Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-05-06
Au 0rigiual Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
AMOS BARTONs
CHAPTER X.
BY ID. OZMOND.


was visited by strange dreams, and her usu-
ally tranquil sleep was restless and dis
turbed.
1t was after midnight when she was
aroused by knock at her door, and her Sis
ter Myra called to her to get up at once, as
she was wanted.
"Who wants me?" she asked, springing
up in alarm.
"a sick man at Mrs. Morton's."
care you sure, Myra? There must be
some mistake" said Susie, as she opened
her door and admitted her sister.
ssNo, there's no mistake; though it does
seem queer" rejoined Myra. "Tom Nor
ton brought the message, and he's waiting
to walk to his mothers with you."
81 know they have boarder," said Susie,
hurrying on her clothes, "but didn't know
he was sick, and why he should want to see
me, can't imagine. Won't you come with
me, Myra ?"
"Indeed, I WON'T" promptly returned
that young lady. 81 am not wanted, and l
am sure have no desire to tramp out this
chilly night and get my death of cold"
''Then ask father to CO."
NOW, ouSlc, lOW Sthu va "<"AAo w NN>'o
poor father out of his comfortable bed at
this hour, when you know he isn't well? ?
Why do you want anybody to 60 with you?
Isn't Tom protection enough?"
"Oh! yes, suppose so-only-it would
seem better for another to 60, too. can't
imagine why that man should wish to see
me, can you?"
"Of course not but you will find out, 1
suppose, when you get there. Hurry, Susie;
here's your cloak-have you got your hat
already? There now, you look we'll enough
for midnight expedition" And Myra
hurried her sister off, anxious to return
to her own warm couch, where she might
speculate at her ease in regard to the mean
ing of the strange summons which had
been brought to the house.
Tom Morton, who was waiting below,
greeted Susie briefly, regarding her with
furtive inquiry in his glance. Outside the
door she took his proffered arm, and they
walked little way in silence.
'Tom," she said timidly at last, "what is
the meaning of this message?'
81 thought you might tell me that" ne
rejoined.
elbow ?'-why, I don't know any
thing about it."
"Dou you know Bland?"
"Your boarder? no; I don't think have
ever seen him."
"He knows you He had fainting fit
after he had gone up to his room; mother
heard him fall, and ran in and the first
thing he said when he revived was Send
RorfnnSc
SHOW very strange"
$50 thought; and mother fancied there
might be some mistake; but when she ques-
toned him he said the same thing, distinct
Iv over and over; he has something of i'm
portance, think, to say to you.'
81 cannot understand it," said Susie.
"Well, I suppose it will soon be explain
ed."
"Is he dangerously ill?'
"He thinks he's dying"
Susie uttered little sound of commisse-
ration, and after this nothing more wassald
until Mrs. Morton's cottage was reached.
"Will you come right into his room :"
Tom asked then as they passed through
the door.
"I-suppose so," was her rather tremu-
lous response. The strangeness OF her er-
rand frightened her little, and it was with
a beating heart that she entered the low
room where Mrs. Morton, kneeling beside
the bed, was supporting the sick man on
his pillow. The widow turned at her en-
trance and greeted her civilly, but coldly.
Susie advanced timidly little way, and
stood still. Mr.. Bland's eyes were closed,
but he opened them almost Immediately,
and catching sight of her, half raised him.
self with an eager look.
"Comew he said extending his hand.
"Quick before it is too late"
Then she recognized him as the man whom
she had met outside her gate, and who had
asked for water. It surprised her to lind
that this was the case, but it also reassured
her in some degree, affording as it seemed
to her, some clue to his motive IN wishing
to see her. She came forward at once and
stood on the side of the bed opposite Mrs.
Morton.
81 must see you alone said Mr.. Bland
imperatively.
Mrs. Morton and her son withdrew.
"Fasten the door" said the sick man.
Wonderingly Susie obeyed.
"Now sit down here close by me. l
can't talk very loud; my strength is fail
ing. Did they tell you was dying"
''They said that you were dangerously
ill.," faltered Susie.
'sChild, I am dying. 1 know it we'll
enough. 1t is not as thought it would
be-no, no. This is the hand of God, and
it is we'll that it is so. He has heard my
PRAYER. But you don't understand me; how
should you? No matter about that. [
want to talk to you about your husband.
Do you remembe him?'
"Remember him ?-my husband % The
unexpected question had made her recoil,
and her answer, if answerit could be called,
was given breathlessly.
eyes. Amos Barton. knew him WE'LL
was his closest friend. | was with him
when-was with him in California, and
elsewhere.
"Were you with him when he died."
asked Susie, in an awe-struck tone.
"He left message for you" said the sick
man, unheedng the question. 81 am glad
to be able to see you in time. Listen-he
sent YOU, first, his dear love-"
Susie's face sank upon her hands.
"He charged me to seek you and tell you
what he said. He said that he had tried to
make you happy, but had failed; and pray,
ed YOU not to blame him for his failure, but
to believe that he had done his best"
eyes, 1 know, I know" cried Susie.