Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1879-11-13


cock hat, and his coat was buttoned right
up to his throat. He had light whiskers,
heavy, dropping moustache, hair un-
usually long, iron-gray in color. He
might be soldier retired from his pro-
fession, or an artist out painting; he GER
tainly looked a gentleman.
We were passing on, when he raised
his stick, and shouted out, "StopW
1t was regular shout, as though we
were half mile from him. We stopped,
although it was an unusual method of
calling attention.
Gentlemen" he said, still at the top
of his voice, I" should be obliged if you
could give me a seat. | have long way
to go, and am tired"
We looked at him and at each other.
1t was free-and-easy style of asking
favor; but he seemed a gentleman, and
an elderly one too. Common politeness
dictated civility.
al am afraid" said ALT, eve have
hardly room; She q only built for three"
con, that doesn't matter" he said;
you can pat me anywhere, or III take
an oar for one of YOU"
was on the point of advising point
blank refusal, not appreciating his off.
hand manner; but ALI thought differ
emily.
"All right" said he; "we don't mind
if you don't. Steer her in, Jack"
| steered her in. No sooner were we
near the shore, than quite Unexpectedly
he stepped almost on my toes, rocking
the boat from side to side.
Hang It'll" | said, "take care, or
you'll have us over"
What if do?" he returned. "It'll
only be swim and who minds a swim
in weather like this?"
We stared at him; the GOODNESS, not to
say impertinence, of the remark, was
amazing. Begging seat in our boat,
knowing it was full, and then telling us
he didn't care if he split us in the river
He seated himself by me, setting the
boat see.sawing again, crushing me into
a corner; and without asking with your
leave or by your leave, took the steering
lines from my hands and slipped them
over his shoulders.
Excuse me-" l said, making a snatch |
at them; but if you'll allow me-"
Not at all" he said, 81 always like
something to do, and | expect you've
had enough of it,"
His GOODNESS was amazing: he was inn
penetrable. ! know | for one regretted |
we were such mules as to have anything
to do with him. We waited in silence
second or two.
Come" he said, when are you going
:, start2
Perhaps" said ALT, bit nettled,
" IS you're in our boat self-invited
guest, you'll let us choose our own time"
The stranger said nothing; he sat
stolid and silent. Tom and ALI set off
rowing; the stranger steered right across
the stream.
"Where are you going2" said ALI.
g Keep us in"
"I'm going into the shade; the suns
too strong"
He had the lines; we could hardly in
sist on his keeping one side if he preferred
the other; he took us right to the OPP
posite bank, under the shadow Of the
willow trees. For some minutes neither
Of us spoke With him examining me
On my seat and ramming his elbows into
my side, my position was not pleasant.
At last let him know it:
81 don't know ii you are aware you
are occupying all my seat
He turned on me short and sharp.
All at ouce l noticed his left eye going
up and down like blinking owl; his
mouth was wide open, disclosing as ugly
a set of teeth as | should care to see.
Like flash, DR.. Rawle's words crossed
my mind; tall, strong, about forty five,
iron-gray hair; habit of chewing his
teeth and winking his left eye. Gracious
powersl WAS it possible we had lunatic
with us unawares? | know the posi-
bility, nay, the probability of such a
thing made me feel more than queer.
If there is anything in the world in
stinctively fear, it is mad persons
know little of them, have never been in
their company. Possibly my ignorance
explains my dread; but the idea of sit.
ting in the same boat and on the same
seat with a man who
DR.. Rswle's warning, "Don't let him
lose his temper, or murder will ensue,"
made me bound from my seat like Jack
in-the-box. The boat tipped right out
of the water, but | didn't care. The
man was glaring st me with cruel eyes;
my muscles were strung, my fists
clinched; every moment ] expected him
at nay throat.
What the dickens are you up TOT"
said ALI. whats the matter with
your"
=" Excitable temperament, hot blooded
youth " said the stranger.
! could have said something had I