"I tell you the story now because I do not think there is any obligation to keep it a secret any longer."
When Harding had finished there was not one man present who was not glad that the vote had resulted unanimously against the generous man's expulsion.
The next question was as to the form of the letter that should be sent Miller. This awakened a good deal of discussion. It was finally decided that each should write a letter, and that the one which should strike the Club most favorably should be sent, or that from the whole a new letter should be prepared. Writing materials were brought out and all went to work on their letters. For several minutes nothing but the scratching of pens broke the silence.
When the letters were all completed, Carlin was called upon to read first. He proceeded as follows:
Virginia City, August 13th, 1878.
Friend Miller:—The Club has talked everything over. All think you made a great mistake in going away, and that it would be better for you to return to your work. Your old place in the Club will be kept open for you.
Sincerely yours,
Tom Carlin.
Wright read next as follows:
Virginia City, August 13th, 1878.
Joe:—I make a poor hand at writing. I have been banging hammers too many years. But what I want to say is, you had better, so soon as your visit is over, come along back. There wasn't a bit of sense in your going away. Your absence breaks up the equilibrium of the Club amazingly. The whole outfit is becoming demoralized, and the members are growing more garrulous than so many magpies. We shall look for you within a week. We all want to see you.
Your sincere friend,
Adrian Wright.
The Colonel responded next.
Virginia City, August 13th, 1878.
Miller:—You made a precious old fool of yourself, rushing off as you did. Are you the first man who has ever been deceived by Comstock "dead points?" If you think you are, try and explain how it is that while some thousands of bright fellows have devotedly pursued the business during the past fifteen years, you can, in five minutes, count on your fingers all that have saved a quarter of a dollar at the business.
The whole Club join me in saying that you ought to return without delay.
Yours truly,
Savage.
The Professor's letter, which was next read, was as follows: