The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-19

Suddenly Jennie heard the muflled
sound of horses hoofs upon the snow.
A shadow darkened tho window, and a
moment later heavy knock resounded
upon the door, Jennie fastened to
open it, with Tony still awakened, in
her arms.
The visitor, who stood holding his
horse by the bridle-rein. was large,
powerful-looking man, dressed in hunt
ers garb, with brace of pistols in his
leathern belt
Some little city bred maiden might
have tainted with fright at so formi-
dable an apparitiou, but Jennie was
we'll accustomed to the rough exterior
of the backwoodsma The stranger
looked at her kecnly, as the freight
shone upon her little figure with Tony's
golden head nestled against her shoul-
der.
'Tve bcen caught in the storm. Can
l stay all nights" he said.
"Come in, SIR" answered Jennie,
heartily. "Wo arc all alone, II and
the baby, ---for my father and brother
are gone to town; but I expect them
home every minute, and Pm sure they
wouldn't like me to let any one 60 on
iu the storm. You can put your horse
in the stable yonder."
Without replying, the man led away
his horse in the direction indicated,
whence he soon returned, and taking
his place in front of the hearth, pro-
cceded to dry his wet garments. His
face, which evidently had once shown
fine lines, wore hard and bitter ex-
preston, as the Pickering shadows
played over his bent head and averted
eyes, A vague discomfort crcpt over
the spirit of the little hostess.
~ wonder if he's sick, poor man! he
looks so miserable-like," sho thought.
Then she said aloud, "If you haven't
been to supper, sir, l could take you up
some of the pork and beans Pm keeping
hot for father and Steve, and I could
make you cup OF tea in minute"
~ don't want anything" answered
the mau, still without looking up.
Littlc Tony, who, by this time, was
broad awake, had slipped from Jennie's
arms, and stood with great, blue, Won
dering eyes fixed upon tho stranger. 1t
was something wholly new to Tonys
short experience to find himself unno-
ticed by visitor, and ho was evidently
pondering deeply the problem of this
unsolved personality.
Ho walked slowly up and down tho
room, at each turn approaching a little
nearer the grim, silent figure before the
hearth. At last he paused, and stepping
yet closer, laid small, soft hand upon
the mans knee. Sill thero was no
response. The childs breast hcaved,
his breath came thickly, and a grieved
expression curled his rosy lip.
man." he said, with a tremulous
baby accent, ''why don't 90 love little
boys9"
The stranger started, and spasm of
uncomfortable emotion swept over his
bearded face. He turned upon the
child, whose bright hair shone like n
glory about his head, and with a swift,
involuntary action, drew him into his
arms. Some marvellous change had
transfgured his face and softened the
hard liacs like ice before the sun.
He held the child close, murmuring
over him some inarticulate expressions
Of fondness, while Tony, on his part,
accepted most graciously the tardy
homage, tugged at the stranger s watch
guard, and laughed SO merrily that Jen-
ME could not repress soft echo from
her own corner.
The man looking up transfxed her
with the same keen gaze as at his en-
trance, only that now some new element
was added, "a questioning almost pain
full in its intensity. Looking at him,
one would have said that the man felt
all his fate hanging upon the answer
which the young girl should give.
"Are you afraid of me2' he said.
"Afraid?' repeated Jennie, in gentle
surprise. "Why, no, sir! Surely you
wouldn't do any harm to Tony or me-"
''No more would ], SO help me God! =
He rose and stretched himself to his
full height, like one relieved from some
intolerable burden.
'And now, my girl" he said, cheer
lily, 'you may give me some of the pork
and beans you spoke Of, of,-theyre mighty
warming on anight like this"
Jennie sprang up with pleased
alacrity, and having placed bountiful
portion upon the table, drew chair be-
side it.
81 can't see why father don't comew
she said anxiously. A curious express
sion fitted across the mans face, which
she did not notice.
'Don't you fret, child" he said.
the SHOWS drifting so that 'twould be
nothing strange if they had to stop all
night at some house along the road.
But never you mind! I'll do the chores
for you-you've got the cattle and
things to see after, l reckon-and then
Pll bring in some more logs for the
fire."
'How kind you are, sirl I'm sure
father will thank you thousand
! times"
} "Thank me yourself, childl I'm not
doing it for your father It'slong since
anybody had cause to thank me, and
} the sound is sweet
He opened the door and went out
throuuh the hlindinp snow Returning