Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/309

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and he also felt a trifle elated at the prospects of showing off the good points of a horse to such an attractive listener. They could not have more than reached the barn, when Mr. Genung was announced.

Evidently he was in ignorance of Watson's arrival; had simply "dropped in" on his way to the mine where, as one of the largest stock-*holders, his influence was felt. Although unpopular with the miners, all admitted him to be just according to his convictions and his advice sound. Hernando's trouble had aged him greatly. His once black hair was thickly strewn with grey and after the greetings were over, he sank into a chair quite exhausted. Eletheer slipped unobserved from the room and shortly returned with a cup of coffee, well knowing Mr. Genung's weakness. He accepted it gratefully, saying, "Ah, my dear, you have chosen the right profession!"

"If all my duties were to be as pleasant as this, I have certainly selected an easy one," she laughed.

"By the way," he said, "I am the bearer