Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1888-03-29

before either Of thcn spoke. She drew her
shawl close around hor and shrunk OF from
him, but she did not look directly at him,
but glanced sidewiso, puckering her face in
anguish.
He was a grotesque creature, with the
various pieces Of his clothing shabby and
unmatched; but the most slSillful Of tailors
could scarcely have nodded him in gar
ments suitable TO his face. It was emaciated
and withered, though neither by disease
nor ago. One corner Of his mouth twisted
downward rs II in a continued jeer, and
nervous spasms came and went over every
atom Of countcnancc which could be moved
and distorted. Whenever he became ex-
cited In talk, this singular infirmity played
faster and faster like evil lightning over his
face.
"wellr said PhGbe, in high, agitated
tone.
"An right" said her companion. "You
saw me beclon 20 you through the window
"You know l saw you"
"You were long time getting out II
You hadn't come pretty soon I'D boltcd in
and asked for you.n
II knew you would. What do you want
nowi
"What do I want nowr mimicked the
twisted mouth. "When you amt seen me
for two years Where's Thorney"
"He's near me, Of course" replied the
shaking girl "Why can't you let us alonoi"
"What should / want TO let you alone
for. Amt got my rghtsi"
"Your rights said Phoebe, fiercely. 80,
you wicked milestone; you want TO drag us
under forever You know when l was
sorry for you and tried 70 holp you. But
you can't impose on me any more. And Ill
l..fa ss.m
"Oh, you willm
Ph9be began to sob aloud. swallowing
piteously, and using her hands against
her throat to press back the explosive
sounds.
"You look like defending any thingm
laughed the man. Don't do that. now
You never made any thing believing at
me. Didn't you know I'd drop around some
daylm
"Oh,yes, Ikncw wit-you always do-there's
no help-and no escapew
"Wel, then, shut up your doleful racket.
l amt going to hurt you"
"No; I'm past being struck with your
fist now-but never past being robbed and
shamed."
The man broke of bit Of bark and chcwed
il, as he kept pace with her.
"How much money have your he in
quired
you'll dog Thoruey and me just the
same If give it to you. I've bought you of
for the last time.m
"You'r give me what money you have.
I'm clear down. II you don't I'll make
stake the way you despise, and I'll take
Thorney"
Phoebe faced about, and they stood still,
with the path between them.
There's a hundred other things can do,
added the man, grinning. "You know you
don't want TO own me around here.n
'NOt drop Of my blood owns drop Of
yours burst out Phoebe. II have lived
blameless life. You do your worst Iwon't
give you my earnings, and you viii leave my
brother Thorney alone, too.n
She walked rapidly ahead into the dusly
woods. He was at no pains TO overtake her
but let the space widen between them,
thrusting his hands into his pockets and
breathing q croolI-mouthed whistle on his
chin.
Phoebe, feeling frozen in her last mood,
and carrying her defiant head erect, en-
tered the familiar sitting-room where Mrs.
Holmes was rocking the baby 10 sleep She
entered as one who heard the cry OF wolves
behind her, and knew the wolves might vet
able-bodied man like Gurley was at hand 10
defend her.
"Nir. Gurley has called to see you, said
Mrs. Holmes.
Phoebe had stopped at the sight OF Tod
dies going to sleep. II hurt her TO remem-
Der how lately she had rocked him herself,
feeling almost as safe and happy as If well
through with the world.
She turned and met Mr.. Gurley with
dignity he could not add 10 her sincere and
credulous image, and while she spoke she
wondered how soon her pursuer would enter
that room.
Mrs. Holmes silently thought her too
scarlet in checks, too dazzling in her eyes
altogether too powerful and pretty.
II was just about TO trace you," said
Guriey "Miss Fawcett has changed her
Instead OF having US later in the
week she wants us this evening, and as the
little party's so informal hope you'll be will
ing 20 substitute my escort for the other
arrangement which was made for you"
II should like 10 90 10 Miss Fawcett's,n
said Phoebe, choosing for herself like a
princess. She thought she heard a new step
in the kitchen.
"My horse and phaeton are ready" said
Gurley. ~ came early 70 make up for the
lack Of notice by giving you plenty Of time
70 get ready inn
"Oh, am always ready for any thing.
might wash my hands and beg Mrs.
Holmes for q bit Of geranium. l have just
one dress explained Phoebe. "And that
makes it so easy TO be ready"
Gurley laughed out with approval, but
Mrs. Holmes secretly shuddercd az such
finging o. ones poverty at a mans sympa-
thies. She had kindly planned decking
Ph9be for this party in some Of her own
hnery, and felt indignant at beng robbed
Of such feminine plca7ure and the self-ap-
proval which would have been consequent
on H. At the very least her lace bertha or
a sash might have relieved the girls som
berness, but now she felt too outraged 10
add even the bit Of geranium.
"You are, in fact, an Ascensionist," com
mented Gurley, ''and 20 about all the time
becomingly robed for the day Of Judgment
"HOu have said il exactly" Phoebe told
him, smiling, holding her tears sternly in
their cisterns "And you haven't any idea
what feeling Of companiOnship you can
have towards gown that is like yourself
alone in the world"
"Your brother wants to see you, Miss
White said Randy, speaking at the htch-
en- door, shade Of patronage coloring her
tone 10 the sister Of such a brother
PhmOe expanded, standing quite erect
and high.
'Oh, does hel Bring him 10 me then.
Bring him directly in here"
Randy withdrew her One-eyed counte-
nance, and Mrs. Holmes carried Toddles in
10 his nursery.
Instead Of the figure which the girl had
braced herself 10 meet, however, Thorncy
White came In, smiling and dowucast, too
timid 10 lift his eyes as high as a strangers
face, yet too doggedly indignant az the
world in general 10 avoid all encounter with
Il. He seemed ready 10 fall apart, so slight
q hold had his garments on each others
support and his hay-oolored hair hung over
a silly face which expressed nothing but an
apDeal 10 his sister His spraWSnQ boots