Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-08-22


In the Exploded Anticipations' from this
day on. iii give you your own pricc-when
dig it out Of the mine-and if the claim
never pans out why we will starvc to.
gether, that's all.
And SO it came about that the unproht
able mine was worked with rcdoubled
vigor, and as industry usually brings n
commensurate reward the finances Of the
firm slowly improved, md gradually little
additions were mndc 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 Brundgc were be
coming wealthy or above the necessity Of
daily toll. On the contrary, they worked
harder than e-er, rarely allowing them
selves the luxury of II days hunt. And slim
ulated out Of his old loafng habits by the
example set by the junior member Of the
firm the diminutivc 'scniOl" even began
TO growl at the necessary delays incidental
to the preparation Of meals.
"Six hours out'n the twenty-four spent
a-frying slapjacIs and sowbcllv.n hawould
growl angriy. "No wonder we can't get
no more ore on the dump! Oh, you can
grim
"ft was only "A smile of enjoyment due to
this delicious coffee" Brundige would dc.
prccatingly remark. "By the way, Andy,
what's the matter with hiring us a hay
then Chinee' as Il grub slingcr?'
"Oh, yessee! Ne likeo billed lats. Him
belize good Club" snecred Andy, with a
happy mimicry Of the Celestian sang froid.
"Durn Chinaman, sayN'
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 brooches an uour all over
my bloomu' countenance has got to stop.
That's what it has, jest look at oil Andy
right now-plastercd with batter an spat-
tered with bacon fat an bean soup Amt
pictur:'
Get yourself an apron advised Ed
II ann exclaimed Cobb, with startling
decision. An apron an dress; yes. n
big mother hubbArd;' that's what Oh,
yes, I'm gon' ter git 'em. An I'll git me
sun bonnet an "A polynee an some but
toned shoes an lace collar foot high;
an'-ycs by goshen!-I'll git me some one
to wear en-, tGo,'
Having relieved his mind by this little
outburst the miner quietly assaulted thc
ham and eggs, coyert!y watching his com.
paniou meantime.
"Goinc to hire lady cook. en-" inquired
Ed carelcssly "Won't you fud That an
expensive luxury, and besides difficult to
secure out here in the wilds?'
"Too much soda in these Biscuits Grum-
blcd Andy, an the eggs are burnt an
the ham cut too thin That's allu5 the
way when "A fool man tries ter cook. Id,
my lad I'm &oin' to commit allynony.'
"What:'
"Ycs, | am, sure as-as eggs, Nou
wouldn't think it ter look ut me- but Im
jest a. good rs a married man right now.
Brundige had grown too well acquainted
with surprises Of all kinds to express any
emotion at this But Cobb noticed with
pinned interest that his friend refused on
neglected to offer the congratulations
usually rendered upon such occasions and
that there was troubled look shining in
the blue orbs gazing so vacantly out ut the
open doorway.
Rising under the weak prctcnse of at
tending to something upon the hearth
great hearted Andy, half remoracful in the
midst Of his happy anticipa'ione, sidled
around the table and OF n sudden laid one
biawny hand tcnderly on his friends
shoulder.
at Was all along OF my sickness, ol boy,
an hayin' you here Waitin' on me like 4
paby an KNOWN that if you was to 80 an
lave me alone, all alone NJ in, - he Ialtered
and tears shone in his usually laughing
eyes.
Not that I'd ever thought of sech 8
thing if I'd knoWed you'd have scercd,' be
went on, deprecatingly. Thinks |. with d
dear little woman in the shauty ter keeI
everything straight, it'll seem more like
. To- -. l.