Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1880-04-15
UNDER SUSPICION.

A hard day it was for us when the
constable took poor Jamie to the Jail.
He was only boy, scarce turned out ol
twenty; and though I'm his mother
that says it, an honester or better son
never lived. Ever since his father died.
he labored hard and faithful, and it was
not in dram shops he spent his earnings
either, but he brought them home on
Saturday night whenever it came; he
used to lay the bright silver dollars in
my lap. md then he'd say with his
canny smile:
Here's the money, mother, that'li
buy US our Sunday dinner and all the
good things for next week"
/ had noticed for long time that
Jamie nd Maggie Ry an were very fond
it, for | knew the boy would be want
nicer, neater 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, if chanced to be up, it
did me good to look at his happy, con-
tented face, as he raked up the smolder-
ing logs in the fireplace, and took his
seat in the chimney corner. could tell
by that half dreamy look in his eyes,
that he saw Maggie's soft curls and rosy
cheeks il 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 pleasant words, but just paced the
floor IN a nervous manner, and seemed
doubtful whether or not to tell me some
secret that troubled him.
/ didn question him, for concluded
that he had had quarrel with Maggie
and lift was a heart wound that troubled
him, talking about it could but open
it the wider
He went to bed very soon after he
came in. | was about to do the same,
when heard the fire bells in the vii
lage ringing. ! went to the door, and
looking out saw great flaming light
in the direction of one of the churches
l was glad that our cottage was not stu
ated in the heart of the town, for these
fires had become very frequent of late,
and the ne ewspapers said that there was
q gang OF men engaged in kindling
them, aud that nobody's property was
safe, though it was not dwelling houses
they burnt. but barns and churches and
public buildings.
A thousand dollars reward had been
offered for the arrest of the incendi-
aries, but, whoever they were, they
kept clear OF the authorities.
don't know how it happened, but
as Istood there at the door, listening to
the bells, they seemed to say, every
time they changed, Jamie Riley.
Jamie Riley?n and l could not resist
associating my dear boys name with
some awful crime.
/ slept but poorly that night, and be-
ing awake very early in the morning, l
heard Jamie come very softly down
stairs and go out of the door. After a
time l got up and just as | was placing
the breakfast on the table, Jamie came
IN.
He looked very pale, and he had no
appetite for his food.
began to be frightened about him.
Jamie" said /, :" are you sick, or
what ails you"
mo, mother" he said, at am not
sick. but | cannot tell you what ails
me.''
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 it as 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 il
was could not guess.
In the afternoon Maggie Ryan came
in to see me. She was handy with the
needle, and the folks who lived in tn,
big house on the hill had sent for her *
do some sewing. She was returning
and called to tell ne how kind the lad,
had been to her, and how much pay sh
had received for her work. Maggie saw
in moment that / was not in goot
spirits, and so she ceased her ple,.san
prattle and asked in a serious tone:
Has anything happened, Mrs. Riley
You seem sorrowful to-day"
Then / spoke out boldly:
You have quarreled with Jamie
have you not. Maggie?
Nay. nay. Mrs. Riley. she answered
quarrel with Jamiep You know
love him dearly"
Aaathen the sweet girl blushed j