The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1883-06-07
MAGGIE "STRUCK TT"
A Minnie Story.

Eureka Gold Mining Company
Don't it lcok important on paper? / tell
you, boyr, we've got good thing, but
We must work." said Tim Flynn, CHANGING
at the piece of paper in his hand.
EYES," replied Joe Bagly with sleepy
yawn, "but let's 60 to roost now. We
can't do anything more tonight"
The men, eight in number, had been
sitting around camp FIRE discussing
their. prospects. The Eureka mine or
iginally belonged to q party Of Eastern
capitalists, who, having worked it for a
short time and finding it did not "pan
out" according to expectations, sold
their interest to the men who had just
taken possession of the property, which
they firmly believed would, prove an Ell
Dorado. They were poor in purse, for
they had invested their all in the new
venture, but were rich in hope and
courage.
1T is we'll known fact" Flynn would
assert 20 times day, "that the Eureka
Is on range with the famous Empire,
which yields as high as $4,000 per ton,
and we are sure to strike the same vein.
Some day We will wake up to find our
selves millionoires. It is only ques.
ton of time.
The next morning seven of the. men,
who were the actual owners, began
work, leaving ST Reed whom they
termed the silent partner, to do the
chores about the camp. Reed was pale
and thin and had an anxious expectant
leok upon his face. He seldom spoke
to anyone, which fact had gained him
the s0ubriQuet of Silent or 81 Reed. He
was devotedly attached to Flynn who
had befriended him while in Sacra men,
to, and exhibited such sincere grief
when ne heard of bis intended depart
ure fol: the mines, that Flynn invited
him to ioin the party.
The miners worked like beavers, delv-
:;'g down into the earth that each felt
Certain held in her virgin bosom the
gold which enriched them. They began
their labors at the first streak of dawn,
tOiling increasingly through the entire
day, each dreaming his .own dream of
future greatness. Weeks sped by; pan
after pan was washed, the contents ex-
amined, then thrown aside. But they
were not disheartened. The gold was
there: The next blow of the pick might
reveal it.
One evening, after supper. Joe Bagly
said.
Flows !. the fodder. sir Last another
mo, hardly enough for another
week."
"You must put US on low rations then.
What dye say, boys?"
agreed" they answered in chorus.
The next day, when 81 gave each man
his poetioh, they laughingly declared
that Flynn had received the lions share
which was true; for Reed had robbed
himself in order that his friend should
have bis usual supply, albeit no one sus-
spected the bit Of self-sacrifice. The
week was stealing away and they had
not "struck it, The hearts of the min
ers were growing heavy with dread.
Yet they dared not give vent to their
fears. Each felt that success depended
upon his individual courage, and no one
was willing to dampen the ardor of the
innate triumph.
One day, while seated on the ground
eating their midday meal, a little girl
appeared before them.
"Holy thunder" cried Flynn, spring
ing to his feet, "where did you come
from?"
please, sir, I've bin walking ever so
far. Ma saw yer campfire las night.
and told me how to git here. She couldn't
come herself, cause Freddie's sick.
May SIT down. I'm awful tired"
She glanced timidly at the men, then
at the empty pot in which the dinner
of beans and bacon had beer. cooked.
"Where does your ma live?" inquired
Bagly.
'she doesn't live nowhere. We're a.
huntin' for pa.
Ibid ye expect to find i'm here?'
NO.. Sir: but we're hungry, and
ma thought you'd give us something to
eat"
The men roared with laughter. Some
thing to eat, when they had just de-
voured their last cut of bacon.
mot another mouthful, boys. We
must give the chick what's left" said
net into bis own tin plate. "Here, little
tth', eat this, and wien you've satisfied
t the eT avn 3, ye can tell us where ye
"Please, I'd rather take to Freddie. T."
pleaded the child, "cause he's little an
"Ye amt bigger'n pint of cider yer
SELF" laughed Bagly. Eat it, an we'll
give ye some for the Others"
The promise satisfied the child, who
quickly devoured the contents of the
dish.
"Been on low ratioEs, too, I reckon, y
chuckled one of the men.
Nov tell us about your mother
Where is she, and whose trail is she On2''
said Flynn.
''She's way down there in an old lop
house where nobody lives. We was 90
ing to Kiwanna camp, cause we heard
pa was there. but Freddie took sick, and
mas afraid he'll die; 80 if yell please
give me some wittle I'll 60 back, cause
she's alone"
"What'll we do, boys2" asked Baely,
1--WE can't leave the critters there, some
Of e' us must 9 60 with the chick and bring
Reed can be spared" suggested one
"Bah!'' interrupted Ben Skinner, a
surlY, ill-natured fellow-"Reed, with
his white face, that grows whittier every
day! If the woman saw him she'd think
death had come for the youngster sure"
The men glanced toward ST, who was
leaning against tree, apparently obliv-
lous of what was going on around him,
and evidently did not hear the unfeeling
remark.
Look here, boys" remarked Flynn,
gravely-''our larder is about empty,
and we must replenish it. Let's draw
lots to decide who will ride into town
for provender. We are out of funds,
but this" taking valuable wacth from
his pocket. ''can I've left as securitv.''
And this can keep it company" said
Bagly, producing handsome pistol.
Skinner drew the slip of paper on
which the words "go'' was written.
1.-THE little gal can sit before We, and
yo can stop at the cabin and give this
to the woman" said Bagly.
One of the men came forward with a
flask Of whiskey, which he asserted
would "straighten out the little chap"
Fleetwood, their only horse, was quickly
saddled, and Skinner started on his er-
rand. "a
Tell your ms to fight her luck q few
hours longer, and when supplies come
vel give you a rousi e SUPPER" shouted
bag!y, as they rode away.
When some distance from the Int
Skinner put the girl down, gave her the
biscuit and flask after dri,kino holt ;to