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

hired to me tor the journey TO TIE ioa"-
side tavern.
This latter part of my travel was disa-
greeable.
A great, burly countryman, with the
crossest and sulkiest face l have ever seen, |
drove the vehicle, which was rafting |
machine of broken springs and worn out
seats, and ragged, stuffy-smelling curtains.
Nevertheless it was all SO much better tnan
| expected that was in quite a state OF de
light.
| The driver was my dread along the
lonely road, anil | clasped Eddie closely III
nv arms and put my trust in God, with
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.
1t was nearly dusk When we reached
The Forks,'-the name Of the tavern
towards which we had been journeylng-
name which became applicable from the
fact that the high road forked to the rlght
and tc the lett just at that point.
1t was tall, narrow, three-story frame
house, in very Imprinted and dilapidated
condition. The outside presentmenf, now
ever, if anything, more agreeable than tnat
which beheld within doors.
The landlord met me at the door and IN
troduced me into gloomy little room on the
lett of the cold, dark, uncarpeted hall. II
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, and
my disappointment at not meeting Clarke
: according to his promise made me feel SO
downhearted that felt ready to burst into
c tears: but the curious eyes that peered at
me from doors and windows we're incentives
enough for an exhibition of strength rather
than weakness.
The landlady came in after awhile and
invited me into low, damp room, where
supper was set The fare was homely, hat
: Indeed acceptable after our journey. te
It both Eddie and myself.
Ny nervous presentment o. danger
however seemed to gather strength every
y moment
At the table was served by mai
,r whose hideous countenance was worse thar
the nightmare by JEALOUSY bred
He eyed me with a persistent curiosit,
- in his gaping, sensual mouth, and pale, In
famed blue eyes, that almost drove me Il
id distraction
As often as met his gaze l shuddere'
er as from loathsome touch, and wished-oh
how wildly for Clarkes noble presence
10 and his protecting arm.
6, This abhorred creature with his horr1
b. BILE eyes attempted to pet my little Eddit
but the child shrank from him Just as die
and ANONYMOUSLY rejected the advance
= that were made.
The time for retiring for the night at la:
came round, and as 1t was long past tn
= hour when could hope for Clarke's arr
val, and as had no excuse to felgn that
might remain longer in the public room,
" rose reluctantly and followed my landlad
n out into the hall and up the creaking, nal
H. row flights Of stairs-for she gave me a
L. apartment in the attic of the house, aver
O. ring, when questioned as to the reason, ths
tn her house was so crowded that she vas un
at able to extend more comfortable accommo
tn dations.
Trembling with i'll defined fear, | bad
to the landlady good night, and standing
my open door, counted the sounds OF NJ
lie footsteps down the stairs.
I'd Returning to the hearth where fes
a fageots blazed and smoked, took Eddie
of my knee and prepared the little feiisw fe
lg nights rest.
he suddenly interrupted n'e:-
Il. Mamma" he asked, looking up in m
" anxious face, with his blue, peaceful eve:
TO- Mamma, 10 you like that man with the ugl
An face down stairs!'
,e. INV son. why do you ask me such
10, question:" l enquired almost breathlesst
Because l DON'T" he replied myste
til iously.
". why nots' asked, smiling in spite
ed NV anxiety. a: the wise look ON his coul
"a tenance.
Because he snapped his eyes On
W. turned 80 red in the face when he saw Il
his gold in your purse that you took out to p'
nj. the driver" answered Eddie.
life Nonsense, darling; You should not 81
led pect persons Of evil; i, is always sad enoul
CO. when we find it out.
ns l stopped and kissed my child, but =
ere heart beat loudly with fear found 1t IN
possible to control, struggle with mys
to and laugh at my timidity IS would.
il For q long while after Eddie went to b
md sat musing by the hearthstone. starti
hurriedly at every creaking sound or foo
be step could hear without.
The freight threw long, fantastic shs
nc. ows on the ceiling and the walls, and
or covered closer and shuddcred nervously
an watched them lengthen and darken rs
uld fagge,s dropped into ashes
4; last, prepared for bed, l attempted
ner secure the door Cor the night. but II had
ore fas,enings upon i, of any kind or quality
,om To retire in that unprotected fashion.
a strange house and alone, was something
low could not think of for an instant
we Finally an idea presented itself VIII
seemed entirely feasible.
my Exerting myself to the utmost, pnsf
ney an old-fashioned chest of drawers agau
the door. and on top of it put the
op- stiff backed wooden chairs the room atfo
md, ed.
by After this exer,ion, feeling more co
de- posed aud satisfied, retired and fell int
ze's heavy slumber.
no How long lay there cannot tell
Ii surely could no, have been many .
to ments. when l was suddenly startled
a 10 the most intense consciousness that IN
re was some one in the room beside little
inn. die and myself, for distinctly heard be-