Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-10-20


ton, beyond q statement Of the
identity of the man is necessary. Mills
lived near Rocky Canon, and had often
aroused the people thereabouts Tor
within a radius of twenty-five miles,
to state Of interrogative curiosity
which had never been fully satisfied.
He dwelt alone, in q cabin not worth
describing, because just such cabins
have often been described before.
When he first appeared he had said
nothing as to his origin. A tall, silent
man Of forty years, he went at once
into his chosen field, prospecting, ask"
ing advice, and giving none.
Mills had good eye for leads, and
had been moderately successful, for
several times he had developed claims
until they had begun to assume the
dignity Of mines, had sold them and
moved on. In 1891 he located a claim
that seemed promising, and for weeks
toiled at it single-handed. He was
strong and skillful, and his progress
remarkably rapid, but occasionally he
felt pang of solitude and thought he
ought to secure help, not only for the
forwarding of the work but the sake
Of companionship. One summer day
as this mood was upon him, he heard
a voice at the mouth of the slope mark
ing the spot where he had started into
the side of the mountain.
Hello there" said the voice, may
I come down"
Mills dropped the sledge just then
poised for blow aud turned toward
the patch of light NO" he answered.;
"Pll come up"
AS he walked, curving his long back,
he saw outlined against bit Of sky a
sturdy figure and a head surmounted
by a felt hat, the tapping rim of which
had been secured in front, and from
beneath which there escaped wavy
mass of hair tossed on the breeze. The
miner wondered vaguely why a boy
should be so handsome. Emerging
from the slope he Strengthened himself,
taking a full breath of the sweet noun
tain air. Then he drew from his pocket
pipe and tobacco, filed, lighted, alb
Sorbed a few satisfactory whiffs, and
said slowly: "Well?"
I'm Rube Jackson" said the boy in
return; IAN I'm here for work"
John puffed on. Better come to the
cabin while l yank little grub to-
gather / take It," he added, starting
down the path, that ye're prospectin'
without no stake"
hn 1i1 ,Of Ypdnrcton1 n h,,k
he gave an assent, and started with
Mills, who noticed that the sole of the
visitors shoe Tapped at right angles
with every step. I'll cobble it after
supper" was his comment.
But about a job, you know" the
boy put in, tlmidly, stepping high on
account Of the loose sole.
"Oh, that's all right" answered
Mills; we're hired Didn't tell yeh 2"
And they walked on.
In the evening they grew in meas
ure confidential, although Rube did
most of the talking, as Mills cobbled
the defective shoe into state of use
fulness. Before bedtime Rube had
told of Susie Campbell. She was back
In Missouri, where he himself had been
born and raised"
81 didn't have much money after
father and mother died." he went on,
simply, "and Sue-her father has
pile. I'll bet old man Campbell has
two thousand dollars out on mortgage
right now" He paused to note the
effect; Mills drove another peg, while
Rube laughed nervously. 81 fell in love
with Sue" he continued, but she
wouldn't have 1t; that is" ne corrected,
recognizing the awkwardness of the
expression, "she didn't seem to be in
earnest about 1t. Not like me, any
how. but tin'ly she laughed and said
that If I'd get a fortune she'd marry
me. SO ] struck out West"
Must be a fine gal" said Mills.
"Hope it amt serious. Has she got
any holt on yeh?"
Rube laughed again. 81 wish she
had" was his rejoinder; "but since
came away she hasn't written. Sues
Just tryin me, that's what she's doln'.
It's a way women have. When l so
back with pocketful of money she'll
be ready. Oh, | know what women
are"
John took last stitch In silence, and
held up the reconstructed shoe. Thus
began, between John Mills. miner, and
Rube Jackson. boyish, hopeful tramp,
one of the serene friendships which
last until death. Let the limit not be
placed even there; perhaps, strength
ened and renewed, they last forever.
During the days the pair worked,
speaking little. In the evening they
read and talked. or Mills brought ont