Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-02-20
NO. A..
Calls aud Sketehss.
THE SHADOW OF THE DOOR.
CONTINUED from Saturday.

Yet | should not say it was discussed.
There was much less among those people
of the spirit that makes mischief than pre-
walls in buster, sharper community
less readiness TO NEEDLE more conscious
ness of responsibility in touching another
mans character. Such, at least, was the
impression brought away with me from
two months sojourn among them; and
all the experience of after years has not
made the value seem less of such qualities
be the circumstances what they may
that foster them. The dullest minded in
the group to whom Pender told his story
felt that it was not subject for tattle.
And it must give some elevation of spirit
even to the dullest man when he sets
guard upon his thoughts and words about
a possible criminal, in respect for their
common manhood.
At any rate, the seriousness that pervad-
ed that whole community, from that day
onward. had something dignified in it
rudely as it was sometimes indicated.
V.
1t was Dempton's habit, as it was that
OF many others, to come to the store once
week and on the same day, both on the
chance of letter arriving and to make
When the time next came round the
company was larger than usual. and con-
tanned more persons of consideration. As.
on his asking for letters, one was handed
him, it seemed to be sort OF signal to
the lookers-on. No sooner was it ia kis
hand than one of the persons present said:
Squire Dempton"-so he had been
called from the first by tacit recognition
of his superiority-wil you allow me to
ask if you have lately heard from Mr..
Esey ?"
"No sir; | have not" was the prompt
response, on which Dempton fixed upon
the speaker somewhat surprised look.
The pause that followed indicated the
common feeling that some good reason
must be forthcoming for asking this ques-
tion at this time. Yet ordinarily it might
have passed for mere expression of
friendly interest.
"Well, Squire" said Atkins, the man who
had spoken, 1--WE ali heard that Mr.. Elsey
was coming back; and it has been talked
round good deal that he was going to
settle among us, and it seems natural to
show an interest in it,"
'Did you make his acquaintance, sir,
when he was here ?n asked Dempton.
Not exactly, Squire; | only spoke TO
him once, and was rather taken by his
pleasant voice and looks. and should be
glad to learn when he is coming back"
THAT is to say, Mr.. Atkins, you knew
him Just as much as you know me. be-
lieve we have been named once TO each
other"
This brought Atkins to his feet, with a
sense of being called upon to show his
ideas of propriety and seli-respect.
Very true. Mr.. Dempton, and think
once was enough to make my question
proper one. hope you don't dispute it,
sir P
Il have no wish to dispute with you or
any one," said Dempton, "But have a
right to my way, which is to come and go
asking and being asked no questions. It's
not your question, Mr.. Atkins, but your
asking it, that surprises me and between
neighbors who want to live quietly the
| quicker such thing is understood the
| better"
In saying this Dempton's manner was
so quietly resolute as to produce the effect
feel that he took the position of one who
had been interfered with. The more
trivial the interference, the stronger such
| %
| Justify interference at all, especially in the
eyes of people jealous as they were of
personal rights. Atkins felt this instantly
and had sense enough to treat it in the
only manly way.
Dropping his tone of sell-assertion, he
said: II ask your pardon, Squire, for
seeming meddlesome, which didn't mean
to be. If gentleman speaks civilly when
/ ha p,oofS paiUhhor apI Ianit ehnnSa ~,
do more, it's nobody's business but his
own. But | must say. Squire. for myself
and the rest of us here, that all we know
of Mr.. Elsey was what you told us your
self. and that's the reason, perhaps, why
| was reader to ask about him."
| Dempton saw that Atkins had drawn
back, and was too shrewd not to concede
something himself Neither party could
have had more than general notion what
was in the mind of the other. Each was
intensely conscious of his own motive that
gave Importance 10 an incident in itself ut
terly trivial.
| THAT is true, Mr.. Atkins" Dempton re-
piled had | thought of it. your stopping
me on my way out might not have struck
me as it did. | don't like to be stopped !;
and to show you that minded that more
| thuu 1Oul iuSSliou, l. IL AiNC 1Ou al
swer to it when | have read this letter,
which, think, has something to do with
it,"
So saying, he walked out to where his
horse and wagon stood. while the party
in doors awaited his return in silence.
The contrast between what appeared upon
the surface and what was underneath i'm
posed restraint upon them all. Dempton
presently returned, and holding the open
letter in his hand he said, with perfect
naturalness of manner
"Gentlemen, this is very grave business
indeed, and. as it turns out. am not sor-
ry for hat has passed between us this
morning. This letter informs me that Mr..
Elsey has never reached his former home,
and that no communication has been re-
ceived from him. | have been anxious
about him for some time. When he left,
it was understood between us that II he
were detained by the way he would write.
but otherwise should not hear from him
| until ha aom nj of cd his iournev Not haor