The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1888-10-12
THEORY BOB.



and Saves His Life.
II was . common saying In Camp
Hard Up that Theory Bob and Conten-
ton were the stubbornest couple In
. Colorado. For some length Of time
after Bob took up his residence in the
camp he had been addressed by that
simple title alone. no one knowing his
family name. but BY degrees there grew
: public sentiment that 50 long q man
was iii suited with 30 short a name.
and Theory" was predxed, inform
ally but everiastingly. to help out
Compared with Christian names in
general use At the present day il may
have sounded strangely, but no one
could object TO il as not being appro-
pirate. for Bob had theory in stock
20 account for every thing that had
ever happened. was happening. or was
going to happen, in the world. -som
the formation Of minerals in prehistoric
times to the future condition Of Colora-
do through all time 20 come.
Who was Contention? Oh. Conten-
ton was B0b's burro. or donkey. and
the chunkiest, sturdicsf- jolliest little
fellow ever seem among hurros. His
expression Of gravity mingled with
mischief would have made you laugh.
and he was always ready to join in any
lark such ~ = burro would take part
in His usual amiability caused him
% BE- petted by nearly every body in
camp. and II he frisked up to the door
way Of = cabin or tent and thrust his
nose inside BY way Of saying: Have
you biscuit in there for good little
burro,r the biscuit was generally
forthcoming. Bob and Contention
were great friends. but when = serious
difference Of opinion arose between
them-f0r Instance. as to which Of
two roads itwould be better to take
comical tug Of war was sure to fol-
low. Victory fell sometimes to one
side and again 70 the other. Bob was
tall. but mot very strong. and the
burro could output him in a straight
tug; but when Bob had chance TO
use strategy he got the best OF the
fight II was the burrc's obstinancy
in these occasional struggles that
had secured for him the name Of Con-
tenti0n-
Bob's good nature secured many
friends for him. and II the men in
camp made FUN OF his theories and
played trick on him now and then.
Il was aII because they knew he would
not get angry. They wished him well
and lent him . helping hand whenever
he needed one Like the Others. Bob
vas . prospector. and daily went
rambling about the hills In search Of
veins Of silver and other metals. Tn
fortunately he had 90 many theories
that one or another Of them was al
ways interfering 70 prevent him from
enjoying any good luck. Contention
accompanied his master on these trims.
partly TO help carry tools. etc.
and partly that he might be re-
moved from tho temptation 20 get into
mischief II left behind As good liv-
Ing and light work had made him very
gay and frolicsome. he was decorated
with lnriat that was fastened around
his neck and left 70 trail out far BE-
hind Through tho medium OF this de-
vice the burro could now and then be
checked In biz impctuous career. and
hauled up 70 receive : lecture on the
error Of his ways
Contention hated this lariat. because
y prevented him from indulRing his
fondness for strolling into all sorts Of
places where be had no business 20 20.
He could not get rid Of IL however; 20
% defeat its purpose he used often
when Il was desired 20 secure him. run
Away just fast enough 20 keep Bob
from catching up with the end Of the
lariat Contention enjoyed these races
good deal more than his master did,
and sven when caught ne tuggcd away,
and refused 70 surrender until there
vns absolutely no hope o. escape LEFT.
There was one man In Camp Hard
Up Who did noe like Theory hob. In
Tact he did notslike anyone. FOR he wss
-suriys cr0ss grained fellow. lin