The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-01-23
CHAPTER VIII
ENnTNn II KS

ENDING n A KISS.
So Judith went back to her lonely,
loveless, sltogether hopeless and forlorn
life with her father-vindicated before
the public, safe from the law, but still
guilty in the estimation Of The only per-
son whose good opinion seemed partic-
ularly desirable to her. Not only her
father but herself. Worthy child of such
a parent, how could she ever hope to
have again such a friend as she had
lost Z? She did not hope; she was given
up to shame and despair
Two weeks "a month six weeks
passed away the summer was gone, and
Boone had not yet returned. Miles be-
gan to be like a man distraught. When
the half Of July was past he was fret
fully impatient; his mind being fully
made up 10 return to Texas as soon after
Boone came home as practicable. At the
end Of the month he was depressed and
serious. When August was well-nigh
gone he plainly betrayed by his irritable
manner and haggard appearance that
something more than impatience preyed
upon his mind; he felt fear he would
not acknowledge that his son would
never return. His gloomy eyes were
bloOdshot with gazing-into the south to
catch the first glimpse Of the homeward-
bound wanderer.
1t is an error to presume that the man
Of culture has stronger affections than
the simpler man. Very often the re-
verse is true, for obvious reasons: the
unlettered man having fewer objects on
which his love can be bestowed, and
there being no frittering away of the az
fections. Boone was Jack Miles "Ab-
solem," for whom he would have died,
yet upon whom in his stubbornness he
would have blindly forced death, and
repent of his sin ever after I'm agonies Of
self-accusation. These agonies were al
ready beginning to visit him. To cheat
them Of their force he spent whole days
away from home on various pretences
but always riding toward the south in
vague, formless hope of finding relief
In that direction.
Unjust, as self-accusing minds are
sure to be towards those whom they
have injured, Miles could not bear the
sight Of Judith's changed appearance
and listless movements. II she was 81
lent, he construed her silence into con-
tempt; If she made an effort to divert
his thoughts from Boone, he was an
noyed by what be chose to think was
eondescension. Never was there a more
intense compound of pride, self-will,
suspicion and Strengthening than this
rude Texan.
1t is not to be presumed that living in
this atmosphere alone Judith was not
Influenced by it. Her sensitiveness be-
came suspicion; her native delicacy an
exaggerated pride. The only thing left
in her life to keep it sweet was little un-
conscious Katie, with her smiling au-
dacity and abundant love. She snubbed
her father and teased her sister, fearless
OF rebuke; prattled Of what she chose,
and amused the unhappy ones against
their will.
1t was now September weather, with
an air that was warm, soft and dreamy,
adOve a landscape parched and dusty.
Judith had forbidden Katie to play out
Of doors, and the child was restlessly
skipping back and forth between the
two rooms IN the endeavor to find space
enough for her activity.
''I say, Jude,n cried Katie, suddenly
stopping to peer under her hand at some
distant object, ''AIr. Shultz is comingl
reckon he's got me some dulces.
Brush my hair, quick, Jude, and make
nice curls. Mr.. Shultz hain't been here
for never so long-a year, mebbe." And
the delighted child danced up and down
on tiptoe to her sister.
''Hush, Katie" said Judith. ner-
vously, turning a shade paler, and snatch
ing a glance at her own black braids.
perhaps Mr.. SbuItz is not going to stop
here; you must not make so much noise
about it, anyway" However, lest he
might stop, Judith began hurriedly to
Emoth the curls he admired so much
and otherwise TO put the child in order
keeping OBTAINING hand on her, lest
In her eagerness she might invite visit
not before intended.
But it was soon made evident that s
visit was intended. Mr.. Shultz secured
his horse and approached the house, SC
that Katie was soon permitted TO meeI
him outside the door.
''Ah, Katie is it thou How art thou
elAn? How many kisses, now, fol
Tor what Is in my pocket"
Katie did not stint her kisses-she
was too thoroughly delighted 10 have
her old friend back again.
THAT is goOd-that is charming. y
said the hearty German voice. TO which
Judith was listening in trembling ex.
pectaney. "Here now is thv nav. and
thou must take me now TO thy sister -
'Jude is in there" said The child
pointing to the sitting-room, but sitting
down on the doorstep to examine bel
newly-acquired property.
With this Introduction Mr. Sh,lt,
went in, ii must be confessed mora ayvt
wardly than was his wont. He conf,
hardly have told himself what brouObl