The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1884-07-30

Frank Castleman, when he returned that
useful article. 'Bya strange coincidence
the only tin store in the village was
burned last night. Our man will be here
in few days with supplies, however,
and then we will trouble you no longer. {"
Mamma" said Nellie, on his depar-
ture, 81 feel sure that saucepd y theirs
1t seems dreadful to think of for we
need it so badly"
"I'll buy you one, sis, with the very
first money / can earn" said Harry.
ooh, dear how miserable it is to be
poorl" sighed Nellie 81 think I'll Just
keep it, for mamma must have her por-
ridge, and they can buy dozen if they
wish"
But the result of the matter was that
after dinner, she attired herself in a
brown cashmere dress, whose color we'll
suited eyes of hazel and golden hair, and
started with the saucepan to their neigh
boris tent.
The doors were tied back, and seated
within on a camp chair, she saw feeble
old man.
"Come in, he called, in sharp voice,
as she hesitated at the door. ''Help
yourself to a chair, child. l am in no
fix to play the gallant, as you can see."
al trust you find that Colorado air is
beneficial to you SIR" Nellie ventured
to remark, after being seated.
"Not bit of it," he answered, testify.
'Those pesky mountains came near being
the death of me. The altitude was too
great"
at seems so pleasant here that we
hope our invalid mother will grow strong
rapidly"
pheasant enough, if camping out
wasn't the prescribed thing but this
doing without home comforts for the
sake of health seems rather inconsistent
to me-"
"We have quite a comfortable camp
ing outfit" said Nellie, with modest
pride. "Our list includes coffee-sa
ing carpet, folding rocking chair,
looking glass"
"And Il saucepan" he interrupted,
grimly.
"No SIR" she answered, earnestly,
"the saucepan is not ours. We found it
in the Garden of the Gods, a short time
before we reached here and brought it
over thinking it might be the one you
lost"
'Humphm after a brief examination,
cit is the very same. l know it by this
cross mark. l suppose l ought to be
greatly obliged for its return, for one
doesn't often get back what is lost on the
highway"
"We would like to have you call to
see u.s." said Nellie, rising, 81 believe
we are your nearest neighbors."
1rft ~,
bors," she answered with evident irrita-
ton; "was told there could be no one
near"
With a stiff "Good afternoonl' Nellie
made her exit.
'Disagreeable old manl' she said,
on reaching home "He did not thank
me at all, mamma, and implied that he
regretted having neighbors when l asked
him to call.
ale must be great sufferer to be so
ill-natured," commented her mother.
'Mother, I'll take you on a jaunt
through Ute Pass to- day, " said sixteen
year-old Harry, few days later, ''for as
Ive found joD at last, the horses and
| will have to leave you soon. Frank
Castleman says he will take charge of
the tent"
'Why should we place ourselves un-
der obligation to Mr.. Frank Castleman9"
asked Nellie coldly. 1.-THE tent can take
care of itself"
Since the unfortunate visit in regard
to the saucepan, she had passed the Cas-
tlemans' tent day after day, unheeding, on
her way to the Iron Spring.
That very afternoon, for the first
time, Frank Castleman had seemed quite
obivious to.h her presence as we'll as he
stood in the spring pagoda chatting
gaily with bevy of tastily dressed girls
from one of the village hotels.
And Nellie felt an access of bitter
ness in her heart at the thought that one
day this gay, laughing young man, who
only appreciated wealth and style, would
be master of the dear home she had
lost
"You avoid us, Miss Loomis," said
Frank on the very next morning, as the
two CHANGED to meet at RuXton creek.
"You never give us a nod and a
smile as you pass. Has anything my
uncle may have said in regard to that
wretchSd little saucepan aught to do with
the matter?"
ny nO lhOehol was NAAO lllSAO lbplJs
"That was too slight an affair to be
worthy of remembrance.
"Please explain, then," an honest
trouble in his dark eyes. "Have done
anything to otfendp
''No, it is nothing Why vex yourself
about a trile2 You have many friends
in the village, doubtless, who are congen-
ial, and who enjoy your companionship."
"As you do not, am led to infer, " he
replied, bitterly, as he left.
"Oh, Nellie" said her mother, as she
entered the tent, 81 forgot to tell you
that Mr.. Castleman, Sr., called this after
noon while you were at the spring He
made quite visit, admired our bough
porch, and asked me to call when he
left"
"Perhaps he is sorry he spoke so un-
kindly when l was there, f." said Nellie,
with sudden sense of compassion for