Argosy and Railroad Man's Magazine — page 151: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

FIRST NATIONAL “So I planned the B. Burns—actually as a branch of this bank. The B. Burns, indeed, was so important, a part of our financial scheme here that a man had to be bartender—and receiving teller—at the B. Burns before he could become receiving teller here. And a man had to prove his executive ability as manager of the B. Burns in order to win an important execu- tive position in this bank. “Tt really was splendid training, for the ‘First National Bank of Faro ’—that’s what the boys jokingly called it—always did a rushing business. The ability to mix even a cocktail or to act as banker or crou- pier in the casino didn’t hurt them. They all are teetotalers, and don’t gamble. “The depositors at the B. Burns ‘ bank ’ of course were my six pardners and the men they took into Dry Gulch—who natu- rally became my pardners also. The ac- counts were handled according to the method I shall describe: ‘The bartender initialed each bar check with the name of the purchaser, and kept accurate record of his total monthly pur- chases. In the casino it unfortunately was impossible to record the original deposit that each man brought into the place, be- cause the money changed hands so often during the evening. So it had to be assumed that the patrons each made total monthly deposits there of an equal sum. ‘At the end of the month all moneys re- ceived by the B. Burns bank were com- ‘puted. From this total amount I deducted —and placed to my personal credit—in- terest on my investment in the B. Burns, and a reasonable profit on the bar sales. Deduction also was made of sums spent in overhead and operating costs. “The residue might be called Dry Gulch’s gross investment. This was ap- portioned into equal shares. From each man’s share was deducted the sum total of his bar purchases. The amount remaining was recorded as his monthly deposit, and so entered on the books here in San Fran- cisco. “All money thus deposited I have in- vested in worthy securities and enterprises, and have credited each depositor with a just interest. The ageregate of these de- BANK OF FARO. 493 posits, with interest compounded, now. rep- resents for each man what might well be regarded a staggering fortune.” Macdonald’s eyes lost their momentary twinkle, and he passed his hand wearily across his forehead as though to brush away unpleasant memories. The men of Dry Gulch still sat spellbound. “Tt has not always been easy for me,” he said simply. ‘“ My old pardners were in Dry Gulch—men who had stood by me through thick and thin. I might say that I was very, very fond of them. And I wanted to see them. A good many times during the past years I have been tempted to go to Dry Gulch and square myself and give the whole thing away. “ But I felt that my pardners must learn their lesson before my plan could do them any permanent good. _ ‘“T believe the Western Mining Develop- ment deal has served that purpose. My friend Truscott helped me put it through. Although my original idea was to have these mining interests represented in stock held by the men of Dry Gulch and myself —share and share alike—I feel that John Truscott also deserves a share. These shares promise to be of extraordinary value before the mine peters out. “Finally, my plan is to act as trustee for the men of Dry Gulch; holding their money in trust until each man is established in some congenial vocation. “These great fortunes bring a responsi- bility which I feel that every man will ac- cept. There’s not one among you without the brains to put this money to proper use. “The professor’s text-books on biology still are used in half a dozen universities. Doc was one of the most promising young physicians in Baltimore before he hit the toboggan. Mandy knows cattle from A to Z; Tuttle is at home in manufacturing— you’ve all got buried talents ready to dig up and employ. I’ve faith in every one of you.” Swinging slowly to front the miners, Macdonald searched their faces long and earnestly and -hungrily. “Boys,” he appealed softly, ‘“ maybe I’ve been just a cussed meddler in your lives. Perhaps it is I who am in need of a comnniclooolkks.conn