Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-08-26


in his supply Of winter wood In Inc
autumn. His vast forest land furnished
fuel, and John and Ben Miles, being
most expert with an axe, were 10 fell
the trees, and cut them into sticks the
proper size for the wagon, while Wal
ter was to haul them to the house.
Walter found this labor even pleasant.
To see the great horses display theiI
giant strength IN drawing heavy loads
of Wood was enough TO excite The ad:
miration and wonder Of any admired
OF horse flesh.
One day he, Was returning from the
Forest with a large load Of wood on hil
wagon. The path he was travelling
was what he called "wdods road, oi
sometimes ''blihd road" II was used
only m drawing wood from the forest,
which was about once a year. The re-
mainder of the time IL was permitted 10
grow up in weeds and brush.
Walters mind had reverted 10 his
/ past life. and to one sad event especial
~. He began to feel that he was A
mystery to the good people among
whom he was thrown. His past his
tory he could not reveal without a
blush upon MS Cheekl
In this riiral district as a 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 cast. He could be happy here
II he could only forget the bitter wrong
that had been done him. But, try as
he would, the recollection of Il was
ever uppermost in mis- mind IL was
not with degree OF hatred or malice
that the memory of the wrong re-
mained AZ 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 ,en-fold greater.
The wealthy farmer would either dis
charge him and send him once more on
his wandermgs 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 orce more 90
into voluntary exile.
A man came out Uf the woods and
stood in the road few rods in advance
of the horses. He was a burly fellow,
strong. heavy-set with dark tangled
hair and short beard. A face that in
dicated 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 hole in the crown.
He was certainly not very prepossess-
ing in his appearance, and a character
no one would care to meet in lonely
forest road.
Walter trembled in spite Of himself.
Although there was nothing apparently
hostile about the man, he dreaded
meeting him. The meeting could not
be averted, for the stranger cooily
folded his arms on his breast and
waited till the team came up. There
was a 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.
pleasant day fur teamin'm
Every good, sir, said Walter.
"You work for Mr. Miles, / guess?"
"Yes, SIR"
"Yer names Walter Brownfield?"
Eyes, sir, and as you know mine,
will you be so kind as to inform me
what yours is9'
"I am Bill Martin, an / work for
Jack Hawkins, who lives on the farm
jinin' with Mr.. Miles on the road to
Bushville.n
II am glad to get acquainted with
you, Mr.. Martin" said Walter, "but
you must excuse me now as ray time is
not my own; must be going.n
Hold; don't be in a hurry, Walter"
said Bill, extending one hand toward
the bit of the horse nearest him, ''them
animals is tired, so ye better let 'em
blow or old Miles II cuss a streak"
Walter, who was in the act of start
ing up the team, paused and gazed IL
wonder at the man. Bill, with than
strange grin on his face, said;
''Ye come from Queenstown, didn't
YEP"
Yves" stammered the youth, turn
ing pale and trembling.
Didn't you used 10 clerk for Brew
ster." For a moment Walter was
wholly unable to answer, but at length
stammered.
al did"
II thought you was the same 'un,"
and the grin deepened on Bills face.
An awkward silence followed, Walter
looked helpless, as though he would
fell from the wagon, and Bill Martin
gazed on him as a bird Of prey might
gaze on victim in easy reach. At
length. Walter determining to know
the worst, summoned up all his reso-
luton and asked:
"Are you an ofiicer?"
Bill shook his head.
"a detective then? II so, there is no
need of quizzing me. II the law wants
me at Queenstown | am ready to 90.
Bill laughed a loud, coarse laugh.
ado look like an officer, or detec-
tive9 Ha! ha! ha! Well that's a good
'un."
"Then, sir. be so kind as to explain
yourself said Walter. with no little
confusion.
"I'll do II, youngster," said Bill, APP
piOaNhhlN commentary near tub
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 / am not
the man to squeal on a fellow who
gets in trouble an has TO leave his
town or country on account Of Il; hut
I'd rather take EN- by the hand and
help 'em along"
II 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
II did"
"And ye clerked in Joe Brewsters
storep"