Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-03-07


It was evident that the rivals looked
at the matter in the same light, and
their endeavors soon relieved their fol-
lowers of any responsibility in the mat
ter. In fact, when Paretop Billyite
offered three ounces to one that two
of the great men would leave camp
as soon rs the success of the third was
made public, his bet remained uncov-
cred. Each man loyalty bet on his
own favorite chief, but the chances were
so even that few odds were offered.
For couple Of hours the faint hearted
of two parties endeavored to hedge,
for Tom Luggs appeared in a new hat,
but the stout-hearted supporters of Nor
folk Ben were rewarded by seeing their
champion placidly displaying watch
guard like unto pump chain. The
Baretop Billyites were very despondent,
for q whole evening passed without
their leader being seen at all; but when
the morning light was thrown radiant
ly back from pair of highly polished
boots ON the feet of the bald-headed
hero, his followers countenances indi-
Gated a content like unto that of Con.
gresham, who has triumphantly sus-
tained himself before IN investigating
committee.
For. days the claims remained un-
worked. What was the getting of gold
compared with the joy of watching one
continuous fight of an entirely new
sort? The days of five minute encoun-
ters with knife and pistol were regarded
with plying contempt. Drinking to
their respective champions, tossing dol
lars, playing cards, and shooting at
marks to decide the question, and bet
ting on the main issue and its collater-
ais, occupied the entire time of the 'ex-
cited miners. A fight or two was ar
ranged between jealous friends of the
three leaders, but on being warned that
in the natural course of events no dead
man would be able to see the end of the
affair, the disputants postponed the tri-
ais by battle.
One evening, just after the provoking
Nashua had expressed desire to know
whether either member of the reigning
trio had ever dared to even speak to the
widow at all, Hoosier Jake appeared at
the saloon with rather sheepish face
and remarked:
The widder would like to see you
all up to the house, if convenient"
Every one started, and the barkeeper.
left the door unfastened and fastened
after. Hoosier Jake stood in front of
the new house until the latest straggler
had arrived; then he went into the
house, and immediately emerged with
the widow, in white dress and red
face, and a white-faced man in suspi-
ciously clean clothes. The white-faced
man took off his hat and said:
eff any of you here present know
any reason why these two persons
should not be joined in the bonds of
holy matrimony. declare them now, or
forever after hold your peace"
Three scores of lower jaws fell stimuli
taneously, and sixty pair of upper eye
lids sought superintendent hat rims.
The white-faced man continued:
"None. Then in the name of the
Lord pronounce you man and wife.
Amen"
Slowly the astonished men recovered
their senses, felt for their revolvers, and
each one looked tenderly on his partic-
ular chief. Suddenly Baretop Billy
uncovered his innocent scalp, tossed
his hat in the air, and cried:
"Three cheers for Hoosier Jake the
pluckiest man in camp"
The cheers were given with q vigor
that seemed to shake the very rocks
about them. The groom bowed, the
bride blushed and smiled, and the crowd
did what it always did when embar-
rassed-it focked into the saloon. They
were still staring and speechless when
the three rivals entered, arm in arm,
and approached the bar. They faced
about: there was a dead silence and
then Norfolk Ben said
"Boys, there's been considerable feel
/. ing and discussion on the subject, but
its settled now. There's only one man
got any right to be chief at .Betmick's s
Turn, and that's Hoosier Jake. Us
three resign in his favor, an. ask the
crowd to drink good bye with U.S."
The glasses were placed, each man
nodded to his own particular bottle,
the glasses were clashed high in the air,
and then emptied at swallow, the three