Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-09-13
CHAPTER v.
A New Proposition.

To one In the least inclined toward
fastidiousness, the Miners Home at
Glencaid would scarcely appeal as a
desirable place for longcontinued res
idence. But such a one would have
had small choice in the matter, as 1t
CHANGED 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
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 Glencaid. Directly
across the street, its front a perfect
blaze Of glass, stood invitingly the
Occidental saloon, but the Widow CUT.
fy, who operated the Miners Home
with strong hand, possessed an an.
upathy to strong liquor, which sue
@ cessfully kept all suspicion Of intoxi.
eating drink absent from those sacred
" guarded precincts, except as her
transient guests imported 1t 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 veEy
best accommodation which the house
ahsoasd. That this arraAgsAsat was
accomplished somewhat be the present
discomfort Of tive vocifsrsus eastern
tourists did not greatly interfere with
his pleasurahe interest in the situa.
tion.
Send those two fellows in here to
argue 1t Out" he said, languidly, after
listening disgustedly to their loud L.
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 mucn noise
mo, DO hivings, an ye don't do
nuthin' Of tibet sort, Bob" returned the
widow, good-naturedly, busying her
self with dust-rag. This Is me own
house, an Owe tended tor the loikes
Of them sort er fellers afore. There1l
be no more bother this tonne. Be-
soides, It's PEACEFUL house Dim run.
min, an Oh know yer way Of sitting
them things. It's too strenuous 70
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 Q 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 st
the Occidental!" he asked, profession
ally.
Red Slavin, bad cess to him!" and
her eyes regarded her questioner with
renewed anxiety. But sure now,
Bob, ye mustn't think Of playin' yit
awhotle. Yer narves are In no a
shape. an won't be fer q wake yit"
He made no direct reply, and she
hung about, tapping the dust.rag un-
easily.
AN what did ye name ter Be DOM
wid the young gyurl?" she questioned
at last, in womanly curiosity.
Hampton wheeled about On the
hard chair, and regarded her quizzing.
~. Mrs. Gury," he said, slowly,
you've been a mother to me, and Il
would certainly be unkind not to give
you a straight tip. Do! Why, take
care Of her, Of course. What else
! would you expect of one possessins
: my kindly disposition and well.knowu
motives OF philanthropy Can it be
that have resided with you, Of and
On, for ten years past without your
ever realizing the fond yeamings Of
my heart? Mrs. Guilty, shall make
her the heiress to my millions; / shall
marry her OF to some eastern nabob
and thus attain to that high position
in society l am so well fitted to adorn
sure, and what else were you AZ.
pecting, Mrs. Guffy?"
"A loikely story" with a snif of dis
belief. They tell me she's old Gillis
daughter over to Bethune."
They tell you, do they?" q sudden
CLEAN Of anger darkening his gray
eyes. who tell your
sure. Bob, an thet's nuthin' ter Il,
mad about, so fur as / kin see. The
story is in iverybody's mouth. It wul
thin sojers what brought - in the,
tould most ov 1t, but the lieutenant
B!ant Of the Seventh cavalry, no less
- L. a