The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1906-06-28
CHAPTER V.
UP SKIPLAP CANYON

The meal was ending in smoke, the
women, excepting Miss Milbrey, having
lighted cigarettes with the men, The
talk had grown less truculently Sec
tional The Angstead twins told Of
their late fishing trip to Lake st. John
for salmon, of projected tours to Brit
ish Columbia for mountain sheep, and
to Manitoba for elk and moose.
Mr.. Milbrey described with minute
and loving particularly the prepara-
ton of aeufs 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 So
ciety leaders, and that each of these
personages adopted like familiarity
toward her.
Mrs. Drelmer declared that she
meant to have Uncle Peter Bines at
one of her evenings the very first time
he should come to New York, and that
if he didn't let her know of his COM
ing she would be offended.
Oldaker related an incident of the
ball given to the prince of Wales, trav-
cling as Baron Renfrew, on the even
ing Of October 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 laugh
ing. and inquiry brought this:
Il 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 row of we'll
fed folks up and down 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 it is His
own country, it don't make Him any
connysoor of countries with me. I'll
tell you that
Oldaker smiled at this assault, the
well-bred, tolerant smile that loyal
New Workers reserve for all such bar
barrie belittling Of their empire. Then
ne politely asked Uncle Peter to show
Mrs. Drelmer and himself through the
stamp mill.
At Percival's suggestion of walk.
Miss Milbrey was delighted.
After an inspection of the Bines car
IN which Oldaker declared he would be
Wiling to live forever, if it could be
anchored firmly in Madison square.
the party separated
Out into the clear air, already COOL
ing under the slanting rays of the sun.
the young man and the girl went to-
gether. Behind them lay the one street
OF the little mining camp, with it's
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 noun
tain-side. Ahead the track wound up
the canyon, cunningly following the
tortIous. 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 ~ play
full admonition from Mrs. Milbrey:
Remember, Mr.. Bines, 1 place my
child in your keeping
Percival vaxed conscientious about
his charge and insisted at once upon
being assured 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.
"Your west is the breathingest
place." she said, as they crossed q