Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1842-08-20
SKETCHES OF THE WEST.

the devil was cheated out OF his share oil
the gains
SKETCHES OF THE WEST.
The GoLp MINE Many years ago,
when the proud Queen OF the West was
a thriving village, with log cabins and
hard cider in abundance. u tall, thin Wis
aged mortal rode miserable apology tor
a horse through the principal street, and
stopped at the sign ofthe 'Chained Bear
on Water street. He was an original in
every respect. His coon skin cap was
drawn over his small grey eyes, and ms
nut-dyed coat was buttoned up to the chin.
although the thermometer was high up in
The nineties .-Buckskin lnexpresslbles Or
namenled pair flegs which had doubt
less done the State some service IN rum
ming down some wild varmints, and his
cowhlde boots seemed to be made tor the
double purpose OF protecting his feet from
the SHOWS OF winter, and to carry water
to ex,inguish fires. Walking up to the
bar. tue strange customer thus addressed
the landlord.
How much for my horse and me, land
lord; 'spose stay short tlme":'
1--WE charge SO much day for you,
and so much for your horse replied the
concise and intelligent keeper OF the
"Chalned Bear"
s.All right know you as we'll as il
I'd win,ered on you, and here l'll drive
my stake. As Tor black, he'll not trouble
YOU much, old lcllow-l've learnt him to
live on shor. allowance. Wien started
from the cross roads, put pes ofcorn
behind my blanket, and told hln&o get
along with it, TO which he agreed, ON y
didn't last, and he hasn't .had crib lcr
two days-but no matter; just give me
green bottle, landlord am us dry as
rat,lesnakc's skln!'
The red eye was furnished, aud three
doubIoons ratified on the pine counter,
drawn from the moleskin purse OF the
stranger.
"Now for some rib.limber aud a
Spread said the out and outer, ''and do
YOUR hear landlord. leave hole for nc
to get out of early in the morning, Tor I've
yet some mighty particular business on
hand.'
sYes, sir-yes. sir--your name Isl
.'Bli Thompson, from Snake Greek
good night"
The keeper olthe "Chained Bear was
at loss to fix his customer, and racked
his brain TO divine the nature OF the ''mlgh-
" particular business he had to transact
the following day. The bar-room loaiers
had their say--o,d Mrs. knowall her
guess--the knowing ones their thoughts
but all concluded it would be better 10
let old Father Time reveal the dothgs OF
'sBill Thompson from Snake Creek
In the morning the guest was missed,
but he made his appearance at the break
fast table, apparently in very good hu.
NOR with himself and all the world. At
ter the repast. he inquired for the resi-
dence Of the Rev. Mr.. $, chemist
Of good repute, and sloped. He soon stood
at the door OF. the scientific gentleman
and was invited to take seat in the par
Tor, by the allabie and accomplished ten
ant.
atfavn't time to stay, thank ycu-just
bro't some Jumps with me found t'olher
day on a patch Of ground own, 10 see
VIVA. it is said the apparently green 'un,''
at the same time producing three or tour
small Jumps Of metal.
The professor carefully examined the
Jumps and stepping into his laboratory
soon returned, with an anxious expression
Of countenance.
'.Yoa say you found these humps. on
your iarm?'
.:Sartin-picked 'eln up one day las
week after lhundcrin' shower
sDid you observe any similar pieces?