The Russellville Democrat., 1880-04-29

1 steps to the saloon.
 The boys listened with interest to thu report and pulled their boards ant scratched their heads in attempts to ob tain solution to what ailed the Hermit Many and various were the explanations l given, and then they decided that Geor gia and Ronay had better go back ano knock at the door and inquire, at any rate, if any thing was wrong; so there upon the two once more started up the trail. They knocked--frst softly an6 then louder-but elicited no response or caused any show of life within, save the extinguishment immediately of the light.
 No use," whispered Roney, and with out further word they left the little cabin and its solitary and eccentric occupant and joined their comrades.
 The next day passed, and the next and the Hermit showed no signs of exis. tence. That evening the mail came in, and among the letters was one, in 8 woman's hand, for John Harmer, Min eral City, San Juan Co.,, Col. There was not such parsonage in the county, so far as the boys knew, But Georgia sud denly suggest that it might be for the Hermit. This seemed most probable, and he was deputed to carry 1t up and deliver it, if correct.
 As before, all the knocking failed to obtain an answer, and GeorgIay after a moments hesitation, put his shoulder to the door and with as little noise as pos sible burst the wooden button off that served as lock. The next instant and Georgia was in the room. The Hermit lay extended upon the floor, his face flushed and hot with fever, and his long, thin fingers nervously grasping and re- laxing again the torn blanket on which he tossed.
 "What's the matter, old pard?" said Georgia, as he raised the old mans head.
 The fevered eyes slowly turned toward his face, the emaciated fingers opened, and the poor, lonely old fellow said huskily:
 Don't tell herp
 "Who--tell who?"
 "AIce-poor little thing-she don't know"
 Thinking of his folks in the States" muttered Georgia, and then teHderly and carefully he lifted the sick man in his arms and strode away to his own cabin.
 The news of the Hermit's sickness spread through the camp and blankets and food came from all quarters for his use. The store was ransacked for the best that it could afford. A terrible slaughtering of mountain grouse took place that rich broths might be made for the invalid. One man travelled sixteen miles to Silverton to secure can of peaches, and the men almost fought in the anxiety to act as nurses and watchers. Georgia thanked the boys, but kept them away, admitting only one or two to aid him in the care of the old man. But despite all this attention the old fellow sank and sank, and it soon be- came evident that the mountain fever had one more victim.
 One night Georgia sat smoking his pipe and musing.. The owner of the let | ter had been found, for in his rawlings name Harmer, but the boys feared | lest he should die before reading it, and | this perplexed Georgia sadly. What contain matters of importance? Had the old man any friends or relatives living and where were they to be found? All these things and many more came fitting | through his brain, and he did not hear
 
 and stare about him. The old man looked the room over, and then his eyes rested on the burly form by the fire.
 Georgia" he said.
 In an instant Georgia sprang to his feet and hastened to the bedside.
 "Why, pardner, durn it-yer-yer getting better, ain't your"
 The old man smiled wearily. aTall ma all ohotyf if v ha aaid
 Georgia briefly recounted the story oi his illness, touching but lightly on what he had done. and laying great stress on the interest of the men.
 But now, old man, you'll soon be uI and among 'em," he concluded, with a cheerful laugh.
 'No," said the old fellow, with the same weary smile, "but-but 1 thank you"
 "Oh, ,nonsense-that's all right-you're only a leetle shook up, you know-it's nateral after being as fur down as you've been. You'll soon be all right-cheel up, and don't let yer sand run out; be sides, Pve got letter for you"
 'Letter--for me?" and the old mans face lighted up with an eagerness that sent tremor through Georgia's honest heart, lest the missive, after all, should not be for him. He got it, however, and gave it into the trembling hands.
 "Yes, yes," said the old fellow, 'ft's her writing, I know-like her mothers -oh, how long it has been coming-bu' now" and his poor, weak, shaking hands vainly strove to open it.
 "Let me-" said Georgia, kindly.
 The old man let him take the letter and then said suddenly, but in low even tone: Hold on, Georgia"
 Georgia paused.
 "Georgia." said the old fellow, looking him steadily in the eye, "you've beer kind to me-very kind-and I've go nothing to show for it-nothing but con fidence. I'm going to tell you some thing, Georgia, and then--then you car read that letter and you'll understand all the good news it contains"
 He paused moment and closed hi eyes. Then he contiAued:
 Georgia, was likely sort of young chap years ago-not such good-for nothing galoot as 1 am now--and l mar ried, Georgia-married the best girl 1T old Pennsylvania. l was mighty happy too happy, partner-that's what made it go so hard when she died. We hat one child--a girl-and we called he Allce-my wife's name. She was wet little thing when her mother died, ans so very, very pretty. It was hard line on me, Georgia, and somehow l got tt drinking. I know it did me no good and 1 know it wasn't right, but maI don't reason much when he's desperat, like, and so drank and drank. ] solt