Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-12-24

Robert Wharton had been living for
three months in the Colorado mining
town to which he had gone after his
matrimonial disaster. In those free
and easy days it required only resi-
lence of three months to secure di-
orce, and he knew we'll enough that
there would be no opposition 10 the
proceedings, which We're soon TO come
up in court
For time the young man had found
the excitement of the mining camp
very entertaining, and he was enabled to
drown the remorse that WAS tugging at his
heart Frequent affectionate and lively
letters from his mother also aided tC
keep up his spirits. He had been cor
daily received by his Uncle Jim.
jim Robinson, who was Mrs. Whar.
tons only brother, had been a college
and club man i'll his day. lie had,
however. like thousands of others. ,ie
serted civilization for the life of
miner Jim Robinson was a character
of the camp. "Old jim he was called.
His knowledge of miueralogy had made
him invaluable as an expert. He WAS a
strange. lonely man. His cabin Was
apart from the rest OF the camp, Oh
ridge overlooking the gorge, and was
substantially built of logs, with great
stone chimney. The interior was one
big room. hoorless, and few blankets
OF bcarskins thrown over logs or boxes
constituted the only furniture. There
were few articles of brio -a-hrac ii
strange contrast to the rude surround
ing, showing an innate love for the
beautiful that must find something on
which to feed its gaze
Come, boy. what's the matter ?"
asked Jim Robinson grut1iy OF his
nephew, as he lay ON a floor before the
blazing fire in the stone fireplace, with
his head resting against one of the
primitive seats of his esta blishment.
"Iou'vc been in the dumps now foi
nearly week, and can't see that there
are any signs of a cure.
.'Nothing's the matter, muttered the
young man, who sat with his chin rest
ing ON his hand.
well, that won't go down with me,
growIed Jim. There is something the
matter, and I'll bet my gun 1 can put
my finger on it.
The Young man did not reply.
See here, Bob, my boy" continued
the elder man, you're thinking of that
little woman ont East you treated SO
rascally. You are just beginning to
realize what a shabby trick you played
her
Now look here, Uncle Jim," said
Robert looking up, do you mean to re
fleet ON mother?"
No, Bob, | don't, was the reply.
Your mother is one of the best women
in the world. There is, however, in some
good women's natures, and my dear
sister is one of them, a something that
is akin to tiendishness in their treat
ment of other women whom they do not
happen to fancy. That is a sociological
fact that has puzzled philosophers since
the dawn of history. Your mother
means the best by you, but her best is
to make of you dog that any honest
man ought to feel like kicking.
Robert Wharton jumped to his feet,
and his eyes blazed for moment, but
the gruff but not unkindly laugh of the
5talwart man on the floor caused him to
sit down again.
Now, my boy continued Uncle
Jim, plain words are best. l have
only said openly what you have said
to yourself hundred times. Do you
think have had no exl ecience of life :?
What do you suppo,e | am living here
for like wolf in his den ? Let Inc tell
you a secret, boy, and let it be between
you and only forever and ever. Do
YOU agree p
Why yes, Uncle jim, said Pohert,
gazing up in startled way at he Sc
.ious tone in which he had h' al
dressed.
We'll, | once made the mista ,, nat
w. GA