Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-11-03

crossing OF the Rio Dolores, and the driv-
der, Comanche Bill, had quickencd up his
dripping horses, preparatory to the Hour
ish with which he invariably entered
Topaz camp, when little spotted mare
attached 70 4 blackboard, and driven by a
distinguishing fellow in velveteen coat,
passed the coach and proceeded in the di-
rection OF the camp 1t q rapid pace.
Comanche Bill's eyes followed the dis
appearing blackboard in prolonged stare
of admiration-but whether Of the marc
or her driver, history doesn't state-from
which he was reused by the query OF an
outside passenger, as to "who that cuss
in the black coat and white hat might be -
"rhat," said Comanche Bill, as he
tightened the reins, and, from force OF
habit, absently gave the gray in the swing
an admonitory tap, "that is the owner OF
the Pinta mare"
Meantime the blackboard entered the
camp, and the little mare, from long ac-
ouaintance with her owners habits, grad
ually slowed up as she drew near the
green portals OF the "Delmonico of the
West"
To her evident astonishment, as we'll rs
that of the idlers congregated near, her
driver urged her on, returning the pro-
prietor's look Of surprise by Il friendly
wave of the hand rs he passed, and drove
rapidly to the other end OF the camp to
where little tent was stretched under 4
cottonwood.
Checking the marc, he descended, took
from the blackboard can Of milk, q bas-
ket of berries, and string of trout, and
entered the tent.
"Well, old man, how arc you now?'
was his hearty greeting to the occupant
of the tent, who was lying on bed COM
posed of wagon, sheet and blankets.
The sick man, or, rather, boy, for he
was very youthful in appearance, raised
his languid head.
ooh, jack" he cried, in a fretful tone,
"you'vc come at last. What kept you so
long?"
81 couldn't get back any sooner," re-
piled Mr.. Jack Armstrong, dcprecating-
ly, "for had to go to the Alamas Altus
for milk, and you remember that twenty
miles; and defy any piece of horsetlcsh
in this camp to do it quicker than the lit
tie mare" lie added, soto voce.
So saying, he divested himself of his
hat and coat, loosened the crimson necktic
that confined the collar of his blue fan
mel shirt, and giving his long black hair q
backward fling, he started fire in the
camp stove in the corner and set about
preparing supper.
Accompanying the process of trout
frying and coffee-boiling with many ad-
monitions to his friend to "cheer up and
not be SO down in the mouth, and whist
ling softly the air of the "Yellow Rose of
Texas" with tho view Of further cnliven-
ing him, he moved briskly about.
The trout was Drowned to shade, and
Mr.. Armstrong drew up the empty
cracker-boX that served for table and
placed them thereon, together with the
berries and milk, and poured out the
coffee.
This done, he folded his arms and gazcd
Mt the whole with the air of one who has
accomplished an unaccustomed task to his
satisfaction.
"Come, rouse UP, Ned" then said Mr.
Armstrong; "everything is ready. Ill
prop you up with the blankets and we'll
fall to, for Pm as hungry as gray wolf"
81 tell you, JACK" exclaimed Ned, as
he attacked the viands with the heartiness
of convalescent, "these berries are deli
cious; and as for the trout, and | only
wish were able to go and catch them
myself"
"And that you will be in few days.
III take You behind the mare, and We'll
have a glorious old fish," replied Mr..
Armstrong, cheerily.
"Now, then, Jack" said Ned, AS he re-
clined comfortably on the blankets, and
his friend, having cleared away the re-
mains of their repast, was engaged in that
most distasteful occupation, washing
dishcs-''there's one thing more, and
came near forgetting it. l want You TO
write to my sister, for l don't feel equal
to the effort"
"Me. Me write to your sister." ex-
claimed Mr.. Armstrong, dropping the tin
plates with clatter, and disrcgarding his
grammar in his surprise; for be it known
that, of late, Mr.. Armstrong; hands had
been more accustomed to dalliancc with
certain circular ivory tablets inscribed
with cabalistic characters than the labors
Of the pen.
eyes, Of COURSE" returned the other,
grown used to depend on his willing
friend for everything. "Just write and
tell her I'm sick and played out. And
drop hint that little cash wouldn't
come amiss just now," he added, care
lcssly.
Mr.. Armstrong gazcd at his friend as lic
dozed of, and slight cloud of annoyance
drifted across his sunny face, mingled
with something like disPleasure at his
scllishncss; for, from certain condolences
Of Ned, he knew his sister made her own
way in the world, and needed, no doubt,
rll her scanty earnings. However, he
opened Ned's trunk, and, taking there
from his writing materials, entered upon
his task with somewhat dubious anc
abashcd manner.
Ii would be difficult to state how many
sheets Of paper Mr.. Armstrong tore up,
with frown on his usually bluff brow,
,r-o ~ o.,~,rIo.o,I tf,e Iotter IN afs -atis