The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-07-07
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTlIE XIV. ~
IDLE, YOU BOG"
Allen was informed by signs that he waE
to remain at Mile Candles house FOR "a few
hours, he supposed until he and Ids horR5
had had time to rest. a negro boy TOOK
the horse round the house to the stable, and
the hostess, in polite French, which was
Greek to him, invited the tired traveller into
the house. The good lady, evidently some
maiden relative OF the little dumb boy. Was
in ecstaces at the arrival Of the child, buJ
not more delighted than the Little fellow
himself. His laughter, clapping his hands
and dumb show indicated excessive pleas
ure. =
Aliens arrival seemed to have been ex"
pected by Nile. Camille and her servants.
1t seemed to h11n that she was standing in
the door waiting for them. The nadeu,oi-
selle was pleasant-lcoking old lady, with
large dark eyes aud soft, iron-gray hair.
She did not possess q single feature thatir-
dicated 8. distinct family resemblance to
either Bertha or the child. Vet those tears
and those emotions Of JOY at sight Of the
little dumb boy was proof positive that be-
was very dear to her.
"He is in good hands and will be veil
cared for" Thought the editor. his heart re-
ieved by an approving conscience.
He was ,ushered into the house by u rou-
latto boy, and conducted to the end Of along
corridor, where the negro pointed to rOo,1
indicating that he was to occupy it.
"Can you speak Euglish2" the tirs8
traveller asked.
The mulatto shook his head, aad then,
showing Allen bath, made him understand
by signs that dinner would be ready foz.
him us soon as he was ready for it. The
tired editor found O. good bath quite re-
treshing, and when he had dressed, don.
ming the wrapper and slippers which were
brought him, he felt almost himself again.
The m1latto then conducted him to the din
ing-roorl il the basement at the renr of the
house. Two colored walters, WHO spoke
nothing but French, brought him an ex-
cellent repast, to which he did ample lustica.
When he had satisfied his appetite
the same nlulatto boy conducted him to &
bedroom, where he was ulade to understand
that he was to sleep and rest hi1oself Tor
awhile He. now remembered the sealed
letter which the old woman had given him
to bring to the nla0enoiselle, and takir I, ii
from his pocket sent it to her by the negro
boy.
Having no other cares on his mind for the
present, Allen threw himself upon The bed,
<tltO III uTS l1luutSS was SOuuA dS1SCt. AGW
exhaustion, mental worry and excitement,
through which he had passed in the last
few hours would have overcome any peg.
son of ordinary strength and powers Of en-
durance.
After toll sweet is sleep, and no sleep "a
deep and refreshing as the sleep Ct ex-
haustion. The shadows heightened, and
the sun was just dipping behind the West.
ern horizon when he was awakened by tho
mulatto boy.
signaling Allen to rise, he handed aall
sealed note, which contained instructions
for his safe return. The note was written
in English, in plain, neat, lady-like hand,
and Allen suspected that the directors had
been written by Bertha herself eud iZa-
closed with the note which he had brongha
Mademoiselle who now sent it to him. ~
dark he was to start on his return, and Eie
would reach a certain village ten miles ire1u
Turley's Point, where he was to rsnoeD.
closely concealed all day. AT or near SUI
down he was to again set out for Turkeys
Point, reaching 1t after night. The horse
he was to return and tie to the same tree at
which he had found him.
"Umph, humph,' said Allen, gazing at
the Writing and wondering if Berths had
penned those lines. 'sI suppose this affair:
is to terminate as mysterious az ia begun
The malatto informed him by aigns that
his supper was ready, and by the tune he
had finished it bis horse would be waiting
for him. Allen rose and went to supper,
He finished his meal in silence, and nhs1
by the same pantominic motions, tls boy
informed him that his horse was ready. 4 II
was almost dark when he found himself
once more at the side of that coalblack
horse that had borne him so nobly on lis
long journey to Frenchtown. A days ress
andexcellent care had removed all lndica~
tions Of evil effects of his hard travel.
Neither the child nor made1noiselle had
been seen by Allen since morning, and no
message was given him to return. Rss
vaulted in the saddle, and the mulatto point
ed to road leading Off through a grove Of
trees. This road went directly north from
the village, and by following it ne wotld, he
knew, come into the main road mile or
two away from Frenchtown
HThey seem to fear that am bein g
watched" said Allen to himself, sa,1d I
suppose that the sooner get away FROM
here the better"
He gave his horse the rein, and the AMI
NAL cantered away at a brisk pace.
1t was q quiet night. The hum Of insects
and chirp Of crickets along the wooded
road made pleasant music for the lonely
traveller. Though he had been considerably
rested, his muscles, unaccustomed to the
hard strain 50 recently put upon them, Wers
bruised and sore. Had not his horse bean
an easy-going animal he could not have
stood the journey. Being alone and nnin-
numbered the return was much more com.
Portable than his ride Of the night before.
The farmers we're returning to their