The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-06-03
UNDER SUSPICION.

AS~A -
stable took poor jamie to the Jail. He
was only boy, scarce turned out of
twenty; AMI though I'm his mother that
says 1t, an honester or better son never
lived. Even since his father died
ne labored hard and faithful, and it was
not in.the dram shops he spent his earn
angs either, but he brought them home
on Saturday night whenever it came: he
used to lay the bright silver dollars in
my lap, and then he'd say with his canny
smile:
"Here's the money. mother, thatll buv
us our Sunday dinner and all the good
things for next week"
l had noticed for long time that
jamie and Maggie Ryan were very fond
OF each other, and I was sorry to notice it,
for l knew the boy would be wanting to
get married sometime, and nicer, neat
er girl than Maggie was not to be found.
Twas mile from our little cottage to
where Maggie lived. and on Sunday
nights Jamie would clothe himself in his
best, and walk over there, and when he
came back, it / CHANGED to be up, it did
me good to look at his happy contented
face, as he raked up the smoldering logs
In the fireplace, and took his seat in the
chimney corner. I could tell by that
halt dreamy look in his eyes, that he saw
Maggies soft curls and rosy cheeks in
the flames, and that he was in love.
One Sunday night, however, when he
came home later than usual there was a
troubled, puzzled expression on his face.
and he didn't smile nor speak any of
his plea SAINT words, but just paced the
floor in nervous manner, and seemed
doubtful whether or not to tell me the
secret that troubled him.
didn't question him, for concluded
that he had had quarrel with Maggie
and it it was heart wound that troubled
him, talking about 1t could but open it
the wider.
He went to bed very soon after he
came in. I was about to do the same
when l heard the fire bells IN the village
ringing. went to the door, and look
ing out ! saw great flaming light in
the direction of one of the churches. I
was glad that our cottage was not in the
heart OF the town, for these fires had be-
come very frequent OF late, and the news
papers said that there was gang of men
engaged in kind ling them, and that no
bedy.s property was safe, though it wasn't
dwelling houses they burnt, but barns
and churches and public buildings.
A thousand dollars reward had been
offered for the arrest of the incendiaries.
but, whoever they were, they kept clear
of the authorities.
don know how it happened, but as
stood there at the door, listening to the
bells, they seemed to say every time thew
changed, ''Jamie Riley, jamie Riley2S
and Icould not resist associatinp NV
dear boys name with some awful crime.
slept but poorly that night, and be-
ing awake very early in the morning,
heard Jamie come very softly down
stairs and go out of the door. After a
time got up and just as l was placing
the breakfast on the table, Jamie came
in. -
He looked very pale, and had no appe-
tite for his food.
began to be frightened about him.
Jamie + said l, fare you sick, or what
ails you."
"No mother" he said, 81 am not
sick, but I cannot tell you what ails
mel" >'1'
Then he rose from the table, and put-
ting on his hat he started for the factory
where he worked. He took up the tin
pail in which / always placed his lunch.
but he did ita if by habit; nor did he
seem to inquire, as was his custom, as to
what it contained.
felt worried all day. Some trouble
seemed hanging over US, but what it was
! could not guess.
In the afternoon Maggie Ryan came in
to see me. She was handy with the need
re, and the folks who lived in the big
house on the hill had sent for her to do
some sewing. She was returning and
called to tell me how kind the LADY had
been to her, and how much pay she had
received Tor her work. Maggie saw in
moment that was not in good spirits.
and so she ceased her pleasant prattle
and asked IN q serious tone:
HAS anything happened, Mrs. Riley2
You seem sorrowful to-day"
Then spoke out boldly
you have quarreled with jamie, have
you not, Maggiea''
NAY, nay, Mrs. RlleY,o she answered,