The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-03-14

grateful for faVOrs as ne IS reVcngeful
for injuries. For long time after his
capture he was an invalid, but as he
begged OF my father to keep him, he
lived with us six years and became
quite civilized. 1t was only when in
the saddle he reminded one Of a savage.
lie subdued every horse he mounted, no
matter how unmanageable with
Others"
"And what did he look like?" ven
tured to ask.
"a very handsome young man, with
flashing black eyes and 1.-the slender
figure. l have never seen n hand
somer man."
"Ab, Miss Minty! l know how it
ended, or ought to have" l said.
You cUuhI't dream hOwit ended"
she said, simply.
"And he became painter?"
"No, don't think he did, though
he had much talent. An old sergeant
took a great fancy to him, and taught
him to read and write, particularly to
play the piccolo. The painting came
quite naturally. ] have some sketches
that you shaR see some time. l never
have shown them to anybody but my
father"
"That's not the end" / said, en-
boldened by her kindness.
"No, that's not the end"
"And YOU! he must have felt that
you were the preserver Of his life"
"Yes, of course he did. 1 saved his
life," she replied, simply.
And then-but that's shocking
thought-he wanted to dedicate that
life to you"
"Why a shocking thought?" said
Miss Robarts, mildly, but her eyes al
most flashed. 81 tell you he was
noble in every respect, and as delicate
as the most refined gentleman. When
my fatl.er forbade him even to speak
to me, ne obeyed him; but from that
hour he rarely spoke to any one
till"
"Oh, Miss Minty did he die?" l
asked, anticipating her speech.
"Yes-to me-he did," she said,
slowly, looking like one just come out
from dreamland. "That was years
ago."
"And have you never seen him
since?"
Don't question me, child" she said,
with gentle decision; neither did
have further opportunity, for at that
moment her father came in.
The old church wardens were cleo
trined, few weeks after, at the news
that they were going to lose their
tenor, and the band its leader. l had
never taken much interest in John
Brigson, simply because he was aquiet
man who rarely lifted his handsome
eyes, except when spoken to, and who
seemed never to care for anybody but
himself, never going into society, un
less in professional capacity. Every
body who looked at him admired him
and his wonderful singing voice
brought crowds to our little church
for the way he sang was something
marvellous. Now we were going tC
lose him-for rumor said he was Offered
a small fortune yearly-he suddenly
gained in Importance.
| generally contrived to meet Mis-
RobaTts on my way to church, so on ;
particular Sunday 1 said to her:
q suppose you have heard tht
news?"
"What news?" she asked, eyeing mt
keenly.
"We are to lose the leader of tht
band. When shall we get such anothe
tenor?"
"Never," she said, quietly.
: "What Brigson going away?
never heard it," said the captain, com
| ing to IA stop. "That won't do, daugh
{ ter" turning to her.
II suppose Mr.. Brigson has a per
f feet right to go where he pleases,
, said Miss Robarts, as the old captain
: stumped on.
"Well, well, d" muttered the old man
) 81 ought TO die"
FEATHER p cried Miss Robarts, ap
| pealingly, and her lip quivered as sh,
T. spoke.
= That day it happened that l gave "
n my seat to a stranger, and took anOthe
= where l faced Miss Robarts. Iremem
e Der exactly how she was dressed--old
o gold ribbons tied under her chin,
2, navy blue dress, light gloves and
5 fan that she had painted herself. Sh
5 always looked pretty to me, with he
T hat on. l watched her through tn
G service, and particularly when MI
BrigsOn sang. 1t seemed to me tina
/ she was growing pale, as if som
v strange gray shadow was settling
L down upon her face, and just as tn
d tenor sang, in his wondrously clea
d tones, o Lord, have mercy upon Ii
l. have mercy upon u.s." what almos
o unconsciously dreaded came to pass
Miss Robarts sank back against he
/ fathers shoulder. She had tainted.
OF course there was confusion, sti
n and wonder. l found myself at tn