Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1873-05-03

On the ensuing morning we were able
to arrive at more correct estimate of the
new conner, who early introduced herself
to us as Lots WIFE" She was of fair
complexion, short in stature, and very
slim about the waist. Her thin flaxen
hair was drawn smoothly back from a
prominent forehead, and fastened in a
tight button-like knot at the back of her
neck. Restless blue eyes, a sharp nose,
thin cheeks, and firm, large mouth, fill
ed with even, white teeth, completed the
list of her personal characteristics. Ener-
gy, decision, business, was written on
every lineament of the little woman's
countenance-spokei in every restless move
of her ''lissome" body.
In the first three sentences she spoke
contract was matured, to the effect that
we, furnishing the wherewith, should
thenceforward look to her to ''keep the
pot boiling" at the average rate of
twenty-five cents head" per diem.
Lots children were miniature repro
ductions of the mother and were under
control little short Of automatical. Even
Lion, the great st. Bernard, seemed to
know his place, and performed various
useful duties, under the judicious eye of
his mistress and ruling spirit.
Never had much opinion of dogs, any
way" she said, rather apologetically, one
morning, as distributing our breakfast,
she glanced at Lion and the infant, rolling
sand. Never could bear one, until Lion
there, then only a halfgrown pup, saved
my first baby. He, just weeny, toddling
thing, got out of the door, and down to
the creek and the first thing saw was
the dog, bringing him out, strangled and
dripping in his mouth. l wouldn't part
with that dog for his weight in gold =
Whatever Lots inmost mind or secre,
repinings, his outward life bore evidence
of marked revolution toward the side of
frui full and virtuous industry. No more
loiterings at tasks or levity of demeanor;
no judicial magnate ever clothed himself
in dignity and reticence more severe than
characterized Lot under the new admin
istration, at whose head stood his brisk
little wife.
To us. the advent of Lots wife marked
the commencement of a new era whole.
some food, tidy cabin, and, above all,
no more darning of socks, or washing
days. The wilderness had begun to bios
som. We even attained to, now and then,
the luxury of "biled shirt" We were
opening up new and richer vein in our
claim, and prosperity and contentment
smiled upon us.
1t was an evil day that dawned upon
our camp in the gulch, when one of the
boys, ten miles above us, turned in on his
way to the city, almost PROSTATE from a
sudden attack of mountain fever, and
with money to pay note which had be
come due on quartz mill. He wanted
to know if any of us were going in, as he
anuld y,ooGa n nnrfh nnr Uhi1a fn do tho
errand for him, he remaining at our cabin
until the messengers return. As it hap
pened, we were not intending to go for
several days, our stock of supplies on
hand being considerable, and not having
enough dust to pay for carrying it to the
bank.
Lots wife, however, on learning the
state of affairs, was observed to commu-
nicate some instructions to the ten-year
old, who Immediately slit out'' in the di-
rection of his fathers claim. A few mo-
ments, and Lot himself came in. He was
willing 70 accommodate, and would go. to
the city. His claim wasn't paying him
much and he might as well look about a
little. All of which familiar terms might
have been translated to mean that his wife
was not at all averse to earning the
something" before intimated, which
should 'makc it worth his WHILE" None
of us questioned Lots honesty, and we
made haste to get him off as soon as pos
sib,e.
1t was after nightfall of the ensuing day,
when he was seen riding furiously toward
the camp, looking neither right nor left,
batting neither breath nor speed, until, op-
posite his own threshold, he leaped to the
ground, dashed inside the cabin, and
slammed to the door.
We had scarce time to wonder at this
strange and unusual proceeding, when
there swarmed upon us party of men
armed, and stern, members of vigilance
committee.
Their errand was soon made known :;
they were in pursuit of the unhappy Lot.
A party instantly surrounded his cabin.
Then the whole of the unfortunate affair
came out. Lots spirit, released from its
accustomed restraint, had rebounded like
balloon that has thrown over its ballast.
"Marier's" last words were useless as the
wind against this sudden and overwhelm-
ing elation, born of renewed liberty. His
journey furnished him golden opportu-
nifty, though brief, for the renewal of those
harmless indulgences of late so religiously
foregone.
A chance acquaintance, met just in the
edge of town, easily led the way to a
friendly tipple in the nearest saloon. This
exchange Of goodiellowship eventually
resulted in many more, under the COM
bined influence of which, no Rothschild
ever felt richer than did Lot with the
trust-money in his hand.
What occurred thereafter, passed to Lot
like a troubled dream. There was vague
remembrance of all hands at the bar, a
scuffle, pistol-shot or two; and then the
mad race home, trust betrayed, the
stain of blood on his hands. and the "Vigi-
lantes" close upon his heels.
They were sure enough of him now-12
men to one, and he trapped like prairie
dog in his hole.
Lior, the huge st. Bernard. came smell
ing at the garments of the invaders, look
ing up with large inquiring eyes. Half
unconsciously, the leader patted the rough
head carressingly, IS it rubbed against
his hand. The dog, friendly to the friend
ly, reared upon his hind legs and placed
his fore-paws on the leaders shoulders
standing half head taller than the man
himself.
Meanwhile, neither sound nor light
came from Lots cabin. Lion, going