The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-02-05

his country"
"Thank you kindly" returned the SOL
dier, "but Mrs. Tompkins is distaat-a
sort of old acquaintance. The fact is, |
used to know her first husband, and guess
| will call there"
Mr.. Towne watched him as be went up
to the door and knocked, and saw that he
was admitted By Mrs, Tompkins.
He is some old sweet heart of hers,
may be" said Mr. Towne. nodding to him
self. "I1e comes too late; poor woman,
she has hard row to hoe now" Then
Mr.. Towne went home to supper, and we
will 60 in with the soldier.
"Couldn't you give a poor soldier a
mouthful to eat z" he asked Of the pale,
nervous woman who opened the door.
My husband does not allow me to give
anything to travellers" she said, "but
always feel for the soldiers coming back.
and II give you some supper if you won t
be long eating it, and she wiped her eyes
with her white aud blue checked apron,
aud set with alacrity about providing re-
freshments for the poor man, who had
thrcwn himself in the nearest chair, and
with his head on his breast, seemed teo
tired even to remove his hat from bis face
Il am glad to have you eat, aud |
wouldn't hurry you for anything, she
said in frightened way, "but you acil
eat quick. won't you for I expect every
minute. he will be in"
The man drew his chair to the table,
keeping his hat on his head as though he
belonged to the Society of Friends, but
that could not be, for the Friends do not
90 to the wars. He ate heartily of the
bread and butter, and cold meat, and how
long he was about it,
NIrs. Tompkins fdgeted. "Dear me"
said she to herself, ''if he only kaew, be
wouldn't be 50 cruel as to let Tompkins
come and catch him here" She went and
looked from the window uneasiiy; but
there was no token of his meal coming to
and end. Now he is pouring vinegar
on the cold cabbage and potatoes. can I
asl, him TO take those in his hand Oh
dear, how slow be is hasn't the man any
teeth 2"
At last she said mildly, Il am very sor-
ry to hurry you, sir, but couldn't you let
me spread some bread and butter, and cut
yon some slices of meat to take away with
YOU ? My husband will use abusive Ian
guag. to you if he finds you here"
Before the soldier could reply, footsteps
were heard Oh the door stone at the back
door, and man entered. He stopped
short, aud looked at the soldier as saw
age dog might look Then he b-oke out
in toue between growl and roar.
"Hey day, Nelly, pretty piece Of busi
ness! What have | teld you time and
again, nradam2 Yoa'A and you had bet
ter mind your master. And you, you lazy
thieviDg yagabund, let NE see yoH clear
out of my house and off my land good
deal quicker than you come on the prem
ises !"
"Your house. and yeur land" ex-
claimed the soldier, starting suddenl J up,
erect aud tall, and dashing of his hat with
quick fiery gesture. His eyes flashed
ike lightning, and his lips quivered with
indignation as he confronted the aston
ished Tompkins. The latter was evi-
dently afraid of him, and his wife bad
given sudden nervous shrek when the
soldier first started to his feet aud flung
off his hat, and had sunk trembling aud
balf fainting in chair, for she recog
nized him.
You hain't anv business to interfere
between NE and my wife" said Tomp.
kins, sulkily, cowed by the attitude of
the soldier.
"Your wife, exclaimed the soldier,
with the very concentration of contempt
expressed in his voice, and pointing to
him with an indignant finger.
"Who are you p asked Tompkins with
an air of effrontry.
Il am Harry Jones, since you ask the
owner of this house and this land, which
you will leave this very hour As for
Molly" softening bis tone as he turned
to tie woman now sobbing hysterically,
''she shal! choose between u.s."
80 Harry !" sobbcd she, while Tomp-
kius stood dunb with astonishment, take
NE, save me ~
"Witb one step he was at her side, hold
ing her in his arms. "What did you
mean treating this poor child SO ? Do
you think because she had no earthly pro-
tector that there was no God in heaven
to take her part against you :"
No man who is cruel TO woman is ever
truly brave, and Tompkins SUNK away
like beaten spaniel.
The next day had not passed away be-
fore everybody in town knew that Harry
Jones bad come back alive and we'll to
rescue his much enduring, patient wife