The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-04-21


serious been necessary, to help the parson
out of tight place. Never let it be i'm
agined for moment that the parson of the
Gulch was the orthodox pastor, in the habit
of wearing broadcloth of clerical cut and
white cravats He wore broad -brimmed
hat, certainly, but it was of the approved
cowboy pattern; to coat he was well nigh
a stranger, being content to appear in
heavy red wooden shirt; while for trousers
he substituted the highly ornamented and
picturesque buckskin breeches affected by
Mexicans, Indians, and other denizens of
the far West. 1t is also certain that the
title of Reverend had never been, verbally
or in writing, prefxed to his name; and yet
he knew, and the boys knew, that to be call
ed" Parson Jim" was in itself mark of dis
tinction in district where men were sup
posed to have no official titles or surnames,
while Christian names were invariably re-
duced to monosyllables.
Parsen Jim's record and capabilities
were hardly such as would recommend him
as a candidate for church work in commu-
mites laying claim to advanced civilization.
He could not read the Pentateuch in the
original Hebrew, or discuss the Thirty
nine Articles; but he was dead shot with
revolver, and could gracefully ride the
back of bucking broncho. The Vest
minister Catechism was sealed book to
Parson Jim, but he could set broken
limb, raise tent, or build shanty with
the next man. And because he was as
cool as ice when fiery blood coursed
through the veins of other men-because
he was brave as a lion-because he was
gentle as woman with sick men-because
he had big heart-because he spoke
kindly words-and because nothing came
amiss to Parson Jim, the rough specimens
of humanity in George Washington Gulch
loved and respected him as they never
could have loved and respected grave and
learned doctor of divinity from the East.
Now, in Western mining town it is a
gross breach Of etiquette to make inquiries
as to a mans pedigree, or to attempt to
learn more than he chooses to tell of his
history prior to his arrival in the camp.
So long as he is 'square" and behaves
himself he is one of "the boys" and as
such is bound to them by sort of free
masonry. Hence, when Parson Jim came
to the Gulch and announced himself as
preacher, the miners asked no questions.
They did not take "much stock" in
preaching but they were disposed to give
the newcomer dshow"; and when time
passed, and Parson Jim proved to their
satisfaction that he was made of the right
''stuff," they not only tolerated him, but
made him heartily welcome.
There was no church in the gulcb; there
was no school house; there was not even a
hall of any kind. There was, however,
large frame shanty used for whisky
saloon, named by its proprietor "The
Rocky Mountain Sample Rooms" In the
West, be it remembered, all the drinks are
samples, no matter if the same consumer
gets away with fifty glasses from the same
barrel.
Parson Jim made his appearance in the
gulch during the winter Immediately fol-
lowing the summer when the Hon. Samuel
Green made his important discovery of the
existence of silver in the valley. He ar
rived on a handsome roam mare, without
bag or baggage, and made his quarters at
the rude hotel connected with the Rocky
Mountain Sample Rooms. During the
evening there was scuffle in the large
bar room, and the newcomer looked in
through one of the doors to see what was
the trouble. A young and slender lad of
perhaps 10 or 20 years was struggling
with brutal looking, muscular giant of
twice his age. 1t was only question of
minutes when the big rough fellow would
"down" his young opponent, and yet the
dozen or so of onlookers made no attempt
at interference. Just as the new arrival
appeared ON the scene, the young comba-
tant got in nasty blow, which evidently
hurt and irritated his opponent. Quick
as lightning the big fellow drew his bowie
knife, and raised 1t, preparatory to plung.
ing it into the lad.
GLANDS off, you bullyF' shouted the
stranger in the doorway. The burly fight
er glanced rapidly in the direction from
whence these words came, but did not drop
the hand which gripped the ugly knife.
"Drop that knifel' thundered the strang-
er, at the same time laying his hand upon
his pistol pocket.
The bully noticed the last-named action
and, letting go the boy, yelled, with added
oaths: Course you, shut up Who are you,
anyhow ?" The large man was evidently
very angry. He held the knife in his left
hand, and with his right drew a heavy
revolver, which he proceeded to levelat the
stranger.
"Throw up your hands, quick !" shouted
the latter. But the fellow did not hear
this warning. Click went the hammers
of the pistols. 1t was question of quar-
now. Bang went one revol-
ver-the strangers-and the big man fell
dead.
Then there was momentary silence,
followed by some queer ejaculations
"Dead as Injinl' "Sarved him right !"
strangers plucky un p "Be-ewti-
ful shot tl' "Who air you, stranger, any
how ?"
"Boys," said the new arrival, when at
last he had chance to speak, ssthis is
bOEb VI UuoluCn5 5tldO llOG 4utlt VI.
Sometimes it is necessary, though, as it
was tonight. | am sorry; but let's say no
more about it. pay the funeral expen-
ses and answer all questions. You want
to know who l am? Well, I'm preach
er; and there'll be preaching in this room,
with the landlords permission, next Sun
day morning, at 10 o'clock"
1t was strange introduction for a
preacher, but it was perhaps the best one
he could have had in that wild place.
Anyway, the respect of these rough miners
was lastingly secured, and from that time
on he grew in favor as a man and preach
er,
In those old coach days there was one
serious drawback to travelling between
Denver and George Washington Gulch-
the road was infested by small but hith-
erto invincible band of desperadoes, under
the leadership of regular daredevil known
as s'Kansas" This man stKansas" had at
tackled and robbed the coaches fifteen or
eighteen times within six months; and
though he had never been known to be ac-