The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-12-06
Wyih<n for 7R< Arkdnsaso Tyapeie>. BYRON IRVING'S LIFE WORK
BY GEORGE W. DANIEL.

BY GEORGE W. DANIEL.
 
 The party had been prospecting for several days among the hills of range of the Boston mountains, in Arkansaw, but they had done but very little and were returning.
 The mining excitement had lately sprung up in that section from the testi- mony of young man apparently twenty six years of age, who had suddenly made his appearance at the little village of Rastown, and hailing from Nevada.
 He asserted upon the judgment of miner of more than ten years experience, that precious metal existed there, and the effect of his assertions was to bring several parties to an effort for dis covering. The party just mentioned, consisted of several young men of in- fuence and responsibility, accompanied by Byron Irving, as the miner styled him self. Two of the company, Henry Wits and Will Dodsin, had dropped be- hind the rest and were earnestly con- versing:
 He is certainly a crank" said Henry, for have not heard him use sound expression yet, but that it was imme- diately followed by something odd or distant from the rain point under dis cussion. And look at his remark to-day when you mentioned the benefit to our section that rich discovery would effect. It would be great wealth to these people, said he, land great honor to my ances- tors.'"
 "I have studied him closely" answered Will, during his stay in Rastown. You see he is stopping at my hotel, and some times he'almost talks me to death-no, don't mean that-fsr he is always very interesting, but so wonderfully strange. He has grown almost confidential to me and he says he has something wonderful to tell me and has some documents to show me. And, assure you, he is not so cranky when w. are together in my room. tell you like him. admit the mysterious looks, mods and expres- sions, but he is rare company, neverthe- less. Why, believe if he were to tell me that he is 8 prince in disguise would believe every word of it. He is a great lover of books, and really think he can repeat half the poets from mem- ory. Besides, he renders some pieces in a mastery of style that a Booth might well be proud of Then there is curious and indescribable pathos about his entire makeup that charms me. You remem- ber to-day, in camp, when he spoke of the death of his only brother, it not only seemed to affect him. but the whole company; and yet, not one of us knew anything of either of them.
 @While he and were together today he asked me to come to his room to- night, but excused myself by saying would be too tired. You notice he never wearies, no matter what he does nor where he goes; yesterday when we all .en ourselves down to get to Tommy England, we got there to find Irving already with him and quietly splinting and bandaging his broken leg. Then he carried him further toward camp than all the rest of us together and seemed to do SO with more ease and cheerfulness. But I'll come this evening anyhow. Pm anx- ious to know more of him. There he stands now, waiting for us. Well, Mir. Irving, we are almost home again, more tired, but not richer than before we leff.'"
 @Yes, Mr. Wits, and it has always been 90 with me. The metal is there, but not in paying quantities. The 6rst color 1 struck was splendid, and it led me to hope for a. easy fortune; but it was all delusion-an deluSion. Well, life is only dream in most instances most instances-although it appears that some are permitted to realize the desira- bie parts while others get only the disap- pointments-just the disappointmenta