The San Francisco call., 1904-12-11

like a gentleman" continued Parson
White without noticing the Interrupt
tion.
Il suppose there amt no appeal, -
suggested Kentuck.
There might be if there was anybody
10 appeal TO, responded the Parson.
adding apparently as an afterthoughI
which there amt"
No, 1 thought not" said Randall
meditatively. Anyhow, l extend a
vote Of thanks for your kindness.
Which one Of you gents starts me up
the fiume, if it's any of my business?''
That's been sticker with the bows.
kentuck." answered the ParsOn. You
see, none of 'em likes to plug feller
what amt allowed 70 draw in self
defense. 1t kinder seems like murder "
1t Nigh, have that appearance to
one who didn't understand the circum-
stances" assented Kentuck
And so we've concluded as how
you'd better shove your own buck.
continued the representative of the
Flats moral sentiment Any of the
boys viii lend you a gun.
Much obliged for the loan" said
the condemned man.
Don't mention it" politely respond
ed the Parson. You'd do as much
for any Of US. Now don't think for
the world as how we are hurryin' you,
but it's gettin' late and most of the
boys has their chores to do"
I understand" said Randall. "and
I don't want anybody to be kept wait
in on my account. Doc, will you
please tell me exactly where my giz-
zard is2"
Right here" said the doctor. step
D.ng forward and placing a finger on
the blue wooden shirt directly over
Kentuck's heart.
Thanks" said Randall. Il beg
your pardon, Doc, for havin' you fix up
my leg, which 1 wouldn't have had it
done if I'd knowed 1 wasn't goin' to
need it no more. BY the way, | don't
suppose any gent has brought his bot
tie with him.
Don't get sarcastic" said Parson
White, as each man present promptly
offered a flask to the condemned.
Kentuck accepted the one proffered
by Bill Diggs, proprietor of the Ell Do
rado saloon, remarking that for once
in his life he believed he would like
bugjuice that wasn't half water, took
a long pull at its contents. then re-
ceived from the Parsons hand a big
navy revolver and placed its muzzle on
the spot Indicated by the doctor
"Good-by, boys he said cheerfully.
Here's hopin' for better luck next
time"
There was sharp report, a puff
Of blue smoke ascended to the black
ened ceiling of the little cabin and the
crowd slowly and silently wended its
way to the FL Dorado.
From the spludge he's maxim, Hank
must have a high-toned load on to-
day" said a lounger in front of the
FL Dorado one evening about two
months after the committee had in
duced "Kentuck'' to effect his own de-
mise. few minutes later the speak
er's claims to prescience were fully
recognized. for Hank ratified UP to the
door Of the Flats only hotel, threw his
lines to a hostler and, jumping down.
assisted to terra firma, with many a
gallant flourish the daintiest morsel
Of humanity Paradise had ever seen.
First a little foot was firmly planted
on the wheel. then about a sixteenth of
an inch Of bewitching ankle became
visible as Hank swung its owner to
the ground, and as Nam" Roberts
conducted her into the hostelry the
boys saw petite figure and a profu-
sion of golden curls, the whole appari-
tion being clad in somber black.
Hank was Immediately invited to
drink by the visible population of the
camp, and as the crowd lined up to the
bar the query, WHO is she?" as
sailed him from all sides, but he wait
ed until the foothill dust was washed
from his capacious throat before he
spoke.
You fellers has got into a nice
box" he finally remarked, as he leaned
his back against the bar. She's Ken
tuck Randall's daughter and she's
come to look after her pap's estate"
"Oh, Lord" groaned Bill Diggs. Have
another bows: it's on me"
And you gents wants to treat her
white" intimated Hank, accepting the
invitation, but taking no further notice
Of the interruption. She's been tellin'
me all the way from Marysville what a
good man her pap was, and, of course,
] kinder had to agree with her. and 1
allow as how you fellers will stand in
too when she opens her bazoo. She
says kind friend of her pap wrote
her about his passin' in his checks, but
she didn't mention no Names"
Fill 'em up again, BILL said Parson
White. Il may as well tell you now,
boys, II was me as wrote the little gal.
i was chinnin' with the late lamented
one day and learned as how he had an
old woman and a kid in the States. and
after his untimely takin' off / was look
in over his things and found the gals
address. / didn't think it was any use
sayin' ANYTHING to you boys about it,
but / jest set down and wrote her as
how her dad had had an accident with
a shootin iron and had blew hisself to
kingdom come. but, of course, / didn't
calclate on her comm out to take
charge Of his proDerty-which, between
me an YOU, amt much. IT any rate.
We'll have to let her down as easy as
we can"
The greater portion Of the camp