Gilpin observer., 1902-02-20


mo wonder you prefer to remain
single with such coy bachelor apart
monts!" exclaimed Tom Silsby, as he
surveyed Herbert Halls domain with
feeling akin to envy. with 80
sumptuously furnished and interesting
home, you would be fool to plunge
Int the uncertain waters of matri-
moAy. You know what the modern
philosopher says, "Whera singleness is
bliss, It's folly to take wives!"
You are mistaken" he said. This
life Of singleness is inexpressibly lone
ly. These baubles do not content me.
I would exchange them all for a mod
Dot nat II l could share that with the
one woman Of my dreams"
Tom opened his eyes in surprise.
He had never before suspected senti-
mentality in his practical friend.
well. why don't you capture the
Eirl!" he asked.
Because she exists in my dreams
only"
He seemed unwilling to continue the
subject and Tom resumed his scrutiny
Of the walls.
This elk's head is particularly
incl" he said. 90.
yes. shot that animal in Colorado
last winter. This panther rug is a
trophy Of the same chase. That bowie
knife was given to me by Mod In
Han in New Mexico. 1t Is dyed with
The blood Of man who sought my
NE for the money l had about me.
! I'll tell you the story some day"
Tom gazed with manifest delight at
his friend, who doomed up as a hero
before his eyes.
BY Jove!" he cried enthusiastically
you have had adventures"
Eyes, few" asserted Herbert.
"Hello!" exclaimed Tom presently.
What's this? A glove. l declare.
Was this the gift OF some Indian
maiden. or don't the aborigines wear
AN kids?"
That" replied Herbert. SIS trophy
X . different kinda remembrance OF
ny only adventure worthy Of the
naNe!"
do you mind telling me about it,"
Not at all; but you may not find it
interesting. That glove belongs to the
Iady Of my dreams; the fair one for
whose sake am still bachelor
Il promise to be an attentive listen
r." said Tom. as he lit a fresh cigar
site. Fire away"
Three years ago." he began YEARLY,
I happened to be in San Francisco on
business connected with some mining
claims. was thirty-five years Of age
md still impressionable. was eager
20 marry. but the girl after my heart
had not yet presented herself to my
aotice. One day l boarded a trolley
Tar for a ride to Sutro Park, and was
loon engrossed in my paper. Hap
oening to look up l saw in the seat op-
posite a girl of such beauty and grace
hat I became transfxed. My paper
dropped from my hands, and I could
10 nothing but gaze at her. You may
Augh at me IL you will, but from the
instant I beheld her 1 knew my doom
vas sealed; my heart pierced. She OBJ
served my interest in her and grew
embarrassed as l continued to stare.
I was fascinated. hypnotized! The
girl spoke to an elderly lady sitting at
aer side-her mother. / surmised-and
,trove to appear Indifferent to my
scrutiny. but some power seemed to
attract her to me as l was drawn to
her. Had she been alone I should
nave spoken to her. but her chaperone
made any advance impossible. After
Iome five minutes of mutual staring.
turing which the girl changed color a
IL
oned to her companion and abruptly
eft the car. 1t would be hard to an
llyze my feelings as | sat there alone.
The sun seemed to have been blotted
but of the universe. felt as though
had at last met my affinity. and yet
chided myself for a fool. for harbor-
ing such sentiments towards a total
stranger.
my trip to Sutro Park seemed an
sternity. l walked about under the