The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-11-22

reached did he pour his gratitude aEl4
thanks into his young companions ear
The Coloners residence was not an ina-
posing mansion, but it was superior to any
place Of abode in that region humble
and low although it was, its interior pro
sented so cheerful and home-like an A.
pearance, that upon entering, the miners
felt and enjoyed the warmth and comfort
as a sea-tossed mariner loves to be at honze
after protracted stay at sea.
The first day at Rensalear Claim We
spent in recuperation and rest. With the
rare tact which rendered him famous fdr
his hospitality in all that region, the Coz
onel allowed his guests to follow the bend
of their own desires, and they spent the
day in comfortable Incidence.
Evenings shadows found the Colonel,
Myrtle and the miners engaged IN genial
converse i'm the parlor of the Claim resi-
dence. 1t was pleasure listening to the
silvery voice of the maiden whose life he
had saved, but Eugene Allerton fet q
strange thrill Of anticapatory joy when no
listened to his hosts rare descriptions a
life III the east. He had heard the st0zT
Of the gold, had inspected and egtiuaafe!
| it, and the announcerIeut TINT not lesst tA3H
/ Thirty JnOuSaIlu uOllAEB WAS CoAbdiHcu IN
the nuggets and dust, had set the three
men thrilling with pleasure f; the Colonel
in his vivid descriptions Of life in the east
unconscious feeding the flames of their
ardor to spend the little wealth which had
so strangely and luckily came to them.
'You have no definite plans for the fu-
ture as yet :" queired Colonel Adams.
'Ies," replied Tom Barton, 81 have
worked too long and suffered too much to
remain here while money may restore my
health by procuring superior medical assis-
tance in Frisco or in the East. Garrison
will 90 with me. We have no friends, no
relatives. If my health permits | shall
travel and then when the gold is gone
come out here again. For, by that time,
the whole country will be settled up and
we will have no fear If starving then. "
''And you, Mr. Allerton r. asked Col
onel Adams, as he turned to the young
miner.
Before he answered Eugene stole side
long glance at Myrtle's face A thrill pre-
vaded his frame as he saw her eyes fixed
intently upon his own, awaiting breath
lessly and anxiously his reply.
II shall return East" he said, "wheth-
er the allurements of the great cities
which | have nearly forgotten away out in
this wilderness, will be sufficiently power
full to enchain me and lure me to remain
there, | know not. You know young blood
is impetuous, Colonel Adams, and no one
is more attracted by the activity and bus
tie Of life than 1. Do you propose remain
ing here yourself r.
For a time.
1T will be the pleasantest remembrance
of my life, my stay with you, continued
the poung miner.
He retired that night feeling a newly
born emotion for pretty, winsome Myrtle
Adams. On the morrow, his two COM
panions bade him farewell, and started
with their share of the gold for San Fran
cisco, then an unimportant and small city
In the quiet and peace Of the Colonels
house, Eugene found a strange contrast
with his past miners rude experience. He
spent much Of his time in the company
of Myrtle, and, as day succeeded day, be-
gan to question himself if love was not de-
laying him, and awakening the dormant
emotions Of his impu'sive soul. He was
most welcome guest, and, twas evident,
that the Colonel regarded him with a
friendship which, not only recognized, but
sanctioned his close intimacy with his
daughter.
A week had passed by, when, one day,
Eugene entered the presence ofthe Colonel,
and with the announcement that he pro-
posed starting for the East upon the fol-
lowing day.
''Going so soon" queried the Colonel.
Eyes, | must. would tarry here for
ever if / remained under the spell Of your
daughters magnetic presence a week long
err"
The Colonel smiled sadly.
Not ir love, Mr.. Allerton."
"'Yes, Colonel Adams, | am az lore.
Your daughter has impressed me with an
emotion which | have never experienced
before. Will you give me your sanction
towards my speaking to her upon the sub
ject of my love for her.
Colonel Adams had been looking steadi-
ly at the young man, some little surprise
depicted in his features, but he only said
liam not at all surprised at your request,
and there is no man to whom | would en-
trust my daughter as to you. | cannot con
sent to an engagement, now, however. L
must see you 60 out into the world and
see you battle against temptation. For
there are many beautiful women in the
world. You may not alter your mind, but
| will not sanction an engagement until
your return from the East
You think Myrtle reciprocates my
love y asked Eugene, eagerly.
The Colonel bowed affirmatively.
81 think so. OF her many suitors there
has not been one for whom she has exhib-
tied any marked preference. There was
one person, he is still around here, a re-
vengeful hard man, Darcy, by name"
Eugene started.
"The villain p
"You know HIM n
''Yes, hestole our gold at Lucky Gulch.
"He bears bad reputation even here" I"
pursued Colonel Adams. "He has an
noyed Myrtle not little with his impor-
tunities. Young as she is she does not at
all hesitate to pronounce him an under
handed man He has been ordered to leave
the house and has threatened revenge"
They conversed very long the conclu-
sion being settled that they should not in
form Myrtle of the young miners love un-
til his return.
1t was early morning when he set out
accompanied by the CHEEKY wishes Of his
host Myrtle stood fearful and sad.
Goodbye, Myrtle, goodbye Colonel" I"
and then Eugene Allerton was gone; but
the tear-wet eyes Of the young girl told him
that his love was well returned
Passing lonely defile shot started his
steed and just grazed his face. Turning
he saw the ill-favored features Of his ene-
my and rival, Darcey, who disappeared,
chagrined and baffled, adown the Canyon.
He sped on, however, full of thoughts Of
the first love he had ever known, and
dreaming tenderly Of Myrtle Adams.
He saw not into the future he knew
dawning when he would forget her for a
time, but the time would also come when