in the
following March. It was at this time, while Hollis was lying unconscious
and in delirium at a hospital, that his great wealth began to be
exploited. Everywhere, when inquiries were made as to his health, fabulous
statements followed about the Aurora. To mention the mine was like saying
"Open Sesame!" Then, finally, it was whispered and repeated with
conviction by people who "wouldn't have believed it of Hollis Tisdale" at
the beginning, that he had defrauded the widow of his dead partner--who
had made the discovery and paid for it with his life--of her share.

Then, at last, early in December, Jimmie's masterpiece was forwarded to a
new magazine in New York.

"_Dear Mr. Sampson_;--" so Marcia wrote--

"Here is a story of Western life that I believe will be of interest to
you. The incident actually occurred. The man who killed the Indian child,
and who amused my brother's guests with the story while we were cruising
lately on the _Aquila_, was Hollis Tisdale of the Geographical Survey. He
is probably the best known figure in Alaska, the owner of the fabulously
rich Aurora mine. His partner, who made the discovery, paid for it with
his life, and there is a rumor that his wife, who should have a half
interest, is penniless.

"Mr. Tisdale will he a leading witness for the Government in the pending
Alaska coal cases. Strange--is it not?--since a criminal is barred from
testifying in a United States court.

"The last issue of your magazine was most attractive. Enclosed are lists
of two thousand names and my check to cover that many sample copies of the
number in which the story is published. March would be opportune. Of
course, while I do not object to any use you may care to make of this
information, I trust I shall be spared publicity.

"Very truly,

"MARCIA FEVERSHAM."

CHAPTER XXI

FOSTER'S HOUR

Frederic Morganstein did not wait until spring to open his villa. The
furnishings were completed, even to the Kodiak and polar-bear rugs, in
time to entertain a house-party at Christmas. Marcia, who came home for
the event, arrived early enough to take charge of the final preparations,
but the ideas that gave character to the lavish decorations were Beatriz
Weatherbee's. She it was who suggested the chime of holly bells with
tongues of red berries, hung by ropes of cedar from the vaulted roof
directly over the stage; and saw the two great scarlet camellias that had
been coaxed into full bloom specially