The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-15

mad been uprooted, probably undermined
by some freshet, and the roots hanging
over bank four or five feet high. form
such shelter as might shield a man from
has improved somewhat upon ma
;ne ee into tie bank. 1 making hole JUST f big
enough for man to lie at full length in, as
might q snake. He had also piled some
boards in front of this ''house" as he calls
it. and covered the chinks in the root roof
weatherproof except in the worst of storms.
To make the room thus formed more COM
modious he has dug a pathway from the
entrance to the hole where he sleeps that
admits of his bent form passing in and out
without STOPPING further, and by leaving
he has two banks which he can use for
tables or benches. as the occasion requires
Up to few years ago old Doc Kimball
would accept aid from no one. His gun
brought him an occasional rabbit, squirrel
or bird, and his other wants were supplied
roots and herbs. Lately however, he has
been too feeble to do much for himself. His
case was brought to the attention of the
poor master of the town of Greece, and now
he has the munifcent sum of so cents a
week in summer and 81 in winter from the
town.
Doc Kimball himself was probably a tall
His face is thin and his features are as
strongly delineated as those of any ascetic
the artist ever limned. His thin, squeaky,
querulous voice is strong and penetrating
yet. His hearing is little impaired. He
is evidently in his second childhood now,
hood it is. Like fshmael, his hand, be pro-
fesses. Is against every mans and every
mans hand against him. His few posses
sions seem to give him endless trouble. No
rich man was ever more anxious for the
safety of his plate than is old Doc Kimball
for his case knife, new one, and his two
tin pals.
s.iou didn't come for nothing. You want
nv things. Take care! I am ready fol
thieves. will kill dozen or two of them,
and then We will see if they won't leave the
old man alone"
The feeble old fellow actually brandished
his knife in threatening manner at the
newspaper man, who had found his hut
after two hours wandering in the dismal
swamp, but suddenly thought of another
way OF Kidding himself of his visitor. II
was 10 O'Clock, but old Doc Kimball was
Just preparing b. eakfast. The smoke from
the dilapidated stove was blowing towards
the Investigator. Suddenly the old man
threw a quantity of damp grass and rub
bish on the fire, and there was smoke and
= smudge that the gardens of Gehenna could
not have surpassed. The reporter, however,
stood his ground and in time the hermit
again became visible. He was frying q
slice Of pork, while tin pail evidently con-
tanning coffee was boiling on one side of the
stove and similar vessel filed with rice en-
the other. It was not necessary for him to
get ont Of his broken chair. Everything be
possessed was within easy reach. de began
his meal by cutting slice off q loaf OF
bakers bread, which he spread with the
dzippings from the pork. Ope luxury be
enjoyed besides his coffee. It was sugar
Out Of wooden bag he scooped it by the
tablespoonful and brought his toothless jaw
down on it with look of supreme salts.
faction.
A clear view of old Doc Kimball made il
evident that he never washes. dirtiel
specimen Of the race never lived. His face
his clothes, his banda, even the scrawny
beard and scanty locks that should be
white are one monotonous brown. He ii
the color Of the hole be sleeps in, from TOP
TO toe. His clothing il simple, consisting
Of two paiss OF pantaloons. ono over the
Other. and tyo coats, similarly worn. The
holes ass s11lsiently large and u1mssous "a