The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-15
me, an hanged ei I'd CT told you ef you hadn't. Hope you'll sleep we'll.

l OduC niin d COIuldi SOOu-uiBht, anu with one more glance at the beautiful girl. followed the negro bow who ap- peared with candle.
 scarcely remember any of the con versation of the next morning. know that l saw beautiful face, that sat down when an elhn little hand drew out a chair, that heard the music of sweet voice, and that when left l looked into a pair of eyes, direct in earnestness. l don't know how 1 told the old man goodbye. don't know that thanked him for his kindness, even after he had refused to accept pay. l don't know how mounted my horse, whether climbed on like all awkward judges do, or whether was lifted into the air by admiration for the girl and sat down on the saddle. The truth is, dons know anything about it, except that after awhile, how long I'll be hanged if know, found myself riding along the road, deep in the contemplation of a Givinely drawn picture which the very sunlight itself framed and hung be- fore me.
 The routine of court duty was very dull after this, and longed for the time when could wander back to the log house, which to me, held such entertainment. Previously had lamented the iac, that had remained so long bachelor, but now Twas glad, because had found an ideal. don't know how many senti- mental decisions l made during that session of the court, but don, think that i, would shed the light of very much credit on my judicial career if the con- s,itution of the country should arise and demand a statemeot.
 After awhile went back to that cid log house. found the old man just the same. He welcomed me as though he had never seen me before, but with rapture l noticed that the girl spoke as though she hal seen me before, and that she was glad to see me again. This time was determined not to leave so soon, and. the truth is, fingered several days. walked by the river with the beautiful creature, and helped her to gather the kindling at night. roamed with her morning. at night and al noon-,ide. and together NC chased the rabbi, and sQuir- rel, and even the fox, with all of his sly ness, didn't always escape our prowess and skill. Not among all the neighbors was there such "girling.' and l, for myself. had never seen one 10 compare with her beauty, her grace and her voice When l spoke of my leaving. the old man objected. and even ,he girl did slightly demur, but told theSl that busi- ness of pressing importance was claim ing attention from the north 10 the south. But the beautiful girl, with rosy lips pouting declared in d way tha, would have paralyled Paul. that l was so restless and wanted to leave them. because, as she thought, had found them all dull. I made brave effort to go without show ing the slightest emotion on my part. ycu know. and when the old man seemed so very anxious that l should remain. de- eided that I'd better go and return within few days. didn't care to over do it. you understand. We'll. went away, no, because really had any business. but because did not care to inlure my chances, for by this time. you may know, was dead in love with Myra.
 l couldn't remain away but a shor, time. When 1 returned they were all glad 10 see me. Myra. 1t seemed to me wanted to kiss me, and l would have kissed her, but didn't have a good chance. She was more lovely than ever. and when at night we walked out under the stars. felt that she loved me. I dreamed of her Her growing acquain- tance with books pleased me. for knew she studied for my sake. The old man, too, seemed changed toward me He spoke, when we were alone. of family ai- fairs. and told me how glad he was that l had come to visit him. l saw tha, he knew l was in love with his daughter, and with thankfulness noted he encouraged my suit. One nigh, after Myra had gone to her room, and while the old man and sal by the ire, the old fellow removed his gaze from the glowing coals. and looking at me, said
 Myra is the bes, girl n the worl.'' You needn', tell me that said |. for know it.
 Her husban will be happy man.
 A glorious man. assented.
 1 hope that you'll not regre, the day when you came here.'
 "l know that shall never do so. Myra and understand each other