Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1876-11-22

Thomas brought the cilaise to the
door. Fathers favorite black horse,
whose coat looked like lustrous velvet,
1 and who stepped so proudly, was paw
ing the ground impatientlyas he APP
4 peared. He handed in my beautiful
mother, and | stood looking on with
/. childish pleasure at, her beauty and
| rich dress that so became her. My
father suddenly turned to me and
said, taking his key to his iron-bound
box: 4.es.6.. -
run, Ann, and get me the little
bag you saw me put away last night"
| was proud to be so trusted; but
when l quickly returned with it, he
was already in the chaise. and part
way to the gate. He looked out and
said:
"No matter, row. Ann; You may
put it back again, for we are going an
other road, and l will pay Harris to-
morrow. Take care Of the key, my
dear, and good-by."
"Good-by, and good time to you,"
laughingly replied, and ran back to
put the treasure in safety.
| FASTENED indoors again to see them
wind down the private way that led
! through our extensive grounds, and
half wished were old enough to go
with them. Hearing a slight noise,
| turned and saw stranger, figure
not unusual, a man with bundle
hung on stick.
He was leaning on the stone wall,
and apparently looking after the car
riages. He came forward in a mo-
/, ment, and asked if he might sit down
and rest, and if l would kindly give
him dr-ink,of beer. Beer Swasas free
as water with us.
Of course / said yes, and with light
| steps soon had him a substantial lunch
of bread, cheese and beer, which he
came into the kitchen to eat. Betsey
and Hannah were busy, hurrying to
finish their work, for they were going
out to, tea and to spend the evening.
They talked gayly about their visit,
paying little attention to the stroller,
who was quietly eating. He had laid
his straw hat ON the floor, and saw
that his head was bald on the top, and
the thinnish hair brushed up from be-
hind over it. He had prominent ears,
low forehead, and large mouth with
retreating chin, where grew a stubby
beard of grizzly black, like his hair. l
did not know why / observed all this
| or his eyes, small and hid under gray
ish brows, that seemed to glance fur
lively about him when no one appeared
to be looking.
His voice was harsh and croaking,
| dnd had startled me when he first ad
aressed me.
We were used to strOllers of all
kinds, as have said. Perhaps l was
mentally contrasting his responsiveness
with my fathers noble and dignified
features. A
He seemed to me very ugly / was
glad when he had finished his meal,
and risen to go.
He asked permission to light his
pipe, which was readily granted. He
went out directly, passing accidentally
through the dining-room and out of
the great hall, where he fingered for a
moment or two. IIf, 4 M
He had thanked me ciyilly enough
for his breakfast, but the girls laughed
and nodded as he went out, and said
they should think had picked up a
raven. .f rf0 ..EIL q
All that long, bright day l was busy
and happy in the flower garden, or
sewing, or reading; and when the girls
left, looking very cheerful at their half
holiday, wished them a merry time,
and told them not to hasten home, for
! Thomas should come for them.
expected my father and mother
soon after eight o'clock, and | told
Thomas he might go about that time,
as they would soon be home, and it
| looked little like rain.
Heavy clouds were gathering in the
west, and the thunder runbled sui
| lenly.
| He took the covered wagon and old
/ gray, and, before he stepped in, said
respectfully:
Miss Ann, think you had better
! fasten the doors, as you may be all
alone for a short time if go so soon
Would rot you rather that | should
wait till your father comesy'
"Oh, no, Thomas; don't mind be-
ing alone in the least, and you ought
to go, lest it should rain hard, for it is
more than two miles to ride, and they
may not wish to leave in minute. l
expect father and mother every mo-
ment Don't wait"
/ SO Thomas left, and the wagon rat
tied merrily up the lane.
bolted the doors because he had told
me to, for otherwise should not have
thought of it.
1t grew dark rapidly, and the thun-
der began to peal heavily, while the
wind arose and the flashes of lightning
grew mole vivid and frequent
I went into the east parlor, and