The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-12
CHAPTER VIII.
UP sKIPLAP CANYON.

LIZ meal was enulnS III smoke, the WOm-
en-. excepting Miss Milbrey, having lighted
cigarettes with the men. The talk had
grown less truculently sectional. The Ang-
stead twins told of their late fishing trip
to Lake st. John for salmon, of projected
tours to British Columbia for mountain
sheep. and to Manitoba for elk and moose.
Mr.. Milbrey described with minute and
loving particularly the preparation of oeufs
de Faisan, avec beurre au champagne.
Mrs. Milbrey related an anecdote Of New
York society, not much in itself, but which
permitted the disclosure that she habitually
addressed by their first names three of the
foremost society leaders, and that each of
these personages adopted a like familiarity
toward her.
Mrs. Drelmer declared that she meant to
have Uncle Peter Bines at one of her even
ings the very first time he should come to
New York, and that. If he didn't let her
know of his coming, she would be offended.
Oldaker related an incident of the ball
given to the Prince of Wales, travelling as
Baron Renfrew, on the evening of Oct. II,
1860, In which his father had figured briefly
before the royal guest to the abiding credit
of American tact and gentility.
Shepler was amused until he became
sleepy, whereupon he extended the freedom
of his castle to his guests, and retired to his
stateroom.
Uncle Peter took a final shot at Oldaker.
He was observed to be laughing, and in
quiry brought this:
II jest couldn't help snickerin' over his
idee of Gods own country. He thinks Gods
own country is a little strip of an island
with a row of Wel1-fad FOLKS nm and douyn
the middle. and a lot of hungry folks on
each side. Mebbe he's right. I'll be bound,
it needs the love Of God. But if 1t is His
own country, it don't make Him any COMFY
soor Of countries with me. I'll tell you
that"
Oldaker smiled at this assault, the we'll
bred, tolerant smile that loyal News Workers
reserve for all such barbaric beIttling of
their empire. Then he politely asked Uncle
Peter to show Mrs. Drelmer and himself
through the stamp mill.
At PercivaIs suggestion Of a walk, Miss
Milbrey was delighted.
After an inspection Of the Bines car, in
which Oldaker declared he would be willing
to live forever, If it could be anchored firm
ly in Madison Square, the party separated.
Out into the clear air. already cooling I'M
der the slanting rays of the sun, the young
man and the girl went together. Behind
them lay the one street Of the little mining
camp, with its wooden shanties on either
side of the railroad track. Down this street
Uncle Peter had gone, leading his charges
toward the busy ant-hill ON the mountain
side. Ahead the track wound up the canyon,
cunningly following the tortuous course of
the little river to be sure of practicable
grades. On the farther side Of the river a
mountain road paralleled the railway. Up
this road the two went, followed by a play
full admonition from Mrs. Milbrey: "Re-
member, Mr.. Bines, 1 place my child in your
keeping"
Percival waxed conscientious about his
charge and insisted at once upon being as
sured that Miss Milbrey would be warm
enough with the scarlet golf cape about her
shoulders; that she was used to walking
long distances: that her boots were stoutly
soled; and that she didn't mind the sun in
their faces. The girl laughed at him.
Looking up the canyon with it's wooded
sides, cool and green, they could see a gray.
dim mountain. with patches of snow near its
top, in the far distance, and ranges of les
ser eminences stepping up to 1t. Its a hum
dred miles away" he told her.
Down the canyon the little river flickered
toward them, like a billowy silver ribbon
trimmed with white chiffon around the
rocks" declared the girl.
In the blue depths Of the sky, an immense
height above. lolled an eagle. lazy of wing,
in lordly Incidence. The suggestions to the
eve were all of spacious distances and large
masses-of the room and stuff for un-
bounded action.
Your West is the breathingest place.
she said. as they crossed a footbridge over
the noisy little stream and turned up the
road. II don't believe 1 ever drew a full
breath until 1 came to these attitudes"
lone has to breathe more air here-there's
less oxygen in it, and you must breathe
more to get your share. and so after awhile
one becomes robust. Your cheeks are al
ready glowing, and we've hardly started.
There, now, there are your colors. see
Along the edge of the green pines and
spruce were lavender asters. A little way in
the woods they could see the blue column
bines and the mountain phlox, pink and red.
There are your eyes and your cheeks"
What a dangerous character you'd be il
you were sent to match silks.''
On the dry barren slopes of gravel across
the river. full in the suns glare, grew the
! Spanish bayonet. with its spikes of creamy
white flowers.
There / am, more nearly" she pointed
to them; they're ever so much nearer my
| disposition. But about this thin air; il must
make men work harder for what comes
easier back in our country, so that they may
become able TO do more-more capable. / am
linking of your grandfather. You don't
know how much 1 admire him. He is SC
stanch. and strong. and fresh. There's more
fire in him now than in my father or Laun-
ton Oldaker, and i dare say he's a score OF
years older than either of them. l don't
| think you quite appreciate what a great old
| fellow he is