The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1894-03-09

-LsISs---b his BRAIN was
quick though his
physical movements were slow, and he
was strong as Il 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 Tombstones ready-made
justice, charged with like ofense.
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 Col
Orado.
Nine-tenths of the population had
departed before the first storm had
come, as was the custom in new camps
i'll 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-Ho Pete did not 90 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 60 out-that the penalty of his
return would be sudden death. SO
Saddle-Hoss 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 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 {
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 hi
running short before his parishioncr
should return, Bill proposed to tn,
men in the camp that purse be raised
His suggestion was acted upon, ant
Paymaster Bill himself presented tn
hatful of money, accompanying tn
presentation with an appropriate ex
tempore speech, in which he advised
Parson Tom of the appreciation of tn
donors.
Parson Tom declared he could no
accept the money unless he shout
have an opportunity to earn it.
'But we don't none of us want te
die, " objected Bill, 'jist ter give we
chance ter earn the money. We
ruther pay ye ter pray fer our con
tinued good health, iist as we drink
ter your good health wen we make
up that purse. "
Parson Tom laughed, and said he hs
! no desire for the demise of any on,
but merely wanted to give them son
return for the money.
That night Person Tom appeared
Big Frank saloon, where the entil
male population was endeavoring
/ break the bank, having cleaned up ii
Corner saloon early in the evening.
The appearance of the parson create
o futter, and one or two superstitio,
) players lost every bet they made f.
= the balance of the deal. When the Ell
, of the deal had been reached, the pa
son asked their attention for fC
minues, and, mounting the platfor
which held the lookout chair,
{ thanked them kindly for their gene
Q Gus donation, and said if they won
, come to the little school-house on Su
day evening for a hnlf.hour he won
1 endeavor to entertain them witho
. preaching a sermon. He declared til
he could not accept their money wit
out earning it.