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

and Mr.. Armstrong awaited the answer
with anxious expectancy, for he consid-
cred lie had sort of proprietorship in it.
In due time it came, and Nellie, for that
was her name, evidently knew her broth
er's habits, for she inclosed banknote.
This Mr.. Armstrong promptly returned,
adding private postscript of his own to
the effect that Ned didn't neel any
money, had plenty, and didn't want any
more, and that he, rs his friend, would
see that he wanted for nothing.
After that Mr.. Armstrong would fire.
qucntly, with great ingenuity, turn the
conversation on his friends sister, and he
felt quite, l may say, friendly interest
in her welfare. And when, during one
of these conversations, Ned showed him .
photograph of girlish face, with brown
| hair and browncr eyes, and carclcs3
| told him to keep tiff he wished, Mr.. Ann
strong placed it carefully in the breast
pocket OF his vclvetccn coat, after first re-
moving thercfrom package of enameled
pasteboards, bearing or their faces fanci-
full and symbolic characters in black and
red, which he flung into the camp-stovc
with savage fiown and muttered oath.
From this time it was noticeable that
Mr.. Armstrong; sombrero took n less
rakish slant over his long hair, and the
crimson nccktic was discarded for one of
a less gorgeous hue. Mr.. Armstrong was
also seen no more behind the green baize
doors of the "Dclmonico OF the West, +"
| and the Pinta mare was no more OH sum
day afternoons spccded in contests down
the mesa in front of the camp, to the de-
plction of his opponents pockets and the
consequent rcplenishment of his own.
In lien of these occupations, as his friend
grew stronger and required less of his
attention, Mr.. Armstrong with pick and
shovel struck manfully into the hills and
prospected, to the disgust of some of his
former associates and the surprise of all.
Success came after persistent efforts,
and then he took Ned in as partcr in the
NcIllC lONlC, IIINl lIlCN hNaAb
soul into developing the claim.
But Ned, unfortunately, was one of
those weak, easy, selfish natures, who can
bear neither the storms of adversely nor
the sunshine of prosperity, and Mr.. Arm
strong saw, to his CONSERVATION, his
friend falling into the evil ways he him
self had forsakcn.
In vain he advised and admonished and
tried to interest him in other things. The
result was invariably the samoa visit TO
the "Dclmonico," and o drunken row.
Sometimes, indeed, moved by his friends
earnestness, Ned would promise TO- do
better, but generally he would sullenly
tell him to mind his own affairs, or drop
n hint to the effect that "thosc who had
lived in glass houses oughtn't to sling
stones;" ut which Mr.. Armstrong; lips
would tighten ominously, and he would
grasp his pick-handle nervously; but he
usually managed to rcstain himself by
thinking of Ned not as Ned, but as Nellie's
brother, and was always pleasant and did
the greater part of the work while Ned
idled around.
As the time passed and the partners
waxed prosperous, it was decided between
the two to have Nellie come out and keep
house for them, an arrangement which
Mr.. Armstrong was anxious to forward,
as he thought his sisters presence would
have n sautary effect on Ned. At least
he told himself that was the reason lc
looked forward so anxiously to her COM
ing; but 1t Is probable that If Mr. ARM
strong had cross. examined himself very
rigidly hc would have found another and
quite different motive-so prone arc We
all to little pleasant self-deception. ,
During the week previous to Ncllic's
expected arrival, Mr. Armstrong managed
to keep his friend straight by employing
him around the mine on one prctext or
another, and being constantly with him.
On the morning Of the day she was to ar
rive, Ned declared his intention Of going
down to the camp and fixing up little to
meet her.
Mr.. Armstrong glanced at him dubi-
ously.
"Look here, Ned" he said, "you know
can't leave here this morning, but wait
until afternoon and I'll ride you down
behind the mare" ... ....
ono" returned Ned, 81 don't feel like
working, as I am kinder excited about
meeting Nell, and reckon III 20 and
put on some clean clothes anI get every
thing ready about tile house to welcome
her"
Now this speech closed Mr.. Armstrong;
lips. He could well enter into Ned's feel
ings, for. If the truth were known, com
posed as he lookeL when he thought Of
meeting the ow>Sr of the brown eyes, his
heart beat almost as fast rs did the little
mare rs she came down the quarter
stretch, so he hadn't an argument to use
against Ned's going. .s....... .rr.
"Now, Jack, old pard, !" said Ned, with
careless laugh, "don't look so disturbed.
There's not the slightest danger Of me
drinking anything-at least, not enough
to hurt--and I'll he on deck all o. X.
when the coach comes in"
SO Mr. Armstrong reluctantly suffered
him to depart without further words, and
went to his work in the shaft. And, in
pleasant anticipatiOns of meeting the
owner Of the brown eyes, his forebodings
were forgotten.
When Mr.. Armstrong had been drawn
up out OF the shaft that evening, and was
donning LIS coat preparatory to setting