The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1886-12-23

E1NlAN-Lzk r bcairhd 70 stay mere
ono night alone, will your
John Conistbck dill not look at his little
wife as ho ospoxe. but stood with his back
toward her, Sinking the snow from his old
gray hat aud coat, for he woli knew the
sh de % disappointment that was passing
over her face.
''Why, no, Of coursc I'm not afraid, y was
the ready reply. what should be afraid
Of, and up here ninong the mountains IN
this honeat little placei-- bnt 1t won't seem
quito like Christmas eve tomorrow night
without you all-and you know n will be
the frst timo we haven't spent Il together
since we were married." she added, hest
tatingly, with slight tremor in her usually
calm voice .
John said nothing, but went 10 the win
dow and looked out, Tic storm was begin
ming 10 break away. The snow was now
falling more gently, and In tho East faint
luminous streaks OF silver gave signs OF Q
perfect moonlight night. lie turned with
brighter face, aud Bpoto cheerfully:
"1hc storm Is evidently about over. II
no more snow falls the roads will be fair
aud II We can got an early start In The
morning think we can manage TO got back
homo before midnight-at least some time
before Santa Claus comes down the chin.
ncy,n he added merrily--" but see here
little wife, I almost forgot the good new'
that have 20 tell you. Parson Stanley
settled that old account with mo to-day
paid me every dollar, and interest besides
and here II is Now so and put 10 In some
safe place, and :ske good care Of II until
coiRc back Mex spring we'll putt face OF
this old log house tha our neighbols won
recognize. Great guns! I'D like 10 know
where all this cold air comes fromlr brok,
on John, with sudden change Of subject
Good ovenin'l good cyenin' ] though
I'D walk right In without kncchin, kind o
neighbor.like, yer know aud tho some
what startled pair looked 70 sec their neigh
Dor, Hiram otwocd, standing In the door
way.
.'Jiminy man, you might as well XIII
fellow as 20 scare him TO death, good
naturedly exclaimed the honest host
springing up and placing char for hi
queer guest
"Do tell did / skccr yort thought
made great rumpus rs | come onto th'
stoop."
we were busy talking and didn't hear
you. Why, how blue you look Here, taxi
my chair near the Hrc. I'm going into th'
other room for awhile,n and the kind
20 no, I'm not a bit cold. just you keel
your seat" he fecbly demonstrated, drop
ing into the proferoi chair nevertheless
without any ado and spreading his rough
cold hauds In the very blaze OF the cheer
ful firc. ~ tried 10 git wife TO come owe
with me FOR little chat this evenin', bu
she was a-Rittin the Children TO sleep an,
couldn't leavc,n and tho wretchct
fellows teeth fairly chattercd rs h
tired 70 ltoop up show of conversation.
" I'm real glad that you've come over
Hiram, for want 10 ask you 20 keep an oy,
on my promises while I'm gone down I.
iho village
Z Jest sol When be you goin'i'' was tn
quick inquiry.
To morrow morning, bright and carly,
replied the other. "and can't get bact.uu
~ real late tomorrow night"
Well, I'm gOin' down thar myself 10
morrow noon, but I'll have Hammer lool
after thlngs."
"Is that sou inquired the astonshe,
John, for trip TO the distant village wa
not an everyday event among those simpl
mountain-dwellers
F" Yes, that's so, but II Mrs Comstocl
feels ut all slSeored I'll have Hammer com
over and stay all night with her | say
two or three Injuns a-passin' down IN
road today, and mabbe you'd ruthcr not b
alone, Mrs. Comstock,n he said, addressing
her as she now appeared.
"Indocd, I'm not tho least bit timid,'
was the spirited reply. There's no
enough lifo lett IN one OF those poor Great
urcs 10 frightln baby
You're right They wouldn't worry
nnskceter But must be agoin' now.
And, rising, the awkward visitor drew al
old faded scarf from his pocket and envel
oped his head and neck in It's folds. "whcr
be the boys to.nightln he suddenly asked