Sharp County record., 1885-08-06

disdainful air. The light Waned and
the serried ranks of mist that had been
living in wait amid the western hills
and across the straits. closed in upon
the city. The merchant grew impatient
under the long delay.
81 can't understand, Martin, why
YOU didn't get rid of the man along
with the rest. Did he venture to queS-
ton your authority, or my right to con-
troll my property?' -.
"Whv, you see, sir, didn't like to
speak rough to the old chap. I'd
venture to say he hasn't always been
what he is now. Fact is, didn't speak
to him direct thought he'd take the
hint and leave"
"Mv SOUL" The man shrank from
the indignation and disgust expressed
in his employers tone. then fastened
to smooth away his righteous indigna-
ton with happy after-thought'
"Come to think of it, L haven seen
a sign of him since yesterday. Like as
not he's gone of his own accord, un-
less The Watchman' S face became
suddenly grave.
"Well, unless what?"
"He's lying down there all this time.
He was thin, weakish-looking fellow;
the kind that 90 off quick, sometimes" "
"What ghoul you are, Martini"
Brewster laughed short, nervous
LAUGH. Pleasant suggestion this, that
on his own land, not forty rods away,
a dead man was lying, who had per-
haps perished from lack Of proper food
and care! Then better sentiment
stirred his heart. He was narrow
souled man, but not hafd-hearted.
"Take your lantern and come ahead,
Martin; no morgue on my premises, if
/ can help it "
They stepped out into the chill and
darkness, carefully locking the door be-
hind them as precaution against law
less intruders. As they left behind
them the tall lumber-pileS with their
sweet scent of the woods. and APP
preached the border OF Mission Creek,
malarial poiSons filled the air, and
host of unsavory odorS assaied them.
Reeking vapors seemed to arise from
the putrid heaps and clutch at their
throats with phantom fingers. Their
feet slipped and sank into the masses
of fostering decay. 1t was Brewster's
first visit to this choice portion OF his
recently acquired possessions, and the
thought came to his mind that it was a
poor stick of man who would deny
fellow creature the hospitality of such
an accursed spot, on any other grounds
than that of its total unftness for
human occupancy. Suddenly Martin
brought up with short step, swinging
his lantern around to illuminate the
spot for his employers inspection.
Here we are, sir
Brewster leaned forward and deserted
low. irregular structure not four feet
above the ground at its highest point.
His preconceived notions of the style OF
building operations pursued in these
primitive dwellings were completely
overturned. Instead Of neat and shin
inc rows of tin cans, rising tier upon
tier into a pretentious and fanciful
structure, he beheld rude framework
of refuse boards, impertectly covered
with rusty strips of tin, an humble de-
fense against wind and weather; the
merest apology for covering. He had
time to take but cursory glance at
these details, when weak voice from
the interior hailed the visitors.
"Who's there?n
Brewster heSitated an instant before
replying He could not announce him.
self as friend, for his mission was far
from friendly. He resolved to present
himself on strictly neutral grounds.
Your landlord" "
"Sorry not to give you a more fitting
reception, mine host, but as I'm hardly
in shape to receive company-if you Il
be kind enough to slip your bill under
the door"
Brewster's dignity was offended. 1t
was all very well for him, the man of
property and position, to condescend
to address a joke to the vagabond who
trespassed on his domain; for the ras-
cal to presume to assume a iocular tone
toward him, in turn, was intolerable!
He thought of the underwriters and
the increased premium, and interrupted
the fellow angrily:
"Come now, this won't do! Get out
of here, and away with you!''
Sorry to be unable to comply with
your polite request, sir, but | don't
think could walk very far tonight" "
"Humbug! | want you to under
stand that you are on my ground, sir.
Every moment you stay endangers my
property. Out of this place in two
minutes, or I'll have you under arrest"
Brewster had worked himself into a
fine rage, and felt that he was acquit-
ting himself with credit. His self-con-
gratulatory meditations were inter-
rupted by movement within the
tramp's domicle. The highest section
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