ou obtained possession of the plans of Mr.
Thomas Blake, C.E., drawn by him for the competition on the then
projected Michamac bridge; how you copied said plans and
destroyed the originals, and was awarded the construction of
said bridge on said copied plans presented by you as of your own
device and invention; that you were awarded and did enjoy the
office of Resident Engineer of said bridge during a period
covering the greater part of the construction thereof, and
received the full salary of said office, to and until said Blake
took charge of said bridge, which had been imperilled by your
incompetence; and said Blake, against your strenuous objections
and opposition and at great personal risk, saved said bridge
from destruction.

Wherefore, because of the disgrace which you have, by reason of
the aforesaid actions and conduct, brought upon his name, and
because of various and sundry acts of disobedience, as well as
your life of frivolity and dissipation,--our client has
instructed us to inform you, that he has cut you off from him
absolutely; that he has drawn a new will wherein the amount of
your legacy is fixed at the sum of one ($1.00) dollar; that he
will no longer make you an allowance in any sum whatever; that
he no longer regards you as his son; that any communication
addressed to him by you, either directly or indirectly, will not
be received or read by him; and that he absolutely refuses to
see you or to grant you a personal interview.

Respectfully, etc.

The signature was that of his father's confidential lawyers, and
below, to the left, lest there be no possibility of misunderstanding,
were his name and address in full: "Mr. Lafayette Ashton, Stockchute,
Colorado."

Again he bent over with his head on his breast and the letter clutched
convulsively in his slender palm.

A bloodcurdling yell brought him to his feet with a sudden leap. He
still did not know the difference between the cry of a coyote and the
deeper note of a timber wolf. He hastily started a fire, and ran to
fetch his rifle from the saddle sheath. The pony was quietly munching
a wisp of grass as best he could with the bit in his mouth. The
unconcern of the beast reassured his master, who, however, filled the
magazine of his rifle before offsaddling.

Having hobbled the pony for the night, Ashton laid the rifle on the
rim of the pool, strip