" The only indication of the
conservative tendencies of age was visible in his continual protest
against the extravagance of the boys. "Why," he would say, "a
family, a hull family,--leavin' alone me and the old woman,--might
be supported on what you young rascals throw away in a single
spree. Ah, you young dogs, didn't I hear about your scattering
half-dollars on the stage the other night when that Eyetalian
Papist was singin'? And that money goes out of Ameriky--ivry
cent!"
There was little doubt that the old couple were saving, if not
avaricious. But when it was known, through the indiscreet
volubility of Mammy Downey, that Daddy Downey sent the bulk of
their savings, gratuities, and gifts to a dissipated and prodigal
son in the East,--whose photograph the old man always carried with
him,--it rather elevated him in their regard. "When ye write to
that gay and festive son o' yourn, Daddy," said Joe Robinson, "send
him this yer specimen. Give him my compliments, and tell him, ef
he kin spend money faster than I can, I call him! Tell him, ef he
wants a first-class jamboree, to kem out here, and me and the boys
will show him what a square drunk is!" In vain would the old man
continue to protest against the spirit of the gift; the miner
generally returned with his pockets that much the lighter, and it
is not improbable a little less intoxicated than he otherwise might
have been.
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