River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-09-30
"LITILE BLEyINS."
BY FRED. w. LoRING.

81 have been trader on the Plains ,,
said Mr.. English, for over twenty wears. ,,
Mr.. English, II his own statements were
to be credited, had known the world thor
oughly. He had been sailor in all foreign
parts Of the world, a trapper in the West
and had ridden behind reindeers in Ian.
land In all these places he had aocumula-
ted gigantic fortunes, which owing to his
too generous disposition, he had sduander.
ed upon his friends, and now he was reduc-
ed 70 the plebeian position of packer.
When Mr.. English made tho aforesaid
remark every one about him knew chat a
story was to follow. Mr.. English's neigh
bors in the camp accordingly took these
words AS the signal for moving toward him
or away from hin, according to their personal
taste and opinion. For about Mr.. English
opinion was divided in the camp. That he
told good story or bad one with man.
ner al, his own was acknowledged but
some objected TO that manner. For nv
part did object to Mr.. English. suspect
ed him of stealing some trifing articles of
my property, 10 be sure: and on one occa-
sion, indeed, had slight disagreement
with him about his profanity. Mr.. English
was severely simple in his style of swear
ing, using only the elementary oath. "By
Cd" This expression, repeated with in
tervals of a few words, as If il were a sort
If oesura, becomes unpleasant after little
while, especially II the unwilling auditor is
trying to write down his ideas al the time
SO that, on my requesting Mr.. English 10
be quiet, he muttered something 10 himself.
and afterward conhded 10 his companions
his intention of killing me in some secluded
mountain pass upon the first opportunity.
Mr.. English's fohdness for liquor was
not Objectionable 10 me, as in the wild can
yons OF the Little Muddy, which our expe-
dition was then exploring liquor could with
difficulty be obtained. SO | frequently he
came an auditor of Mr.. English's campfire
reoitals; always ~ if accidentally, because
feared what the effect Of familiarity with
him might possibly be. On this occasion. AS
Mr.. English began his customary formula.
| strolled near, and said carelessiy:
lish 20
" was Just going to relate, sir, a trifing
circumstance about Little Blevins,n replied
Mr. English gravely.
Go ahead said /, carelessly, throwing
myself on the ground near him.
{" II wis when first came out, sir" said
Mr.. English, that | met little Bleyins
Bleyins, sir, was specimen Of a class YOU
often sees in these parts as well "a else.
whore. They may be a-dwelling in aris.o-
cratic mansions, or camping with a
blanket on the face Of Natur' but they are
Blevinses all the same Little Bleyins was
a bright-eyed little ehap--quite rs pretty as
any girl, sir. with blue eyes aud red checks
and brown hair. sir, which ourled lightly
over his head. He was always smiling and
laughing, and almost every. one that come
nigh him would put out his hand and pat
him ON the shoulder. or squeeze hold Of
him, OF something Of that sort. Only when
Bleyins had any work 10 do il was quite
astonishing how many would see him look
discouraged and offer 10 help him, and
how much holp he'd get out Of them. They
always called him Little Blevins then,
and kind Of regarded him IA a baby. Our
shoulders grew bent and STOPPING with lift.
ing and toiling: but Blevins' was neat and
soft. Oh no was great chap, that Blevins
was-poor little mean rascal They told
mighty queer stories about Blevins when
ever his back was turned. but the moment
they see him they become very devoted. n
don't know how il was, sir, but il seems
TO me took sort Of satisfaction in hear.
my them say what q liar he was. The great
advantage of Blevins lay in two things
hrst' the propossessingness Of his personal
ppearaEce, and, second. that no never got
led. The man who gets riled in camp is
sure TO come 10 an untimely end II he can't
lay over his adversary. But when you'd
say 70 Little Blcvins, 'Blevins that's A
lie he'd just kind Of laugh and saw. We'll.
know it was but couldn't help IT. or
words 70 that effect, aud the answered seem
70 mighty soft thst wher was our wrath
And many and many's she time I've said tn
him. Bleyins, IN burst your eve for that.
aud he would reply: Burst, IL yer want
TO- Bill English but what's the use OF Il.
And being naturally fond Of argument.
t y, words would set me 10 thinking. and
DleVins would always got of eAAy. Well.