The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-02-02

1uG Wl1Ole nOlHc Wh9 III hSOlAlpbiuA
at once. Brandy and hot blankets were
called for; Miles was put into Abrams
bed; and everyone was so busy in
attending to his restoration, that Hugh
had stumbled TO the fire, helped him.
self to drink Of hot coffee, and turned
to the door again, before anyone noticed
him. Then Mrs. Keith cried out
"Garston, don't open that, man; or
you'll let more Of the cold in."
"I will shut il behind me-" he said,
laconically.
going ?" in chorus from the men,.
Eyes, am-home."
Abram delivered himself OF whole
bagful OF curses, ingeniously diyersi.
fed. Malya came close, and put her
hand wonderingly on her lovers arm.
Hugh did not look OF her but turning
TO his host, stated the reason for his
departure -nine famishing children.
hWhat out there? Why, 1 reck-
oned you were coming down here till
the tiaw. Where did you spot poor
Miles, then?" =
huBA tOlus
"And you left tho prog, and come
away to toat him along down here !
Well, I'm darned |"
Old Keith shrugged his shoulders;
but Malva's eyes glistened, and her
warm fingers stole down his arm, and
glided sinuouSly into his gloved ones.
Garsto1, saia M ola hel.n, .i.n,t giVing Il ;a ;pp
most dark already, an the snow iaihng
IKE wildnre. ioln meyer ~ home
with your ilIe tlis aay' Ion pe aiool
an risk II. a,
ana my ehiidten 1,.
Dodrot the shaVers II they've
empty bellies one day, tney can M en-
me next, an no H2, harm gone, reckon. exon
Let EN- oe. MnN you're most pr9ke ,,
down ready, an Us white as skuhks 8
liver"
This from Abrarn. hugh looked a.
MN coidiy; Ihese TWO young men did
not "hitch well," to use Malva's
phrase. =,
"Wili you go il l stay T. he asked;
"or wil you come along with me and
heIpw
With the greatest sincerity, young
Keith shook MS head, and wished MN
sell az eternal Peraltion Il ne were sueh
iool."He'a keer fur MS lie, no
guessed, Of schoolmaster didn't tur
his'n."
"The schoolmaster laughed con.
temptuously.
"1 thought SO. Good night, friends.
/ care for the children given to my
charge. Look after your frost-b bitten
friend, Abram. You can do that with.
out running the risk Of losing your
precious life, or freezing your foul
tongue either"
He went out as he eBpoke, and Abram,
boiling with rage, caught up q "Colt's"
and made as he would follow. Old
Keith held him back.
"Let tie darncd fool go, and be
cussed to him" he said. "Iook at the
snow, boy; he'll never spot home to-
night. Afalya, bolt the door,"
She flow off but not 10 obey. Hugh
had taken but a few steps, when his
arm was caught, and Malva, half buried
in her fathers huge bearskin robe,
clung painting to his side.
Hugh, dear Hugh, do come back
Why, for PHYS sake, do you flare at
Abram SOP He only wanted to stay
you. Come back, do r
al beg your pardon, ATalya. Your
brother always irritates me but his
selfish cowardice Just now put my blood
up. Go back yourself, child. Il isn't
safe Tor you to be here moment"
He put her back as he spoke, press
ing her into the shelter OF the deep
porch, and wrapping the muillers still
closer round her. She got one arm
free, however, and lung 1t round his
neck;
Hugh, don't you. now-don't Look
at the snow. it's falling last again; an
dusk drawing in. Don't go tonight,
hngh7ior my sake, don't Listen ~
trying to rub her soft cheek against his
caressingly-"l love yon:-I love you
better nor any one; an III never speak
another word 70 that drunken brute you
saved, nor no one II you bid me-neyer,
hugh 70 forgive me, ola man say
you believe me, and stay to-nlght-doF
she was soobing and crying now,
win hef wet flushed lace hidden on
ms breast, and aef warm, shapely arms
GIaspee ana quiYerlng ABOUT ms neck.
Ihe proprie.ies o. eoartshlp are not
matter Oh edneanon ~, N ,he Northwest,
ern Stges. hugh nitea her lace anu
Kissed IT.
al do forgive you" he said. ~
would make you my wife tonight IL