The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-22

raven-bl black hair, and an expression of features
that in ordinary circumstances might have been
pleasant and friendly enough, but was now
somewhat embarrassed by uncertainty. OBJ
viously, he was sailor, but the smartness of his
costume showed that he was not an ordinary
hand. In point of fact, he was mate of a trading
Jameson.
II am sorry to interrupt you, Mr.. Graham,
he began, with some hesitation.
''But We do interrupt me-" the other said,
sharply; and he scowled at the younger man
from under the bushy, white eyebrows. Eye do
interrupt me. Think We / have naething to do
wi my time? I'm not gentleman that can loiter
about wi my hands in my pockets hindering
other folk and coming where he's not wanted.
Ma certes, there's some tina. Gamma take a hint to
leave until they feel horsewhip curling round
their calves"
There was a fash of fire in the young sailors
eyes, but he strove to remain calm, and even
courteous.
eff it's me you mean, Mr.. Graham, said he
quietly, '.you may rest content that there's not
a man in this country side who will lay either
hand or horsewhip on me- But let that
pass -"
''What do We wantY' the old farmer said, abb
ruptly. times money"
well, I'm off for Inverness tomorrow morn
ing -"
'Ye're welcome
But Jameson seemed determined to be civil, if
that were possible.
''And Alison" he continued, twas asking If
you and l cannot manage to part little bet
ter friends. The lass is sorry-and no wonder
and if there's anything that l have done,
if there's anything wrong that can be put
right It.
''Let Alison mind her own business" was the
instant rejoinder, land 1 can mind mine and,
what's more, neither Alisons business nor
my business is any O yours. SO you're well
come to set off for Inverness as soon as ever We
like
81 did not wish to go without holding out my
hand, and seeing if we cannot come to more
peaceable terms the young sailor said Its a
fair offer, anyway. II must be a hard thing for
a young lass to be in position like that-troub-
ling herself that the only friends she has
should be separated by a quarrel-and a quarrel
about what2-for I'm sure it's not me that
knows"
'sAlison wants no friends but her own kth
and kin--thats enough for her." the old man
said. why should she take up wi strangers
What is she to gain by thatq Ay, it's not her
gain, it's theirs that's in question. Ay, ay, an
old man may be an old man. and still see clear
enough. It's young eyes that are dazzled-it's
young brains that are made fool of-and a
silly crayture of lass will believe any smooth
spoken idle fellow that comes hanging about her
and speaking her fair. But I'll have none O
that in this house, young man; so you've fair
warning in time. Alison was left in my charge,
and in my charge she'll bide Pm for no inter
lopers here I'm for people minding their own
business. III trouble is shetland what's that
to you? A pretty pack of nonsense!'
swell, yes, Mr.. Graham, "the younger man said,
civilly, 'Aison is in your charge at present, but
she might not be always
The deep-set g1ey eyes darted an evil glance
at him, but he did not seem to notice that.
"You know what both her and me have been
looking forward to, he continued in the most
pacific tone of voice. land | am sure it would be
better for every one if there was more friendly
feeling about it. And what is the objection? If
she leaves the farm, there's many another you
could get to keep the house"
'And it's you that comes in to tell me what
maun do" the old man said, glaring at him, TITS
We, my lad that I'm quite capable o. looking af-
ter my own affairs, as yell find out if We daur to
NEEDLE wi them. Ay, or Wi Alisons either. A
clean pair O. heels--thats the best thing for you;
and if Fasslie never sees We again, Fasslie will
be none the worse"
There was sufficient discourtesy in the words;
there was more in the tone in which they were
uttered; and the younger man, though he strove
to keep cool, began to lose the timid look of ap-
peal that had been in his eyes
''Well, it's pity he said. lizard words will
not mend matters; and / had wished to leave Al
ison in happier spirits
1.-The leaving her is the best thing We can do,
and the sooner the better. Have / not bid we
never darken my door again? God bless me, is
q man not to have peace and quietness in his
own house?" the old man cried, angrily.
'As to that am not so sure that it is your
own house." the young sailor said, quietly-but
his face had gradually been becoming frmer and
frmer. But ! am not a lawyer. 1t was Ali
sons fathers house, know; and dare say he
did not leave her without her share in it But
this I'm quite sure of, as long Alison is in it,
and as long AS she is willing should come to see
her, I'm not going to ask anybody else's leave /
don't want to quarrel, Mr. Graham. don't
want to make matters worse. Indeed, thought
might come to some kind of friendly under
standing-if not for our own sakes, at least for
Aison'S. The lass is sore put about: and why need
that bel Why should she be in trouble, when
there's no cause for it2 I'm not asking her to
marry tomorrow or the next day; it wonld be
when it was most convenient for her and for
YOU"
Jameson spoke fairly and temporarily, and
also with touch of hope-or, at least, of appeal
lin his look, but the unlucky reference to the
ownership of the house had caused the farmers
eyes to CLEAN with wrath, and now his voice,
when he spoke, was hardly under his control, SO
fiercely angry was he
And how daur We, sir; how daur We come here
to speak to me about Alison or any other in
this housed What concern have We as to whether
my niece is well or ill Ay, will tell We what
your interest is; well know that. my fine fell
low, that can go about the country like gentle
man, while other folk have to work and earn
their ivingf Aison!-it's not Alison but Alison's
gear you're after. And we think that decently
brought up girl like that will consort with an
idle wastrel and gangrei; with sailor chap, that
has a wife in every port he sails to? Get out of
this house, sir that is my answer. What. do
we think the lass is blindl Ye come after her
wi your fattering and fawning; but is she bindl
Doesna she see that it's her share. her small
share, in the farm that you're after, that her
father left her, and that have tended as if il
was my own2 And where would it be in year
in week-if you had it TO scatter? But she's
not blind; she's not blind; you'll 60 the way We
came, and empty handed as We camel"
He paused, for fair lack of breath; but mean
while the face of the younger man had grown
darker