Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-05-14
seItfteO Storp.
Written Tor the New IoIs Times
The Rose of Tuolumne.
BY BRET iIARTE,
HAPPIER III.

CHAPTER III.
Before noon the next day it was general
ly believed throughout Four Forks that
Ridseway Dent ha. been attacked and
wounded at Chemisal Ridge by a highway
man. who fled on the approach OF the
Wingdam coach. Ii is TO be presumed
that this statement met with Ridgcway's
approval a he did not contradict II, nor
supplemental with any details. His wound
was severe. but not dangerous. After the
frst excitement hid subsldcd, there was,
| think prevailing impression, common
to the provincial mind. that his misfortune
was the result OF the defective moral quail
~ of his being stranger, and was in a
vague sort OF way a warning TO others
aud lesson 10 him. Dad you hear how
that san Francisco fellow was took down
the other night, was the average tone Of
Introductory remark. Indeed, there was
general suggestion that RiJ:eway's pres
cnce Was one that no self-respectins, high
minded highwayman. honorably conserva-
County, could for moment tolerate.
Except for the few words spoken on that
eventiul mnrnins- Ridg"uay ~as --.'~s"s
OF The past. When Jenny stroye to gather
some details of the ailray that might offer
4 clue 10 his unknown assailant. a subtle
twinkle in his brown eyes was the only re-
sponse. When Mr.. McCiosky attempted
the same process the young gentleman
threw abusive epithets. and cventually
slippers. teaspoons aud other lighter arti-
cles within the reach Of an invalid, at the
head of his qucstioner. Il think he's com
ing round, Jenny" said Mr.. McClosAy.
"he laid for Inc this morning with a candle
stick"
1t was about this time that Miss Jenny,
having sworn her father 10 secrecy regard
ing the manner in which Ridgeway had
been carried into the house conceived the
idea of addressing the young man as MIR.
Dent" and Of apologizing for intruding
whenever she entered the room in the dis
charge of her household duties. II was
about thi, time that she became more rig
Idly conscientious TO those duties, and less
general in her attentions; ii was at this
time that the quality of the invalid's diet
improved and that she consulted him less
frequently about it. 1t was about this
time that she began 10 see more company,
that the house was greatly frequented by
her former admirers, with whom she rode,
walked. and danced. Ii was at about this
time, also. aud when Ridgeway was able
to be brought out on the veranda In q
chair, that, with great archness of manner,
she introduced to him Miss Lncy Ashe, the
sister of her betrothed-a flashing brunette
and terrible heart breaker of Four Forks
And in the midst of this gayety she con-
cluded that she would spend a week with
the Robinsons-to whom she owed a visit.
She enjoyed herself greatly there, so much
indeed that she became quite hollow-eyed,
the result. as she explained to her father.
of too frequent Indulgence in festivity.
You see. father, l won't have many
chances after John and are married-you
know how queer he is-and l must make
the most Of my time" and she laughed an
odd little laugh, which had lately become
habitual to her. "And how is Mr.. Dent
getting onY' Her father replied that he
was getting on very well indeed, SO well,
in fact, that he was able to leave for San
Francisco two days ago. HE wanted to
be remembered to you, Jenny-'remember-
inIi vAs ba
used" aud Mr.. Mc';losky, looking down
and Consulting one of his large shoes for
corroboration. Miss Jenny was glad to
hear that he was so much better. Miss
Jenny could not imagine anything that
pleased her more than to know that he
was SO strong as to be able to rejoin his
friends again, who must love him SO much
and be SO anxious about him. Her father
thought she would be pleased, and now
that he was gone there was really no neces-
sity for her to hurry back. Miss Jenny,
in high metallic voice. did not know that
she had expressed any desire to stay-still
If her presence had become distasteful At
home-if her own father was aesirous of
ecttiHp Tiu vi ncE-Is Wucu euc WAS 81
soon to leave his roof forever, he still be-
grudged her those few days remaining-if
My God, Jenny, SO help me!" said Mr..
McClosky, clutching despairingly at bis
beard, Il didn't go for to say anything Of
the kind. thought that you" ''Never
mind, father" interrupted Jenny, mag
unanimously, "you misunderstood me; OF
course you did. you couldn't help ;t-you're
a MANI Mr.. McClosky, sorely crushed.
would have vaguely protested, but his
daughter, having relieved herself. after the
manner Of her sex, with mental personal
application of an abstract statement, for
gave him with kiss.
Nevertheless, for two or three days A.
ter her return, Mr.. McClosky followed his
daughter about the house with yearning
| eyes, and occasionally with timid, dimdent