The Opelousas courier., 1894-06-02

1H% '' &. brain wa.
XIV quick though his
physical movements were slow, and he
was strong as a beast. His record was
that Of tin-horn gambler and all-round
thief. Added to this he bore the repu-
tation of having been run out of Lead
vile for horse stealing, and having es-
capped from "reminiscences ready-made
justice, charged with q like offense.
Thus he came to the mining camp ly-
ing in a pretty basin under the shadow
of old King Solomon, one of the
grandest mountains of Southern Coll
orado. :,
Nine-tenths of the population had
departed before the first storm had
come, as was the custom in new camps
in the early days before the railroads
had broadened the trails and opened
the passes through the Rocky Noun
tains. Only about one hundred men
and women remained in camp that
winter, and they had little else to do
than amuse themselves. They were
law-abiding and had little use for
peace officers. So the town and county
officials took their usual vacation with
others who did not feel like facing the
rigid winter which was predicted.
Saddle oss Pete did not go out
with the majority. He usually formed.
a minority-of one. But he was not
disappointed at their leaving him. He
thought he would be able to stand it
for one season. But Paymaster Bill
and Big Frank, who seemed to be
looked upon as guardians of the affairs
of the camp, plainly told him that he
must go out-that the penalty of his
return would be sudden death. So
Saddle-H oss Pete departed before the
second storm had come-whither no.
body knew.
Parson Tom had come to the camp
in the previous spring and had made a
good impressions on his own kind eof
people, though the present remaining
population knew little of him, and did
not care whether he remained or not.
Noneof them were church-going pao-
pie. But as the parson said he had
no idea of preaching, nobody objected
to- his staying in camp. He gave o
reason for staying that in case of death
his service would be needed. Beyond
that he would not intrude. his Offices.
The extreme length of the winter
had led Paymaster Bill to inquire into
the parsons finances; and, learning
that there was q probability Of bis
running short before his Practitioners
should return, Bill proposed TO the
men in the camp that purse be raised.
His suggestion was acted upon, and
Paynaster Bill himself presented the
hatful of money, accompanying the
presentation with an appropriate ex-
tempore speech, in which he advised
Parson Tom of the appreciation Of the
donors. 81.
ParsonI Tom declared he could not
accept the money unless he shchid
have an opportunity to earn it..
..But we don't none of us want ter
de-" objected Bin.s.iist ter give ye a
chance ter earn the money. We'd
ruther pay ye terrpffay fer our con.
tinued good health, list as we drinks
ter your good hSaltA wen we makes
up that purse"
ParsonT Tom Laughed, and said he had
no desire foE=the d9n1ise of any one,
butmerely Fanted toAEige them come
return for the money.
That.night Harspn Hpf4 appeared in
Big FrankbFBaldoH, Fhsrd tka entire
male popghsahif ah ~ssdeAypring to
breaketheFbank. hsvingsefea1Sd up the
Corner salobn early inathe eySSning.
The appearance of tles ptarsoasreated
. iutter, and one or tw9sdperstitious
players lost every bet they made for
the balance, of the deal. When the end
Of the deal had been reached, the psr-
son asked their attention for i few
minuets, and, mounting the p1stform
which held the lookout chair, he
thanked them kindly for their gener-
Gus donation, and said it they would
come TO the little school-house On Sun
day evening for q half hour he would
endeavor rs entertain them without
preaching q sermon. He declared that
he could not accept their money with
out earning il.
Upon entering his csbiny Rsrson
Tom stirred the fire, thinking of his
visit, and, after sitting by its warmth
till he had thaweG himself, he went to
his trunk, which held his treasure, to
look at the little hoard Of gold and
silver which these rough men Of the
mountains had so kindly donated.
It was not there Perhaps, Hi his
excitement at his good fortune, he had
hidden it from himself and forgotten
the hiding place. Buts no. it was not
in the cabin
The pafson was troubled. He could
not believe That any Of the men who
had been 80 kind to him would be
guilty Of robbery. And ystfhemoney
Was sgene. IA Theflongs pucksKinataE, il
which he kept his .money.and Ehich
bore his am worked in silken thread,
he 1oand Behind The trunk.
when he metPsymaster Bill on the
aollnwiag morning, III hdeHEiohed his
loss. Bill svaHaHtonished He did not
believe that any man in the camp was
mdan enough 70 steal, tsatany rate, not
~ rsrson s:money.
money was told about the camp, and,
while it was . mystery to come, the
more irreYerent smiled and said they