The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1927-03-04
CHAPTER N-Continued

.
Abe Cole started In again to say a
hard thing, but Haynes put uG his
hand as a doctor might in the pres
ence of approaching death demand
restraint from a very angry man.
Gentlemen" he said, speaking as
troubled man might speak on
painful occasion, you can see here,
all OF you. what difficulty an honest
purveyor Of merchandise has in Sc
lecting his goods for a new country
This hat, gentlemen-hold on, Abe
he interjected in stentorian tones, Tor
Coles safety-valve Of anger gave
strong indications of popping, mold
on till you hear me; I sold you this
hat, didn't L? I did Very well. l
want to say to you, gentlemen, one
and all, that when a mistake Ike this
happens, we make II good! This hat,
he exclaimed, holding the offender out
for personal reproach, never should
have been sold in the mountains; its
desert hat. made light and porous
for dry country. The Indians along
the famous Spanish sinks buy these
hats freely for their squaws; they're
porous, gentlemen-but they won't
stand rain"
Porous monkey" suffered Cole.
They're rotten"
Haynes courteously protested. Il
wouldn't had it happen, Abe, for one
hundred dollars. I replace 1t cheer
fully. Mr. FyIer," he shouted, point
ing a commanding finger, be kind
enough TO hand me that box Of hats"
From the box passed up Haynes,
carefully picking over several hats,
selected a brown one-never for
moment losing the thread of his easy
and plausible flow Of words. Abe Cole
continued TO growl, but he was in eff
feet silenced, and stood under his
new hat. a sturdy onlooker, while Big
Haynes pulled out his watch. Gentle
men, he exclaimed. as solemnly as
If about TO lead in prayer, st is
twelve o'clock-time to eat. Ny heart
is weak and I eat three times a day.
I never keep men beyond their din
ner hour, anyway-their wives pick
on me, and a hungry man amt a good
customer. And if you think I've got
an easy Job here. try it, some Of you
Next sale at two o'clock sharp, and
the biggest bargains ever offered in
Sleepy Cat-don't miss IT! ~
The crowd began to file out. Big
Haynes climbed down. what kind Of
a hat did you give him?" whispered
Fyler.
Same kind I give him yesterday"
Erowled Haynes. Doc Carpy come
In here a while ago with his Overcoat
wanted to cut me up for bear bait.
I hope TO God I get out of this town
before il rains again"
The auctiOneer followed the crowd
as they struggled out. At the door
a young girl waited. She had a lunch
basket in her hand. When the store
was emptied, she walked Up the two
steps and in. Selwood stood near
FyIer, and he watched the newcomer
with an unrestrained interest until her
eyes fell on his. as she came up. Sell
wood looked then at Fvler Christie
and SeIweod recognized her as the
girl In the wagon at Crawling Stone
wash-set down her basket on the dry
goods box in front of FyIer. Here's
your dinner, father" she said. Eat
it now while it's hot"
Selwood tried to think of something
10 say, but could not. And though he
felt he was an interioper, he could
not get started TO go. Christie, her
hack to him talked and Iaughed with
her father. Her voice was completely
new music 70 SeIwood's ears; it trans
fixed him. But the moment could not
last. She turned partly and looked
at Selwood. Whatever she may have
had In her mind. he could think of
but one thing, for her glance seemed
TO him TO say: What are you doing
here7 And selwood, barely returning
her look, Just caught sight of her
eyes, pulled himself together, and
walked out Of the store.