The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1888-06-14
SCOTLAND NECK n c. THURSDAY. JUNE H. 1885,

80
Hour after hourpasscd. There were no
longer ary tracks TO be disccrned along
the narrow roadway which was the
only avenue through the forest.
1t grew presently SO dark inside the
cabin that Jennie was fain to place a
lighted lamp upon the table, and seat
herself to listen for the first sound Of
distant slcigh-bclls. Toncy curled him
self upon her lap, and soon lost himself
in sleep.
Suddenly Jennie heard the mufled
sound of horses hoof. upon tho snow.
A shadow darkened the window, and
moment later a heavy knock resounded
upon the door. Jennie hastened to
open it, with Tony still awakened, in
her arms.
The visitor, who stood holding his
horse by the bridle-rein, was large,
powerlul-lookiag man, dressed in hunt
er's garb, with brace of pistols in his
leathern belt.
Some little city-bred maiden mi light
have tainted with fright at so formi-
dable an apparition, but Jennie was
we'll accustomed to the rough exterior
of the backwoodsm The stranger
looked at her keenly, as the freight
shone upon her little figure with Tony's
golden head nestled against her shoul-
der.
'Tve been caught in the storm. Can
stay all nightY' he said.
"Como in, sir" answered Jennie,
heartily. "We arc all alone, Il and
the baby, for my father and brother
are gone to town; but expect them
home every minute, and Pm sure they
wouldn't like me to let any one go on
in 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-
ceeded to dry his wet garments. His
face, which evid emily had once shown
fine lines, wore hard and bitter ex-
preston, as the fiickering shadows
played over his bent head and averted
eyes. A vague discomfort crept over
the spirit of the little hostess.
81 wonder if he's sick, poor man! he
looks so miserabIe-like," she thought.
Then she said aloud, elf 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 a cup of tea in a minute"
~ don't want anything," answered
the man, still without looking up,
Little Tony, who, by this time, was
broad awake, had slipped from Jennio's
arms, and stood with great, blue, Won
dering eyes fixed upon the stranger. 1t
was something wholly new to Tony's
short experience to find himself unuo-
ticed By a visitor, and he was evidently
pondering deeply the problom of this
unsolved personality.
He walked slowly up and down the
room, at each turn approaching little
nearer the grim, silent figure before the
hearth. At last he paused, and stepping
yet closer, laid a small, soft hand upon
the mans knee. Still there was no
response. The child's breast heaved,
his breath came thickly, and a gricved
expression curled his rosy lip.
Man" he said, with a tremuous
baby accent, why don't 90 love little
boysW
The stranger started, and a spasm of
uncomfortable emotion swept over his
bearded face. He turned upon the
child, whose bright hair shone like q
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 lines 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 strangers 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 me?" 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,-they' re mighty
warming on night like this"
Jennie sprang up with a pleased
alacrity, and having placed a bountiful
portion upon the table, drew chair be-
side it.