The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-26

might DOtn WORK. I'm, we COulO pay
you them But am not able to now. ]
am very sick"
"Nonsense! you're we'll enough to GO
to the poor-house. l have brought my
man on purpose to help you there; he
will haul you on sled part of the
way"
"But, sir-the poor-house is five miles
off! Oh, l could not live to reach it in
this cold weather! Wait until it is warm
er-until am stronger. Oh, will try
to get we'll rs soon as | cam"
1 tell you won't wait another hour
no, not half All hour. If your husband
was
"Oh, for the love of Heaven, sir"
gasped the poor woman, clasping her
hands again, "do not speak. of him! He
has gone to meet his God, and he has
suffered enough
"Pooh!" uttered the unfeeling wretch.
"What do you mean by thatg say your
husband brought We down to this by his
own acts; and dye s'pOse I'm goin' to
support We, when the town stands ready
to take yea No, no! Now, out We go!
Ye can go now as we'll as ever. tell ye
the house must have, and will have
it'll Ye owe me for two months rent
now, and of course III never get it; but
We won't owe me any more. I've let ye'
stay here just long enough-now novel
The widow bowed her head, and burst
into tears.
"Oho, ye're comm that, eh9 Here,
Crow, take her up and carry her out.
Put her on to yer sled, if she cant walk;
perhaps we'll get sleigh when we get
up to the house. Take her right out.
It's comm to a pretty pass when man
can't have his own house-and after two
whole months notice at that"
Paul Lavere had been standing all this,
time by the door, where he had gone to
let the visitors in, and his frame had
been shaken by emotions such as he had
never before experienced. More than
once he had been on the point of taking
the tongs and springing at the monster,
but sense Of his own weakness with
held him. But he could bear no more.
When those last words dropped from
Notworth's lips, he moved quickly to
the other door, and snatched down the
old musket. He drew back the hammer,
and the sharp click arrested the land
lords attention.
"Stand back !" the boy cried, bringing
the piece to his shoulder. and aiming it.
"Lay a hand on my mother, and I'll
shoot you as sure as there is a God In
heaven! Ny gun is loaded,sir. loaded 1t
in hopes to shoot duck for my mother.
Don't touch her. In Heavens name.
don't l would not have your blood on
my hands; but 10 not lie.''
The boy was pale as ashes, but not 3
nerve in his body trembled- His large
dark eyes were burning with fearful
intensity, and his lips were compressed
until the prints of the teeth within were
plainly to be seen.
Of course a man with such feelings IL
Notworth had displayed could De moth
ing but coward. Hi. man Grow fell
back in a moment, for he saw too plaialy
the meaning of the boys face.
Put down that gum" gasped the
landlord.
Not until you have left the house,
SIR" replied Paul, in q hushed tone.
leave US now, and l will make some
arrangement for a new home; but place
your hand on my mother, and You die "
OF course the wretch stormed, and
threatened, and swore; but he dared not
tempt the boy, who looked on him so
strangely.
"Well, Crow" he said, at length, after
he found that his coarse threats had no
effect, i've will go now, and when We
come again we'll have them with US as
will have the Law in their hands,
"Oh, mother, you do not blame mel"
cried Paul, springing to his parents side
after the men had gone.
mo, no, Paul." the widow returned,
gazing with pride on her noble boy, II
cannot blame you; but l fear they will
do something dreadful now"
Fear not on that account, mother.
When l took down your fathers gun i
had another resolution formed in my soul.
Wait, for will try one more thing for
aid. will try the assembled Christian
ity of the town."
$3.50 49,. $3.50 $3.50
The Sabbath bells rang out clear upon
the frosty air, and people put on their
best garments to go up to the house Of
God and pray. The sleigh-bells jingled
over the smooth road al the more favored
ones flew by, and ever and anon more
humble church goer stepped out into the
deep snow to let the equipage pass. By
and-by thin, pale face appeared in the
entry Of the church.
'Hain't you got no better clothes'n
them to wear to meetin' ,boyl" the sexton
asked.