News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1894-07-26
PARSON TOM.
A STORY OF A SOUTHERN COLORADO
MINING CAMP.

a
MINING CAMP.
Saddle-Hoss Pete's record in the
mining camps of the San Juan dis
trict was as unsavory as his crouch
ing form was unsightly and his
hoarse voice disagreeable. He was
short, thick built man-if man he
really was, for he had more the ap-
pearance of a boy-who shuffled about
and leered at you with a devilish grin
which made you feel uneasy in his
presence.
His brain was quick, though his
physical movements were slow, and
he was as strong as a beast. His
record was that of a tin-hOrn gam
bier 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,
charged with like offence. Thus he
came to the mining camp lying in a
pretty basin under the shadow of
old King Solomon, one of the grand
est mountains of southern Colorado.
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 Mountains. Only about one
hundred men and women remained
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 vacation with Others who
did not feel like facing the rigid win
ter which was predicted.
Saddle-Hoss Pete did not go out
with the majority. In fact Pete sell
dom 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 penalty of his return would
be sudden death. So Saddle-H
Pete had 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 people, though the present remain
ing population knew little of him,
and did not care whether heremained
or not. None of them were church
going people. Butas the parson said
he had no idea of preaching, nobody
objected to his staying in camp. He
gave as a reason for staying that in
case of death his services 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 learn
ing that there was a probability of
his running short before his parish
toner's should return, Bill proposed
to the men in the camp that purse
be raised.
His suggestion was acted upon,
and Paymaster Bill himselfpresented
the hatfull of money, accompanying
the presentation with an inappropriate
extempore speech, in which he adj
vised Parson Tom of the apprecia-
tion 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 ter
die" objected Bill, list ter give ye a
chance ter earn the money. We'd
ruther pay ye ter pray fer our con-
tinued good health, jist as We drink
ter your good health when we makes
up that purse"
Parson Tom laughed and said that
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 en-
tire male population was endeavor-
ing to break the bank, having clean
ed up the Corner saloon early in the
evening.