Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-11-21
CHAPTER XI.

went.
CHAPTER XI.
MYSTERIOUS BEHAVIOR OF THE YOUNG
GENTLEMAN.
About this time Matt noticed a curious
change Gene ovcr her artist friend. He was
more thcushi1ul, and consequently less enter
tanning. Often when she appeared and began
chatting to him about affairs in which She
thought he might take some interest she had
the modification not merely of eliciting no
reply but of finding that be had not heard
word of her conversation.
Now, this style of proceeding would GER
tainly have ca;;-sed her some annoyance but
for one cCmreusating fact, which put the
balance entirely on the other side. 1t was
evident that, despite the change, Brinkley's
interest in Matt was not lessening; nay, it
rather seemed to be on the increase; and this
fact Matt, very womanlihe as she was, was
quick TO perceive.
Very often, ON looking suddenly at him,
she found his eyes fixed wonderingly and
sympathetically upon her. She asked him
on one occasion what he was thinking about
"Iou, Matt" he answered, promptly. II
was trying to imagine, he continued, seeing
her blush and hang her head, show you
would look in silks and velvets; got up, in
fact, like grand demoiselle. What would
you say, now, if a good fairy were to find you
out some day and were to offer to change you
from what you are to fine young lady
would you say YesF'
Matt reflected for a moment then she fol
lowed her feminine instinct, and nodded her.
head vigorously
abby the way, Matt, can you read?"
"Print, not writing"
'And writer
"Just bit"
"Who taught youa William Jonesr'
"No, that he didn't; l learned off Tim Pen
rem down village William Jones, he can't
read and he can't write no more can William
Jones' father
This last piece of information set the young
man thinking SO deeply that the rest of the
interview became rather dull for Matt When
she rose to 60 however, he came out of his
abstraction, and asked her If she would return
on the following day.
81 don't know--pNraps' she said.
"Ah." returned the young man, assuming
his fppant manner, "you find me tedious
company l fear. The fact is, l am generally
affected in this manner in the present state of
the moon. But come tomorrow, Matt. Your
presence does Inc good"
However, the next day passed. and the next
J.
began to think the child had taken offense,
and that he would have to seek her in her
own home when her opportune appearance
prevented the journey. He was taking his
breakfast one morning inside the caravan.
when he suddenly became conscious that Matt
was standing outside watching him.
"Oh, you are there, are you" be said coolly.
"Come in and have some breakfast, Mattn
He rose negligently, went to the door and
held forth his hand; Matt took it, gave one
spring and landed inside the vehicle.
Tim, another knife and fork for the young
lady-some more eggs and milk; in fact, any,
thing you've got!'' said Brinkley, as he placed
a seat for Matt at the little table
Tim gave grunt of dissatisfaction This
"bold Colleen" as he called her, was becom
ing too much for him, but he perforce obeyed
his masters commands. Matt sat down and
ate with an appetite; Brinkley played neg.
hgently with his knife and watched her.
SIT is two days since you were here, Matt,
aid he. Il was seriously thinking of comma
to look for you Why wouldn't you come
heforer'
"'Twasnt that" said Matt. II couldntr
'Couldnta Whyf'
"Why, he wouldn't let me, William Jones
He says he'll smash me II come here and
talI to YOU
As Matt spoke her bosom heaved and her
yes flashed fire.
He amt at home to-day" she said. in an
swer to the young mans query concerning
the ex-wrecker; she's gone u, to market-town
and won't be back before n Int"
As Briaklcy looked at her sudden thought
seemed to strike him.
Matt, he said, you and will go wreck
h,Snting this afternoon; that is, if you've no
objection"
| She certainly had none; wherever he went
she seemed willing to follow. Ina very little
/ while the two had started off. 1t was Brink
ley who led this time, Matt walking along be-
! side him like a confiding child
by the way, Matt" he said presently,
you told me once of treasures being hidden
among the sandhills Did any body ever find
anyT
"Not that know on"
William Jones, for instancef'
| No. Leastways don'5 know
/ well, what would you say, Matt, if l told
! you that had found onef
/ "If youP"
Yes. wonder If you can keep a secret1
Yes, on rejection, / think you can. Now.
before we go any further, Matt, first YOU
place your lend in mine, and promise never
to mention until give you permission what
am about to confde in you now"
| MATHS curiosity was aroused
An right" she replied, eagerly, 81 shan't
tell
Very good" replied Erinkley; 1--WE will
now proceed
They passed on among the sandhills and
came to the entrance of the cave. Brinkley
removed the stones and Sand from tie hole
and entered. Breathiess with Curiosity. Matt
followed They reached the bottom. Brink
ley struck Light and pointed out to her all
the wonderful treasures which the cave con-
tanned 1t was such surprise to the girl
that for time she could do nothing but stare
and stare in speeches. wonder. Whistlinp
gayiy, Brinkley turned about the cas,,s of
rum and brandy and thrust his hands into
the bags and let the cleaning gold slip
through his fingers.
Mats aInazement turned into awe.
'Dont, she said, in q fearful whisper: sqt
belongs to the fairies.n
Brinkley laughed.
1T belongs to very substantial fairy.
Matt, but l don't think that TODAY viii
mention that feirys name. Did you ever see