Gilpin observer., 1917-04-19
The Cure

ne glanced out OF the WlnuOW OF tne
little shop.
Andrew Pike, the shoemaker, was
not curious enough to look up from
his work but he did stare in astonish-
ment when old Moses Rice, whose
meekness was proverbial, rebuked the
speaker.
"Giles," the old gentleman began, 81
don't suppose you've got thing
against Deacon Tarbox. It's just your
way Of flinging out about folks, no
matter who they be.
you are getting to be a regular
backbiter, Giles" Uncles Moses went
on, in voice tremulous with earnest
ness. "If you must talk about folks,
why can't you think of something to
say in their favor? 1t would be just
as easy, and 1t would leave better
taste in your mouth"
Giles Bigelow had been so complete
ly taken by surprise that he was not
ready with his defense until after the
door had closed behind Uncle Moses.
Giles took his departure, much Of
Tended, and Webster Haines was left
as the only remaining visitor at the
shop.
"Well," said Webster, as he slid into
a still easier position in his chair,
"Uncle Moses spoke quite piece, for
him. But it didn't make particle of
impression. I'd like to see someone
give Giles lesson that he would re-
member. Look here, Andrew, you
heard Giles say that he never says
be willing to have him hear. Now
Josh Flood and George Glover and
Sam Novel; and I are coming here to-
night to play checkers.
'1l get them to come early, and
we'll crowd into this little cubbyhole
that you've got curtained off here, and
be there when Giles comes for his
boots. You give him chance to air
his honest opinion of us four. Just
mention our names, incidentally, and
he'll do the rest. Then when he has
finished we'll step forth and have our
innings"
Webster Haines had no difficulty In
interesting his friends, and the -four
were hidden behind the dingy curtain
in the shop when Giles Bigelow came
in that evening.
"Almost finished, Giles" said the
ute. Plenty of room tonight, for
wonder. Josh Flood was here few
minutes ago, though" he added casu
ally.
Josh Flood" said Giles, as he sank
into a chair, sis a clever, well-meanini
chap, when all is said and done. He
wouldn't harm mosquiter."
Andrew waited for further com
ment; none being forthcoming he said
"George Glover is generally round
where Josh is"
"George Glover is about as strong
man in his arms as / know Of" said
Giles. II don't see why he couldn't
do considerable Of days work if he
should take notion to-"
Again Andrew waited. II was SORT
of expecting Sam NOVEL; in tonight
he said at length.
"Sam NOVEL; is as good Judge OF
a hoss as there is in town, according
TO my way of thinking" remarked
Giles, and with that he stopped.
BY this time the shoemaker was hav.
ing some difficulty in controlling his
countenance, but he pcrsevered. Seer
anything of Web Haines since he was
in here this afteroon?" he asked.
mo, l haven't" answered Giles
There was an appreciable pause before
he cleared his throat and continued
'Web Haines wife is as smart as they
make 'em. How he ever brought II
about, l don't know, but it speaks well
for Web that he had gimp enough to
get her TO have him."
There. your boots are done. Giles
said Andrew. ut will be a dollar.
must get to work on Uncle Moses job
Giles face frightened. "Now, there's
a man for ye-Moses Rice! Goes right
along. minding his own business, and
scarce ever says word, bur when he
docs speak he's worth listening to-
You heard what he said to me this
afternoon. Well, I've been chewing
II over and I've come to the conclusion
that he was right. I'm going to try to
say good word for every namable
person that is mentioned in my pres.
ence. but l must say that don't see
how l could have had a much harder
test than those names that you hap
pened to mention just now. Except,
of course. Moses Rice; he's the salt
of the earth. / snum, when you spoke