The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-08-02
LOVE IN SLEEPY CAMP,

1t was too hot for work in "Sleepy
Camp" so nearly all the men had given
it up for the day and lounged into Zeb's
saloon to have a smoke and a drink.
Though it was getting we'll on in the
afternoon the sun was still blazing no,
and there wasn't breath of air to move
the red dust. In little shanty, not far
from the saloon, sat two young diggers,
both tall, well-built men. but one hand
some, the other ugly-hence their nick
names, Bob the Beauty and Ugly Sam.
Sam sat in the corner near the window,
through which could be family heard the
laughing and singing at Zeb's; Bob sat
on the table, swinging his legs.
Its treat to git out O that scorchin'
sum-" said Ugly, pulling pipe out of his
pocket and knocking the ash on the floor.
EYES," agreed the Beauty, stretching
his arms and yawning fearfully.
We've had grand day, haven't we.
Beauty?' asked Sam, striking match
on his boot
YES" answered Bob, shutting his big
mouth with a snap.
"You seem to take it awful quiet-you
don't seem to grasp that we've two
pards-have found the biggest nugget
ever dug up in Sleepy Camp"
ooh, yes, do replied Bob, kicking so
hard at the table leg that it seemed more
than likely the rickety old thing would
give way.
Lets have another look at it!''
So saying, Sam jumped to his feet and
took key out of his pocket, crossed to a
large chest that was standing up against
the wall, fitted it in the lock and threw
back the lid with a bang.
1t was nugget goodness knows how
much it was worth.
Isn't it grand?'' cried Sam. falling on
with his hand.
Il should say it was" said Bob, slip
ping off the table to have a look over
Ugly's head.
''Another find hc!f as big as that, and
we're made -er llfe,' and Sam closed the
lid and locked it, putting the key careful
~ back into his pocket.
Bob crossed to the table and took I'D
his former position. IS:
ours has turned out a trump of 'er
claim" he said.
Sam nodded his head and replied:
"Rather!'
"What'li yer do when yer have enough
give up work?'' asked Bob.
Il might think O. doing So" answered
Sam. relightin$ his pipe
might git married, eh?'
Maybe"
Bob slipped down off the table once
more and went to the door-opened it and
looked out. Two or three miners were
passing on their way to their shanties;
they greeted him with Good evening,
Beauty and walked on. Bob kicked
who was still putting at his pipe.
Look here, Ugly said Bob: "it's
no good us two goin' on like this, is it %
No. replied Sam, rising from his seat.
whats ter be done?''
Sam shook his head.
",Bout Lii. l mean," explained Bob
Il know what yer mean, Beauty "
if thinking.
WHO does she like the best O. us
two?" asked Bob
:, Cant :; say-the one she's talkin' to at
Look here, Ugly" said Bob, Twelve
always been good pals, we've not had
rows like Hachett and Black George,
and it's pity we should start now, cspe-
cially bout a woman
Yer. Yer right enough there agreed Sam.
''Now, we both love Lil,'' continued
Bob, and there was a perceptible catch
in his voice at the word ''love,'' land
We think she cares fey us both jist about
the same"
well, if one were to go, the one left
would most probably have 'er-eh %
YES from Sam, with a nod of the
head
''Whc's to go?' asked Bob.
The two men looked at each other
there was silence for a moment except
for the distant laughing-then Sam felt
IN MS pocket for something and said:
Yer see this dollar piece? We'll +
may sound bit wrong to spin for her'
but listen. Beauty; one Ut us two has ter
go. III throw this coin up, You call. and
if yer right I'll pack, but if yer wrong
Bob bit his lips.
lis it go:" asked Sam.
And tbs one that goes, does he take
He takes i t6at.' "Sa ansvered Sam ,>o;n.
ing to the chest. "Ir yer call right ver
have Lil-and / take the nugget. but if
wrong yer e, with the nugget and stay
1t seems a bit frrny-"
But, interrupted the other. Its 2
way out of the. wood; if we both stoy
there'll be shootin'''
drew long BREATH ' We nas st;cK nv B 500
spin Of that there dollar.''
I'VE will. Shall throw?' asked Sam
quietly. ~" ~
YES" came from Bob in the some
tone.
Call while it's high" said Sam. and
up it went-spinning round and round in
the air.
"Womenv' cried Bob.
Down it came with a ring on the floor
and rolled into a corner of the room.
See what it is" said Sam.
Bob crossed hesitatingly and peered
down into the corner.
IT'S heads he cried, I've lost"
"And I've won," cried Sam. rnshin,
over to the place and picking ID the dol
lar, my dear old lucky coin,* and he
put it to his lips and kissed it-then went
to Bob who was looking out of the win
dow. W."
Shaker he said, holding out his hand
R2e t9rn ed and nd took t. gripping hard
"Yes-that's right enough" replied Bob