Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-08-24
1 can't say 1 liked it at first; 1t was .

great while before could sleep well In
q barn, Or under an old musty haystack,
but / had grit enough left to persist, and
the lazy life, the fresh air, the trees, and
creatures, all 30 different from the grimy
shop and dirty streets, did seem amaz-
ing pleasant. I suppose this sort Of life
changed me inwarily, too. / got TO
feel more like o Wild beast. I liked to
see women shut and lock the door when
they saw me come into the yard, and
hand out the food I asked for through
the window. How I used 10 scare
themi don't wonder. / was big.
ragged, and full of bad thoughts that
showed out in my face and ran over ~
my lips. I would not have stopped ct
knocking down any mAn who came
acrcra my way. but they generally let
me alone. After awhile got . revol-
yer. It was never loaded. but it waS
just - good 70 frishten women with,
and many 3 one fetched me warm food
and drink when let them see II. ] did
like to see them turn white and shiver.
Twas SO angry with everything that !
liked to terrify and hurt everybody ]
could. Hateful and hating one
another" that Il about "A near my stats
then as I can tell 1t. ..
So Itramped all summer. ! did not
think often about Annie. I didn't Ike
10 for rood and sufficient reasons. By
September had got way into Vermont,
among the hills, and began to think I
must work back 10 the city, when one
day I stopped at an old red farmhouse
between Tyson and Ludlow to get some
dinner. ~ ..trf
There was q little sort of stoop built
out under the roof Of the ell part. and
the kitchen door opened into it. There
was row OF bright milk-pans standing
against the wall, TO sun, and q bunch or
two of herbs hanging UP by the door. A
great, yellow cat ran away when 1t saw
me. and eyed me from under bench In
the woodshed. 1t was q poor place
enough, but looked thrifty and comfort
able. I knocked, and a young woman
opened the door directly. never saw
such q steady face; her eyes were brown.
and looked straight at you like robins;
her mouth was as pure and clean as q
child's, and her firm checks showed .
healthy, even color Of pink. Her hair
was so tidy, 80 shining, her calico gown
and check apron so perfectly neat that
she seemed somehow as if she was just
new every way. l did not say anything
at once, for ! felt so dirty and so bad
the minute / :. .oked at her.
"Well9" she said, in cool sort Of
voice, "do you want any bodye"
"I want something to eat," said ],
grufily.
1--WE never give to tramps," she an
swered, without any change Of tone.
"Ive got to have It'll" said I. -
GROSSLY Us could.
1--WE have nothing for you" slid she,
quite unmoved.
"Come. hurry up I've got to have
my dinner. and you'd better get 1t for
me pretty quick" called out with an
oath, taking out my pistol and handling
| II a. . threat.
Her eyes grew little darker at that.
and she smiled; she was not scared o
mite; she only said. quietly: .....
III any man shall not work neither
shall he eat"
"That may be your opinion, mis-,
but il isn't mine. The world owes me
. living and I'm bound TO have it." ]
growled back. t
"How so r'fshe answered. What
have you done for the world TO put It In
your debt ." -rr F' ".
I couldn't answer this question; 1t
was ike blow in the face; 80 I swors
again and demanded some dinner.
81 shall not give you any" she said,
quite q calmly rs ever. IF you were
sick, or feeble, or crippled, helpless In
any way, II would be different; you are
. strong. likely man, and you can earn
your living just as well as can"
looked at her sligh, straight figure.
"Do you work for hvingf" I
asked.
"Yes; / have worked ever since !
was six years old. was bound out
then, and worked at whip p-braiding.
| haven't any relations-any near ones /
mean; there il nobody to take care Of
me. have to work, and am glad ]
can" .....,
Iswore . very common oath, calling
on God to punish me il I would stand
that il ! were she.
Her face flushed
Don't do that againw she said. "Ii
you want to be lost call upon Satan: he
hears such requests gladly. God is
your Father; He does not like to punish
you even if you ask Him to; He'd ever
% much rather forgive you"
Inever was 30 taken aback. ''A-
"Look here" said, after moment.
"don't you think it's outrageous that q
pretty-behaved girl like you should be
working for a living when there's thod-
sands of women no better than you be
rolling in their carriages" f cass1
"No.r God put me here and them
there. God knows best"
"Well, you seem to think God knows
a good deal. / claim to know some
things myself; and believe folks all
have equal rights o eas aal-qoI
"Do your" she said, $50 dol; some
rights. Right to get ready to die and to
serve God while we i've"
She stepped out Of the door and picked
up red leaf from the grass.