The Labor enquirer., 1882-12-16

L
pected anything it did not appear in his
face or manner. Iallowed himlto stand
there a moment or two, then | said
pleasantly: y
"My boy, why do you go to that old
stable so much p"
He answered with simple demeanol
and without embarrassment:
"Well, 1 hardly know sir; there isn't
any particular reason, except that [ like
to be alone, and amuse myself there
"You amuse yourself there, do you?'
eyes, sir" he replied, as innocent,
and simply as before.
rs that all you do there"
"Yes, sir" he said, looking up with
child-like wonderment in his big soft
eyes.
"GOu are sure "'
''Yes, sir, sure"
After pause, said;
wicklow, why do you write sc
much >"
81 do not write much, sir"
"You don't? ,"
''No, sir. If you mean scribbling, dc
scribble some, for amusement"
"What do you do with your srrib
blings? ."
"Nothing sir-throw them away"
"Never send them to anybody >"
"No, sir"
. | suddenly thrust before him the letter
to the "ColOneI." He started slightly
but Immediately composed himself A
Slight tinge spread itself over his cheek
"HOW came you 10 send this piece o,
scribbling, then ?"
Il neV-neVer meant any harm, sir
"Never meant any harm, You betray
the armament and condition of the
post, and mean no harm by it,"
He hung his head and was silent.
"Come, speak up and stop lying
Whom was this letter intended for ?"
lie showed signs Of distress now, bu
quickly collected himself, and replied
in 4 tone of deep earnestnesS:
Il will tell you the truth, sir, the whole
truth. The letter was never intended
for anybody at all. | wrote it only t.
.amuse myself I see the error and fool
ishneSs Of it now, but it is the only of
Tense, sir, upon my honor
"Ah, am glad Of that. 1t is danger
GUS to be writing such letters. l hop
you are sure this is the only one yo,
wrote.
''Nes, sir, perfectly sure"
His hardihood was supplying II
told that lie with as sincere counte
nance as any creature ever wore.
waited a moment to sOothe down m,
rising temper, and then said:
Wicklow, jog your memory now, an(
see if you can't help me with two O
three little matters which | wish to in
quire about
Il will do my very best, sir"
Then, to begin with, who ssis tn,
Master ."
1t betrayed him into darting startled
glance at our faces, but that was all. H,
was serene again in a moment, and tran
GULLY answered:
Il do not know, sir"
"You do not know >"
Il do not know"
/ "GOu are sure you do not know ,"
lie tried hard to keep his eyes OF
mine, but the strain was too great hi
chin sunk slowly toward his breast anc
he was silent; he stood there nervousl,
tumbling with button, an object t.
command ones pity, in spite Of his bas'
acts. Presently I broke the stiffness
with the question:
"Who are the "Holv Alliance ."
His body shook visibly, and be made;
slight random gesture with his Lands
which to me was like the appeal Of {
despalring creature for compassion. Bu
he made no sound. He continued tt
stand with his face bent toward the
ground. AS we sat gazing at him, wait
ing for him to speak, we saw the biz
tears begin to roll down his cheeks. Bu
he remained silent. After little, said
You must answer me, my boy-anC
you must tell me the truth Who are
the Holy Alliance -"
He wept on in silence. Presently
said, somewhat sharply:
answer the question:"