Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1908-12-19
CHAPTER XIX.

looked out as if expecting some one. Al
length Walter determined to break the
silence. which had become oppressive. 1t
did not seem natural for two persons to
be In the same room so long without
speaking a word.
II should think you would find it lone
ly living in the woods away from any
neighbors," he said.
Il don't care for neighbors," said the
woman, shortly.
Have you lived here long?"
That's as people reckon time" was the
answer.
you don't have far to 20 for fuel"
was the next remark of our hero.
did you say you was a book peddler7'
abe inquired.
II am a book agent"
Is your business a good one2" she ask
Il have done very well so far, but then
/ have been at it only a week"
Its a good thing to have money" said
the woman. more to herself than to Wal
ter.
Yes" said Walter Its very conven-
lent to have money; but there are other
things that are BETTER
"Such as what?" demanded the woman
abruptly.
Good health, and good conscience"
She laughed scornfully.
I'll tell you there's nothing so good
as money. I've wanted it all my life.
and never could get it, DO you think /
would live here in the woods il / had
money? No. / should like to be lady.
and wear fine clothes, and drive about
In a handsome carriage. Why are some
people so lucky, while / live in this mis-
cradle hole2"
Perhaps your luck will change some
day" he said, though he had little Faith
In his own words. He wondered how the
tall, gaunt woman of the backw0ods would
look dressed in silks and satins.
My luck never will change" she said
quickly. Il must live and die in some
such hoyel as this"
MY luck has changed" said Walter
quietly; but in a different way"
"How?" she asked, betraying In Der
tone some curiosity.
"A year ago-six months agony faith
or was a rich man. or was considered SO
He was thought to be worth over a hun
dred thousand dollars. All at once his
property was swept away, and now am
obliged to earn my own living, as you
see"
How did your father lose bis money!"
by Specializing in mines"
The more fool he o.
MY father is dead" said Walter.
sracely. - cannot bear to hear him
blamed"
"Humph I" ejaculated the woman. II
expect you are hungry"
Yes" said Walter, Il am but can
walt till your husband comes"
She took out from a small cupboard
plate Of bread and some cold meat, and
laid them Oh the table. Then she steep
ed some tea, and, when II was ready. she
put that also on the table. Walter nn-
derstood from this that supper was ready.
and, putting on bis shoes, which we're
nor dry, be moved bis chair up.
The woman poured him out some tea
IA one Of The cracked cups
The hrst aip of tAe tea, which was
quite strong, nearly caused a WY 81
preston on Naliers face, but DE- man
aged ~ control himself 81 far A. nof ~
betray hls Rani Of relish for the bey-
erage hia hostess offered bin TIC only
Fedeeming quality - bad Raa that u
nps hot aud, exposed ~ he bad been
~ the storm warm a''ni mas agree.
'ihsfe'e some brad and there's soms
peat' sald iAe woman. YOU ean help
youlselfN
Nslier 40 heartily " ~ Too. and
suecereed NJ fmplyipg ~ cup NJ al
iie you'd bass iAhen another eQp II flere
esl,', pushed " Quail ',ep ~ fshls.
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