increase. The
value of the Martina rose like magic; offers to purchase at fabulous
prices came pouring in. Mr. Dunbar would not accept, and decided, then
and there, to remain another ten years as manager and resident
superintendent of the mine. That settled the question. After that, my
father announced that the mine was not for sale at any price. In writing
to me concerning the matter, he says:

"'My Dear Fern: * * * I at that time decided that my interest in
the mine which I had named for your mother, and which had proven
the luckiest and richest in Alaska, should pass to you as it came
to me, entirely unencumbered. So rest assured, my daughter, so
long as Dewitt C. Dunbar is able and willing to manage the mine,
both my interests and yours are in safe hands; in skill, honesty
and ability he is one of the grandest men I have ever known; he is
a treasure. You can trust him implicitly!'

"As I had anticipated, it was December before my father could leave
Alaska. In a letter dated Dec. 5, to which I shall again refer, he says:

"'I have planned to leave here on a steamer that sails on the tenth
of this month. I fear the voyage may prove a rough one. I have a
foolish dread of it, which is quite unusual for me. I am oppressed
by an uneasy feeling which I strive in vain to shake off. However,
I have taken good care to make such arrangements with Mr. Dunbar as
will cover all possible contingencies. This is to be my last trip.'

"On the twelfth of December I received a message from Mr. Dunbar,
stating that Fennimore Fenwick had sailed on the tenth as he had
planned; that he was well and strong, and would wire me as soon as he
reached San Francisco. This cheering message gave me new courage, I
began to count the days and to look forward more hopefully. I decided,
although it was so late in the season, to wait here in the cottage until
my father came. When Mrs. Bainbridge left to open our house in
Washington, I had intended to follow her a few days before Christmas,
but for some unexplained reason, I could not make up my mind to leave
the cottage. After the message came the question was settled--I was to
remain here."

CHAPTER XII.

SPIRIT AND MORTAL.--FATHER AND DAUGHTER.

"At this point, Mr. Flagg, I wish you to carefully note the significance
of the strange event which soon followed. Christmas Eve, 1903, found me
here alone, seated at