Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-02-07
PARSON TOM.

Saddle Hoss Pete's record in the min
ing camps Of the San Juan district was
as unsavory as his crouching form was
unsightly and his hoarse voice disagree
able. He was short, thick built man
if man he really was, for he had more
the appearance of a boy-who shutf1ed
about and leered at you with Il devilish
grin which made you feel uneasy in his
presence.
His brain was quick, thous, his phys
ical movements were slow, and he was
strong as beast. His record was that
of tin horn gambler and all round thief.
Added to this he bore the reputation OF
having been run out of Leadville for
horse stealing, and having escaped from
Tombstone s ready made justice, charg-
ed with like offense. Thus he came to
the mining camp lying in pretty basin
under the shadow of old King Solomon,
one of the grandest mountains Of south
ern Colorado.
Nine-tenths of the population had de-
parted 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 mountains.
Only about 100 men and women re-
manned in camp that winter, and they
had little else to do than amuse them
selves. They were law abiding and had
little use for peace officers. So the town
and county officials took their usual va
cation with others who did not feel like
facing the rigid winter which was pre-
dicted.
Saddle Hoss Pete did not go out with
the majority In fact, Pete seldom
acted with the majority. He usually
formed 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 get out-that the penalty Of his re-
turn would be sudden death. So Saddle
Hoss Pete departed before the second
storm had come-whither nobody knew.
Parson Tom had come to the camp in
the previous spring and had made
good impression ON his own kind of peo-
pie, though the present remaining pop
ulation knew little of him and did not
care whether he remained or not. None
of them were churchgoing people. But
as the parson said he had no idea of
preaching nobody objected to his stay
ing in camp. He gave as a reason for
staying that in case of death his serv-
ices 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 a probability of his running
short before his parishioners should re-
turn 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 pres
entation with an appropriate extempore
speech, in which he advised Parson Tom
of the appreciation of the donors.
Parson Tom declared he could not ac-
cept the money unless he should have
an opportunity to earn it.
But we don't none of US want ter
die, - objected Bill, list ter give ye a
chance ter earn the money. We'd ruther
pay ye ter pray fer our continued good
health, jist 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 re-
turn for the money.
That night Parson Tom appeared in
Big Franks saloon, where the entire
male population was endeavoring to
break the bank, having cleaned up the
corner saloon early in the evening.
The appearance of the parson created
futter, and one or two superstitious
players lost every bet they made for the
balance of the deal. When the end Of
the deal had been reached, the parson
asked their attention for few minutes,
and mounting the platform which held
the lookout chair he thanked them kind
ly for their generous donation and said
if they would come to the little school
house on Sunday evening for a half hour
he would endeavor to entertain them
without preaching sermon. He de-
clared that he could not accept their
money without earning 1t.
The invitation was accepted, and the
parson was asked to have a cigar, which
he lighted, while the crowd drank ito
the health of Parson Tom" He bowed
his acknowledgements without further
interruption of the game.
Upon entering his cabin, Parson Tom
stirred the fire, thinking of his visit,
and after sitting by its warmth till he
had thawed 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
1t was rot there! Perhaps in his eX-
citement at his good fortune he had
hidden it from himself and forgotten
the hiding place, But, no, it was not
| in the cabin
The parsCn was troubled. He could
not believe that any of the men who
had been so kind to him would be guilty
of robbery And yet the money was
gone. The long buckskin bag in which
he kept his money and which bore his
name worked in silken thread he found
behind the trunk.
When he met Paymaster Bill on the
following morning, he mentioned his
loss. Bill was astonished. He did not
believe that any man i'll the camp was
mean enough to steal, at any rate, not
parson S money"
The story of the loss Of Parson Tom s
money was told about the camp, and
while it was a mystery to some the
more irreverent smiled and said they
guessed the parson was excited and that
it would turn up all right in time.
On Sunday the sun shone out bright
and clear, and old King Solomon was
as glorious a sight as one might wish to
see. His Biblical namesake in all his
reputcd glory could not have furnished
grander inspiration. But Parson Tom
had promised not to preach. Besides,
he was not quite sure that the incredu-
lity concerning the loss of his money had
entirely disappeared. So he must be
careful what he should say to them that
night.
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