Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-12

some questions, but only at rare intervals,
so that when it was time to turn in each
had pumped the other nearly dry.
Ernest warmly approved Paul's design to
put girdle around the globe, but said he
had no intention of letting him start until
he had paid the camp a long visit. He ex-
planned that he and his three comrades had
formed partnership to do prospecting
that season and had entered several prom
Using claims, one of which they expected to
sell to Boston syndicate. The fishing in
the mountain streams was good, the hunt
ing was excellent, and If Paul wanted other
exercise he might handle a pick and shovel
on one of their recently acquired pros
poets"
Ernest was royal good fellow and his
partners proved to be a jolly trio, who in
sisted on treating Paul a guest and CIV
ing him the best of everything. despite his
protests. The healthy outdoor existence,
good hours and plain food impaired rich
color to the lads checks and sent the blood
coursing through his veins, that when
the time for leaving arrived he felt strong
enough to surmount any and all obstacles.
1t had been q delightful fortnight. Hunt
ing. fishing and exploring mountain fast
nesses had caused the days to glide by all
too swiftly. so that Paul was reluctant to
leave the camp. But he had determined to
reach the coast before cold weather should
catch him en- route so he manfully resisted
the appeals of his friends to remain longer.
and one bright, crisp morning toward the
LIST of September started down the uail
that assembled to see him off.
In his pocket he carried a letter of intro
ducton to the agent of the stage line at Sill
verton who was brother to Dave Ender-
ley, one of Ernest's partners. Knowing
the state of Paurs finances Dave had sug
gested that he could just well save him
coach fare to Gunnison City, to which
point the stage ran. Paul gladly accepted
the proffered kindness, for he dreaded the
return tramp over the divide, the recol-
lection OF his narrow escape from the bear
being still fresh in his mind.
The agent proved to be all that Dave had
depicted him. and Paul was deadheaded
through to Gunnison, the only expense
being his meals on the road. But even
these were costly, and when he alighted
from the coach at Gunnison City his stock
Of cash reduced to s.. The situation
began to grow serious, but Paul knew that
sooner or later his purse would be emptied,
so he did not borrow trouble.
After registering at the only hotel the
place afforded he scrubbed off some of the
dust and dirt, ate a dubious meal and then
strolled over to what the old-timers called
"New-town," a collection of tents and board
shanties that marked the more recently
settled portion of Gunnison City.
The main street presented an odd appear
ance to the eyes of the observant lad.
Dance halls. hurdy-gurdy saloons, cheap
clothing stores and gambling houses con-
stituted the Substantial buildings, which
consisted of hastily constructed shanties
of dressed lumber that were conspicuous
vailing style of tent architecture.
There was the usual medley of mixed
characters that may be met in all new
camps. Clerks from the states, in feversh
search for riches and with poorer prospects
of getting them than ever before; typical
miners, stage drivers, bullwhackers, gam
blers, loafers and roughs of all descriptions,
with here and there a gaudily dressed fe-
male-the advance guard of her gentler sis
tiers. No wonder Paul was fascinated by
the strange sights: the atmosphere he
breathed fairly teemed with excitement.
A crowd that was constantly passing in
and out of one of the wooden palaces at
tracted his attention, and with boyish curl
osity he strayed inside with the rest A
dance was in progress on the sanded floor,
the bars on either side of the room We're
doing a 1ourishing business. while away at
the rear end a number of gamblers bent
over a green table where a man sat dealing
cards from a polished steel box.
Just Paul approached this corner there
was an excited protest from one of the
players. followed by loud and angry cries Of
profanity. Next instant was heard a sharp
report, and with a fearful groan the dis
putant fell in nerveless heap to the floor,
his late associates hastily scattering in a
dozen different directions.
In the rush Paul was swiftly borne out
doors and before he could fully realize what
had happened he found himself running a
foot race with a strapping young fellow,
who led the way in the direction of old
town" and whose long mustache fluttered
ike the Streamers on masthead as they
breasted the keen night air.
CHAPTER III.
Presently both slackened their speed and
settled into a walk.
Pretty tough experience that" said
Paups companion, with a backward wave
of his hand Mighty glad to get away
with a whole skin, weren't your"
II should think so. 1 had no idea what
sort of a den it was or 1 guess 1 should
have kept out. Nice reception to give a
stranger, isn't it?'
you must expect in these boom towns
where all the scum of civilization is COL
lected; mighty glad I'm going away"
Then you don't live here?'
"Oh, no: my home is in Denver: nv two
partners and l had an offer of plenty of
carpenter work at pretty stiff prices so as
trade was dull at home this summer we