Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1888-04-04
nv barouche; and before this bottles empty,

my barouche; and before this bottles empty,
so you shall"
'That would be an odd thing, to be sure"
replied Will, with chuckle. why, sir, I
have grown here like an oak tree; the devil
himself could hardly root me up; and for all
perceive you are q very entertaining old
gentleman, would wager you another bottle
you lose your pains with me-"
The dimness of Wills eyesight had been in
creasing all the while; but he was somehow
conscious Of sharp and chilling scrutiny
which irritated and yet oyermastered him.
"You need not think" be broke out sud-
denly, in an explosive, febrile manner that
startled and alarmed himself, ''that am q
stay at home, because fear anything under
God. God knows I am tired enough Of it all !;
and when tho time comes for longer jour-
ney than ever you dream of, I reckon I shall
find myself prepared"
The stranger emptied his glass and pushed
it away from him. H. looked down for q
little, and then, leaning over the table,
tapped Will three times upon the forearm
with single finger. "The time has comet"
he said solemnly.
An ugly thrill spread from the spot he
touched. The tones Of his voice were dull
and startling, apd echoed strangely in Wills
heart
II beg your pardon" he said, with some
discomposure What do you mcanP'
Look at me, and you will find your eye
sight swim. Raise your hand; it is dead
heavy. This is your last bottle Of wine, Mas
ter Will, and your last night upon the earth.
"You aro doctorf' quavered Will
"The best that ever was" replied the other;
'for cure both mind and body with the
same prescription. take away all pain and
forgive oil sins and where my patients have
gone wrong in life, smooth out all compli-
cations and set them free again upon their
feet"
~ have no need Of you," said Will. .
IA time comes for all men, Master VIII, !"
replied the doctor, "when the helm is taken
out Of their hands. For you, because you
were prudent and quiet, it has been long Of
coming, and you have had long to discipline
yourself for its reception. You have seen
what it is to be seen about your mill; you
have sat close all your days like q hare in its
form, but now that is at an end, and"
added the doctor, getting on his feet, "you
must arise and come with me-"
"You are strange physician" said Will,
looking steadfastly upon his guest.
II am natural law" he replied, land
people call me Death"
"Why did you not tell me so at frst7"
cried Will. II have been waiting for you
these many years. Give me your hand, ard
welcome"
LEAN upon my arm," said the stranger,
"for already your strength ebates. Lean on
me heavily as you need, for though I am old
I am very strong. 1t is but three steps to my
carriage, and there all your trouble ends.
Why, WILL" he added, II have been yearn-
ing for you as if you were my own son; and
of all the men that ever came for in my
long days I have come for you most gladly.
I am caustic, and sometimes offend people at
first sight; but am good friend at heart tc
such as YOU"
"Since Marjory was TAKEN" returned Will:
~ declare before God you were the only
friend had to look for"
So the pair went arm in arm across the
courtyard.
One of the servants awoke about this time
and heard tho noise Of horses paving before
he dropped asleep again; all down the valley
that night there was rushing as Of smooth
and steady wind descending towards the
plain; and when the world rose next morn.
ing, sure enough Will O. the Mill had gone at
last upon his travels,