The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-11-18

side tavern.
This latter part Of my travel was disa-
greeable. =, :,
A great, burly countryman, with the
crossest and sulkiest face have ever seen, I
drove the vehicle, which was rafting
machine Of broken springs and worn cut
seats, and ragged, stufy-smelling curtains.
Nevertheless it was all so much better tnan
l expected that was in quite state OF de
light.
The driver was my dread along the
lonely road, anil l clasped Eddie closely IN
my arms and put my trust IN God, Win
happy smile, reminding myself that would
see Clarke that night and the visions were
fair that my fancy conjured up while the
distance was slowly Travelled. L
1t was nearly dusk wheu we reached
The Forks,'-the name of the tavern |
towards which we had been journeying-
name which became applicable from the
fact that the high road forked to the right
and tc the lett just at that point.
1t was tall, narrow, three-story frame
house, in very implanted and dilaPidated
condition The outside presentment, how
ever, if anything, more agreeable than that
which beheld within doors.
The landlord met me at the door ana IN
troduced me into gloomy little room on the
lett of the cold, dark, uncarpeted hall. 1t
was close in structure, and In atmosphere
too, having that disagreeable, stuffy odor
which impregnates the air in all apart
ments which are not frequently open to
sunshine and breeze.
The evening was cold and dreary, ana
my disappointment at not meeting Clarke
according to his promise made me fee! SO
downhearted that felt ready to burst into
tears; but the curious eyes that peered at
me from doors and windows were incentives
enough for an exhibition of strength rather
than weakness.
The landlady came in after awhile and
invited me into q low, damp room, wnere
supper was set. The fare was homsly, hat
indeed acceptable after our journey. 70
I both Eddie and myself.
Nv nervous presentment o: danger,
however, seemed to gather strength every
r moment.
At the table was served by man
r whose hideous countenaDce was worse than
the nightmare by JEALOUSY bred
He eyed me with persistent curiosity
j. in his gaping, sensual mouth, and pale, in
famed blue eyes, that almost drove me Il
d distraction.
As often as met his gaze shudderet
81 as from loathsome touch, and wished-oh
how wildly for Clarke's noble presence
10 and his protecting arm.
This abhorred creature with his horn
\. BILE eyes attempted to pet my little Eddie
but the child shrank from him just as did
and ANONYMOUSLY rejected the advance
= that were made.
The time for retiring for the night at las
came round, and as it was long past tn
hour when could hope for Clarke's ARR
val, and as had no excuse to feign that
might remain longer in the public room,
v rose reluctantly and followed my landlad,
n out into the hall and up the creaking, mai
i. row flights of stairs-for she gave me
l. apartment in the attic of the house, aver
o. ring. when questioned as to the reason, ths
III her house was so crowded that she vas un
At ahle Ia extend more comfortable accommo
h dations.
Trembling with i'll defined fear, bad
to the landlady good might, and standing a
INV opeu door, counted the sounds Of he
lie footsteps down the stairs
ID Returning to the hearth where Few
. fageots blazed and smoked. took Eddie 0
Of nv knee and prepared the little fellsw 10
q nights rest. =,
Il While I was hearing his prayers, h
ne suddenly interrupted ue:-
Il "Mamma." he asked, looking up in NJ
" anxious face, with his blue, peaceful eve:
o. MAMMA, 10 you like that man with the ugl
IN face down stairs!'
,e. my son. why do you ask me such
ot question:" l enquired almost bresthlessh
Because I DON'T" he replied myste'
til iously.
". ..Why mott asked, smiling in spite
ed NV anxiety, q. the wise look on his coul
~ tensnce.
because he snapped his eyes On
~ turned 90 red in the face when he saw Il
ais cold in your purse that you took out to ps
al. lthe driver" answered Eddie.
ife Nonsense, darling; you should mot 81
ed pect persons Of evil; i. is always sad enoal
Ne when We and it out
4, stopped and kissed my child. bat !
ere heart beat loudly with fear found it in
possible to control. struggle with mys
Is and laugh at my timidity as would
il For long while after Eddie went to b
nd sat musing BY the hearthstone, starti
hurriedly at every creaking sound or foe
be step could hear without
The freight threw long. fantastic sha
&C. ows on the ceiling and the walls, and
or covered closer and shuddcred nervously
an watched them lengthen and darken as
uld faggets dropped into ashes.
4. last, prepared for bed, l attempted
ner secure the door Cor the night, but it had
ore fas,eniugs upon it Of any kind or quality
.om To retire in that unprotected fashion.
= strange house and alone, was something
low could not think Of for an instant.
We Finally an idea presented itself Viii
seemed entirely feasible.
nv Exerting myself to the utmost. pusf
new An old-fashioned chest Of drawers agai
the door. and on top of it put the
OBJ stiff backed wooden chairs the room ano'
md, ed.
by After this exertion, feeling more co
de- posed aud satisfied, retired and fell int
ke's heavy slumber.
NO How long lay there cannot tell
Il surely could not have been many 2
to ments, when l was suddenly startled
a to the most intense consciousness that tn
r. \ Vas some one in the room beside little