The age-herald., 1898-03-06

ing in 8 few hours from the town to the hills-the news that Pete was back without his man; the joke was on the boys, the drinks were on the town for he had brought back a wife. If it had been any other man but the mayorl Gossip was verified by fact, as the long string of cit izens filed into the hotel and then out or 1t, after having scanned the consumptive dirty register with it's last inscription, Peter Lonergan and wife, Ashcroft, Col
 Now the hearty good feeling every man entertained for. the mayor came promptly to the surface, and that afternoon com mttee was formed to give Pete and hs woman ball at the hotel, and spare no expense. A team was sent to Aspen for the music, and two of the committee were ordered to hustle up the finest grub that ever had been laid out as spread in Ashcroft Everything was to be conducted secretly and the ball would have been great surprise had 1t not been for the pro- prietor of the St. Elmo who appreciated the fact that Pete and his wife had had long journey from the east and twelve mile stage drive that morning and might need a rest before the ball. Accordingly he took Pete aside and said:
 Mayor, you've got the joke on the boys and they hold up their hands, but between us they are getting up ball in your honor that is for you and your wife-and they are going to do the thing in shape. They sent to Aspen for the music and are round- ing up every store in camp for expensive grub. The ball will begin about to- night, just as soon as we can have supper and clear the room. and mayor, there was some talk of sticking each boy dollar at the door to buy one of those parlor organs for the misses. I thought I would give you tip to let you know their game, but don't give it away to the boys, please"
 "Well, it's pretty decent of the boys, but I'm afraid the misses is tired out. As to the dollar, won't stand that, throw open your doors and if there Is any charge to the business, give me the bill
 That night was an eventful one in the history of Ashcroft and one never to be forgotten by Pete. About 8 o'clock a com mittee of four visited the mayor, two min CTS and their wives. They told him ball given in his honor would open at o'clock and that their wives would do the intro ducin'." Pete tried hard to look sur prised but 1t was clear acting. However the miners were too excited to notice any thing of this. At o'clock Ashcroft was still in a hustle. The hotel dining room had been cleared of it's tables, and at one end of it stood Pete, his little wife, and two of the finest ladies in town with them The music, two violins and cornet had opened the ball. Yet not a soul had ar rived
 Pete had been waiting impatiently for three minutes, uncomfortable in his new clothes and now he was chafing at what looked to him like a hitch in the affair. Suddenly the swinging doors leading to the bar room were thrown open and Left, left, left, right, left came from Ben Sowle, who with a new broom over h.s shoulder led thirty stalwart miners, in military style, down the room, then right wheeled and around several times
 There were miners of all conditions and men who were no miners at all One was a lonesome Indian who had been invited in and who came, gun and all! They f,o f,o1+ hnfn tIo hri1 1oJ party, each man carrying bundle of something of practical household use, from a sack of flour and bacon to the kitchen utensils. In the center of the party was a baby burro with it's miniature pack saddle piled two feet high above it's back, repre- senting the "Grug stake." The last man in the line drew by string a tiny cradle, made of a cigar box, and 1t was the possi- ble admission of this litt.e present that had caused the delay. Some of the boys at the meeting in the bar room thought that the woman would understand the spirit in which they gave it and others argued that she would not.
 At last old man Warrington, who had known Pete for years, rapped on the bar and said: "Boys, I've sized that woman up and she's no fool. Pete can explain our western ways to her and you can bet your life he ain't the man to marry stuck-up girl" And that ended it. the last man drew in by cord the result of his handi- work. When the line halted and raced Pete and his wife, Sowle advanced a step and brought his broom to present arms, and delivered the speech of the evening.
 MT. and Mrs Lonergan, we, represent ing the citizens of Ashcroft, consider the detective work of Pete Lonergan went to Missouri for, gerat strike, and that 1t has resulted in a credit to the camp. We think. though, he might have given his old friends a tip and not have deprived us until this late hour of the chance to honor this great event in manner more fitting As the wife of Lonergan you are welcome to this camp, and every boy Tn this outfit has 0 warm spot for you under his vest If the little things we have brought here tonight will be of any service to you both, we will be mighty pleased. We only ask that you will use all or them."
 At this moment the boys smiled and dropped their bundles to applaud and em- phasize the remarks of their spokesman. The little burro, as if to strengthen their sincerity, walked to the end of his rope and stretched his woolly head towards Pete.
 The mayor came forward step, and, while playing with the ears of the beast cleared his throat several times ana eoughed Then he started his response:
 'Boys, I'm not much for speakin', but Pm no slouch thinkin'. I don't know how to thank you for this ball and all tnis useful outfit but do feel blame grateful boys, we both do--now let's dance and l promise you we'll use every darned present you've brought us.
 Then the men filed up in line and met Mrs. Lonergan and danced with her. In the small hours of the morning, tables were brought in and supper served Every delicacy the boys had been able to procure at such short notice was there, and In the center of the table rose the bridal cake with it's two sugared figures It was day break when the ball was over and all the boys agreed as the last drink was taken, that Pete had struck great luck And so 1t proved.
 Mayor Lonergans wife was worshiped by the boys before she had been month in camp She was delicate little lady with a low voice and modest manners. She had been brought up in comfortable home in Missouri, yet she grooved into the life of Ashcroft as if she had been designed for it. If a miner was hurt it was Mrs Lonergan who looked after him and his wounds; if one of the boys was hard up and needed help, it was Mrs. Lonergan who found it out and sent Pete to his aid. Thus it was that the quiet little woman won the love and respect of the miners of Ash