Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1885-10-07
HIS HEARTS DESIRE.

az or eight men were grouped round
ne doorway of the Lynnford Arms.
They had stopped to chat with the
landlord, who was seated beneath the
porico, with tankard of good home
hrsyel ale on a little table by his side.
The men were talking in excited
tones. and conflicting opinions were ex-
messed upon a subject which seemed to
tsof aIl-absOTbing interest.
Far be it from me TO suspect or ac-
uss a fellow creature of crime" said
Mr.. Bassett, "but if it was not Mr..
Psrkburst that murdered Mr.. Greene,
suI can say is, "WhO was itf"'
The speaker, having thus delivered
himself. surveyed the group with an air
G complacent satisfaction, as who
houl, say, "Gainsay that logic, my
friends, if you camp
His observation met with respectful
sence. Mr.. BaSsett was a farmer and
knded proprietor of good repute and
Ebstantial fortune, and had been for
nany years exceedingly popular in the
little town of Lynnford, whittier he had
cane nearly every week TO sell or pur-
chase cattle. By the simple towusfolk
be was regarded almost as an oracle,
such an air did he possess of prophecy
and Wisdom-sO entirely did the views
be expressed on any and all subjects ap-
par to be based on the strictest impair
t2lity and justice, ---
Other theories were advanced, and
the conversation went on in animated
accents until at length the host of the
Lynnford Arms, who had hitherto been
q silent listener, slowly took his pipe
from bis mouth, and, laying it down on
the table, brought his fist down beside
t.
"NO," said he firmly; ''my friends,
Mr.. Parkhurst never murdered that
man. He is locked up for crime that
be never committed. l don't believe
any jury would entertain the idea OF his
guilt
The speech of the worthy host was
likewise aeceived with Difference. Be-
ing man of few words, anything that
be said was naturally invested with con-
siderable Importance, and the above re-
mark Was uttered with an air of con-
vietiOn which could not fan to impress
those who heard 1t.
Soon the argument rested between
tie host and Mr.. BasSett, the other
nen being well content to hear them
discuss every incident which could pos
ably have any bearing upon the sub
Jet.
Appearances are against him, friend
Harding" rejOined Mr.. BaSsett. ad-
dressing himself to the landlord. This
M. Greene came down here to see Mr..
PAkhurst on business. When 1t was
completed he started to take the night
express to return to London, and Mr..
fdEhurst offered TO walk with him to
NE station. They left the 'Beeches' To-
sether, while Miss Mildred stood on the
PIAZZA and watched them until the
Tees OF theavenue hid them from sight.
Ne was surprised TO see her father re-
eleI The drawing room after an all
Shce OF thirty minutes, as every one
AaOEs Il takes a fun hour TO walk from
ne 'Beeches' TO the railway station and
osek again. The next day, before sun
Is, lie old gentleman is found muir
asfea In the very lane where Mr.. Park
rafSt says he parted from HIM, Mr..
tirene having Insisted upon his return
20 bis daughter when he had seen
a-a lhUs Tar Oh his way. Now, ] ask
,Ou' how can Mr.. Parkhurst expect to
pronounced not guilty with such
'',es aS these staring him in the face?"
:" vel, well, y replied Mr.. Harding,
n-moHOw will show whether he is
s.Ll or not. Il has been a terrible
'-O u,uS 70 the poor young lady, bless her
unocent neartl''
Les, !" IterpOsed another. "My wife
;.psent 10 the Beeches' yesterday morn
70 fetch the things for the Dorcas
SS,ety, s'sy aud there was Miss Mildred
,AAg up and down the hall, and
stpLg every now and then with
tel = hands and a white, scared face
oA a. the great front doors, as
o-s. sue was praying for then 10
- auu let In some reassuring mes |
b,5oI, 5HNI, Wlns0me laSsl'' assented the
s-,.y y host, 1T is nearly five weeks
M 1'e uer father was arrested and locked |
I, y, snu they say she has scarcely closed |
irn, h, s!es !. or tasted a mouthful of food |
''T@ % That day to thisn
vtt @ ), Speaker gave sigh, in sympathy |
h Ie picture Of human sorrow that |
,,s Asa ~ lust been contemplating, and |
Inc 1oouI uI 10 raise his tankard to his
bss,,,e sT, wen, happening to look up, he
nv .,' lepiaeed II on the table, and ris- |
m n, fushed back his chair to make way
~ sehIieman who had been standing
s,.ir.. moment mperceived. leaning |
d ,se ~ Vne OF the columns of the porti- !
hopssa VIZ now advanced to enter the |
their ~ other men, glancing up. raised |
sSds ""S and stepped respectfully |
Rod ,sy t don't disturb yourselves, my
hn,nmni mislos: ~ " said the newcomer, re- |
nd - theT salutation with a stately |
ben n'eous gesture as he passed by |
Mn. PAUSED, \. however, on the threshold
sadlors' 'ale hostelry, and turned to the
Spsr5,.h VINO had followed him.
LIE, my dear sir, but have |