During the history of the Elk City house it was not an infrequent occurrence for farmers from the neighboring country to drive up to Ben’s place with lumber or produce, which they offered for sale. Although Hogan rarely had any use for these articles, he would invariably offer to take them at the farmer’s own terms. Once inside the house, and with the prospect of a good bargain before him, the rural visitor would avail himself of the opportunity to see, at least, a part of the elephant. The animal usually proved so interesting that it was hard to turn away from the sight.
Ben would post the girls, who in turn would one and all profess to be smitten by the farmer. This would tickle his vanity, and besides indulging in every dance that was called, he would order the wine with the utmost liberality. The more he danced, the more he drank; and the more he drank, the more firmly he became convinced that every woman in the place was desperately in love with him. This was pleasant while it lasted, but it was also expensive. Before he had finished seeing the elephant, the farmer would invariably find that he had run up a bill considerably in excess of the amount due him for his produce. If farmers had only been plenty enough, Ben would never have been called upon to expend a cent for eggs, butter, or vegetables.
“JENNIE.”
While still managing the house in Elk City, Hogan went to Bullion, where he bought Frank Nesbit’s hotel, paying him therefor four thousand dollars. He did not really want this property, but was forced to take it because he failed in his efforts to get a lease of any more suitable premises. Mr. Sincox, who refused to grant the lease in question, was particularly anxious to prevent Ben from locating in Bullion. When he found that the latter had secured the hotel, he drew up a petition to have him ejected from the town; but, to his surprise, he found that the very men whom he had counted on to sign this petition were ready to sign one in favor of Hogan’s right to remain. Nesbit, who knew Ben to be a thorough man in his line of business, readily disposed of his property to him.
While Ben devoted his time to Bullion, Jennie managed the place at Elk City. Ben’s energy found a new field in Bullion, in the way of erecting an opera house, which was a neat and creditable building for the neighborhood. This house was opened by Wildman’s company, the very appropriate play of “Ten Nights in a Barroom” being chosen for the initiatory performance. Whatever else may be said of Ben’s appearance in this town, it is at least certain that he infused into it a good deal of life.
The success of the Elk City and Bullion enterprises were such as to warrant Ben in taking a somewhat protracted pleasure trip, which, in company with Jennie, he did.
THE HOUSE IN TARPORT.