The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1886-12-02
IALLR GHTSR
JUST AFTER THE WAR.
A STORY OF TEIE SOUTH.
d. JONES' NeO Beme ~ C.
Aohhor of LtLjohn"

scattered in humble attitude upon the
ground from whence they rose in tow
ering grandeur, fit emblem of that
mighty Leveller, which reduces to
their former insignifcance, those who,
| by superhuman eXertion, have dis
tanced their fellows, and stand In life,
towering, like these giants of the for
est, in intellect, position, or wealth,
far above the many who encircle them
in this narrow sphere.
1874 is the year thus dismally in
augurated, and if emblematical of my
life fer the next twelve months, most
clouded stormy one it will be, and re-
calling my gloomy forebodings it
seems, not very unlikely, that just
such year, as the day indicates, will
fall to my lot, since clouds are already
gathering around the horizon of my
life, and the sunshine is often obsured,
or shines by faithful CLEANS.
Almost my first birthday gift this
morning, was the information of the
presence of my hated enemy, Della
court, III town, lot a piece of news
likely to impart any pleasant surprise,
especially, as happening to catch
Arches expression, at the time of
! this intimation, such look of murder
Gus hate shot forth from his eyes, as
made me tremble, even for my dread
ed foe.
Archie's nights of late have not
been spent at home, and often at mid
night, unable to sleep, have [ lain
awake, wondering what will be the
end of it all, and listening for foot
step, too well known, in Its frequent
unsteadiness Of gait, feeling sort of
watchfulness, until know that he is
safely housed, when sleep comes at
my bidding, since [ am convinced our
! lock is then secure, but one missing
our boy, who is plodding his way to
distinction, amid the rivalry of college
life.
Sometimes too, it seems opportune,
that l am wakeful, or otherwise this
brother, this Archie, the care, the
anxiety of our lives, would have a
! bed out in the cold, with the stone
for his pillow, for occasionally, with
ears strained for that uncertain sounds
as of one cropping his way with diff
Guilty along, have heard fall, and
leaving my own room, have gided
like a spectre, down steps, through
hall, and opening the front door,
managed by almost superhuman
strength, and energy of purpose, to
drag the almost insensible mass of
humanity into the glare of the light,
which seemed to revive its glimmering
senses, and with my further assistance
feel the need of seeking the repose OF
its own bed. Then, by continued urg-
ing, when the supplying drink, would
seek to claim its own superior power,
dragging its victim to its sluggish en-
braces, regardless of cold, discomfort
or misery entailed, conscious of naught
but the british instinct of rest, have
succeeded in my design, as gaining
his apartment, by dint of persuasion
and the mastery of will, have partial
ly disrobed him, and literally pushed
him into his bed, throwing whatever
covering was at hand over his besot
ted, beastly frame.
Poor fellow, these midnight excur
sions are leaving their impression
upon me, as well as in his blood-shot
eye, and bloated form, for often il
the day time my strength will seem tc
fail, and my increased irascibility
bears witness to the fact of my nerv
Gus state of mind.
To-day, with no work before me
J since it is the holidays, with the wealth
er so stormy in its nature, that a saun
, ter forth might entail broken heat
or limb from the falling branches 0
: the dismantled trees, actually lon,
for Leonard's society, if only to occu
: Ply myself in quarreling with him
: Kitty must have left, as the station i
0 near her home, and the train seems no
r to have been retarded by the storm s
I cannot account for Leonard's pro
r tracted absence Gas he purposed re
j. turning yesterday afternoon) in an,
d other way, than by conjuring up som
e fearful accident, which has overtake
s him, so from thinking upon the SUI
) ject, I have finally pictured him, a
e lying all night, with the pelting rair
beating upon him, the snow fallin
,s gently with its icy covering, while til
Il wind chanted its weird, fantastic lay
h into his deafaninp ears. lyinu in nail