The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-06-20

an apparition. but Jennie was welllac.
customed TO the rough exterior of the
backwoodsmen. The stranger looked at
her keenly, as the freight shone upon
her little figuee, with Tony's golden head
nestled against her shoulder.
:. I've been caught in the storm. Can
| stay all night p he said
Come in, sir" answered Jennie, hear
tily. 1--WE are all alone-I and the baby
for my father and brother are gone to
town bat / expect them home every
minute, and am 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, proceeded 10
dry his wet garments His face, which
evidently had once shown fine lines, wore
bard and bitter expression, as the flick
ering shadows played over his bent head
and ayerted eyes. A vague discomfort
crept over the spirit of the little hostess.
Z" / wonder il he's sick, poor man he
looks so miserable-like,r she thought.
Then she said aloud
4" If you haven't been to supper, sir, |
could take you up some of the pork and
beans I'm keeping hot for father and
Steve, and | could make you a cup oftea
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 Jennie's
arms, and stood with great, blue, wonder
ing eyes fixed upon the stranger 1t was
something wholly new to Tony's short
experience to find himself unnoiieed by
a visitor, and he was evidently pondering
deeply the problem of this unsolved per-
sonality.
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 small, soft hand upon
the mans knee. Still there was no re-
sponse. The child's breast heayed, his
breath came quickly, and grieyed ex-
preston curled his rosy lip.
Man." he said, with a tremulous,
baby accent, why don't 90 love little
boys2"
The stranger started, and a spasm of
uncomfortable emotion swept over his
bearded face He turned upon the child,
whose bright hair shone like glory
about his head, and with swift. invol-
untary action, drew him into his arms
Some marvellous change had transfigured
his face and soitened 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, ac-
cepted most graciously the tardy homage,
tugged a; the strangers watch-guard, and
laughed so merrily that Jennie conld not
repress a soft echo from her own corner.
The man looked up, transfixed her
with the same keen gaze Us at his en-
trance, only that now some new element
was added-a questioning almost painful
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 p
afraid ?" repeated Jennie, in gentle
surprise. "Why, no, sir Surely you
wouldn't do any harm to either Tony or
me?7
No mora would /, so help me God"
He rose and stretched himself to bis
full height, like one relieved from some
intolerable burden.
And now, my girl, he said, cheerily,
. you may give me some of the pork and
beans you spoke of-they're mighty war
ming on night like this"
Jennie sprang up with pleased alacrity
and having placed most bountiful por-
ton upon the table, drew chair beside
it.
" / can't see why father don't Gomez
she said, anxiously.
\ curious expression fitted across the
mans face, which she did not seem to
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 We got the cattle and things 10 see af-
ter, l reckon-and then I'll bring in more
ogs FOR the FIRE"
How kind you are, sir. I'm very
sure father will thank you thousand
lines
Thank me yourself. child Pm not
ioing it for your father It's long since
had cause to thank me, and the
'ound is sweet"
he opened the door and went out
through the binding snow. Returning
/ halfhour later, he replenished the fire,
aking the Goals together till red blaze,
mounted high in the great chimney /;
hen catching up Tony in his night-gown
le made him laugh with story before
,eing carried of TO bed.
S" Your folks.can't possibly get home |
o-night," he said, when Jennie reappear-
d, having left her little charge quietly |
,leeping. 1t storms harder every min
ite. But they'll be along bright and ear
Y in the morning, so don't you mind, but /
70 and lie down with the boy, and I'll |
amp here in front of the fire"
But you won't be comfortable, sir"
Once more the peculiar expression fit |
ed across the mans face. /
Comfortable I'll get the sweetest rest /
we had for many long night !"
Jennie did as she was hidden. She
hrew herself. still dressed, on the couch |
,eside her little brother. 1t was long be-
ore she slept, for as the storm beat
lgainst the window-panes, she could not |
cypress sharp anxiety for the safety of
hose she loved.
What should have done if this man
lad not come ?" she thought He /
nay be odd, but he is also very, very
,ind.'