The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-04-07

which was the only avenue through the forest.
 It grew presently so dark inside the cabin that Jennie was fain to place 8 lighted lamp upon the table, and seat herself to listen for the first sound of distant sleigh bells. Tony curled him. self upon her lap, and soon lost him. self in sleep.
 Suddenly Jennie heard the muffled sound of & horses hoofs upon the snow. A shadow darkened the win dow, and & moment later a heavy knock resounded upon the door. Jen- nie hastened to open it, with Tony, still unawakened, in her arms.
 The visitor, who stood holding his horse by the bridle-rein, was large, powerful-looking man, dressed in hunters garb, with brace of pistols in his leathern belt.
 Some little city maiden might have fainted with fright at so formi- dable an apparition, but Jennie was we'll accustomed to the rough exterior of the backwoodsman. The stranger looked at her keenly, as the freight shone upon her little figure, with Tony's golden hair nestled against her shoulder.
 five been caught in the storm. Can l stay all night?" he said.
 "Come in, sir" answered Jennie, heartily. "We are all alone,-I and the baby,-for my father and brother are gone to town; but expect them every minute, and I'm 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 indi- cated, whence he soon returned, and taking his place in front of the hearth, proceeded to dry his wet garments His face, which evidently once had shown fine lines, wore a hard and bit ter expression, as the flickering shad- ows played over his bent head and averted eyes. A vague discomfort crept over the spirit of the little hostess.
 q wonder if he's sick, poor man he looks so miserable like," she thought. Then she said aloud, of you haven't been to supper, sir, could take you up some of the pork and beans Pm keeping hot for father and Steve, and could make you a cup of tea in a minute"
 "I don't want anything" answered the man, still without lookiug up.
 itfla Tnnxy hA lxr %hsa broad awake, had slipped from Jen- nie's arms and stood with great, blue, wondering eyes fixed upon the stranger. It was something wholly new to Tony's short experience to find himself unnoticed by visitor, and he was evidently pondering deeply the problem of this unsolved personality.
 He walked slowly up and down the room, at each turn approaching lit- tie nearer the grim, silent figure be- fore the hearth. At last he paused, and stepping yet closer, laid small soft hand upon the mans knee. Still there was no response. The child's breast heaved, his breath came quickly and a grieved expression curled his rosy lip.
 "Man," he said with tremulous baby accent, "why don't 'oo love little boys?"
 The stranger started, and spasm of uncomfortable emotion swept over his bearded face He turned upon the child, whose bright hair shone like a glory about his head, and with swift, involuntary action, drcw him into his arms. Some marvellous change had transfigured his face and softened the hard lines like ice before the sun.
 He held the child close, murmuring over him some inarticulate express ions of fondness, while Tony, on his part, accepted most graciously the tardy homage, tugged at the strangers watch-guard, and laughed so merrily that Jennie could not repress a soft echo from her own corner.
 The man looking up, transfixed her with the same keen gaze as at his en- trance, only that now some new ele- ment was added,-a questioning al- most painful in it's intensity. Look ing 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 I, so help me God i''
 He rose and stretched himself to his full height, like some one relieved from some intolerable burden.
 "And now, my girl" he said cheer fly, "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 pleased alac- rity, and having placed a bountifnl