The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-09-19
CHAPTER Y.
A New Prorosition.

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 one would have
had small choice in the matter as it
CHANGED to be the only hotel there
The Miners Home was unquestiOnably
unique as regards architectural de-
tails, having been constructed by sec
tions, 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
both walls and stairway while strict
privacy within the chambers was long
ago a mere Renaissance. Without
the Miners Home put up good front,
and was in reality the most preten-
tious structure grazing the single clut-
tered street of Glercaid. Directly
across the street, its front a perfect
blaze of glass, stood invitiugly the
Occidental saloon, but the Widow Cuff
fly, who operated the Miners Home
with 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 erratic 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
dl uG II OuLs IG SdlNs lcLE dllGT
listening disgustedly to their loud la
mentations in the hallway, and ad-
7 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 unseenly racket The girl has
fallen asleep. and I'm getting tired Of
hearing so much noise"
No 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
house, an Olive tended ter the loikes
of them sort er fellers afore. There'n
be no more bother this tonne. BE.
soides, it's a PEACEFUL house Dim run.
min, an Oh know yer way of sitting
them things. IT'S too strenuous We
are, Misther Hampton. AND what did
ye do wild the young lady, OF 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
the open window toward the distant
hills.
Who's running the game over at
the Occidental?" he asked. profession
ally.
Red Slavin, bad cess to Eim." and
her eyes regarded her questioler with
renewed anxiety But sure now,
Bob, ye mustn't think Of playin yit
awhoile. Yer navvcs are in no fit
shape, an won't be ter a wake yit"
He made no direct reply, and she
hung about fla ing the dust-rag un-
easily.
AN what did We name ter be doia'
wild the young gyurl?' she questioned
at last, in woICauly curiosity.
Hampton wheeled about on the
hard chair, and regarded her Quizzi ag
ly. Mrs. Guffy," he said, slowly,
you've been a mother to me, and it
would certainly be unkind not to give
you straight tip. Do? Why, take
care 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 I have resided with you, off and
on, for ten years past without your
ever realizing the fond yearuings Of
my heart? Mrs. Guffy, | shall make
her the heiress to my millions; shall
marry her off to some eastern nabob,
and thus attain to that high position
in society I am SO we'll fitted 10 adorn
sure, and what else were you ex-
pecting, Mrs. Guffy?"
"a loikely story" with a sniff of dis
belief. "They tell me she's old Gillis'
daughter over to Bethune"
They tell you, do they" a sudden
CLEAN of anger darkeLiag his gray
eyes. Who tell you?"
Sure, Bob, an thet's nuthin ter git
mad about so fur as kin see. The
story is In iverybody's mouth. 1t wus
thin sojers what brought ye in tibet
tould most ov it, but the lieutenant
Brant of the Seventh cavalry. no less,
who took dinner here afore he whit
back after the dead bodies, give me
her name"
GRANT of the Seventh" He faced