The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1875-10-01
MISCELLANY.
4 STORY OF A TELEGRAPH OPERA
TOR.

TOR.
In my early youth I left home to avoid
tho harsh treatment Of passionate step.
father, and to eudeavor to obtain live.
lihood for myself. With the little mon.
ey had accumulated, and the addition Of
few dollars from my dear mother, l
started westward, and my first hating
place was Chicago. While sauntcring
along the streets Of that great city, unde-
cided which way to turn or where to find
employment, met with an old school.
mate, one who had been very dear to me
throughout my boyhood. 1t did not re-
quire much persuasion to have me accom-
pany him home, where was kindly re.
ceived and made welcome by his parents.
He had been for two years engaged in
the telegraph Office; and had become quite
proficient in the language OF the wires.
I went with him to the Office on the fol-
lowing morning, and by his kindness and
intercesSion obtained situation a.
messenger. For two years l tramped the
busy streets Of that great city, conveying
messages Of joy or SORROW, Of pleasure or
pain, Of life or death seeking the re.
cipients in the garrets Of poverty, the
cellars Of iniquity. in the counting rooms
Of the merchants in the mansions of the
great.
| soon became acquainted with the
workings Of the Office, and in little while
I could read the click of al operators
key as though it spoke my mother
tongue" At last l was engaged rs an
operator, and served in that capacity dur.
ing the FIRST three years Of the war, aud
afterward entered the army.
At the close of the war decided to see
~ much of the world rs I could before set.
Ting in life. For this purpose purchas-
ed = noble horse and in company with
others started for the Pacific shores.
Nothing worthy Of note occurred until
We arrived in the vicinity Of the Hum
bolt, in Nevada territory.
While engaged in shooting sage hens
became detached from my party, and
darkness coming on I dismounted, intend.
ing to camp for the night near small
stream: While engaged in preparing a
fire with some dry brush discovered
smoke curling up above the tall trees that
bclted the stream. remountei my
horse and rode up in hopes of finding my
companions, but as I drew near | was
surprised to find we'll built log hut.
stopped to reconnoi:er, and after decid.
ing to proceed, my horse refused to move
in that direction. This aroused my fears
in slight degree, but curiosity led me on.
A deep thrust with my spurs sent Hero
on with lively pace, and IN moment
more We were in front Of the house.
Dismounting I approached the door
and hesitatingly raped. hesitated be.
cause voices were busily engaged in some
alteration, but on rapp:ng the Quarrel
ceased. The door suddenly opened and
. tall, lean, lank, blue nosed, gray.haired,
man stepped out.
"Stranger," said I patronizingly, "can
you give me accommodation for the
night"
Yes, for money!" squallcd the man.
II have plenty Of money!" unguard.
eddy said then thinking Of the dangers
OF we'll filled purse, continued: have
plenty Of money for one nights lodging"
At this moment half dozen ill.favored
wretches ;, poked their long haired heads
out Of the door and viewed me with thu
Dir OF = recruiting sergeant aud notwith.
standing that had been through tho wal
tho crowd before me was the hardest set
Of scallewags l. ever saw. knew that j,
would not do to let them see that l was in.
Inundated. SO l stepped up to them AZ
Familiarity IS I could under the c;rcum.
stances, and extending my hand said:
"Boys, it makes me happy to sec ,
white man alter fighting the Indians Sc
long. How are you?"
They came >tumbling out Of the door
and suddenly became very familiar
Two or three started for my horse, bu
Hero. showed no signs Of dislike. re!iev
I'd him OF his "a die and birdie, patted hin
on his back, and turned him loose.
then entered the house, and mv.suspic
ions Of the horde that occupied it wer
confirmed. On the side opposite the doc
were two long hunks or shelves we'll sun
piled with Buffalo robes. In tho cent?
Of tho room was long. roughly hewe
table, and around the room great bund
lea furs, with here and there rife
All plainly showed that the ostcnsibl
occupation Of the gang was hunting IN
trapping.
'Whar do you hold out, stranger, whe
you are to hum I" asked the first hav
described. .:st'b
''In Illinois" .........
"Illinoy. Lit mo res-that am = No,
ther State, amt it," 'qu'alsd the OIL