Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-01-05


him; and so he came where pleasure ant
inclination called him.
He found it less pleasant than he thought
and the foolish hirtations were uncomfortable
and hops were terrible bores, for some way
such pleasures called up poor Theo's rigid
; and horri6ed face. set in the everlasting
type of DEATH and he could not indulge ir
them; it was too horrible But he was g
hunter, and with his gun over his shoulder he
spent day after day roaming here and there
after game.
One day, having gone much farther than
usual, he was overtaken by heavy thunder
shower and, looking about him, discovered
tiny hut-the only place at which to apply
for shelter.
A summons at the door brought forth a
man with rough appearance and unshaven
though kindly face, who, hearing of his con
dition, bade him enter.
II am not used to seeing people much, ,
he said. II and Banjo lives mostly alone
I likes it better But I hope I haint got
above giving welcome to my kind when they
fall in my way"
"Do you live here all alone2' asked Harry.
ayes; all but Banjo; he's my SON."
"But how do you live2' queried Gardner.
"Well raise my own corn and taters,
was the reply "and goes to the village
once in while for what else I need"
"And your son; does he always stay with
your"
"Ob, yes," with a grin. II only goes
about twice year, so 1 lock Banjo up when
90. He's little peculiar, my son is. But
III git you something to eat, and then I'll in.
troduce him.
With the best intentions the strange re-
cluse set about providing for the wants of
his guest, baking hoe cake with great dex-
terity, and cooking some bacon and potatoes
with neatness and cleverness.
After his guest had done ample justice to
the humble but welcome fare, the old man
seated himself upon rude stool and began
to talk:
II used to be circus performer" he said,
"but the world kinder went back on me arter
the old woman died; things did not seem
cheerful like. So Banjo and me we conclu.
ded to slide. I didn't have no friends 'cept
Banjo, and 80 we wasn't missed much. Come,
want to show you my boy"
Taking the candle he led the way to small
outer room, and presented Harry, to his great
astonishment to gigantic ape chained in the
corner.
"He was mighty clever performer! Could
Jump further than any ape I ever seed |
had taught him all manner of tricks, and l
always found him straight and square, Mister.
1 used to see plenty of folks, but I've drop.
ped 'em all don't even read paper no
more-I'm sick of humans and their doin's,
and l steer away from 'em i hain't got no
troubles no more-me and Banj 10 haint! I'm
satisfied!
"About year." he continued, after they
had returned to the main room, II thought
I'd lost Banjo for good. had gone to the
village and left Banjo shut up at home. Well,
when got back he was gone I hunted all
over, but I could't find him nowhere. About
three in the morning he came home, looking
sly and vicious-more so than had ever seen
him and what do you think he brought
You'll never guess. See here!"
Opening the table-drawer, he drew out-a
little black slipper with velvet bow and steel
clasp
Harry Gardner gazed at the little shoe
in mute horror, for in it he recognized the
missing mate to the one found in Theo Hun
ter's room. Here, then, was the mystery
solved here the murderer, in the shape of a
loathsome animal, irresponsible for tire deed.
The secret was never made known. No
good could possibly come from making pub
lie the discovery. Gardner told the story to
his host, whose hermitli like life had prevented
his hearing of it warned him of the necessity
of guarding we'll so dangerous creature.
And Theo sleeps quietly in her lonely grave,
while her mother and sister sorrow in their
home, never guessing the secret of that terri
BILE night at Holly House.