Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-01-03
LOVE In SLEEPY CAMP.
vvvvvv.vv.vvvvv'

wv
Camp" so nearly all the men had
given it up for the day and lounged
into Zeb's saloon to have smoke and
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. In a little shanty,
not far from the saloon, sat two young
diggers, both tall, well-built men, but
one handsome, the other ugly-hence
their nicllnames, 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.
"It's 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 yawning fearfully.
"Weve had grand day, haven't
we, Beauty?" asked Sam, striking a
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"
"Oh, yes, l do" replied Bob, kicking
so 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 a 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 bank.
1t was 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.
Il should just say it was" said Bob,
slipping off the table 10 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 took
up his former position.
ours has turned out trump of
'er claim" he said.
Sam nodded his head and replied:
Rather"
"Whatll yer do when yer have
enough-give up work." asked Bob.
81 might think O. doin So" answered
Sam, relighting 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 mi
ners were passing on their way to
their shanties; they greeted him with
Good evening, Beauty" and walked
on. Bob kicked the door to and strode
across to Sam, who was still putting
at his pipe.
Look here, Ugly" said Bob; cts
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, | mean" explained Bob.
Il know what yer mean Beauty"
and Sam looked intently at the floor
as if thinking.
who does she like the best O. us
two?" asked Bob.
Cant say-the one she's takin' to
at the time I guess"
Look here, Ugly" said Bob, we've
always been good pals, we've not had
rows like Hackett and Black George.
and it's a pity we should start now,
especially bout woman"
Yer right enough there!" agreed
Sam.
Now we both love ILL.," continued
Bob, and there was a porceptible catch
in his voice at the word love" "and
we think she cares fer us both list
the same"
YES"
"Well, if one were to so, the one left
would most probably have 'er-eh?"
yes" from Sam, with nod of the
head
who'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 his pocket for something and
said:
Yer see this dollar piece? Well.
1t may sound a bit wrong to spin tor
her, but listen, Beauty, one of us two
has ter go. I'll throw this coin up,
you call, and if yer right III pack,
but if yer wrong I'll stay"
Bob bit his lips.
SIS it a go?' asked Sam.
'And the one that goes, does he
take his share?" Bob asked.
"He takes that" answered Sam,
pointing to the chest. "If yer call
right yer have Lil-and | take the
nugget, but if wrong yer go with the
nugget ard stay with the gal"