The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-30


| The youth was bright and had little restraint
placed upon his actions. At college, he formed
| the runous habit of gambling, and later fol-
| lowed the races. He soon was in debt for
| almost as much rs he possessed.
When these facts had como to the guardian s
knowledge, he had used his strongest influence
| to reclaim young Perry, and for time he did
| break away from those bad habits. He loved
Winnie Arlington, his guardians only dauah-
| ter, and it was his greatest desire to make her
his wife. But the father refused his consent to
the match until Perry had wholly redeemed
himself. Hotheaded and impulsive, and smart
ing under the chastisement OF his guardian,
the young fellow had gone to some of his old,
reckless associates for advice The result was
he returned to gambling and spent his last
cent then Mr. Arlington had driven him from
his home.
Too late to save his fortune, viii Perry saw
the utter foolishness of his course. His eyes
shed their scales. He saw how unworthy he
was of any pure girls love. Wild with self
loathng, he had left Chicago and drifted to the
remote West. Here lie had met Big Dan, and
rough though his companionship was, under
the influence Of his honest, wholesome charac-
ter Perry resolved to be a man, though he
must never hope to win sweet Winnie Arling-
ton.
And she's here at Rocky Camp, and her
father has become my partner in The Giant"
he unused to himself. 1t seems like the irony
of fate Shall / run away? No; I'll face
them, and be a man again in spite of my folly"
The Fourth of July opened early down on
Flat Fork. A platform had boon erected III
group of trees from which floated one large
dag and innumerable small ones-our beautiful
Stars and Stripes.
Never had such patriotic display been seen
among those rugged canyons of the Rockies.
and miners with their families, came for miles
to witness the celebration at Rocky Camp.
The singing of America" opened the exer-
cises of the day. Winnie Arlington led the
National Hymn in clear soprano voice. She
turned a little pale when she caught sight OF
VIII Perrys handsome face back of the crowd
at one end of the platform, but she did not
fater, while some of the miners loaned their
deep, bass tones to swell the grand patriotic
words:
my country, tits of thee.
Sweet land of liberty
Of thee sing"
The lame preacher from Four Mile followed
with an earnest little prayer; then Mary
Woods read, with good articulation, tho Decia-
ration of Independence. There was a great
hush when the orator of the day, pale but
calm. was led upon the platform by Doc john
son and Big Dan. Tho Mayor" looking very
happy in new snit that fitted him somewhat
tightly, introduced the speaker
Will Perry's orat0rical talents had been
much praised in his college days, but could his
old professor have heard his Fourth ofJuly ora
ton on that occasion he would have sat or stood
spelhound. and, it might have been, OPEN
mouthed, as many of those inhabitants of
Rocky Camp did. They had never heard such
a speech before. and were simply amazed at the
patriotic utterances that flowed from the
speakers lips.
"Why. pard!" said Big Dan, grasping his
hand as Perry descended from the platform,
yer naturalborn orator, an Rocky Camps
plumb proud O. yer"
1t was happy moment for the successful
orator when Mr.. Arlington and Winnie pressed
forward to congratulate him.
1t was aspeech that Congress ought to have
heard" said Mr. Arlington, securing Willis
hand while tears shone in his fine old eyes.
" 1t was the very essence of patriotism YoR
are my own boy again, and your old place in
my home is open to receive you back"
Yes, Will" seconded Winnie, with pretty
blush, and l hope you won't have the heart
to refuse the vacancy"
Her tone was low. but loud enough for Wills
ears. Ho could not say word, but the press
ure of the hand given both father and daughter
was assurance that he had accepted their adj
vanccs towards reconciliation
As they walked toward the platform to assist
at tho public nuptials of Big Dan Henley and
Mary Woods. both smiling hint of their joy,
Doc Johnson remarked to Slim Hobson
See Their! Them buttercup tresses hev
caught our orator, an tripped up his heart
already. WAL, as ] said, patriotism an' found
in happy homes air inseparable consarns." =