A TRIP ON HORSEBACK
THREE months passed and found Gerald still in his new home. There were
no striking incidents during this time, but in a quiet way Gerald had
effected a good deal in the way of change and improvement. The house was
provided with new comforts, a safe had been sent from Helena, in which
Thomas Nixon kept securities and valuable papers, a good deal of
correspondence was carried on, Gerald acting as private secretary. Meals
were no longer sent in from the boarding-house, but a young Swedish
woman was engaged as servant and housekeeper. In short, Mr. Nixon was
beginning to live like other people.
To Gerald the most important event was the purchase of a horse for his
use. At that time railroad facilities hardly existed in Campville,
walking was difficult and fatiguing over the rough hills of Montana; and
in traveling about for his employer Gerald found a horse of great
service. He at any rate was in a position to contradict the statement
that Thomas Nixon was a miser, for the old man repeatedly offered him
money outside of his salary, but thus far Gerald had declined with
thanks.
One day Gerald brought back a letter from the morning mail, which Mr.
Nixon read with thoughtful interest.
"I may have to send you on a journey, Gerald," he said.
"All right, sir."
"This letter is from the superintendent of a gold mine in Ransom,
seventy-five miles from here. I own a half interest in the mine. He
writes me that the output for the last six months has been falling off,
and that the value of the mine has greatly depreciated. He ends by
offering twenty thousand dollars for my share."
"Why should he want to buy it if the mine is falling off so largely?"
"That is what occurred to me. He closes by inviting me to go on and
investigate for myself. He knows that I should not be likely to accept
the invitation as my health is not sufficiently good."
"Did the superintendent offer to buy for himself?"
"He intimated that there was a man from New York whom he could induce to
buy. I presume by a misrepresentation of the paying qualities of the
mine."
"That would be a fraud," said Gerald.
"Certainly, and I don't care to defraud anyone."
"What did you regard as the value of your half of the mine?"
"At least thirty-five thousand dollars."
"Whatever I can do for you in this matter, Mr. Nixon, I shall be glad to
do."
"I will send you to Ransom, not as representing me, but on a visit of
investigation. Look about you, find out what you can, and report to me."
"I hope I shall be able to acquit myself to your satisfaction."
"At any rate, I have great confidence in you, and shall be guided by
your report."
"Is Ransom far from here?"
"About seventy-five miles. The way to it is across country, and at times
the traveling may be rough."
"Oh, I can rough it," said Gerald, cheerfully. "Won't the superintendent
be surprised at your not answering his letter?"
"I shall answer it. I will write that I will take his offer into
consideration—that in a matter of such importance I cannot decide at
once. I will also add that it is doubtful whether I can go to Ransom on
account of my health, but he can write me any further information that
he thinks may interest me. I will also give you a paper stating that you
represent me, but that is not to be used unless it seems expedient."
"Yes, sir, I understand. Have you any further instructions? When do you
wish me to start?"
"As soon as you can get ready. I will make out a list of places along
the route for your guidance. I would let you ask Mr. Loche for
directions as to the course you are to take, but it might leak out where
you had gone."
"I shall find the place, sir. I am a Yankee, and can ask questions."
"Take what money you need. I leave that to your discretion."
"You put great trust in me, Mr. Nixon."
"Well, young as you are, you are my right-hand man. Mr. Nugent could
have done me no greater favor than by sending you to me."
On the afternoon of the second day Gerald found himself riding up a
rocky incline, probably fifty miles on his way. There was no other
traveler in sight. This had been his experience much of the way. Through
the clear atmosphere, however, he could see some scattered buildings,
betokening the presence of a village three or four miles away.
"I wish some one would come along," thought Gerald. "I haven't seen a
face for three hours."
Had Gerald foreseen in what way his solitude would be broken in upon, he
would have hesitated to express such a wish.
Ten minutes later he heard a terrible roar, and, looking up quickly,
turned pale with dismay, as he noted the approach of a huge lion
advancing toward him at terrific speed.
He had never heard that lions were to be found in Montana, and his
surprise was almost as great as his terror.
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