The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1883-12-22

laid him In his cradle, and night an
, rest settled down over the little cabin
: Spring had passed into summer, an
summer was already on the wane; al
August morning had dawned over tn
mountains. Although the sun shon
warmly down upon the dew-drenchet
earth, the air was still deliciously COO
and fresh.
Molly stood in the doorway, holding
in her arms the baby, whose look O.
preturnatural wisdom had merged it
self into one Of infantile softness anC
henignity. She was holding him up fol
the benefit of Sandy, who, as he wen
down the red, dusty road, driving the
white COW before him, turned now and
then to bestow grimace upon his son
and heir. That small personage's ex-
istence, while perhaps less matter ol
astonishment than formerly, had lost
none of the charms of novelty. He
was q fine, robust little man, and cooed
and chuckled rapturously in his moth
er's arms, stretch ng out his hands tow
ard the scarlet blossoms of the trumpet
vine which climbed around the door
way. Mother and child made a fair
picture in the twining green frame
touched up with flame. like clusters of
blOom-a picture which was not lost
upon Sandy, who, as he passed out of
sight OF the cabin, shook his head, and
said to himself again. as he had many
and many time before:
'Blest ef see how l ever got up
spunk enough to ak herr
Molly watched her husband out of
sight, and then let her eyes wander
over the summer landscape. There
was look Of deep content in her face,
which was no longer pale and worn.
The traces of struggle and suffering
had disappeared. The past may have
had its anguish, and its sins, perhaps,
but the present must have seemed
peaceful and secure, for she turned
from the doorway with song upon her
lips,-a song which fingered all the
morning as she went in and out about
her household tasks, trying to make
more trim and bright that which was
already the perfection of trimness and
brightness. When she had finished her
work the morning was far advanced
and the sun glared hotly in at tho win
dow and door.
She had rocked the baby to sleep and
came out of the inner room with the
happy mother-look upon her fee. She
turned to look back, to see, perhaps, ~
the fly-net were drawn carefully oyef
the little sleeper. AS she stood thus
she was conscious of human shadow
which fell through the outer door and
bletted out the square of sunshine
which lay across the floor, and a deep
voice said:
I'D thank you for drink of water,
ma a'am.'
Molly turned quickly and the eyes of
the two met. Over the mans face
came look of utter amazement which
ended in an evil smile.
Over the woman's face came a
change sc Sudden, 30 terrible, that the
base and hardened as he
ooked, seemed struck by it, and the
cruel smile subsidized little as he ex-
,laimed:t
'Mollie Craigie, by all that's holyr
The woman did not seem to hear him.
She g staring at him with wild in
,redp eyes and parted ,ins. from
vhic q in husky whisper the
ples!'
7 struck the palms OF her
lai ther and with sharp cry
al chair. The man stepped
lcr} ~ breshold and stood in the
er ter of the room looking curiously
bout him. 1e was large, powerful
y built feHto~ and in a certain way
andsome one. He was attirc-, IN 3
ind of hunting costume Mich he wore
nth q jaunty, theatrical air.
Il swearp he exclaimed, with low,
rutal laugh, as his eyes took in the de- {
ails of the neat little kitchen, and came
t last to rest upon the woman's white
ice. Iswear! 1 do believe Molly's
larried'
The idea seemed to strike him as a 1
eculiarly novel and amusing one.
'Mollie Craigie married and settled
own! Well, if that isn'ta good oner I