Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-06-25
CHAPTER xxxl.-continued.

That evening was one that none who
were in that wildwood camp ever for
got, for Old Cy was the central figure,
and told as only he could the story of
his years wandering in search of Chip.
1t was humorous, pathetic and tragic
all in one, and a tale that held its lis
teners spellbound for three delightful
hours.
Il had dogs set on me, hundreds
on en-" Old Cy said, in conclusion,
an never knew afore how many
kinds n sizes O. dogs thar was in this
world. | ulster think thar warn't
more'n two dozen or SO kinds. I know
now thar's two million N a few more
l didn't wait to count. | got rested a
few times ON account O. not havin' WIS.,
ible means O. support. I've been
hauled over the Goals by doctors tryin'
to make me out a lunatic, m I'd a.
done time in jail if | hadn't had money
to show. l tell We, boys, this is an aw-
full 'spicious world fer strangers, n
the milk o. human kindness is mostly
old cheese, n all rind at that. l had
a little fun, too, mixed in with all the
trouble, n one who owned a
place where l piled for lodgin' jest
bout told me she'd be willin' to marry
mt if I'd stay n work the farm. She
had red hair, hard eyes, m bossy sort
o ways, an that's a dangerous combi-
nation nofaho6 INV ohonoa u,bza
she want lookin', n lit out middlin'
lively"
And now life at this wilderness
camp, less restrained than when wom-
ankind were here, became one of work,
and persistent, steady, no time-wasted
work at that. Martin had said that
Levi could boss matters, but it was
Ray who assumed management in
stead. Two years had changed him
almost from boy to man. His new
ambition was the controlling power.
He was here to make his mark, as it
were, and the ~half-hearted, boyish in
terest in work had changed into a tire
less leadership. Then, too. an I'M
spoken, tacit interest In his ambition
was felt by those who helped. They
knew what he was striving for, and
that Chip was the ultimate object.
Her history, known as it now was to
all who came into the wilderness, in
t1uenced the woodsmen. She had been
of them and from them, and as an ell
tire village will gather to help at a
ho~use-raising, so these three, Levi and
the two helpers, now felt the same in
%centive.
Success usually comes to all who
strive for it, and now, with four will
ing workers to aid him, Ray was rapid
ly making a success Of this venture.
Old Cy, the most valuable assistant,
was interchangeable. He not only kept
the iarder we'll supplied with game,
but tended and set traps, worked in
the woods with the rest between
times, and his cheerful optimism and
droll humor bridged many a stormy
day and shortened, many a weary
tramp. And he seemed to grow
younger in this new, helpful life for
others. His eyes were bright, his step
elastic, his spirits buoyant, hrs
strength tireless.
With Chip safe and provided for,
with Ray succeeding in manhood's
natural ambition, Old Cy saw his
hearts best hopes nearing fruition,
and for these two and in these two all
his interest centered.
Only once was the bond Of feeling
between Ray and Chip referred to by
Old Cy, and then in response to a wish
of Rays that he might hear from her.
Il don't think we've cause to worry
now, arter we've sent her word what