Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-03-17

of gossip came from those of her own sex
whom she had supplanted in the chival-
rous attentions of Wingdam- which, like
moss popular chivalry, was devoted to an
admiration OF power, whether of masculine
force or feminine btauty. 1t should be re-
membered, too, in her eytenuation, that
since her arrival she had been the uncon-
scious prlestess ola neurological worship,
perhaps not more ennobling to her woman
hood than that which distinguished an
older Greek democracy think that MIR.
Brown was dimly conscious of this. But
his only confdsnt was Jack Hamlin, whose
lnfelx reputation naturally precluded any
open intimacy with the family, and whose
visits were infrcquent.
1t was midsummer and moonlit night;
and Mrs. Brown, very rosy, large-eyed, and
pretty, sat upon the piazza, enjoying the
fresh incense OF the mountain breeze and,
it is to be feared, another incense, which
was not so fresh, nor quite as innocent
Beside her sat Gel. Starbottle and Judge
Boompointer, and q later addition to her
court, in the shape of a foreign tourist
She was in good spirits.
What do you see Gown the road?" in
quired the gallant Colonel, who had been
conscious for the last few minutes that Mrs.
Browns attention was diverted.
"Dust, said Mrs. Brown, with sigh.--
''Only Sister Anne's flock of sheep'''
| The Colonel whose literary recolections
| did not extend farther back than last
week paper, took more practical view.
at amt sheep, he continued; ''it's horse
man. Judge, amt that Mr.. Jack Hamlins
gray?'
But the Judge didn't know; and, as Mrs.
Brown suggested the air was growing too
cold tor further investigations, they retired
to the parlor,
| Mr.. Brown was in the stable, where he
generally retired after dinner. Perhaps it
was to show his contempt for his wifes
companions; perhaps, like otker weak ma
lures, he found pleasure in the exercise of
absolute power over inferior animals. He
had certain qualification in the training
Of a chestnut mare, whom he he could beat
or caress as pleased him, which he couldn't
do with Mrs. Brown 1t was here that he
recognized certain gray horse which had
just come in, and looking a little farther on
found his rider. Browns greeting was
cordial and Hearty; Mr., Hamlin S somewhat
restrained. But at Browns urgent request
he followed him up the back-stairs to mar
row corridor, and thence toa small room
looking ont upon the stable-yard. 1t was
plainly furnished with "a bed, table, few
chairs, and rack for guns and whips.
"This yer's my home, Jack, said Brown,
with a sigh, as he threw himself upon the
bed and motioned his companion to chair.
Her rooms tother end of the hall. It's
morn six months since we've lived toge h.
err or met, except at meals. It's mighty
rough papers on the head of the house -
amt it? he said, with q forced laugh. 49,
But I'm glad to sec ye, Jack, )" and he
reached from the bed, and again shook the
unresponsive hand of Jack Hamlin.
II brought ye up here, for | didn't want
ter of that it's all round town. Don't
strike light. We can talk here in the
moonshine. Put up your feet on that
winder, and sit here beside me. That's
whisky i'll that Jug"
Mr.. Hamlin did not avail himself of the
information. Brown, of Calaveras, turned
his face to the wall, and continued;
III | didn't love the woman, Jack, |
wouldn't mind. But it's loving her, and
seeing her. day artar day, goln on at THIS
rate, and no one to put down the br Ike;
that's what gifts me But I'm glad to see
We, jack"
In the darkness he CROPPED about until he
had found and wrung his companions
hand again. He would have detained it,
but Jack slipped it into the buttoled breast
OF his coat, and asked lst!essly, "How long
has tins been going on?' Ever since she
came here; ever since the day she walked
into the Magnolia. | was q fool then;
Jack, I'm no tool now; but / didn't know
how much loved her till then. And she
hasn't been the same woman since.
"But that amt all, jack and its what
wanted to sec you about, and I'm 6 ad
you've come. 1t amt that she doesn love
me any more; it amt that she fools with
every chap that comes along, for, perhaps,
l staked her love and lost 1T, as | did every
thing el9e at the Magnolia and perhaps,
foolin' is material to some won en-, and thar
amt no great harm done, cept to the fools.
But, Jack, think--I think she loves some
body else. Don't move, Jaes; don't move;
| if your pistol hurts we, take II Oft
ats been more'n SIX months now that
she's seemed unhappy and lonesome, and
kinder nervous and scared like And,
sometimes, I've ketched her lookin' at me
sort of timid and plying. And she writes
to somebody. And, tor the last week she's
been gathering her own things -trinkets,
and iurbelows, and jew'lry-and, Jack, l
think she's goin off. could stand all but
that To have her steal away like thief
-" He put his face downward to the
pillow, and, tor Il few moments, there was
| no sound but the ticking of clock on the
mantel Mr.. Hamln lit q cigar and moved
to the open window. The moon no longer
shone in the room, and the bed and it's &C.
cupant were in shadow. What shall do,
Jack?' said the voice from the darkness.
The answer came promptly and clearly
! from the window-side "Spot the maA,
and kill him on sight.
"But, Jack?'
"He's took the risk y
"But will that bring her back"
Jack did not reply, but moved from the
window towards the door.
| ,.n..,, ,sx ,nt Japt. iiubt thg candle and