The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-08-27

of wood was enough to excite the adj
miration and wonder of any admircs
Of horse flesh.
| One day he was returning from the
forest with large load of wood on his
wagon. The path he was travelling
was what he called woods road" OF
sometimes ''blind road" 1t was used
only in drawing wood from the forest,
which was about once q year. The re-
mainder of the time it was permitted to
grow up in weeds and brush.
In this rural district as farm hand
he hoped to live in quiet seclusiOn free
from the vile ISLANDERS of the busy
world. He felt that his quiet unassum-
ing manners were winning a place in
the hearts of the people with whom his
lot was east. He could be happy here
if he could only forget the bitter wrong
that had been done him. But, try as
he would. the recollection of it was
ever uppermost in his mind. 1t was
not with degree of hatred or malice
that the memory of the wrong re-
manned at his breast, but with feeling
of sorrow, regret and humiliation.
Other emotions stirred his soul at times.
The story might follow him; and the
humiliation would be ten-fOld greater.
The wealthy farmer would either dis
charge him and send him once more on
his wanderlngs or else he would be Os-
tracised by the family circle and re-
garded with suspicion. This he could
not brook, and he had determined in
case of such discovery to once more 60
into voluntary exile.
A man came out of the woods and
stood in the road few rods in advance
of the horses. He was burly fellow,
strong. heavy-set, with dark tangled
hair and short beard. A face that in
Dictated long exposure to wind and
weather. also that the possessOr of it
was addicted to strong drink. He was
dressed in a rough garb, half farmer
and half tramp. His pantalOOns were
patched on the knees, and his weather.
beaten hat had a hole in the crown.
He was certainly not very progresses
ing in his appearance, and character
no one would care to meet in lonely
forest road.
Walter trembled in spite of himself.
Although there was nothing apparently
meeting him. The meeting could not
be averted, for the stranger coolly
folded his arms on his breast and
waited till the team came up. There
was Il grin on the strangers face which
he intended for an assuring smile.
''Good mornin'," said the strange
man. his grin deepening as the team
halted opposite him.
'Good morning, SIR" returned
Walter.
pheasant day fur teamin'!''
Every good, SIR" said Walter.
"You work for Mr.. Miles. l guess"
"Yes, SIR"
Eyer names Walter Brownfield?"
'Yes, sir, and as you know mine,
will you be SO kind as to inform mo
what yours is?"
Il am Bill Martin, an l work for
Jack Hawkins, who lives on the farm
jinin' with Mr.. Miles on the road to
Bushville."
Il am glad to get acquainted with
you, Mr.. Martini" said Walter, ''but
you must excuse me now as my time is
not my own; must be going"
Hold; don't be in hurry, Walter"
said Bill, extending one hand toward
the bit of the horse nearest him, ''them
animals is tired, SO We better let EN-
blow or old Miles ii cuss a streak"
Walter, who was in the act of start
ing up the team. paused and gazed it
wonder at the man. Bill, with than
strange grin on his face, said:
Eye come from Queenstown, didn't
YEP"
"Y-yes," stammered the youth, turn
ing pale and trembling.
didn't you used to clerk for Brew
ster." For moment Walter was
wholly unable to answer, but at length
stammered.
Ill did"
Il thought you was the same 'un,"
and the grin deepened on Bills face.
An awkward silence followed, Walter
looked helpless, as though he would
fall from the wagon, and Bill Martin
gazed on him as bird of prey might
gaze on a victim in easy reach. At
length Walter determining to know
the worst, summoned up all his resO-
luton and asked:
"Are you an officer?"
Dill SHOOK MS ncau.
"A detective then? If so. there is no
need of quiZzing me. If the law wants
me at Queenstown am ready to go.
Bill laughed a loud, coarse laugh.
''DO look like an officer, or a detec-
tive? Ha! ha! ha! Well that's a good
'un."
Then. sir, be so kind as to explain
Yourself" said Walter, with no little
confusion.
"rl do it, youngster," said Bill, APP
preaching contidentially near the
youth. and laying the fore finger of
his right hand in the palm of his left,
he spoke in low tones, while his left
foot rested on the hub of the wagon
wheel. '.You see Walter l am not
the man to squeal on fellow who
gets in trouble an has 10 leave his
town or country on account of it; but
I'd rather take 'em by the hand and
help 'em along"
Il do not understand you yet" con-
tinued Walter.
..Well, them" said Bill, ..I'll be as
plain As ! can; but you must give me
time. You know you used to live in
Queenstown?'
Il did,
'.And We clerked in Joe Brewster's
store?'
Eyes, sir, did"
1t required all his firmness to answer
that question
well. only few weeks ago money
was missin' from the drawer"
''Such was evidently the case" said
Walter, holly, ..but l still declare my