Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-03-07
"What is she like p


Dutch, an somewhar between thirty an
forty, an she'd make a good sized
weighin' machine groan with agony.
An she's toted in a wash board. and
couple of fat irons an little bundle,
an she's took Bucks old shanty, case
Their amt no other empty"
"Ef TIERS any of that kind aroun'
Its Civ 'em a lift," cried Norfolk Ben,
emphasizing his suggestion by thump-
ing on the table with an empty bottle.
GA woman that'll work for her livin'
ort to be encouraged"
Second the notion" shouted
Baretop, bowing politely toward his
rival. The third number of the illus
trious trio Immediately said:
Let give her decent house to
live in; she can hev mine, and I'll
bunk in with some of the boys"
Bully" exclaimed Norfolk Benz
assisted by several others, irrespective
of party. But seein' it's woman,
I propose we build her a new house
an decent one, and that each man
agree to kerry board from Banksey's
landin' to do it with. Meanin' though" "
continued Ben, mindful of the ameni-
ties, which can be practised even by
political adversaries, "to thank the
hon'rable gentleman for bein' willin'
to turn hisself out of doors"
Mr.. Luggs instantly invited his ri
val to drink, and the whole crowd
clinked glasses amicably; after which
it was agreed that Immediately after
breakfast the crowd should start for the
lumber for the new house, while the
barkeeper, who would be at leisure, and
the only man in camp that could speak
German, should signify to the washer
woman the sentiment of the camp, and
the intention of every one to give a
practical expression to their sentiment.
That night there was such peacea-
bic time at the saloon that visitor
from camp farther up the creek went
home early and disguised, and pro.
nounced Betmick's Turn the most un-
mitigated humbug in California. The
boys drank and gambled and using a
great deal of language not found in
standard dictionaries, but all was done
in quiet, peaceable manner, which
seemed almost hypocritical; in fact,
when Luggs man lost his last ounce
on bluffing with three of kind, one oi
the Benjaminites volunteered loan
with which the unfortunate man could
make fresh venture.
As the crowd was gathering in front
of the saloon the next morning, Nash
ua, who lived at the extreme end of the
camp, came slowly up, shaking his
head obviously.
81 came by her shanty just now,'
said he, can as the door was open,
just peeked in. She was down on he,
knees, an she's got cross agin the
wall. I'm afeared she's Papist."
Better wait till you see somethin
better yerself, young man," said Bare
top Billy severely, though Nashua was
not one of his clan. Eff ther's any.
body in this camp that prays to any.
thing, they're mighty unlike anybody
I've seed. Let's liquor and git"
BY noon the sixty old miners of Bet
mick's Turn had staggered into camp
each with a board. Then the hat was
passed to raise the price of the nails,
and tools were brought, and volunteers
were numerous enough to build q state.
ly edifce. The three leaders retired TO,
consultation, and then announced that
they had agreed to detail two men each
as it was impossible for so many to
work to advantage. When it was found
they had forgotten to provide win.
dow, the bar-keeper donated one Of
his own, grimly remarking, it had
better be there than shot to pieces by
poor shots who settled their difficulties
at the saloon. BY dark the edi6ce was
completed, and though it was barely
equal in size and appointments to Q
respectable chicken coop, it was by ia,
the finest building at the Turn.
1t was late; it was supper time; il
was even past the time when the ia.
bles at the saloon were pre-empted by
those desiring game, yet still the boys
hung about the newly finished house
each looking as if there was something
he could say, if he dared. At last
Hoosier Jake broke the silence.
II amt bossin' this camp" says
| he hiYk all in fovor ~ hoy;p' fho