The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1888-07-18
A Brothers Keeper.
lW0algS NoRK OF LOYE AND DUTY.
"gy EAgy IAR5wELL cATEERwooD,
AgzzoR or "CRAoUE o DooA," "STEpERE
GUTHRIE" "THE LONE MANS
CA8o," AHD OTHER SToRIEs


him, but she did not look directly at him,
but glanced sidewise, puckering her face in
anguish.
various pieces Of his clothing shabby and
unmstchsd; but the most skllful Of tailors
could scarcely have nodded him in gar
nents suitable to his face. Is was euaciated
and withered, though neither by disease
nor age. One corner Of his mouth twisted
downward as if in continued jeer, and
nervous spasms came and went over every
atom Of countenance which could be moved
and distorted. Whenever he became ex-
cited n talk, this singular infrmity played
fsster and faster like evil lightning over his
face.
"Welp' said Phoebe, in q high, agitated
tone.
'.Au right" said her companion. "You
saw me beckon to you through the window" !"
"You know saw you"
'sYou were long time getting out If
you hadn't come pretty soon I'd bolted in
and asked for you"
'Ikrew you would. What do you want
aows'
"What do I want now!' mimicked the
twisted mouth. when you amt seen me
for two years. Where's Thorneya"
'Ee's near me, Of course" replied the
shaking girl 'Why can't you let US alones"
''What should want to let you alone
for. Amt got my rightss"
''Your rights" said Phoebe, fercely. 20,
you wicked milestone; you want to drag Us
under forever. You know when I was
sorry for you and tried to help you. But
you can't impose on me any more. And pn
defend Thorney against you.''
''Oh. you Win"'
Phoebe began to sob aloud, swallowing
piteously, and using her hands against
her throat to press back the explosive
sounds.
'you look like defending any thingp'
laughed the man. Don't do that, now.
You never made any thing believing at
ne. Didn't you know I'd drop around some
dSy2"
''Oh,yes, 1hewit ityou always do-there's
no help-and no escape?"
swell, then, shut up your doleful racket
1sin't going to hurt you"
mo; I'm past being struck with your
6st now-but never past being robbed and
shamed."
The man broke OF bito bark and chewed
II, IS ne Kept pace WIN her.
Glow much money have youw he in
quired.
'You'n dog Thorrey and me just the
same Il 7 give 1t to you. I've bought you OF
Sor the last time.'
'sYouU give me what money you have
I'm clear down. II you don't Pn make 8
stake the way you despise, and pn take
Fhorney''
Phoebe faced about, and they stood still,
with the psth between them.
sSThere's q hundred other things lean do, I"
added the man, grinning. 'sYou know you
cont want to own me- around here"
sNot drop Of my blood owns q drop Of
yonrs,n burst out Phoebe. II have lived q
hlsmsless life. You do your worst Iwon's
Give yen my earnings, and you WIZ lesyemy
brother Thorney alone, too"
She walked rapidly ahead into the dusly
woods. he was at no pains to oyertake her
: but let the space widen between them,
snrustins Ms hands into bis pockets and
Breathing. q ccook-mouthed whistle on bis
chin.
Phoebe, feeling frozen in her last mood,
and carrying her defiant head erect, en-
tered the familiar sitting-room where Mrs.
Enlmes was rocking the baby to sleep. She
entered as one who heard the cry Of wolves
behind her, and knew the wolves might yet
burst N and claim her, notwithstanding an
shle-bodied man ike Gurley was at hand 70
defend her.
.sAr. Gnrley has called to seeryou," ssid
Ers. holmes.
2noebe had stopped at the sight of Tod
Dies going to sleep. It hurt her to remen-
Der how lately she had roeked him herself,
feeling almost as safe and happy SIS if well
through with the world.
She turned and met Nr. Gurley with Q
dignity he could not add to har sincere and
.eredulous image, and while she spoke she
wondered how soon hen pursuer would enter
that room.
Mrs. Holmes silently thought her too
scarlet IN cheeks, too Sazzlng in her eyes
altogether too powerful and pretty.
II was just about to trace you," SAID
,Gurley. s.Miss Fawcett has changed her
programme. Instead Of having as later in the
week she wants US this evening, and as the
.ss.t,e psrty's so informal hope you'll be will
ing to substitute my escort for the other
arrangement which was made for you"
81 should like to go to Miss Fawcetts,"
said Phoebe, choosing for herself like
princess. She thought she heard new step
IN the kitchen.
my horse and phseton are ready" said
Gurley. ~ came early to make up for the
lack Of notice by giving you plenty Of time
to get ready in."
''Oh, am always ready for any thing. !
might wash my hands and beg Mrs.
holmes for bit Of geranium. I have just
one 6ress.n explained Phoebe. sand that
makes it 50 easy to be ready"
Gurley laughed ont with approval, but
Mrs. Holmes secretly shuddered at such
Aingas Of ones poverty at mans sympa-
thies. She had kindly planned decking
Phoebe for this party in some Of her own
fnery, and felt indignant at beng robbed
OF such feminine pleasure and the self-ap-
provsl which would have been consequent
on il. At the very least her lace bertha or
a,sssh might have relieved the girls SOM
berness, but now she felt too outraged TO
add even the bit Of geranium.
"you are, in fact, an Ascens!onist," COM
nerted Gurley, ''and 20 about all the time
hecomingly robed for the day Of judgment" /"
.You have said it exactly Phoebe told
him, smiling, holding her tears sternly in
their cisterns. land you haven't any idea
what feeling Of companionship you can
have towards gown that is like yourself
sione In the world"
eYour brother wants to see you, Miss
White" said Randy, speaking at the htch-
en- door, shsde Of patronage coloring her
tone to the sister Of such brother.
Phoebe expanded, standing quite erect
and high.