The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-08-02

nlnl-raVe his life aWay-and starye to
death-alone." She choked She could
not speak another word but she stood
with her lips parted, her eyes flashing,
looking eagerly, almost angriIy, from one
face to another.
Circus Jack bounded on to table: it
was rlckety, and reeled with his weight Z;
but PunkS and Bob Jin1s steaded it ;
they We're friends Of Jacks; besides, they
mad Just won from him at poker, and felt
very friendly. ''Fellers " said Jack, "to-
morroW's Sunday, I'm going out ter hunt
Ter poor jim, and amt comm back till |
hnd him. Them as wants ter 'compnv
me KIN call at my cabin tonight
~ will go with you, Jack" said the
Doctor impressively.
"Me, too you bet !" cried Scotty.
Count me in" growed bass voice
from the window
"Me too" squeaked Punks. "All as'll
go say, Ayr"
And an "Ay" came from those rough
voices with such a ringing burst Of good
| VIII as must have startled the very birds
asleep in the distant trees
Nay some faint echo of it NAV have
been heard at the very gates of heaven
Itself. The tears rolled down NIaIian's
checks. She tried to say. ''God bless
YOU" but the tears had the right of way,
and the words broke into something lln-
| intelligible
A sudden shame came over them that
they had not thought of this before.
Memories of homes, of mothers, Of wives.
came knocking at their hearts, and would
not be denied. The sleeves OF rough and
not over clean flannel shirts were drawn
across eyes that had scorned tears, thro'
sickness, discomfort, and disappointment
Cutey came to the rescue.
''Gentlemen." be said, waving his hand
over the bar, ''help yourselves. My jints
are stiff, and can't 90; but I'll treat the
crowd Free drinks, gentlemen Y
And leaving his bar to the tender mer-
cles of his thirsty friends, Cutey offered
his arm to Marian, and escorted her To
her own door, where he took leave of her
with a low bow.
Then he went down stairs four steps IL
time, lest his choice liquors should be
annihilated in his absence
1t WAS Monday noon when they return
ed. Marian sat at the window in the
easiest chair the house afforded. sirken-
ing with fever. She watched them com
ing into town with a restless, helpless
anxiety. She watched them scatter to
their cabins, and saw Circus Jack com
ING on toward the hotel alone.
She buried her face in her hands. He
had said that he would never come back
until he found him. Had they become
discouraged, OF
She could not believe that they had
found him. Her heart seemed to cry out,
''No. nor Jack came up, with little
Mrs. Sharpe at his heels
BE kecriul," said the faded woman
She's mighty poorly"
Jack came in as lightly as his heavy
boots would allow.
"The boys said fur me ter tell yer they
Wus all drettul sorry i'ur yer. We buried
him jist Whar we found him. He'd ben
dead nigh on to il couple of weeks,
reckon. Don't yer look 50, lady. Poor
jim he Waln't never happy, even when
he was drunk. He's better off up thar
We flung few stones together to mark
the place, and I'll guide You and Mrs
Sharpe thar any time
Then, lowering his voice to a whisper,
he added tenderly. ".And | TUX the ring
oil' IL illo llt NttllNtll llSIlt lttl IL
now; an thought as mebbv you'd like it,"
He took it from the corner Of his hand
kerchief; she held up her finger for it.
and he slipped it on. Then he saw that
the letters spelled "Faith." - Thrt
Punks !" he thought contemptuously.
She looked up, into his face with Il
stony smilc-no tears now.
"Thank you," she said.
Four weeks attcrward the Doctor lift
ed Marian into the stage She was
strong enough for her journey now. she
said. Two days before she had visited
the lonely cairn. 1t was a tiresome horse
back ride too. She seemed to be getting
well very fast The Doctor told her 50.
"Peoplc never die when they wish TO-"
she answered sadly
Circus Jack came to the stage door to
bid her ''Good-by."
What can do for You to thank you ;"
she asked earnestly
Jack hesitatid.
IF YOU wouldn't mind, ma'am," he
said, I'D like-to-kiss your hand. I've
got dear Old mother at home-ct YOU
wouldn't mind !"
Without a blush or !; change of coun-
tenance she put her arm around his neck
and kissed his lips.
''Good-by, dear old fellow" she said.
Then Scotty cracked his whip, the
crowd on the piazza raised their hats
even the poor, chagrincd Doctor il sub
dued cheer was given, and the numbering
stage disappeared in u cloud Of dust, the
nodding Mariposas on the hillside look
ing cllriously at it as it went 10y.