Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-08-29

and never had a days illness in his life; how, suspecting foul play, he had hired a horse and gig with a determination to drive over to Pol kimbra and learn the truth how a horse and gig were the most cursedly obstinate of ere ated things, with much besides in the way of oaths and ejaculations. All this must have heard, for memory brought them back later, but 1 did not listen. My life and circum- stances had got the upper hand of me, and were dancing devils riot.
 At last, after much tacking and porting of helm, we navigated Polkimbra Hill and cast anchor before the Lugger." There we alighted, thanked the captain, and left him piping all hands to the horses head. His cheery voice followed us down to the sands.
 We had determined to cut across Polkimbra Beach and climb up to Lantrig and Ready Money Cliffs as in order to go along the path above the cliffs we should have to ascend Pol kimhra Hill again. The beach was so full of horror to me that without a companion could not have crossed it; but Toms presence lent ne courage. Tom was nearer to excitement than had ever seen him; he grew voluble; praised the captain, admired his talk, and de- cared adventure to be abroad in the air-in fact threw up his head as though he scented it.
 The day was drawing towards noon. Black and sombre in the clear air, Dead Mans Rock rose in gloomy isolation from the sea, while the sca-birds swept in glistening circles round its summit. But what was that at its base?
 Seemingly, a little knot of men stood Ut the waters edge. As We drew nearer I could dis tinguiSh their forms but not their occupation, for they stood in a circle, intent on some ob jcct in their midst concealed from our view. Presently however, they fell into rough line as though making for the archway to Ready Money Cove. Something they carried among them. and continually stopped over; but what it was 1 could not see. Their pace was very slow but they turned into the arch and were disappearing, when I caught sight of the un- couth little figure of Joe RoScorla among the last, and ran forward hailing him by name. At the sound of my voice Joe started, and came quickly towards me. As he drew near, l saw that his face was white and his manner full of embarrassment; but he put on a smile, and spoke first.
 'Why, Jasper, what be doin' along here?'
 I'm going home. Has Uncle Loveday seen mother? And is she better?" 'Aw, iss, heve a seen her an she be quiet CT: lcas:ways, he be bound to do her power O good. But what be goin' back for? Faint no use botherin' indoors wi your mother in thicky wisht state. Run about an get some | play.
 What were you doing down by the Rock just now Joe?'
 Joe hesitated, stammered, and then said, "Nuthin."
 But, Joe, you were doing something; what were you carrying over to Ready -Money?"
 "Look-ee here, my lad, run an play, an | doant ax no questions. Faint for little boys | to aX questions. Now come to think of it. Doctor said as you was to stay over to Lizard Town, eos there ain't no need of passel of boys in sick house, so run along back" JOc'S whole bearing was so unaccOuntaole l ,Ii1 -hnY, rS,ai6
 "Joc, you're telling lies.' Joe to my surprise however, took no no- | ticc of the insult, but turned again to mo. | "Jasper, lad, run along back do co now" His voice was so full of entreaty that sud- den suspicion took hold of me.
 Joe, is-has anything happened to moth | er?"
 'Noa, to be sure: she'll be gcttin' well fast | enough if so be as you let her be-,
 Then I'll go and see Uncle Loveday, and find out if I am really to go back
 Nov, Jasper, doant 'ce go: run back, l t.llec, run back. tell'ee you must go back | His words were so earnest and full of oom- nund that I turned round and faced him, Something in his eyes filled me with sckening fear.
 Joe, what were you carryinS?"
 No answer
 Joe, what were you carrying? | otlll no ullSNeI put tth dpHeillllS IlolloH ol the hand.
 Joe, what was it?'
 "Go back !" he said hoarsely. Go back !"
 II will not until have seen what you were carrying"
 "Go, back, boy; for Gods sake go back!'
 wrenched myself from his grasp, and ran l with all speed Joe and Tom followed me, but i fear gave me fleetless. Behind 1 could hear Joes puntng voice. crying, "Come back v but the agony in his tone set mo running fast CT. 1 flew through the archway, and saw the small procession halfway across the cove. At my shout they halted, paused, and one two advanced as if to stop me But l dashed through their hands into their midst, and saw God in heaven! What? The drowned face of my father!
 Tenderly women they lifted me from the body. Gently and with teal stained faces they stood around and tried to comfort me. Rev erently, while Joe Roscorla held mo in his arms behind, they took up the corpse of him they had known and loved so well, and carried 1t up the cliffs to Lantrig. As they lifted the latch and bore tho body across the threshold, a yell of maniac laughter echoed through the house to the very roof.
 And this was my fathers ''Weloome Home !'
 Nay, not all; for as Uncle Ioveday started to his feet the door behind him flew open, and my mother, with very madness i'll her eyes, rushed to the corpse, knelt, caught the dead hand, kissed and fonded the dead face, cooing and softly laughing the while with tender rapture that would have moved hell itself to pity.
 In this manner it was that these two fond lovers met