The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1878-11-28


generally, who, forgetting the proclivi
ties OF their own youth, would have
twenty-five think and act like three
score and ten.
Before long, Alice Marblehead and
her uncle s clerk came to an understand.
ing. Ralph feared that his employe,
would reject his proposal, but, obeying
Alice, who was too conscientious to keep
an affair of such Importance from the
knowledge of her guardian, he told him
frankly how matters stood, and was
both surprised and delighted to receive
his consent to their union.
in a years time, if you still like
each other well enough" said the grim
old man, ''you shall marry, and I'll set
you up in business
1t was joy to live months after the
promise, but misfortune was in store for
| all, and Ralph Peaton had to go through
much suffering before he received the
| prize. fa-....
One Sunday evening, as old Marble
head, in company with his niece and
Ralph, was going to his particular place
OF worship, an Unlocking stranger,
shabbily attired, travel-weary and trav-
el-stained, met him face to face, and
claimed his acquaintance with a mock
demonstration of respect and pleasure.
Ike Marblehead, pale as death and
shaking as if in an ague-ft, bade his
niece and Ralph proceed to the chapel,
and turned into his house, followed by
the stranger. b
"You don't look as well as you were,
Tom Brady" said the stranger, seating
himself before the stove. ssBy the
way, what name do you go under now ?
Turned honest in your old age, ehp'
The old man glared at him like wild
beast at bay.
"Don't play with me, Mike" he
said, hoarsely. "You know me of old.
l am dangerous, man,
Cool down." returned Mike, cross
ing his legs, and looking old Marble
head straight in the eyes. elm not
here to play with you. You've given
me the slip for six years, and, to judge
from appearances, you seem to have
prospered. haven't. I'm pretty near
ly played out, and must ask you to put
me on my legs again. First Of all, give
ue SOmetnlng TO eat. -
Marblehead placed some meat and
bread on the table, and waited silently
until his unweleome visitors appetite
was satisfied.
''That young lady was very like an
old acquaintance of mine," said Mike
at last, throwing himself back in his
chair.
Old Marblehead shuddered, and hid
his face with his hands. A'as : - Z
"Just like Jack Geary,'' continued
Mike, musing'y. Gas fine fellow as
ever breathed was Jack, but a little too
fond of knocking about the world.
first met him in Mexico, sixteen years
ago, when he went gold hunting with q
friend of mine, called Tom Brady. Three
weeks after, ridiagfrom San Antonio to
Bexar, I found Jack Geary, dead and
doubled up, lying alongside the track,
and Tom Brady's knife was up to the
hilt in his heart. - e ssi'#sa = a7s
Old Marblehead groaned. = a. .'.l' 81
s'I've got that knife now,n resumed
Mike, drawing it from his pocket, and
passing his thumb over the edge. aThis
is the second time I have shown it to
Iom Brady" 4a,ssars.s3ai .Ai
Marblehead jumped up with an oath,
but Mike was on his legs as soon as he,
and held the murderous weapon men
acingly. h'i3' .,7
"Be reasonable, - said the visitor, as
soon as his host sat down, !" and don't
try to run away from me again Idon't.
think any the worse of you for giving
Jack Geary his quietus, ard since you
have taken such care OF his daughter I
can't see why his ghost should haunt
you as it seems to do. I'LL settle down
here, become apartnerin your concern,
and marry your charming .protege.
Hand down the brandy, old one, and
let's make night, of it, t-g vrr5rr,
When Alice and Ralph returned from
service, Mike was introduced to them
as Mr.. Theophilus Broughton, an Irish
gentleman, not long IN the country.
Mr.. Theophilus Bfoughton soon cut
a figure in Pittsburg. He exchanged
his shabby clothes for others of fash
ionable cut and excellent quality, placed
a gold watch in his fob, put on clean
linen, and appeared to be agentleman
of 40 or something under, wen man
nered and well educated Hencaforth
business was advertised
as conducted by Marblebead & Brough-
ton, and people wondered why the old
man took partner at al. /. ll.G0 &iI-I
Very soon Ralph fsaton found that
every thing, save Alios was changed.
Ike Marblehead commenced to drink
deeply, neglect his business, and avoid
the society of his clerk, who instinctively
discovered in Mr.. Theophilus Brough-
ton a bad, bold man and an enemy.
The gentleman proved to be an excel
lent man. of business, and under his