Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-08-22
Ben Slocum's Luck.

the less hardy miners, who priced
their scalplocks aboye pocketsfull OF
gold dust.
But, inaccessible as Camp Marian
seemed, il held rare attraction in
the person of Marian Wilde, the
daughter of the original discoverer
and principal owner of the rich vein
that was rapidly yielding him a for
tune, and the only one of the female
sex in camp, except her servant and
loyal friend, Peggy, negro girl with
the blacklist of skins and the warmest
of affectionate hearts. To name the
camp in her honor was the least the
gallant miners could do.
So Camp Marian held its place
proudly and defantly even while war
like rumors became certainties.
"It's well enuf for us men to stay
here and make our piles" said Bill
Graves, an old scout experienced in
Indian warfares. But ] do think,
Mister Wilde, that Miss Marian"
Marian is no coward. She will
stay with me- answered Mr.. Wilde
shortly. THE mine never was paying
better, and ten men can hold this
place against all the Indians in the
United States. Only little while
now and Marian can leave this wild
hole forever. F."
"Mebbe so, Mister Wilde, mebbe
so. 1t amt for me to conterdict you
of course, but its my private opinion
publicly expressed, that the sooner
you kin git her nearer ter decent
white folks the safer them air purity
curls of hern will be-" answered Bill
positively. Not that there's man
here as would be coward enuff ter
leave her as longs he had breath
specially Ben Slocum-but--"
"Slocum be hanged, and his luck
with him." was the impolite rejoinder,
and Bill thust his tongue into his
cheek and winkcd knowingly as the
irate miner walked away.
ben Slocum won't be hung this
hitch, boys" he said, turning to the
group of interested listeners. ITS
blamed lucky for the lad that Miss
Marian amt of the same thinkin as
her father-and his luck will turn
some day. But about them Injuns,
! reckon the best way is to be safe,
and | reckon the safest way is ter look
for them red devils emmy mint. Best
be ready"
go every precautiorr was made, and
although daily watching danger, the
men continued to dig the vain of sand
in the gulch below, that yielded such
rich returns, leaving one of their
number at Camp Marian, as watch
full sentinel, with u powerful field glass
to scan the surrounding country, and
signal flags to use in case he saw a
suspicion of danger.
Mr.. Wilde's friendship towards
Ben Slocum did not increase as the
young mans i'll success followed him,
and his own canvas bags grew heav-
Ter with gold dust. This boarded
wealth was all for Marian, and the
man who won her hand must bring
an equal amount. All, Ben Slocum's
luck would have to change greatly
before he could bring the sum de-
manded
ITS too blamed bad, boys said
old Bill one evening 81 fer one am
willin' ter pull in and give the lad a
lift ter break his bad luck"
mo. no, old fellow" answered a
voice from the doorway, and Ben came
forward and seated himself among
them. Its long road that knows
no turn. My luck will change yet. "
Pm one of them that's hoping it
will, and if you ever need friend
you know where to find one handy
while old Bills alive" returned the
old scout warmly
Days passed, and brought no sign
of Indians.
One morning, when the forests we're
brilliant with autumn's gorgeous col
ors, Marian went slowly down the
mountain on the side opposite the
stream where the miners were ai
work.
Don't 90 far away, Miss Marian
called the sentinel after her, III see
a smoke over yonder, towards Little
Missouri Buttes last night, an it may
mean Injuns."
"Never fear for me, Jake" answer
ed the girl lightly. What Peggy
Are you going too? | thought you
were afraid TO go beyond the shadow
Of the house"
ut am my dopty, missy answered
the negro girl warmly. lfyou hun
ter go, what for ! stay sateg goes
TO take care Of you, honcy9'