The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1910-03-17

mountain tops with splendor, when
the mining camp at Roaring Creek
had begun its daily labor.
Pans were rapidly emptied, and
disappointment or JOY shone in the
faces OF the owners as the find" was
larger or smaller than their expecta-
tion.
Three months before, Roaring
Creek had sparkled in the sunshine,
dashing its clear waters over untold
wealth, and the tiny CLEANS of gold
had reflected the sunlight for ages,
secure from the grasping hand of
man.
But one lucky day, a prospecting
miner had discovered the place,
claims were staked off, and the quiet
vale became a busy camp, while the
creek swept its muddy waters sullen-
ly away, and eager fingers found the
hidden wealth.
One day there came slowly up the
valley a thin-faced. solemn man, who
located a claim upon the outskirts of
the camp-a poor. despised place,
where, as Bill Scriggins said. "A fell
low might shake the pan week an
not find penny's worth of dust"
But the man was quiet enough and
minded his own business, apparently,
so they let him alone, and he was
known throughout the camp as the
"Parson."
AS the days passed each miners
face grew joyous. for his stock of
dust steadily increased, and the east
ern home seemed nearer and nearer
with its circle of loved ones. as he
worked with redoubled zeal.
Suddenly there was panic! A
robber was at work in their midst!
The Parson was the first loser.
One morning, as they had Just be-
gun work, he came rushing down the
hill. his thin face showing more ex-
element than they had ever seen
there before, and waving excitedly an
empty canvas bag. They showed him
miners sympathy-substantial SYM
pathy, always found in the gold
mines-and as he went slowly back
up the hill, Jim Haines remarked,
1okingly:
Shouldn't wonder ef he had more
dust than he lost. Poor feller. |
reckon he needs it, thought"
But that was not the last robbery!
In less than a week, nearly every
miner had lost his treasured store.
Even Jim Haines. who owned great,
yellow bulldog and boasted that no
ono could rob him, came down to the
claim one morning with woeful face
and an empty canvas bag.
After talking matters over awhile
he and Bill Scriggins shouldered their
tools and went slowly up the bed of
the creek on prospecting tour, leav-
ing Scoot. tho great yellow bulldog,
to guard their camp. When they
were we'll out of hearing Jim said,
cautiously:
What dye think I fetched ye up
here fer. Bill?"
Ter look for dust. reckon re-
piled Bill.
mot by long chalk. I've spotted
the robber." said Jim. triumphantly
as he laughed at his comrades aston
ished face.
Go long! You hain't now?" ejac-
ulated Bill.
Yes. ] hev, though, Did ye ever
see this trinket afore?"
And he placed in Bills hand gold
shirt button of peculiar pattern.
"Whew."
Bill gave prolonged whistle.
Did ye ever see it afore?" re-
peated Jim.
Yes, / hev." he answered. as he
turned 1t over and over. and gave
Jim knowing wink.
"Where?" demanded Jim
"ln the Parsons shirt-front," Bill
answered.
That's about the size Of It, pard
an the Parsons the thief. / found
this ere trinket side of my dust bag,
and Jim slapped Bill's shoulder EN-
phatically. tits all plain es the nos,
on yer face. an now we must traI
him. Not word ter the rest of 'em
till we find out sartin."
Here's my hand. old boy. In
with ye thar" said Bill. as he ex
tended horny hand for the shak,
that sealed the bargain.
That was two days before the open
Ing OF this story. The night before
the camp had been told every circum
stance, for the Parsons guilt wal
proved. and Jim had begged them tt
Keep at work as usual. until he ant
Bill could bring the robber to then
Tor judgment, that the Parsons sus
picions might not be aroused.
Since then neither Bill nor Jim moi
the Parson had been seen, and ,
strange spirit Of unrest brooded ovel
the camp-a premonition of comini
evil. of something they knew no
what.
The sun rose higher its colder
beams falling lower and lower alonl
the mountain sides. until Pyramit
Peak was indeed pyramid OF glori
GUS light. and the valleys shadow
crept away. High up on its rock,
shelf. the Devils Pulpit" hung abov'
them over the dizzy abyss. clearly de
hned against the black mouth OF tn
cave behind Il. For years II had over
nung the yawning chasm. and tn
strongest nerves would tremble At