The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1886-12-23

falling more gently, and in the East faint
luminous streaks Of silver gave signs of a
perfect moonlight night. He turned with
a brighter lace, n spoke cheerfully:
h storm is evidently about over. Il
no more snow falls the roads will be fair,
and If we can get IN early start in the
morning. l think we can manage TO get back
home before midnight-at least some time
before Santa Claus comes down the CHM
ney," he added, merrily-s' but see here,
little wife, I almost forgot the good news
that ! ave to tell you. Parson Stanley
settled that old account with me to-day
paid me every dollar, and interest besides,
and here it is. Now go and put it in some
safe place, and take good care OF it until l
come back. Next spring we'll puts face on
this old log house that our neighbors won't
recognize. Great gunsl I'd like to know
where all this cold air comes from 7" broke
OF John, with a sudden change of subject.
Good venin'! good ~evenin'l 1 Thought
I'd walk right in without knockin', kind o.
neighborlike, yer know" and the some
what startled pair looked to see their neigh
Dor, Hiram Otwood, standing in the door
way.
"Jiminyl man, you might as well kill a
fellow as to scare him to death," good
naturedly exclaimed the honest host,
~springing up and placing O char for his
queer guest.
"Do tell! did 1 skeer yerl ItnoughtI
made a great rumpus as l come onto the
stoop.".
W. were busy talking and didn't. hear
you. Why, how blue you looki Here, take
my chair near the fire, Pm going into the
other room for awhile" and the kind
hearted hostess rose as she spoke.
20 no, I'm not a bit cold. Just you keep
your seat,'' he feebIy demonstrated, drop
t-r f-k1 ~ --NRa-oI .1.sr 14r-a-$L4l1,,
without any ado and spreading his rough,
cold hands in the very blaze of the cheer
full fire. 81 tried to git wife to come over
with me for a little chat this evenin', but
she was a-gittin' the Children to sleep and
couldn't leave" and the wretched
fellows teeth fairly chartered as he
tried to keep up a show of conversation.
"I'm real glad that you've come over,
Hiram, for / want to ask you to keep an eye
on my premises while I'm gone down to
the village
.Jest sol When be you goin'.n was the
qIick inquiry.
ITO morrow morning, bright and early,'
replied the other, '.and / can't get back IN
til real late tomorrow night"
We'll, Pm goin' dow thar myself to-
morrow noon, but I'll have Hammer look
arter things"
lis that so;'' inquired the astonished
John, for a trip to the distant village was
not an everyday event among those simple
mountain-dwellers.
Yes, that's SO, but Mrs. Comstock
feels at all skeered Pill have tanner come
over and stay all night with her. I saw
two or three Injuns a-passin' down the
road to-day, and mabbe you'd ruther not be
alone, Mrs. Comstock,' - he said, addressing
her as she nerS appeared.
Indeed. Pm not the least bit timid,"
was the spirited reply. There's not
enough life left in one of those poor Great
ures to brighten a baby"
You're right. They wouldn't worry o
muskeeter. But must be a-goin' now"
And, rising, the awkward visitor drew an
old faded scarf from his pocket and envel-
oped his head and neck in it's folds. Where
be the boys tonight" he suddenly asked.
stOh, they've been abed an hour. They're
going with me in the morning, you know"
and poor, tired John tried not to LOOK bored
as the fellow still fingered. A few moments
later he growled O sort of goodnight and
took his departure, slamming the door as
he went.
"As good and honest a soul as ever
hved,n said the husband at last, daring to
break the silence with O hearty laugh.
You don't suppose he is near enough to
hear me, do yous I'm so sorry he's going
to be gone tomorrow, for l should feel
perfectly easy about you if he were only
going to be at home. I'll tell you what Pill
do; Iu stop at Mrs. Otwood's in the morn
ing and tel her if any thing happens up
here, or if you want her you'll blow the
dinner-horn and let her know"
so, pshaw, John! what is going to hap
penl You go and get your kindlings ready
for the morning, and don't let me hear any
more of this NONSENSE and she kissed the
shade of anxiety of his face and went into
the little bedroom adjoining.
Long before sunrise the simple house
hold was astir, q hearty breakfast was
eaten, and half an hour later a woman,s
forlorn figure might have been seen stand
ing alone In the road outside the humble
dwelling, in q listening attitude, as the oc-
casiopaI sound of beloved voices came back
10 her en- the still wiatry air. Not until the