The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-08-10
CHAPTER ".
A New Proposition.

A New Proposition.
To one in the least inclined toward
fastidiousness, the Miners Home at
Glencaid would scarcely appeal as a
desirable place for long-continued res
idence. But such a one would have
had small choice in the matter, as it
n to be the only hotel there.
The Miners Home was unquestionably
unique as regards architectural de-
tails, having been constructed by sec
lions, in accordance with the rapid
development of the camp, and enjoyed
the further distinction-there being
only two others equally stylish in
town-of being built of sawn plank,
although, greatly to the regret of its
unfortunate occupants, lack of season
ing had resulted in wide cracks in
boil walls and stairway, while strict
privacy within the chambers was long
g a mere Renaissance. Without
the Miners Home put up a good front,
and was in reality the most preten-
tious structure grazing the single clut-
tered street OF Glencaid. Directly
across the street, its front a perfect
blaze of glass. stood i~nvitingly the
Occidental saloon, but the Widow Cuff
fly, who operated the Miners Home
with a strong hand, possessed an an
tipathy to strong liquor, which sue
cessfully kept all suspicion of intoxi-
eating drink absent from those sacred
ly guarded precincts, except as her
transient guests imported it internally.
Mr.. Hampton during the course of
his somewhat cratic career had pre-
viously passed several eVentful weeks
in Glencaid. He was neither unknown
nor unappreciated at The Miners
Home, and having on previous occa-
sions established his reputation as a
spender, experienced little difficulty
now in procuring promptly the very
best accommodation which the house
afforded. That this arrangement was
accomplished somewhat to the present
discomfort of two vociferous eastern
tourists did not greatly interfere with
his ~pleasurable interest in the situa-
ton.
"Send those two fellows in here to
argue it out" he said, l~anguidly, after
listening disgustedly to their loud Ia
mentations in the hallway, and ad-
dressing his remarks to Mrs. Guffy,
who had glanced into the room to be
again assured regarding his comfort,
and to express her deep regret over
the unseemly racket. THE girl has
fallen asleep, and I'm getting tired of
hearing so much noise"
mo, be hivings, an we don't do
nuthin' of tibet sort, Bob" returned the
widow, good-naturedly, busying her
self with a dust-rag. This is me own
of them sort eF fellers afore. There'u
h0@ho- Ths- IT, D.
soides, it's a PEACEFUL house Dim rum
min, an Oh know yer way Of sitting
them things. It's too ye
are, Misther Hampton. And what did
ye do wild the young lady, Oh make
bould to ask?"
Hampton carelessly waved his hand
toward the rear room, the door of
which stood ajar, and blew a thick
cloud of smoke into the air, his eyes
continuing to gaze dreamily through
he open window toward the distant
hills.
who's running the game over at
the ~Occidental?" he asked. profession
ally.
Red Slavin, bad cess to him!" and
her eyes regarded her questioner with
renewed anxiety. 'But sure now,
oOD, y GA0oIA I'LL VI RA0yAA ~
awhoile. Yer narves are in no fit
shape, an won't be fer a wake yit."
He made no direct reply, and h
hung about, Tapping the dust-rag un-
easily.
"An' what did ye nan ter % DOM
wild the young gyurl?" she questioned
at last, in womanly curiosity.
Hampton wheeled about on he
ho-l oho;r .-I -e--rloI hAr 1rrf1zir@-
ly. Mrs. Gufy," he said, slowly,
you've been a mother to me, and it
would certainly be unkind not to give
you a straight tip. Do? Why, take
are of her, of course. What else
would you expect Of one possessing
my kindly disposition and well-known
motives of philanthropy? Can it be
that / have resided with you, OF and
on. for ten years past without your
ever realizing the fond yearnings of
my heart? Mrs. Guny, I shall make
her the heiress to my millions; I shall
marry her on to some eastern nabob,
and thus attain to that high position
sure. and what else were you ex-
pecting. Mrs. Guffy?"
"A loikely story" with q snif of dis
belief. They tell me she's old Gillis'
daughter over to Bethune."
"They tell you, do they?" a sudden
CLEAN of anger darkening his gray
eyes. Who tell your"
Sure, Bob. an thet's nuthin' ter git
mad about, so fur as I kin see. The
story is in ~fverybody's mouth It wus
thin sojers what brought We In thet
tould most ov 1t, but the lieutenant
Rraut af tha Sevenfh cavalry NO less.
who took dinner here afore he whit
back after the dead bodies, give ma
her name"
aBrant Of the SEVENTH" He faced