Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1890-10-17


never pans out why we will starve to-
gether, that's ALL"
And so it came about that the unprofit-
able mine was worked with redoubled
vigor, and as industry usually brings a
commensurate reward the finances Of the
firm slowly improved, and gradually little
additions were made to the furniture of the
/ shanty on the pine Swallowed slope, and
finally the shanty itself was replaced by a
larger and better one.
Not that Cobb and Brundige were be-
coming wealthy or above the necessity of
daily toll On the contrary, they worked
harder than ever rarely allowing them
selves the luxury ola days hunt. And slim
ulated out of his old loafing habits 10y the
example set by the junior member of the
firm the diminutive "senior" even began
to growl at the necessary delays incidental
to the preparation of meals.
"Six hours out'n the twenty-four spent
a-frying slapjacks and sowbelly," hewould
growl angrily. mo wonder we can't get
no more ore on the dump! Oh, you can
GRIM
at was only a smile of enjoyment due to
this delicious coffee" Brundge would de-
precatingly remark. "By the way, Andy,
what's the matter with hiring us hay
then Chinee' as grub slinger"
ooh, yessee. Me likee billed lats. Him
belize good Club" sneered Andy, with
happy mimicry of the Celestian sang froid
"Durn Chinaman, l say!'
Il tell We, my son." Cobb placidly re-
marked one morning as the partners of the
Busted Hopes" sat down to discuss their
frugal meal, this here ALFRED way of
eternally trottin' around town with burnt
fingers, greasy breeches an flour all over
my bloomin' countenance has got to stop.
That's what it has! Jest look at OF Andy
right now-pla,tered with batter an spat-
tered with bacon fat an bean soup! Amt
a picture
Get yourself IN apron advised Ed.
Il amt exclaimed Cobb, with startling
decision AN apron an dress; yes, Il
biz mother hubbard: that's what! Oh,
yes, I'm goin' ter git EN-. An I'll git me
a sun bonnet an a polynce an some but
toned shoes an lace collar foot high;
an'-yes, by soshen!-I'll git Inc some one
to wear EN-, too''
Having relieved his mind by this little
outburst the miner quietly assaulted the
ham and eggs, coyertly watching his com
panion meantime
Going to hire lady cook, eh?' inquired
Ed carelessly. NV ont you find that an
expensive luxury, and besides difficult to
secure out here in the wilds!'
TOO much soda in these biscuits, grum-
bled Andy, IAN the eggs are burnt an
the ham cut too thin. That's allus the
way when fool man tries ter cook. Ed,
any lad, I'm goin' to commit allymony."
"What?"
yes, | am, sure as-as eggs. You
wouldn't think it ter look at me, but I'm
jest as good rs IA married man right now.
Brundige had grown too well acquainted
with s:..pii,.s Of all kinds to express any
emotion at this But Cobb noticed with
panied interest that his friend refused or
neglected to offer the congratulations
usually rendered upon such occasions and
, that there was Il troubled look shining in
the blue orIs gazing so yacantlv out at the
open doorway.
Rising under the weak pretense of at.
, tending to something upon the hearth
great hearted ANDY. half remorseful in the
midst of his happy anticipations, sidled
around H. table and of sudden laid one
, hip1vnv hand tendcrlV on his friend.