, 1889-02-21
UTE BILLS PARTNER.


10 the Union, there appeared Ia this grand
but desolate canyon man by the name of
kivers--Stanley Rivers, he ssid-who ut
once proceeded to erect cabin for him
self. This completed, he kept we'll within
its walls when not actually engaged in
prospecting. He located his claim and
went about it as readily as an old miner.
focr miles distant, was oftea visited by
?he miners when they had accumulated a
little dust, but Rivers had never accompa-
MED them on these occasional sprees, al
though they had often urged him to do so.
man in mining camp who does not
drink is considered, as a general thing,
beneath the notice Of the average miner,
but 1t was not 80 in this case. Here he
had the confidence and respect of the
rough men gathered around him, and, by
his gentle ways. boyish face and pleading
blue eyes, had on every man over to his
side.
They no LONGER urged him to 60 with
them; they went, and respected him.
There was not a man In all the camps
around who would not have taken the part
OF the "tenderfoot," as they jocularly
His past WAS blank, and he mildly re-
sented all efforts to reveal it. On one oc-
easion Ute Bill had pressed him too close
ly on the subject, and he reproved him by
saying:
'Bill. think you are friend of mine.
but | would rather have You throw me
down that shaft Of yours than ask me to
tell you my past life. 1t 10 too painful"
fths boys could have seen Bill then; II
they could have looked upon him Us he stood
abashed before this slender, pale-lo okiag
this "lndiau chewer," who had come out
ahead in hand TO hand fight with bear;
this same Ute Bill, who figured as a des.
perado in the country round for hundred
miles, they would have wondered ii he had
suddenly taken leave Of his senses.
But they were alone, and in humble
voice he said;
beg yer pardon, Mister Rivers, !
didn't mean to hurt yer feelin's. hev
kinder takin liken to ye, q sort of faith
srly interest, and IL ye say the word we'll
he pards,"
The word was said. and great was the
surprise In camp when the new partner,
ship was announced next day. What had
come over Bill2 Was he going TO REFORM
IL was q seven days wonder, but gradual
~ died away until it was no longer an at
traction to see Bills six feet of muscle and
Drawn towering head and shoulders above
his delicate looking 'pard" as they pros
pected the country.
One day in their wandering they found
that they had nearly reached the summit
Of the grand old peak at whose base flowed
the waters of the San Juan creek, when
Bill suddenly uttered AN exclamation of
Amusement.
look here. pard, we've struck 1t this
time; chunks of i'll"
Rivers, who had been patiently clipping
specimens of the lodges which jutted out
here and there, hastened to his side and
looked. Bill had piece of dark looking
rock in his hand, and was turning 1t ex-
citedly over and over, his eyes glowing
like stars in his intense excitement.
The news spread like wild6re through
the camp. All the miners were half crazy
over the End and deserted their old claims
to search for new ones. There was no
doubt Of the vast wealth that lay in the
mine that Bill and Rivers had opened. IL
was = settled fact that the men had more
money than they could ever realize BEAM
ing down on them al the mining ore
should be turned out.
As the two men we're lying on their
rough beds in the little cottage they talked
Of the future and its grand prospects. Bill
was full of enthusiasm. and pictured In
glowing terms his highest ambitions, to
be realized when he should count his
thousands.
He would be Congressman. What
thrilling speeches he would make. He
would have every word of them printed in
the newspapers. He would own a fast
horse, and the "boys" should have all the
drinks they wanted, they should not go
dry while be was on top OF sod. And he
stopped suddenly and looked at his COM
panioa. ,,,.,,
WHATS your lead, ole pardp Will yer
hang onto yer dust, or spend 1t like yer
got itY"
For moment Rivers was silent.
IL dare not think what disposition l
shall make Of II. will probably go back
east. Ny plans are not definitely settled
be finally answered. So the subject was
dropped
Bill knew the quiet, retiring man at his
eide we'll enough to know all inquiries 70
ba fruitless. So he tarned over, and. af.
ter few more words about the work ot
the morrow, he fell asleep.
When the morning dswned Bill was uu
and stirring. Rivera slept late. and at
. last Bill thought he had better awaken
he noticed the bright spots on Rivers
checks and hia short, irregular breathing
1T "a all right now. Lillian, mnrmere6
the sick man. tossing uneasily; "its al
right aow. l'yo cot the money to keer
Won where You should be-" So tenderly
path sticaily came the words that ths
rough miner brushed away the tears a. ht
listened to the hidden story OF his "pards
past life. He told ID all in his delirium
and seemed to live the long years over
how he had loved this delicate girl, rearet
in Iuxury and ease. and when be lost tn
fortune he had 90 slowly accumulated ~
: dared not tell her of his love. He wont!
not ask her to share his poverty aud hard
ships He had come away and staked nj