To one in the least inclined toward fastidiousness, the Miners' Home at

Glencaid would scarcely appeal as a desirable place for long-continued

residence. But such a one would have had small choice in the matter,

as it chanced to be the only hotel there. The Miners' Home was

unquestionably unique as regards architectural details, having been

constructed by sections, in accordance with the rapid development of

the camp, and enjoyed the further distinction--there being only two

others equally stylish in town--of being built of sawn plank, although,

greatly to the regret of its unfortunate occupants, lack of seasoning

had resulted in wide cracks in both walls and stairway. These were

numerous, and occasionally proved perilous pitfalls to unwary

travellers through the ill-lighted hall, while strict privacy within

the chambers was long ago a mere reminiscence. However, these

deficiencies were to be discovered only after entering. Without, the

Miners' Home put up a good front,--which along the border is considered

the chief matter of importance,--and was in reality the most

pretentious structure gracing the single cluttered street of Glencaid.

Indeed, it was pointed at with much civic pride by those citizens never

compelled to exist within its yawning walls, and, with its ornament of

a wide commodious porch, appeared even palatial in comparison with the

log stable upon its left flank, or the dingy tent whose worm-eaten

canvas flapped dejectedly upon the right. Directly across the street,

its front a perfect blaze of glass, stood invitingly the Occidental

saloon; but the Widow Guffy, who operated the Miners' Home with a

strong hand, possessed an antipathy to strong liquor, which

successfully kept all suspicion of intoxicating drink absent from those

sacredly guarded precincts, except as her transient guests imported it

internally, in the latter case she naturally remained quiescent, unless

the offender became unduly boisterous. On such rare occasions Mrs.

Guffy had always proved equal to the emergency, possessing Irish

facility with either tongue or club.

Mr. Hampton during the course of his somewhat erratic career had

previously passed several eventful weeks in Glencaid. He was neither

unknown nor unappreciated at the Miners' Home, and having on previous

occasions established his reputation as a spender, experienced little

difficulty 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 situation.

"Send those two fellows in here to argue it out," he said, languidly,

after listening disgustedly to their loud lamentations in the hallway,

and addressing his remarks to Mrs. Guffy, who 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."




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