Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1879-04-10


HE don't seem inclined to tell. ahd
don't want to be too inquisitive, wife. l
will come out sooner or later"
Two days passed. The lad kept faith
fully ut his work, saying little and reveal
ing nothing in regard to himself. Th
frctted, turned dozen keys at night. apt
was surprised when morning dawne,l t.
find everything untouched.
What are you going to do about goins
to church.' she asked. anNons'y. on Sun
day morning. There's that boy..'
''There's room enough in the wagon,
responded the husband serencly.
IL know-but faint a bit likely he'll
want to 90. And don't dare to leave hin
home. There's no telling what he'll do
Il wouhln't worry about that boy. liz
amt going to run OFT with the house,
swell. shall lock up everything. ant
take Ethel, too. We can come home al
noon if she gets tired. He's been here just
long enough now to find out where keeI
my silver and all. And there's grandma
it amt safe to leave her alone with him -
LA. me, Lowly. that boy amt a-goin
to hurt me- and the old laughed a low
incredulous laugh.
IL amt so sure about it, said Mrs
Granger, nodding mysteriously. IF any
thing should happen l should never for.
giv. myself. wish he'd so with US, hlls-
band"
The proffered seat. however, was de-
cline'l. the boy saying:
My clothes amt fit. I'd rather stay
round here"
So Mrs. Granger. with numberless mis-
givings. clambercd into the high wagon.
tucking little Ethel in beside her. and off
they went over the hills. to the town two
miles away.
Let me see." began grandma. when the
last load Of neigibors had passed the gate,
''your names Jasper, amt it:'
Jasper. ma'am."
"Yes. Well. Jasper, can you rcad?''
"les. ma am
''Well, s'pOsin' you read out loud to me
a SPELL" and little. old book was brought
out. from the great chest in the corner, en-
titled Tales of Il Grandmother.'
So the boy read; and grandma. folding
her wrinkled hands-han,ls that were al
ways busy on other days-leaned back
with u look OF contentment on her sweet
old face, thinking to herself, .'As if Id be
,fcard o mar hoy %
''You must ha' beer to school consid-
.r'ble.' WAS the comment when the first
chapter was ended
II never went" was the response.
Never! Who learned YOU to read,
.han?'
Mother"
"And she's dead, you say?'
"Yes. na'am.''
The boy seemed reluctant to engage in
my conversation. and fastened to begin
he second chapter. Some time passed.
ill. at length. the one auditor falling
sleep, the story was concluded in silence.
rGrandma's nap was brought to Il sudden
lose by L loud rap on the outer door.
Two men stood on the doorstep. ill.,
ooking fellows, and very dirty in appear
nee.
Can you give US something to eat?"
sked one.
''Slrtin. sartin; come right in and sit
lown.' said the old lady, bustiing Off to
he pantry. (Which do you like the best
or custard? And soon n
Ountitul repast was spread upon the ta-
lie, and the good things vanished without
eranony.
The boy eyed the two sharply; while
landma, after receiving somewhat crusty
nswers to the few kindly questions. sat
lacidly rocking. The eyes of the men
wed searclingly about the room. Finally
ne asked:
Folks gone to church %
LA, yes" replied the old lady. inno-
,ntly. ''Our folks never stay home tor
)thing."
The man threw quick glance toward
IS companion the other nodded. Neither
ove,nent escaped the watchfal pair of
yes in the corner.
A moment after the boy lett his seat and
untered across the room. He stopped
: the window to look up the road. and
en- going through the little hall which
! out of the kitcled, he called from the
OF of the stairs:
Dave! Dave! Are you asleep up
ere -
What do you want?" sounded gruff
ice down the stairs.
Come down. can't you? And bring
ing Tige and Fritz! Don't go to sleep ,
ain."
heard in mingled amazement
d alarm. Could the boy be in league !.
tn these men, and another be in waiting :
stairs?
As If in confirmation of her fears low
owl sounded from the room overhead.
en came sharp yelp. followed by little ,
lines Of impatience and. with care :.
s Hurry up. Dave!' the lad walked /,
surely back to the kitchen. As he reach
the door. grandma, overwhelmed with :,
made desperate rush for !,
bed room beyond, locking the door 3
lind her. !,
The men, in the meantime, had neared
outer door. :.
Got some dogs up there. have ye"
\ one, with a tlisagreeable leer.
fOu heard 'em, didn't yOu:" was the .,
eless rejoinder.
Come on. Jim!' addressing his COM -
ion. I'VE might as well clsar-o,r y
ne's up"' :.
Don't be fool" was the reply, in an
lertone. .'WhO's afraid o. pups - :,
Yer dogs amt tie.ce. be they, young =
~ :"
Fritz amt over and above friendly to "
replied the boy; coolly, .'and n,
was you | wouldn't be found mere =,
m Tige gets out for run" Then, in :.
uder tone: :.
Dave. amt you coming? But don't :
lige loose till these men get away ~
I this, the tramps moved of, cursing "
doYr, and mutuFinS low, wTathfill