The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1884-10-15
Written for the CaRosicII-
/" SLUG 10. !"
A Truthful Sketch of a "Typo-
graphical Tourist"
By o. K. LEE.

BY o. K. LEE.
"Slug Thirteen is the worst crank in
the Office" was the general verdict ofthe
boys "holding cases" on the Times, when
he was first put on by the foreman, with
whom he had worked in days gone by.
'Slug 13" disregarded the slurs and in
uendoes, and slowly and quietly pegged
away, averaging his seven thousand ems.
per day. On the stove he always kept
an old oyster Wn full Of water, every
hour or two taking copiots draught-
for DYSPEPSIA that kept him awake night
after night. This, all the boys agreed,
was conclusive proof of his "crankiness."
Offers to "take something" stronger
he always refused, without thanks, and a
grunt of disapproval. When travelling
printer came along, foot-sore, hungry and
broke, "Slug ID" looked at him with con-
tempt and nevergave penny to the "pan-
handler" Ifa woman with child came
in and asked for money, "13" dove deep
IN his pockets and without questioning
gave all the change he had. His proofs
were without error, his justification"
was commendable his cases were blown
ont once week and as a printer "Old l3'
was slow but sure, master workman,
across whose pathway some deep shad-
ow Of sorrow had fallen.
After awhile the boys began to have a
liking for the old man, took no notice Of
his uncongeniality, Of his close-fistedness
and his quick, jerky, sarcastic replies.
What was the secret Of his sOurness?
One bright morning in June ''l3' took
up his Nonpariel take, dropped it, leaned
on his case, called sub to him and
hastily donnine his hat end coat walk
ed away. The boys watched this move
with amazement. Was it possible that
the old man had became tender-hearted,
had taken compassion on the hungry
subs" and was going on picnic?
Questions from the Sub" only brought
answers to the effect that the old man
said he wasn't feeling well and guessed
he take lay-off for the day.
~ wish he'd laid of after he got thro'
this 'take,'" added the Sub" "its the
worse I ever struck; here's a woman APP
plying for divorce on the grounds of ILL
treatment, and I'll bet two-bits that the
old mans mad because there isn't a
'break-line' in it."
He turned, and there stood the old
man, who, without word, read the copy
through, for in it was the last ray Of
hope dispelled by the slow-moving but
lowering clouds of adversely. 1t told a
tale of sorrow hard to bear, 1t ruthlessly
blasted the happiness, the peace of mind.
tat should be the lot of one SO old. He
turned toward the door, sighed and
went out on the busy street. henceforth
a wanderer, a vagrant, a sot, to whom all
traces of manhood relinquished their
hold. His story is true, sad, and worth
repeating. Let me tell it to YOU as briefly
as can:
In the year 49, there "deyiled" in the
Office of Port Jervis, N. Y, newspaper,
q bright, black-eyed lad, who after com
plotting the necessary term Of apprentice
ship went west. In 49, we find him in
Minnesota; soon after in Washington ter
ritory; and finally in mining camp in
Idaho. Accompanying him in all these
journeyings was firm, true friend, who
willingly shared all their expenses, work
ed side by side, and where one mans
work was only required each took turns.
At the mining camp money was plen-
ty, work rushing, and in consequence
they concluded to remain, "13's" partner
determining to send east for his mother
and three sisters. In due time they ar
rived, set up housekeeping in log
house, the best the town then afforded,
adorned the rooms as only women can
do, taking "13" - boarder.
In this far-away settlement girls were
women and women the rarest and choic-
est acquisition that "city" could boast
of, and the arrival of four respectable
ladies was calculated to throw the camp
into the most feyerish excitement, and
notable attempt was made by the youn-
ger men to six up" Soon the girls be-
came known, were assiduously court
ed, presented with costly gifts, and made
as much of as if they had been the
reigning bellies of a large city. Men Of
fortune, dashing gallants paid court, and,
as in many other similar instances the
girls heads were completely turned by
this unaccustomed display of devotion.
49," long before their arrival, purchased
a "boiled shirt" and collar and other
wise improved his appearance out of res
pect for his pard and the surroundings.
The youngest girl, but fifteen, at once
took his fancy, but, to Use his own words
the unmarried mine owners and bust
ness men soon took the shine out'n me-"
But one day there came q grim inessen-
ger in the guise of Mountain Fever" and
took away the makeup" leaving be-
reaved mother and weeping sisters-"l3's"
pard had reached take 30" and his proof
had gone up to Him who reads with
faultless eye. --....
"l3" studied. His partner had followed
him across snowy mountains and grassy
plains, in "fat" and in clean, never COM
planning, always cheerful and happy,
willing to divide the good as well as the
bad. Would he desert the family? No,
he would stick with them through thick !
and thin. He loved the Youngest girl. |
But would she, ought she to give her
hand to him? True, he was young,
strong, had lucrative trade, and knew
what he was doing. But, he didn't wear
a diamond ring. Hadn't given her pre-
sents, and in fact had been but little in
her company. ..
Finally, he mustered up courage to
ask her, and she consented. She knew
her brother would have been pleased and
her thoughts were still OF him. The
happy day at last arrived and "l3" be-
came one of the family