, 1908-07-16

"..nuugh, greatly to the regret of its
unfortunate occupants. lac of season.
ing had resulted in wide cracks in
both walls and stairway. while strict
privacy within the chambers was long
ago a mere "Reminiscences. Without
the Miners Home put up a good front,
and was in reality the most preten-
tious structure gracing 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 Guf-
fly, h operated the Miners Home
with a 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 il 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 occs
sions established his reputation as a
tiiN uliltultN
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 "
it OUT he said 10 ;. u
ustenip, disyusteAN anguidly, after
mantatio.a - oily to their loud la.
drass,na~ IN the hallway, and ad-
u,ha~s his remarks to Mrs. Gufry,
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 much noise"
mo, be hivings. an ye don't do
nuthin' of thet sort, Bob" returned the
widow, goOd-naturedly. busying her
self with a dust-rag. This is me own
house, an Oi've tended ter the loikes
OF them sort er fellers afore. ThereM
be no more bother this tonne. Be-
soides, it's a PEACEFUL house Oi'm rum
min, an OF know yer way of sitting
them things, It's too strenuous We
are, Misther Hampton. And what did
we do wild the young lady, OF make
bould to ask?
Hampton carelessly waved his hand
toward the rea room, the door of
which stood ajar. and blew IA thick
cloud of smoke into the air. his eyes
continuing to gaze dreamily through
the open window toward the distant
hills.
running the game over at
the Occidental" he asked. professions
ally.
Red SlaviE. bad cess to hint" and
her eyes regarded her questioner with
renewed anxiety. But sure now,
Bob, We mustn't think of playin' Wit
awhoile. Yer narves are in no lit
shape, an wont be fer "a wake yit."
He made no direct reply, and she
hung about, Tapping the dust-rag I'M
easily.
An what did We name ter be dom
wild h young gyurl?" she questioned
at last, in womanly curiosity.
Hampton wheeled about on the
hard chair, and regarded her quizzing-
ly. Mrs. Guffy,' he said. slowly.
you've bee a mother to me. and 1t
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 possessing
my kindly disposition and well-known
motives Of philanthropy? Car it he
that | have resided with YOU. off and
on. for ten years past without your
ever realizing the fond %yearnings Of
my heart Mrs, Gury. | shall make
her the heiress to my millions: l shall