The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1902-01-18
LOVE IN SLEEPY CAMP.

YyVYVv.vv.VvvVVX
1t was too hot for work in Sleepy
Camp" SO nearly all the men had
given 1t up for the day and lounged
into Zebs saloon TO have smoke and
a drink.
Though it was getting well on in the
afternoon the sun was still blazing hot
and there wasn't breath of air to
move the red dust. II little shanty,
not far from the saloon, sat two young
diggers, both tall, well-built men, but
one handsome, the other ugly-hence
their nicknames, Bob the Beauty and
Ugly Sam. Sam sat in the corner near
the window, through which could be
family heard the laughing and sing
ing at Zebs: Bob sat on the table,
swinging his legs.
Its a treat to git out O. that scorch-
in sum-" said Ugly, pulling pipe out
OF his pocket, and knocking the ash
on the floor.
Yes" agreed Beauty. stretching
his arms and yawring 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 1t awful quiet
you don't seem to grasp that we've
two pards-have found the biggest
nugget ever dug up in Sleepy Camp p"
"Oh, yes, do" replied Bob, kicking
30 hard at the table leg that it seemed
more than likely the rickety old thing
would give away.
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
1t in the lock and threw back the lid
with bank.
II was a nugget-goodness knows
how much it was worth.
isn't it grand" cried Sam. falling
on his knees and patting it affection.
ately with his hand.
II should just say it was" said Bob
slipping off the table TO have look
over Ugly's head.
Another find half as big as that
and we're made fer life" and Sam
closed the lid and locked it, putting
the key carefully back into his pocket
Bob crossed to the table and tool
up his former position.
ours has turned out trump o.
'er claim" he said.
Sam nodded his head and replied:
Rather"
"Whatll yer do when yer have
enough-give up work." asked Bob.
Il might think O. dom So" answere:
Sam. relighting his pipe.
might git married, eh?"
Maybe"
Bob slipped down of the table ono,
more and went to the door-opene'
It and looked out. Two or three M
ners were passing on their way t
their shanties; they greeted him wit
Good evening. Beauty" and walke
on. Bob kicked the door to and strod
across to Sam, who was still putin
ut his pipe.
Look here, Ugly" said Bob; at
no good us two goin' on like this,
it,"
NO." replied Sam. rising from h;
seat.
What's ter be done?"
Sam shook his head.
bout Lii. mean" explained Boil
II know what yer mean, Beauty,
and Sam looked intently at the floc
as II thinking.
who does she like the best o. L
two?" asked Bob.
Cant say-the one she's takin'
at the time, I guess"
Look here. Ugly" said Bob. ''we'y
always been good pals. we've not he
rows like Hackett and Black Georg
and it's a pity we should start nov
especially bout a woman
"Yer right enough there" agree
Sam.
Now, we both love ILL.," continue
Bob, and there was perceptible cate
In his voice at the word love-" 'ar
we think she cares fer US both il
the same"
Eyes"
well. II one were to go, the one lie
would most probably have er-eh?"
YES" from Sam, with q nod of Il
head.
who's to go?" asked Bob.
The two men looked at each other
there was silence for a moment exec
for the distant laughing-then Sa
felt In his pocket for something al
said:
"Yer see this dollar piece? We
It may sound bit wrong to spin I
her, but listen, Beauty, one of us t.
has ter go. I'll throw this coin U
you call, and If yer right I'll pat
but II yer wrong I'll stay"
Bob bit his lips.
.Is 1t q go?" asked Sam.
"And the one that goes, does
take his share?" Bob asked.
"He takes that" answered Sa
pointing to the chest. IF yer C
right yer have Lil-and I take
nugget, but IL wrong yer go with I
nugget and stay with the gal"
at seems a bit funny
"But," interrupted the other, ''it's
way out of the wood; if we both 81
there1i be shootin'."
"All right, Ugly, it's bargai
Bob drew q long breath. Wen st
by the spin of that there dollar"
I'VE will. Shall l thrown" ash
Sam quietly.
"Yes," came from Bob in the "a
tone.
"Call while it's high" said Sam,
up 1t went-spinning sound and rot
In the air.
sSurOpopf'' criaa Roh