The Prospector Who Tried to Outsmart the Great Northern

There is a strong probability that the line across the Cascades selected by the Great Northern railroad may yet be abandoned. The Stevens pass, which was chosen, was thought to be the lowest pass through this bothersome range, but lately it is rumored that Engineer Beckler has become convinced that a lower pass was to be found further north. What has brought about the change of sentiment on his part is very easily told. 'Billy' Stillwell, an old prospector in the Okanogan country, claims that he knows of a pass at least four hundred feet lower. Major Gwydir heard him speak of it and informed Mr. Beckler, who promptly interviewed Mr. Stillwell. He was offered $10 a day to guide an engineering party to the pass. But Mr. Stillwell is a high-priced guide, and demanded a further bonus of $1,500 in case the Great Northern should utilize the pass in question. Mr. Beckler, it is understood, refused to consider the proposition, but pumped him for all he was worth. He got a good deal of fragmentary information, which gave him a clue as to where the pass is located, and it is believed that a party of nine, which left Coulee City a few days ago with pack horses, has started out to find it.