CHAPTER XXV.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1577, 12 August 1882, Page 5

CHAPTER XXV.

Gold and iichcs, honor, iainc , What ciro each ' — an emptj ii.unc. "Before wo resume Lho thread, of this history, let us relate the ovonts which resulted in tho haLutliu" 1 changes set foith in the pievious ch.iptcis. Jack's cxfciiioidin.iry o^ape mido him the hno of the town of Ci-rit. His In aver./ was trumpeted in the newspapers ; liis gallantry in sautig his bi other miners lauded to the skips. A banquet was held, wheieat all the dignitaries of 010 1 it were present, and at which speeches of uncommon length were iiulul<rod in. People who had never noticed Jack befoic now pressed forward, and made his acquniut.mco. Tlio newspapers next dny were a great triumph, containing as they did (lie account of the electiod, and of Jack's mhacnloiis o->cnpe. Tlio piopiiptors inwardly chuckled as tliey reflected upon tho gloiious appeal anco of thoiriopcr.tive papers. Perhaps Hector Maoinnis would hive seen an account of Jack'b death with equal if not a greater pleasuro than the narrative of his escape. The conduct of Obadiah Swoetcomfovt on this occasion was worthy of his great soul. It seemed as if he buiied his animosity for Jack in the mine that had nearly closed the career of the man who had been hib enemy. He was the head and front of the great banquet, and he it was 'who delivered the speech of the evening, so splendid in metaphor, so replete with mystical language, that the leporteis ingloiiously failed to convey the slightest idea of its magnificent magniloquence. Jack fOlf 01 gave Obadiah everything, and inspired with geneious champagne, absolutely shook his hand when the assemblage separated. Jack slept at the C4arryowen that night. When he awoke next morning, he was suffering from a very bad headache indeed, and it took several brandies and sodas to put him right. When lie glanced over the newspapers, he felt a sort of piide : but the greatest pleasure he experienced was from the thought that these glowing accounts would be read by the dear girl he so passionately loved. He had been told about her attendance at the mouth of the shaft in the morning. He now felt so convinced about her unalterable affection that, "w hen he stepped out on to the pavement, he was a new man. He only required a little money to invest in Hesperus Extended shaves, and the thing was done. His experience told him that the long-lost reef must have been tapped by tho convulsion that had taken place the evening before. ■ But how to ge,t the money, was the question. Walking down the, street he passed the Patriot. He had ho desire to have a look at Bunakuin, ,but he experienced a sort of sg^gMqgA wish to Maggie. Afc-the sajiie^tiirielHf^fefc^&p^l^) 6 ,were thoughts of any otb%r JsipS^j^jg^o enter into c 'it|in(l. r '' > \So£j^^kßjAvaß his r resolution, that / ue l^^K^P JP^ssM by had not c^^^^Sfi'npse '6f; him. „ Slie'^wras at.,jbnJ|Pßffl^wP-

Who can resist the admiration of i pretty girl ? Not youngsters like Jack, So he allowed himself to be tempted intc the Patriot, and sat there for a long time, Maggie indulging in all those little exhibitions of love which flattered him, and added fuel to the flame of hei own passion. As lor Bunakum, he had had a severe battle with his old foe, brandy, the previous day, when the election was over ; and, having suffered an ingloiious defeat was not likely to show up for a few days. While Jack was thus pleasantly engaged, who should walk into the hotel but Mr Miall, the defeated candidate. And here let us mention that the contest which had taken place had been over the seat of the great senator who had first held that position in Parliament for Grit. He had made sufficient money out of the constituency to be able to take a trip, and had, therefore, lesigned, so that Hector and .VJiall had been able to offer themselves to the people of Grit as his successor and the colleague of Mumblet. Mr Miall took his disappointment pretty equably ;he was of that class that can put up with any defeat, as long as they can get a good dinner, a glass of hock, and a piime Havana cigar. Mr Miall soon noticed Jack, and warmly shaking his hand, thanked him for the inteiost lie had taken in the election, regretting his absence, condoled with him on the sufferings he had undergone, and congratulated him on Ins cscap«, finishing up by asking in what was he could be of service to him. Jack pondered a little as they were alone, and as he knew Mr Miall to be an honorable man, after a little cogitation, he resolved to open to him his mind on the subject of the Hcspeius Extended. He theicforc cnteied into tho facts which caused him to believe that a fortune was to be made by buying Ilespcius Extended shaics. Mi Miall listened eagerly ; he called for a bottle of hock, and some fine cigars. Lightening one. he threw himselt back in the chair, and after taking a pull or two dt the weed, spoke. "I sec, my dcir fellah, that you understand something about these things— ah," said he, "and there's reason in what you say. But I'm not overburdened with cash, so I don't see what can be done — ah, "and he indulged in a few more whiffs. "I havn't a penny myself," said Jack, despondingly, "and it is vexing to see a gieat opportunity slipping away. The keenest of the speculators have already seen there's something in it, and Hesperus Extended had been asked for — so Joe Jolly boy told me this morning. They're very cheap now, only os, for people know their present lode won't last above another three months." Mr Miall smoked despoiatcly. At last he removed the cigar, and poured out a glass of hock. "B.v jove," .said he, I've got it. lam an old fiiend of Kecnman, the manager of the Obscurial .Bank. He's the man to see if there's any good in a tiling, and if we offer him a pietty high inducement, he'll allow us an unlimited overdraft. Let's go at once. Maggie was greatly disgusted at the way in which Mt Miall had monopolised Jack, She would have liked to ha\ chad him there all day. But Jack gave her so kind a smile, and squeezed her hand so warmly, that she w.i-3 comforted, She felt happy now, for she know of the bicach that had taken place between him' self and Mr White, and she thought it was pietty certain that Bertha would never see him again. How selfish is love ! The Obscuiial Bank was situated at the cxtiemc end of the gicat sticot of Grit. It was a handsome building, accoiding to the ideas of G i it, and one which, to the general community of hard-worker.i, uas the very symbol of palatial structures. Ycllow-tiouscicd diggci sfi om the gullies \iewcd it with a kind of awe, and when they wcut in to change a uages cheque, aiid saw the biilliantly-vavnished counteis, the elegant fmnituie, the elaborate cornices, the ingenious painting and gilding, and above all, the tellers counting out untold wealth in bank notes and gold, there was no spirit in them. Tf one of the oidinary Cousin Jack mineis ■\\eie asked what his idea of Heaven was, he would immediately was answered, "the Obscurial Bank." Mr Keonman's sanctum was a place of awe and teirorto the people of Giit. No one ever knocked afc the door labelled "manager" without feeling a desire to shiink into his boots ar.d disappear for ever before the gruff " come in" of Mr Keen man was heard. Shrinking tradesmeu stood there day after day like culprits, imagining that the eyes of everyone in the bank weic upon them. It was a treat to watch tho appearance of the men as they wont in and came out. The unsuccessful applicant for an overdraft lushed out, trying to appear unconcerned, while it was patent to tho merest child that he felt himself ruined: and the man who had succeeded walked out in a defiant sort of way, as if he had been merely asking the manager how he felt that morning. How dare anyone imagine he had been asking for an overdraft ? Mr Kecnman was exceedingly polite to Mr Miall. He knew that gentleman generally dined onco or twice a -week with the Melbourne manager of tho Obscurial Bank, and besides, was often in company with one of the Melbourno directors. A good word, therefore, from Mr Miall to those magnates would be of no small moment. It was fortunate that Mr Keenman was in good temper that day. A certain person who had a very heavy overdraft had just paid ifc ; consequently the bank manager felt at peace with all mankind — a very unusual, thing with him. He listened with considerable interest to the statements of Jack,> Mr Keenmau was a bit of a speculator himself ; but, of course, he speculated safely. His system will be understood by noting his dealings with Jack. After listening to all that Mr Miall and Tack had to say, Mr Keenman cleared lr« throat and spnko, weighing his words as he did the gold he bought/ " I can only see one way of meeting the difficulty," she ho. 'f <Mr Miall had better givo me his acceptanoe for' '£'5000, which I will discount, and all shares bousrht will be placed! along ],witH ■ J;he > J bill. v: <'Mr Meldon can then draw againstthe bill and scrip to whatever exknfc t l mayreee^ju'<ii r _ >ciousl" w - '- , v I "-'"-}: «,/>,Ji < ft* . .Jack pould hardly, 1 restrain£jaimself«, v witb; \j6y. tfjHe had noYer/dreaftJeilf' fof#o£m-e|fc a^u/ieWti sHe ,no\^iknm^oHtft|fti^drmn^ , Tqij^aVaiting^hini

fine building 1 known as the Busy Bee. I was two-storied, the lower being devoted to shops, the upper to offices of the legal managers of the different mines, Tn the centre waa a large entrance hall, which was a sort of meeting-place for all idlers. Generally speaking, there were a few people standing round about, talking listlessly, or adjourning to the neghbouring hotel to have a drink. But it- had always been a listless, drowsy sort of place, notwithstanding that the top of the building was surmounted with a gigantic golden beehive, and that the same was reproduced in overy available spot. If anyone has noticed a half-deserted beehive, with a few idle bees lounging about the entrance, he will at once have an idea of what the place is like. There was little honey within and less without, so that the want of activity was easily accounted for. How little Jack thought then of the tremendous change nnuthor thi'ee months would bring about ! When Jack reached the Busy Bee that day, the passage was occupied by the pi incipal broker of the town. Hra was leaning against the railing of the iron gates .surveying the sleepy landscape, aud looked as if he felt inclined to go to sleep himself. "Well, Mr Pennitoe," said Jack, '' things seem dull to-day." (( Bull's no name for it," was the reply. " How's Hesporus Extended ?" " Well, they had a little bit of a rise this morning," replied the broker ; " but, I'ust as usual, they went down to nothing a few minutes afterwards. I bought a hundred for that d Wilkins, and, what do you think, he refuses to take thorn up now, though I'vo knocked the commission off, and would take 4s 6d. "I know someone who would take them at 4-> 3d," said Jack. " Oh, do you ?"saidPenuitoe, suddenly arou&iug himself, just like a hee about to light upon a flower. "Well, I might sell them at that, but I would lose 9d a share." " Oh, well," said Jack, unconcernedly, " T suppose I can get them elsewhere. Mr Midll has been deputed by some Melbourne man to invest about £5000 in Giit mines, and I am to have the buying." The little broker was all animation. He saw an opening flower ; £200 was "sticking out." "My good young friend," said he, " you ought to <rive the business to me ; I'm the one who knows all about that kind of thing. T know whero every share that's for sale is." "Yes, but you don't believe I'll give •is 6d." said Jack, stoutly. " The Hesperus Extended will boon work that reef out, and I believe the shares will go down a bit. T don't want Mr Miall and tho other men to think I've ' sold' them." Pennitoe was iv a sort of agony. To think after he had seen the flower opening, and tho delicious nectar revealed, that it should fado away ! " Lo.ivo it tome, Jack," said he, " and I'll get as many us you like at 4.s 3d. But you must give me a few days " " I'll give you two," said Jack, " but no more, for they'll be going to Melbourne on Friday." Things having been so satisfactorily settled, Jack at onco went to the Hesperus Extended to see William. He' was resolved his friend should share iv his luck, and told him all. William at once proceeded to operate. In the meantime he kept the men so employed that no pro* gress could bo made in finding out whence the flow of water came. At fiist, the shareholders in the Hesperus Extended were very anxious to sell; so eager, indeed, that Mr Koenman looked very black when his accountaut came in hour after hour, asking him to honor Jack's cheques. He knew, however, so much of the " operations" of the mining market that he felt pretty confident the revulsion would soon sot in, and the shaves avoulcl rise once the market was cleared, even if there was nothing in the mine. The anxiety of the shareholders arose out of the idea that the reef would soon run out. When day by day, however, they saw buyers coming forward, they took alarm, and stiffened their prices. The most anxious inquiries were made as to whether something fresh had been found and shoals of shareholders visited the claim to ascertain the truth. They went down in the dirty cages, made themselves filthy in the levels, and nearly broke their necks in the winzes, but always came up with the fact strong in their minds that they knew less than when they went down, and that they ought to sell out. William Brown gave them no satisfaction ;on the face of things he could not. Still, the very fact that someone was buying the shaies made the shareholders doubtful. They had no abjection to "do " others, but to bo done themselves, that was not to be borne. But Pennitoe was not the man to be easily circumvented. When he saw the revulsion had. set in, he at once took with him a lot of scrip ho had bought from Mr White's agent, for Bertha's father was only to glad to clear out of the Hesnerus Extended, as he desired to sell all his mining interests, and devote himself to the more dignified business of a merchant, and he showed these to the reluctant shareholders. The result was magical ; a panic seized upon all who held Hesperus Extended stock, and before the week was out half of the shares had passed into Jack's hands, a thousand or two into William's possession at his own terms, and all but a small moiety of the remainder iv the safe custody of Pennitoe, who, having shrewd suspicious that Jack knew move than he revealed, did not forget to help himself in case of contingencies. Mr Keeuman was now very pressing with Jack to get the mine explored. Tne inspector was to be up in a few days, said Mr Keenman, and he would be ruined if. Jack's overdraft was on the books when he came. This inspector was a bogey, which Mr Keenman kep*t for all his overdrawn' customers^ and> used whenever extra pressure was to be "put on. li a man's supplies were cut short, it was not ■J£eenuian,biis the "inspector," wh 9 gave the order*' inspector, indeed, .was a sort i of incubus; kept in the 'bank" id awe* aU'^frabtory^ 'cusbiriej^^lt^vas^ & joke_

a bucket of water over it, and then the beautiful body of quartz was seen. It was a snowy stone, laminated with blue, and here and there specks and etreaks of sold could be seen. Neither Jack nor William said anything ; fch ey simply clasped each other's hands. The thought of each was upon the dear one he worshipped, and how this find would enable, them to fulfil the desire of their hearts. Having 1 collected a few irood specimens, they ascended, and took their way to the bauk. " The Hesperus Extended has made many a fortune," said William, " and I think it will make ours. It is true, Jack, my dear girl has been waiting for me ever since I came to Grti, but now I hope I will be able to return to her a rich man ; and my poor old father and mother, and sister Ruth ; won't they be glad ;" and the bright tears stood in the poor fellow's eyes. Jack did not speak. He only thought of the glorious tiiumph when he would ask Bertha to be his. Can we describe the joy of Keenman when the young man walked into the back parlor aud showed their specimens, S'ich a blessing was wanting, too, for he had just shown to toe door a leading tradesman, who, haviug contracted a big overdraft, defied him to stop supplies. Within five minutes the specimens were in the window, labelled, " From the Hesperus Extended new reef, at the 800 feet level ; supposed to be the old lode." In a short time people flocked from the east and from the west, from the south and from the north, to view the specimens. Men left their business, women their pleasure, to struggle around the window. Thioughoi.it tho whole a~ea of Grit the news ran like wild-fire that the famous White's lode, as it was called — Bertha's father having discovered it — had been found in the Hesperus Extended. Cribs were in demand, and the drowsy Jehus at the corner were roused, and their old nags fairly surprised when goaded into eight miles an hour, as excited people rushed away to the Hesperua Extended. It was a memorable day in Grit ; people conversed in groups and prophesied that the old times would come again. The bars began to fill, everybody feeling it incumbent on them to drink success to each ofcher. Biokers flew about, trying in vain to fish up shares. OK Pennitoe chuckled as ho turned ovor the scrip in his pocketbook, and mentally shook hands with him -elf. But the wrath of the former holders was terrible. They had been sold, they declared; cheated, robbed. William Brown and Jack knew it all along. Loud threats of a resort to the law or to violence were indulged in. Thoy, good people, never for a moment remembered how glad they had been to dispose of the shares ; how they chuckled when they thought they had " sold " the people who had bought the scrip. 0, no ! Mr White telegraphed up to Gut, dismissing his agent on the spot, although he had written letter after letter ordeiing him to sell at any price. In vain those who had sold out tried to buy m again. Not a share was to be had. In the morning, 4s 6d would be taken ; at 3 o'clock, 43s was offered; and at G, GOs was the buyers' price, but no sellers appeared. It was known to all that when the Hesperus Extended was working White's reef before, £5 had been the price of the shares, and not a farthing less was expected now.