The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-06-08
The Anti-AIonopo1iSt.

AO
dren. and their faces were often brushed by
the wiry boards Of the miners as they stoop~
ed to kiss them. Mrs. Snarley, being the
only woman in the camp before the arrival
Of Waif, was quite indignant at first at the
new acquisition of her sex, and made many
remarks regarding the same more forci5ie
than polite. Now she was much given to re-
preaching herself for having so soundly
berated ian angel unawares." The rash in
dividual, however, who had the temerity to
remind her Of her conduct on that occasion,
could pin his faith upon receiving vigcr-
Gus flashing from her elastic tongue.
Among so susceptible o community it was
impossible for gentle, womanly being like
Wait to live without awakening q tender
love in many hearts. Perhaps every man in
the camp felt a twinge Of spirit divine, but
only three made any demonstrations. Those
were Big Jim Mills, Handsome Dick the
gambler, and Missouri Bill the best man in
the camp when it came to q scrub and nos
back down fight. These two latter person
ages soon withdrew from the contest, and it
was generally conceded that Jim was the
lucky man.
Consequently when one day jim, after q
long Fl Of abstraction, threw down his pick
and strobe toward Waits domicile, none
were surprised, and all wished him success.
What transpired within the next half hour
forever remained unknown, but when Jim
| appeared in sight again all knew that he
had been unsuccessful. He did not have
the downcast look Of one rejected, but pu2-
zled, as if he could see no earthly reason
why things should be SO mixed Stranger
yet, as jim turned to 60, Wait pulled his
head down to hers, and imprinted long
kiss Oh his burning forehead Dazzled and
wondering he slowly walkel over to the
Rest, with his hat in his hand, as if think
ing that its rude touch would dispel the
lingering pressure Of those soft lips. During
| the long evening that followed he sat arart
from his companions, moody and silent.
His hat was still in his hand, and he would
now and then press his forehead as if the
glory Of tina. clinging caress yet burned on
his swart brow. Snarley confdentlally told
| Old Scrubs next morning THAT his old wo
man had come home from . visit to Waif.
and said she mad found her stretched upon
the bed moaning and sobbing as though her
heart would break"
After this episode in the life Of the camp,
it settled into it's " onted existence There
was less money lost at poker and fewer free
fights to chronicle. The grand pow-wows
which used to be held at the Rest, common
cling Saturday nigh. and lasting through till
Monday morning, were done away with,
thanks to Waits influence. Old Scrubs
sententiously remarked III he lost in the
sale Of sperits, he made it up III the cost OF
bar fixtures, for he hadn't had to reft the
| tar since she came.
l, was the night before the anniversary OF
the advent Of Wait il the Camp, and The
boys had all assembled at the Rest to devise
some means to celebrate the even. Oh the
morrow il becoming style
While busly engaged in discussing ths
subject, stranger rode up, dismoun,ed
and entered the BARRON After having
refreshed himself with drink, ne quietly
listened TO the conversation while ane
quickly strolled away.
Hardly had he left the room before or,
OF anguish came from WATTS quarters II
an instant every man was, there, and fount
Wait kneeling and pleading to the stranger
who stood IL triumph before her. Stead
ly he returned the inquiring looks na. shon'
from hundred eyes, and quietly said: n
nave right here. boys; she ls my woman,
,,lding, with = malicious CLEAN OF his crue
! eyes. and il | was TO relate to yoa her his
tory for the past FIVE years, | am sure ,ol
would thank me for taking her away."
Scarce had he finished before score o
, hands dragged him from the house Ami,
, the dire imprecatoIs which followed tn
: suppressed cali Tor rope aroused Wal
Wildly pushing herselfto the center of,h
swaylng mass OF men, she moaaed, .te
him -o all he has said is true'' The stron
hands slowly let 20 their relentless cras
aud N the amazement tbs. followed he
words the stranger skunk away. Blind
Waif found her way back to her room au
q. closing the door behind her. shu; out fo,
h ever the words Of loving hearts an3 III
+; ! strong array Of men who voul. have die
! iog ner. Silently they returned &c The Res
r nd not Till Old scrabbs broke on, with
. terrible oath tina. he believed il te be
. piece Of cussed .hen-nagin" did they kno
d what to do Il was settled upon at az, tbs
/ Mrs Snarley should go 10 Naif, AMI te
asl ina: they ali believed III her lnnocenc,
and inat no explanations would be reealres
!, Tney all loved her toe well 10 doubs h
!. goodness
I Anxioussy taey awaited the return
Mrs Snariey, and hen she came, iremhl.n
. AMI s4iling, they asked no questions, bu
e with one impulse, has'eLed again 70 ii
!. home of Waif There she lsy-wh.,e an
= dead The tiny vail tightly graspea in II
e sharely hand told that che had long Gee
: red for the dreadful sacrifice HI
sad history VAS despairingiy told il . bri,
note. yet vet With the tezr-stains tina: q
. most ohliserated the vsvering character.
: II loved hlindly, trusted and vac betray
o ed. Maddenei and reckless, became Ii
q save Of my betrayer.aad plunged into Ill
OF dissipation Iloashed the life, and !;
/ last forsook it Bat wherever had foun
: resting place, and began 10 reap the Joy
: o. pure life, ne would 6Ed me out. tAug
) aud expose ne Driven like : hunted auim,
: sought the refuge Of this Wild ecunsrJ
: where should be safe beyond tie reach
e shame. He has traced me here, and can