The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1894-02-14

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physical movements were slow, and he
was strong as beast. His record was
that of tinhorn gambler and all-round
thief. Added to this he bore the repu-
tation of having been run ont of Lead
vile for horse stealing, and having es-
capped from Tombstone's ready-made
justice, charged with like offense.
Thus he came to the mining camp ly-
ing in pretty basin under the shadow
of old King Solomon, one of the
grandest mountains of Southern Col
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-sbiding 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.
SaddleHoss Pete did not go out
with the majority. He usually formed
n 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
SaddleHoss Pete departed before the
second storm had whittier no.
body knew
Parson Tom had come to the camp
in the previous spring and had made a
good impression on his own kind of
people, though the present remaining
population knew little of him, and did
not care whether he remained or not.
None of them were church-going peo-
pie. But as the parson said he had
no idea of preaching, nobody objected
to his staying in camp. He gave a
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 probability of his
running short before his parishioners
should return, Bill proposed to the
men in the camp that purse be raised
His suggestion was acted upon, and
Paymaster 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.
Parson Tom declared he could not
accept the money unless he should
have an opportunity to earn it,
"But we don't none of us want teI
die, " objected Bill, ''jist ter give ye
chance ter earn the money. We'd
ruther pay ye ter pray fer our con
tinued good health, iist as we drinks
ter your good health wen We makes
up that purse. "
Parson Tom laughed, and said he had
no desire for the demise of any one,
but merely wanted TO give them some
return for the money.
That night Parson Tom appeared in
Big Franks saloon, where the entire
male population was endeavoring tC
break the bank, having cleaned up the
Corner saloon early in the evening.
The appearance of the parson created
q flutter, and one or two superstition
players lost every bet they made fol
the balance of the deal. When the END
of the deal had been reached, the par
son asked their attention for few
minues, and, mounting the platform
which held the look out chair, h,
thanked them kindly for their gener
GUS donation, and said if they woul(
come TO the little school-house on Sun
day evening for half hour he woulC
endeavor to entertain them without
preaching a sermon. He declared tina
he could not accept their money with
out earning it.
Upon entering his cabin, Parsoi
Tom stirred the fire, thinking of hi
visit, and, after sitting by its warmth
till ne had thawed himself, he went t
his trunk, which held his treasure, L
look at the little hoard of gold an,
silver which these rough men of tn
mountains had so kindly donated.
, II was not therel Perhaps, in hi
excitement at his good fortune, he ha
hidden it from himself and forgotte
the hiding-plaee. But, no, it was nc
in the cabin
= The parson was troubled. He cOul
not believe that any of the men VIII