Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1879-09-18
die the mare, an let us ava after the

phiSNCp
The surprise OF hearing Mel Gained
John at once. He let him bring ont the
mare, and helped him to put on the
saddle. Then he mounted, and 1t
seemed quite natural that the boy should
spring up behind, first taking his bow
and arrows from the loft.
This way commanded Mel, when
they reached the high-road; Il see the
tracks O. the beasts.
Donnel could not see any tracks, but
he suffered Mel to guide him at each
cross road. The day was far advanced
before they caught sight of the drove,
about quarter OF a mile ahead OF them,
accompanied by two coolies and four
men.
How ill we fight a thae thieves an
rascals O. the world 2 cried John, again
reduced to the depths OF despair.
Leave it to me, replied Mel, bend
ing to one side, and shooting al arrow
in the direction of the drove.
There was strange commotion ahead
when that fairy arrow reached its goal,
for the animal hit at once turned round
and galloped back to it's owner. Another
and another arrow followed that one,
till at length the whole drove turned
about, and presently surrounded John
and Mel.
There stood the four robbers, gazing
after them as if spell-bound.
Now said Mel. we may ride home
again; the cattle will go before us.
On and on they rode, driving the re-
covered heifers. No word of gratitude
had Dopnel spoken, and as the glow of
pleasure caused by the restoration of his
property died out little, his usual fret
full temper returned; but Mel did not
appear to notice his morose silence.
will you be pleased to stop at this
house by the road, John, till I got a
drink p asked the boy, who was tired and
thirsty.
we havena the time to stop, an night
comm on sure you can wait till we get
home, replied the churlish msster.
Mel said nothing until they reached
another house, mile further on, when
he again made his request, and was
again refused. But Donnel himself be-
gan to be thirsty and weary, and at the
next roadside cabin he drew up.
Good woman called he, 'be I leased
to gle me drink
The woman hurried out with bowl
of water, from which Donnel drank; and
then he said to Mel, Here, boy, You
may drink now.
No, John Donnel, returned the boy,
you are a selfish, ungrateful man, an
l III neither eat nor drink mair frae your
hand. l brought your cattle back, but
you wouldna stop a minute to let me
drink; an you'd TAX the drink yoursel'
before you'd hand tho bowl to me. If it
wasna for Peggy, I'd just send the
beasts back to the thieves; but I'll leave
your house, an that iii be punishment
enough for you. So saying, Mel jumped
down from the horse, and climbing Il
ditch disappeared.
oh, Mel. avick Sure didna mean
to affront you. Oh, come back ! How
will get the beasts home, anyway
No answer-no trace of Mel, search
where he might. With the utmost diff
Guilty, and after hiring couple of men
to help him, Donnel did succeed in
driving his cattle home, and it was late
OF night when he entered his own kitch
en- and sank down by the fireside.
Where's Niel?' was the first thing
Peggy said.
Her sorrow and dismay overwhelmed
her as che listened to her husbands
story.
'Oh, John, you unfortunate, foolish
man; don't you know what you've done?
You've banished luck frae we'er roof. -
Sure 1 knowed what he was the minute
l heard him speak this mornin'.'
The poor woman threw hera apron over
her head and wept as she had not wept
since her sons coffin left the house one.
and.twenty years before. Aud good
reason had she for her tears. From that
moment nothing prospered with John.
His health failed; his cattle met with ac-
cidents; i'll luck attended him in every
thing he undertook. He had, indeed.
abundant cause to mourn for the loss of
his fairy guest