot of trouble myself. Had a strike a

he mill, andoh, hang it all! It's my wife

Marvin! She's packed up in a hurry an

eft me!"

He flung himself into the chair and stare

ruefully, comically, at the younger man

who, not knowing what to say, saidnothing.

"I didn't mind the strike so much, nor thi

imber mix-up!" Harper rushed on, wit


86/548

he air of a man who must tell some one o

explode. "It was my wife, young man! It'

her being so unreasonable that makes m

sore. I bought her a present when I waEast and had it shipped to the office. I

happened to arrive about the time Mrs

Harper was to come to the office in th

machine to take me home, and she walken just as I was showing it to m

stenographer. Of course my wife thought

bought it for Miss Robbins, andwell

what's the use of talking about it?"

With a gesture of dismissal for the subject

he stood up and took out a wallet.

"How much do I owe you?" he asked. "

figured it would cost about eight hundre

dollars to do that job out there"


87/548

Marvin put up a deprecatory hand. "I can

ake it now, Mr. Harper," he interrupted

"You haven't got that timber yet, and"

"The railroad will have some job on it

hands to get it away from me!" sai

Harper. "And unless they do I owe you

eight hundred dollarsdo younderstand?"

A faint noise outside broke into thei

conversation. With a warning gestureMarvin tiptoed to the door and put his ea

against it. Harper, thinking that it might b

a railroad employee who had come t

eavesdrop in order to report their plansstood with his jaw set, his hand on th

revolver at his belt. With a quic

movement Marvin jerked open the door.


88/548

nstead of a railroad employee, or th

sheriff, it was only Lightnin' Bill Jone

who stood there, leaning idly against th

doorframe, his hands in his pockets. Hambled silently into the middle of th

room, his half-shut eyes blinking in th

sudden light.

"I guess I must 'a' been out there som

ime, come to think of it," he remarked

meditatively, and addressing himself to

he ceiling, quite as if he were alone. Thehe turned carelessly to Marvin.

"I knocked, toobut I guess maybe yo

wasn't expectin' me."


89/548

CHAPTER IV

With a laugh, Marvin shut the door. "It'

all right," he said, winking at Harper

Smiling, he went up to Bill and swung hi

around to face him.

"Hello, Lightnin'!" he exclaimed. "I'

mighty glad to see you. What do you mea

by staying away from me all this time

And you were so quiet and mysteriou

outside there that we thought some on

was spying on us!"

"I was a spy oncewith Buffalo Bill,

said Lightnin', conversationally. He stared

nterestedly at Harper. "Friend of yours


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John?"

"This is Lightnin' Bill Jones, Mr. Harper

This is the gentleman I sold that timber toBill." The two men acknowledged th

ntroduction.

"Have you had any supper, Bill?" Marvi

asked, resuming operations at the stove

"If not, you'd better stop and have it wit

me."

Bill shook his head with an air o

mportance. "No; can't stop. Got to b

home at the hotel at supper-time to see tha

everythin's goin' right. What time is i

now?"

"Seven o'clock."

Bill shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly


91/548

meditated, and announced: "Well, maybe

hey can get along without me. I go

everythin' sys-sys-matized."

Marvin glanced at him quickly. "Bill, I'

afraid you've been having a drink or two?

"Nope. Nope!" Bill repeated, with th

debonair innocence of a mischievous an

prevaricating school-boy. "I was jus

sayin' good-by to the boys out there." H

signified with a jerk of his head that thumberjacks were responsible if h

seemed in any way elated. "You see

hey're breakin' up campan' I didn't wan

o hurt their feelin's, as they're all friendo' mine."

Harper, who had resumed his seat in th

chair, glanced at Marvin.


92/548

"Does our friend Bill knowwhat w

were talking about?"

"Everything!" said Marvin, readily. "Reseasy, Mr. Harperyou'll never find a

better friend, nor a more trustworthy one

han Lightnin'. But, surely, you have heard

of his hotel, haven't you?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Then I guess you're the only man wha

ain't!" said Bill, emphatically, and gazin

at the ceiling and thoroughly enjoying th

fact that he was the subject of th

conversation.

Rapidly Marvin sketched the conceptio

and success of the Calivada Hotel. "It wa

a real idea"


93/548


94/548

while Marvin went on:

"Exactly! Everybody knows what

woman goes to Reno for, but at Bill'hotel she can get a room on the Nevad

side and still make her friends believe tha

she is at a California resort!"

Again Harper laughed. "A corking good

business idea!" he said. "And so it wa

your idea, Mr. Jones? I congratulate you!

suppose you have been out West here aong time?"

"Surecame out in the gold excitement,

replied Bill, calmly.

Harper stole an amused glance at Marvin

"Why, the gold excitement was away back

n forty-nine!"


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"Well, they was still excited when I go

here!" Bill gazed up at the ceiling, hi

half-shut eyes hiding their twinkle.

"It's too bad you didn't happen to be one o

he lucky ones," Harper consoled him

arising from his chair.

"Lucky?" Bill scratched his head under hi

ragged slouch-hat. "Say, I located mor

claims than any man what ever came ou

here! I been a civil engineer."

The table was not a sufficient throne fo

Bill, so he slipped down from it and wen

close to Harper, peering up at him.

"You ought to be a rich man, Mr. Jones!"

"Always cheated out of my share." Bil

shook his head sadly. "Crooked partner


96/548

was the reason."

"Couldn't you do anything to them?"

"I shot some, put all the others in thpenitentiaryall but one."

"What happened to him?"

"He died before I got him."

"Died of fright, perhaps?"

"I guess so."

Harper took his hat from the table

clapped Bill on the back, and said

aughingly, "I think I'll get out before yoell me any more!"

Marvin urged him to have a bite of supper

but Harper declined, explaining, as h


97/548

went to the door, that he had to be i

Truckee in two hours, and that it would

ake him fully that time to make it in hi

car. Bill, anxious to retain his audienceadded his entreaty to Marvin's. Tha

failing, he followed Harper to the door

searching for an excuse to hinder hi

eaving.

Harper paused at the door. "Well

Marvin," he said, "I'm going to send th

rucks down here to-morrow and starhauling. And you might as well disappea

from here for a while; then, if there's an

kick, no one here will know anythin

about it. I'll keep you posted. Are you suryou don't want that eight hundred now?

He took out his wallet and again tried t

make Marvin take the money, but agai


98/548

Marvin refused.

Bill had been listening to every word

ow he seemed to have hit on a way tdetain Harper and at the same time prov

his own personal importance. As Harpe

shook hands with Marvin, Bill took a

envelop from his pocket. Drawing a papefrom it, he offered it to Harper.

"If you want to get rid of some of tha

money," he remarked, easily, "maybeyou'd cash that check for me."

Harper, examining it, saw that it was

government check. "Oh, a pension check

So you were in the war?"

"First man to enlist!"

Smiling, Harper handed him the check t


99/548

"indorse"which happened to be a new

word on Bill.

"Write your name on the back of it," saidHarper.

"I always do that," said Bill, as h

complied. Then he held the check up to th

ight, pointing to the signatures on its face

"See all them names," he asked

"Secretary of the Treasury, and all o

em?"

Harper nodded wonderingly.

"Well, they ain't no good at allno

unless I sign it!" said Bill, triumphantly.

Harper laughed; handed Bill the money fo

he check, and, with a final "Good-night!

hurried out of the door. Bill poked hi


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head out, watching him crank his machin

and drive away in the moonlight.

When the car was out of sight Bill turneback into the middle of the room and stoo

watching Marvin, who had sat down an

was eating his delayed supper.

"Better join me, Bill," Marvin agai

nvited, and at the same time noting

change in the old man's manner, now tha

hey were alone.

"No," Bill said; "I had mine with the boy

outside, as I told youbut I'll have

drink with you, John," he added

hesitatingly, knowing Marvin'

disapproval of his drinking.

"I haven't anything in the house, Bill," sai


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Marvin, as he went on eating. "You know

hat."

Bill edged slowly toward the table, hihand in the back pocket of his baggy

slouchy trousers. "Yes, you have," he

remarked, producing a half-filled flask.

"You mean you have," Marvin replied

rying not to smile. "And you've ha

enough for to-night. Put it away, Bill, and

promise me not to drink any more tonight."

"All right, John," said Bil

unconcernedly, and putting the flask bac

n his pocket. "I promisean' I 'ain

never broke a promise yet! I'll keep thi

forfor emergencies. Say, Oscar told m

he railroad had the sheriff after you. You


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remember the last promise what I giv

you?"

"What was that, Lightnin'?""That if they goes to court, I'll come an' b

a witness. I can swear them trees was cu

when you sold the property, an' I'll"

"No, Bill!" said Marvin, putting down hi

knife and fork and staring at the old man

whose half-shut eyes had the suggestion o

a flash in them. "No; I couldn't let yo

swear to anything like that."

"You can't help yourselfI got a right to

swear to anythin' I want!" There was aunexpected finality in Bill's usuall

drawling voice.

"But I haven't got to prove when thos


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rees were cut," said Marvin.

"I know it," Bill responded; then, catchin

he smiling doubt in the other's eyes, hadded, "I was a lawyer once."

"Then why don't you practise?" aske

Marvin, inwardly chuckling.

"Don't need no practice." And Bil

resorted to his bag of tobacco and papers

rolling himself a cigarette. By this tim

Marvin had finished his meal.

"Look here, Lightnin'," he said, as h

cleared the table, "you seem to hav

something on your mind. How are thinggoing up at your place? Anybody at hom

know that you are here?"

"Not unless they're mind-readers."


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"I thought so. Well?"

"It's a wonder you 'ain't come up to take

ook yourself," Bill countered. "You 'aineven been up toto see Millie," h

added, thoughtfully.

Marvin flushed. "That's true, Bill," h

said, slowly. "But I've been mighty bus

with this timber here, as you know; and

besideswell, Millie seems to be a bi

nterested elsewhere."

"That's just the trouble, I guess," said Bil

settling himself on the corner of the table.

Marvin looked at him quickly. "What doyou mean, Bill?" he demanded.

Lightnin' crossed his legs, took a final puf

of his cigarette, and let it drop from hi


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fingers.

"Oh, there ain't nothin' much to that, John!

he replied. "Nothin' to worry about. But's what lays back o' that."

"For the Lord's sake stop talking i

riddles, Lightnin'!" Marvin exclaimed

"What lies back of what?"

"Well," said Bill, looking up shrewdly

"this here Thomas has shown his hand

an' we gotter admit, John, that he plays

mighty smooth an' slick game! He wants t

buy our place, waterfall an' all."

"So that's it!" Marvin knew that Thomahad been buying up property in th

section, and he knew from experienc

what sort of treatment the sellers wer


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ikely to get. That old Bill and his famil

should now be involved filled him wit

concern and anger.

"But surely you're not going to sell, Bill!"

Lightnin' looked up, then down. "Th

property belongs to mother, John; an' thi

here Thomas person sure knows how to g

after what he wants! He made himsel

solid with mother an' Millie some tim

ago, as you know. They think he's SantClaus, or somethin'. Why, he's got mothe

an' Millie all het up so's they don't know

whether they're standin' on their head o

feet! Mother's kinder simple about somhings, Johnbut Millie oughter hav

more sense! He's been tellin' them that thi

here hotel idea won't pay for long, an' tha

he's willin' to buy the place at once for


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now, John, with ThomasHammond

come up in a hurry, an' they got a deed to

he property all ready fer mother an' me t

sign. Mother's crazy to sign, but I ain'tnot yet. An' it seems they gotter have my

name on it, to make sure."

"Whatyou mean to say it has gone thafar!" exclaimed Marvin.

"Sure thing," said Bill, rolling anothe

cigarette. "An' say, I happen to think thewoHammond an' Thomashas been i

cahoots fer some timegot an idea they i

actually partners."

"What makes you think that?"

"I was a detective once," said Bill, with

sudden return to his usual manner, as h


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ighted the cigarette.

Marvin made an impatient gesture. "Han

t! This is really too bad, Bill! Look here'll see if I can do anything! I'm going t

come up to the hotel to-morrow as soon a

can get away from here! You're not going

o sign that deed, are you, Lightnin'?"

"No," replied Bill, slowly, a littl

nervously; "nobut mother an' Millie i

kinder hot on my trail fer to make me do itThem two fellers has sure got 'em goin

John! Well, I guess as they'll all be in bed

by the time I gets back now, so I'll b

gettin' along. You'll be up to-morrowJohn?"


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"I'll comedon't worry, Lightnin'," said

Marvin. "Better go now, Bill; you've got

ong walk ahead of you, you know."

He dropped into his chair and reache

houghtfully for one of his law-books. Bil

opened the door; then turned back for

moment.

"Studyin' them books?" he inquired.

"Trying to," Marvin remarked, turning

page.

"That's rightthat's how I got my start!

said Bill, as he went out.


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CHAPTER V

The following morning, rising at dawn

Mrs. Jones again tried to awaken he

husband to a full sense of his shortcoming

anent his foolish reluctance to sign th

deed to the property. Bill, however

merely turned on the pillow, gave her

brief smile, and dropped quickly into gentle snore. After several more attempt

o awaken him and impress on him the fac

hat his absence the day before had kep

Thomas and Hammond on a day longewhen they had important business callin

hem to the city, she gave up in despai

and went below to look after breakfast

aking with her the packet of letters tha


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should have been in the hands of the guest

he afternoon previous.

The morning was a busy one for MrsJones and Millie. Bill, coming dow

unexpectedly, escaped them, callin

hrough the door, on his way out, that h

was going for the mail. When noon camand Bill did not turn up, Mrs. Jones'

anxiety reached fever pitch, and sh

sought Millie in the hope that she coul

offer some solution of the problem oforcing the deed through Bill's unwillin

hands.

At breakfast, Thomas and Hammond agaihad painted to her and Millie golde

pictures of the ease and even luxury tha

would be theirs as a result of the sale o

he property. Trembling with anticipation


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Mrs. Jones had then and there put he

name to the deed which disposed of he

ast bit of land; and she was determine

hat, no matter what it cost her in seemincoldness and harshness toward him, Bil

should be made to place his name directl

under hers. She made up her mind that h

should be brought to terms as soon as hgot back; hence her extreme annoyance a

he morning went by without his showin

up.

As she went about the house, looking fo

Millie, her determination took on a har

and bitter aspect which was only softene

when she caught the sound of RaymonThomas's voice. He was speaking softly t

Millie in the lobby. Mrs. Jones belonged

o a generation not so long past whe


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eavesdropping was not considered

wholly unworthy occupation if it tended t

place the culprit in a position to know th

nner secrets of those bound by the tie orelationship. For some time, so cleverl

did he manage her, Mrs. Jones had felt

motherly tenderness for Thomas springin

up within her, and she hoped and dreamedhat her affection would have a chance t

express itself. That Thomas was in lov

with Millie she had fully decided on. I

was for this reason that the very sight o

John Marvin, whom she knew to be a poo

young man with no particular prospects

filled her with displeasure. Then, too, shdid not approve of her husband'

friendship with Marvin, having a stron

suspicion that Marvin was influencing Bil

against Thomas, and an intuition that Bil


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n his unworldliness, would stand back o

Marvin's love for Millie.

And so it was that the sight of Millismiling up at Thomas as he looke

earnestly down into the girl's brown eye

set Mrs. Jones's heart beating hopefully

and sent her behind a curtain to listen twhat was being said.

Thomas had just come in from th

veranda, where he had begged to bexcused from accompanying tw

prospective widows on a walk to see th

waterfall at the edge of the place. He wa

smiling with affected indifference when hmet Mildred, who had just come dow

one of the stairways, of which there wer

wo, one leading to the Nevada side of th

house and the other to the California side


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"It's a shame to miss a stroll with them!

belying his words with a sneering toss o

he head and shrug of the shoulders.

Millie's brow was drawn thoughtfully int

wrinkles and there was a wistful pucker t

her mouth.

At once he was all attention. "What is th

matter, Millie?" he asked, a not

bordering on tenderness in his voice.

"It's daddy again. He did not get back unti

midnight, and he was off again thi

morning before mother or I could preven

him. I just heard the boarders complainin

about the mail service. It's all so hard o

mother, and yet"she hesitated, her mind

reverting to her foster-father's kindness t

her through all the years of her babyhoo


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and girlhood"and yet," she went on

"he's really so good and kind at heart, h

really would feel dreadfully if h

understood what he puts us through." Shstood by the newel-post, her eyes pleadin

for advice.

Thomas took her hand and looked at ihoughtfully.

For a moment Millie let it lie in his; the

her lids dropped and she blushedwithdrawing her hand and walking slowl

oward one of the desks, of which ther

were also two, one on each side of th

hall.

Thomas followed her, bending down and

ooking into her face. "I would not let hi

absence bother you. I'm going up-stairs t


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pack my grips. As soon as I finish I'll go

after him," he said, soothingly, as, on

hand in pocket, he let the other flip a pac

of cards on the table.

"Oh, you've been too kind already," Milli

protested, again meeting his eyes an

urning away, her lips quivering.

"Oh, I'm not so kind as you think!" H

aughed, an honest humor rising t

nfrequent expression. "I've got to seLightnin' myself before I go. He hasn

signed the deed yet, and"

"I really can't see what he's got to do wit

t!" Millie interrupted. "The place i

mother's. Oh, well"she sighed an

shook her head in despair"I suppose t

be safe his signature must be obtained.


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Millie's color mounted her forehead

Shyly she withdrew her hand from his ar

and fumbled with the bunch of keys abou

her neck. After an awkward silence shcontinued:

"You've been so good to us. When mothe

and I've been in such distress that we dinot know where to turn and mother wa

nearly frantic, you come forward and in n

ime arrange everything so that mother an

daddy are going to be better off than theever dreamed of. For years, you know

mother and I have worried about her an

daddy's old age. Piece by piece we'v

sold the land and the timber. Even if thiplace does pay it will only be runnin

expenses, with nothing saved up, as yo

said. And then the Nevada divorce law


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might change. Oh! You've been so kind,

she breathed, in deep sincerity.

"Now don't make me ashamed," Thomacoaxed in his soothing way, backin

slowly toward the stairs on the Californi

side. "What I've done is just the simples

hing in the world. I grew to be very fonof you when you were in my office

Millie, and I'm glad to be of what servic

can."

As he was half-way up the stairs, Mrs

Jones emerged from behind the portire

He stopped and bent in a nattering bow,

winkle in his eye. "Why, good morningMrs. Jones!" he called down.

"Oh, excuse me!" Mrs. Jones, a guilt

conscience bringing his courtly sarcasm


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which would otherwise have escaped he

gullible nature, into notice, stepped back

urning to the kitchen, whence she ha

come when she stopped to listen. BuMillie followed her, and, with arm around

her waist, drew her into the room an

seated her near the table.

"You're not going into that hot kitchen

again to-day," remonstrated Millie

planting a daughterly kiss on her cheek

"You've been out there working like aslave for three mortal hours."

Mrs. Jones hid her hands awkwardl

under her apron and reddened as shglanced up at Thomas, who had com

back from above-stairs.

"I don't look presentable," she murmured


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fidgeting in the chair.

"Come now, you mustn't mind me," said

Thomas, Millie adding her word to his"Please stay there just for a few minutes

mother. You look ready to drop."

"She's always tellin' me that." Mrs. Jone

showed her pleasure in Millie's concer

by beaming knowingly from one to th

other, an act which sent Millie to the desk

where she pretended to look at thregister.

Thomas smiled. "Millie's right," h

responded. "You do work a great deal too

hard; but it won't be long now before yo

can say good-by to hard work for the res

of your life."


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"Oh, Mr. Thomas!" Mrs. Jones arose

forgetting the red, hardened hands she ha

been endeavoring to hide behind the blu

and white checked apron, and hastened tThomas, holding them toward him in

gesture half of gratitude, half of pleading

"I can scarcely realize that all this is goin

o come true and we owe it all to you. only wish I could tell you how grateful

am."

Thomas was quite determined to escapfurther enthusiasm, either on Millie's or o

Mrs. Jones's part. His game nearly played

he wished to withdraw gracefully an

without detriment to a certain lurkindecency which had not quite been swep

away. Thwarting Mrs. Jones's attempt to

wring his hand in gratitude, he took tw


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ight bounds up the stairs, stopping t

augh back: "Well, I'm going to get out fo

fear you'll spoil me with a thankfulness

don't deserve. Hang on to her, Millie." Hdirected a gleam toward the young girl a

she went up to her mother. "Make her tak

a rest."

"Oh dear! Do you think I've driven hi

away?" There was genuine concern i

Mrs. Jones's voice as she sank back int

he chair and gazed anxiously afteThomas.

"No, you haven't." Millie smoothed th

brown hair which was fast streaking witgray from her brow, damp wit

excitement. "He is going up-stairs to pack

He's arranged everything abou

Bacon Frank - Lightnin' _ After a Play of the Same Nam - Frank Bacon

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Transcript of Bacon Frank - Lightnin' _ After a Play of the Same Nam - Frank Bacon