The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-01-13

+ 1--WE don't meet. Tuchoran was sold
generations ago, and the MacLeish OF
that date died abroad. We have often
tried to trace out his descendants, but
with only partial success. Perhaps 1t is
just as well, be continued with an en-
barrassed laugh, "for they say that
though we don't slay and plunder now.
a-days, the curse is on us yet. When
one Of each line shall meet. then follows
calamity.
looked as profoundly impressed as be
could desire.
Ten years ago a clergyman in The
South-chaplain TO o hospital-wrote to
my father to say his cousin, Fergus Mac
Leish, lay dying-mortally wounded in
some discreditable brawl. My father,
good man, started at once. He was in
time to see the dying man and to prom
ise to befriend his only soma boy about
fourteen. Fergus MacLeish died with
his band clasped in my fathers. 1t was
their first and last meeting"
"Wel! No harm came of it, sup
pose"
MY father never saw his home again.
He was killed in the great railway acci-
dent on the Great Northern"
What became of the boy2" asked,
presently.
"Young Fergus2 He was an utter good
for-nothing. My mother gave the chap
lain carte-blanche, and he did bis utmost
to reclaim him. 1t was no use. He was
in and out of prison half dozen times,
and at last we shipped him off to the col
onies-but I'm almost sure 1 met him
last year at the Derby"
"Hcw did you know him?"
"By his likeness to-myself. It's curl
ously strong. Also by another mark-a
cut on one eyelid-that gives him most
sinister look. The chaplain mentioned
it to me-"
Did anything happen2' could not
resist asking, MacLeish's face grew dark.
Don't ask me enough to ruin my life,
and make it little worth having from
henceforward. Hullo! it's seven clock
Do you dine at mess Tonight" and he
left me to dress. Next day, instead of
our usual secluded seat on the shingle,
by deserted Martello tower, I suggested
| hut Oh 81 l.
parade, studying in public being Cling
haven fashion.
Where's the Parade? I've never seen
it yet," he remarked. I marched him
eastward forthwith. 1t was half-past
twelve on bright autumn morning, the
sun was shining, the sea dancing, bevies
of pretty children rollickipg on the
shingle, and three of the prettiest girls in
Clinqhaven taking brisk turn after
bathing. The prettiest bowed to me, and
looked as if we might come and talk tc
her if we liked; but all that -MacLeish
said was; 1T was bad place for work
ing, and that he wanted to go to town to
buy some red ink"
"This way" 1 said. "You don't mean
: to say you've not been down the Lady's
ayenue?"
We turned through gate into COO
shade of some pollard elms that madc G
. bowery walk across some low lying mead
[ ows to the town. "Some dead and gone
country lady-bless her considerate sou
planted this grove and .equeathed i
to the town. It's the prettiest thing il
Clinqhaven."
"The town doesn't seem to appreclat,
it,, said MacLeish. 1T has been let gt
> to the bad. These trees want thinning
and some young ones planted in thos,
gaps"
The Mayor and corporation are awak
ing to sense of their duties, see,"
: said presently. They are actual,
> breaking up the ground and getting fresl
: earth in. I suppose it's twenty year
since it was last done and it will b,
L twenty more before il is done ag in.
MacLeish did not answer; he seizsc
:, my arm suddenly aud pointed. with out
stretched finger, to the last elm of th
avenue.
There" he exclaimed; "he is ther
:, again"
= saw nothing but two wheelbarrows
plank an / two spades sticking upright il
the newly broken earth.
! Hold upl" 1 said. Don't faint hero
a for heavens sake!' and l shook hin
roughly. He looked at me vacantly, an
i; hurried him on. Presently be pssse
. his band across his eyes and drew a Ion
/, breath.
. My Grave-or his!' he muttered.
- He said no more till we reached III
!. barracks, when he turned to me, quit
80 calmly and collectedly: "Laugh at me
you WILT can do no harm. hav
seen him again. The third time will /
, the last" And he closea his door gentl
~ upon me.
re
ne l hadn't chance of making man
be friends, sociable and agreeable rs Il
be Clinqhayen residents were, aud was su
be prised to meet some Welsh friends e
ID tablished in one Of the Parade houses f
s. the season, They wer2 n gay, hospital
nj set, with half a dozen pretty dsughte
'k and as many sons, all holiday-making
IL hard as they could. Something was a
sh ways going on at the Piyse-D
ly and I and many Of my friends were mac
nk cordially welcome at a'y time. co
llt veyed numerous invitations to MacLei'
~ all politely but firmly declined,
th picnic to EaNtcliffe Bay boating par
st. mp tue river to Lynas Cas,ie-an aitt
lal noon dance; finally a seat on the dray
ig- Northwold races.
ng On our return from our walk mp L
lIy avanue | fOuud another of Miss VIM