Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-09-30
CHApTER XIV


Carefully as Mr.. Miles had kept his
opinion OF Walter Brownfield locked
in his own heart, his very manner
aroused the suspicion OF his family that
something was wrong. The eoOlness
with which Walter was treated was per-
coiycd by all. and both old heads and
young began to put many strange things
together.
Pinkey Miles perhaps suffered more
on account OF the youth than any other
member of the family. Her naturally
sympathetic heart went out TO the un-
fortunate Walter when he came there
few weeks before, homeless wan
derer. His face was so pale and so
sad. he looked SO weary and friendless.
she could not help plying him. Then
when she discovered in him the true
germ OF manhood. noble heart. and
highly intellectual brain, then was adj
miration mingled with her pity. He
was her ideal Of true manliness. How
different when compared with the rough
clownish fellows Of Preston Flat, who
seemed 10 know nothing save to run
horses on Sunday and attend corn
husklngs. In form he was more slen-
der than they. not nearly so muscular.
but his genteel, well-bred air contrasted
strangely with the rough rude youths of
Preston Flat The Flat had its bullies and
heroes whose achievements were with
the fist. Walter was Pinkey's hero. but
far different He was a refined hero.
''Could he be 50 badPn was the ques-
tion which arose in her mind again and
again. Was il possible that he who
un Ia nd Ii n
himself with men whose whole aim
was plumber and bloodshed?
Although MIR. Miles had not charged
.trlter, nor limited at his suspicious to
his family, yet Pinkey knew as we'll
that he had suspicious as il she had
heard them. She had iead Of men
being deceitful, and playing the part
Of good men when in reality they were
kpayes at heart, but Walter could be
playing no such part; his manner was
perfectly natural
Scandal had begun to whisper from
neighbor TO neighbor that the pale
youth knew more about the robbery of
the Californian than he would dare 10
tell. All these rur. .ors were kept from
the ears Of Mr.. Brown. The wounded
man still kept his bed, though his arm
was healing and he was otherwise do
ing well. Walter seldom went into |
his room, for he felt that there was a |
vague suspicion In tho family that he |
was one OF the would-be mnrderers
IL his mental suffering was great
finkeys was equally so. She seldom
saw Walter and never more than spoke
20 him. She dared not trust herself TO
speak with him. in the old confidential
way. Bitterly did her mind recall the
many pleasant hours spent in his com
papy, ami above all that delightful
ride through the folest road to church.
Dad return. Walter noticed her re-
served manner and misinterpreted Il.
''She, too mistrusts me-" he said 10
himself, rs he sat upon bis fayorite
block behind the barn. "They All sls-
pect me; they all think me thief.
they all think me a murderer Pinkev
misirusts me with the rest. Oh, what
have donc 70 deserve thisPn he
As he SAT there he wondered If tbo
great and good Father. who watches
over ALL had forsakon him. That
raintod mother, who now slept in her
grave. had taught him when child 10
call on the Lord IN bis hour Of trouble
and liewould not fosake him. Walters
heart was full and he prayed 70 God 10
nave mercy on him and bring hi,n out
pure thlourh this i0ry ordesl An was
lark; no star could be seen IA the bori-
'pn, Walter moved aud acted like one
Il dream.
One afternoon Plnkey Mfes put on
ler calico snn.bonpot which mado her
ncct iace nnd dark eyes more beauti-
VI than ever, and went across tho ncld
. lhs hut of hor Uncle Daniel Hodge,