The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-07-11

I'D GIVE HALF MILLION TO HAVE THAT
COLLECTION OF DIVES MOVED"
bic and picked up his cue. Il thought
that people out here had quit those
FOOL tricks" he explained. his teeth
still chartering.
They have. except for special occa-
sions. But when they do turn loose
passing"
The Palace is that drinking place
down the road?'
inst that. You see" explained Cal
lendar. when Colonel Shaw bought
his ranch there was one quarter section
he codh not get hold Of, owned by a
stubborn brute of a fellow who would
not let go. That was the foundation
Of the town of Minimum"
Funny namer' commented Bradley.
That's why they took it. The origi-
nal holder has been dead some years
now, but the town goes on. You see,
it's nearer the mines by ten miles than
the railroad town. and between the
miners and the cowboys things are
kept lively"
''TAey don't like the colonel because
he objects to the rum holes they run, al
most at his door. and when things are
mussed up, they generally ride past
and give US a salute. It's only once or
twice that the shots have come
through. AS rule they fire into the
air"
Some one called Bradley to make his
shot and the matter was not again
taken up until late that evening, when
Bradley and his host sat chatting In
the smoking room, and the guests good
natursdly told the story of his fright
I'D give half million to have that
collection of dives moved away" said
Colonel Shaw bitterly. Il suppose when
the railroad comes it will be still
worse"
THE l.. c. l.. CUTOFF" asked Bradley
Are they coming through here;'
Right past the town" assented the
colonel. Il think | shall have to give
up the idea of living here. had hoped
to buy up all the land and have the
finest place around here in my old
age"
How much are you really willing to
spendT' demanded Bradley, II mean
business"
And l meant the half million. l Of
fered old Pete 100000 for the quarter
before the town grew up. when he just
had little saloon down in one corner"
Bradley gravely put out hand so
white and slender that men seldom an
ticipated the strength of his grip. "Pll
do it and make profit in the end" he
announced.
Colonel Shaw shook hands gravely
enough, but he smiled beneath his
heavy mustache. A six footer himself,
he had all the big mans contempt for
the little fellow. How could Bradley,
with his five feet seven conquer where
his six feet two had failed?
But he rather liked Bradley in spite
of his handicap of size. OF course, he
was impossible as a sutton for Nancy's
hand, though personally he was a good
sort Of chap.
The following morning Bradley
strolled down to the Palace for drink
and in ten minutes he had picked up
an acquaintance with the proprietor.
That evening at the dinner table his
announcement that he found Pete
Buckley rather companionable sort
Of chap created an even greater sensa-
ton than had his performance of the
night before.
HE didn't throw you out?" cried
Colonel Shaw In amazement.
"Not bit Of It," said Bradley COM
fortably, bllssfully ignorant of the fact
that the colonel himself had been sub
jeeted to that indlgnlty, as well as all
and sundry of his previous guests who
had strayed into the Palace. 1--WE had