He  is  coming  now.  This  is  the  show-down,  (confiden-
tially) Vernon,  old  man,  I  will  tell  you  a  secret.  I
have  had  my  prospectors  out  there  on  that  land  for  six
weeks.  It  is  a  bonanza !  It  is  worth  eight  or  ten  mil-
lions if  a  cent,  and  the  Lord  knows  how  much  more.
You  hook  this  old  fish  and  I'll  give  you  one-fifth  in-
terest in  the  mine  besides  freeing  your  own  lands
from  my  mortgage.  That  is  letting  you  in  on  a  part-
nership basis.  We  three  will  all  be  rich !  Rich !  Be
careful !  He  is  a  wily  old  fox.  We  can't  get  him
without  your  assistance,  that  is  why  we  have  come  to
you ;  now  be  careful  you  don't  spoil  the  game.
(Enter  James  Bryce,  a  very  old  man
and  feeble,  but  clear  minded.  Is
dressed  in  old  style  southern  gentle-
man's dress,  broadcloth  frock  coat,
fluffy  shirt,  slouch  hat.)


75


James  Bryce.
Howdy,  Walter,  howdy.
Walter.
Why  Mr.  Bryce,  I  am  awfully  glad  to  see  you.  How
are  you,  sir?    (They  shake  hands.)

Bryce.
Getting  old,  Walter — rheumatism  in  the  back;  but  I
don't  give  up.  I  am  spry  yet.  You  look  like  3'our
father  when  he  was  a  young  man.  A  gentleman  of
the  old  school.  A  fine  man  your  father  was.  He  died
at  sixty-six.  They  all  drop  off  one  by  one,  all  but  me,
and  I  will  be  going  soon.
Walter.
I  hope  not  for  a  long  time ;  you  look  so  well  and
strong.     Wont  you  have  a  seat?

Bryce.
(Seating  himself)  O!  O!  It  is  rheumatism!  These
damp  winds  are  awful.
Haley.
How  are  you,  Mr.  Bryce.  You  remember  me?  Mr.
Haley—

Bryce.
(Defiantly)    I  remember  you,  sir —

Haley.
