The Hazel Green herald. [volume] (Hazel Green, Wolfe County, Ky.) 1885-19??, 1888-01-27
CHAPTER Ill

! The man took several steps beside Phoebe
| before either of them spoke. She drew her
shawl close around her and shrunk OFF from
him, but she did not look directly at him,
but glanced sidewse, pickering her face in
anguish.
He was grotesque creature, with the
various pieces of his clothing shabby and
unmatched but the most skllful of tailors
could scarcely have nodded him in gar
nents suitable to his face 1t was emaciated
and withered, though neither by disease
nor age. One corner of hs mouth twisted
downward rs IL 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 in talk, this singular inflrmity PLAYED
faster and faster like evil lightning over his
face
"Wen!" said Phpbe, in a high, agitated
tone
"All right" said her companion. "You
saw me beckon to you through the window"
"Hou know saw you"
"Hou were long time getting out II
you hadn't come pretty soon I'd bolted in
and asked for you
II knew you would. What do you want
nowg"
"What do | want now" mimicked the
twisted mouth. when you amt seen me
for two years. Where Thorneyw
He's near me, of course" replied the
shaking girl "Why can't you let us aloner'
What should | want to let you alone
for. Amt got my rights"
"Your rights" said Phnbc, fiercely. 80,
you wicked milestone; you want To drag us
under forever. You know when | was
sorry for you and tried to help you. But
you can't impose on me any more. And III
defend Thornley, against YOU
'Oh, you will"
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 thingr'
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
day,n
"Oh,yes, knew it-yOu always do-there's
no hclp-and no escape!"
well. then, shut up your doleful racket.
amt going to hurt you"
"No; I'm past being struck with your
fist now but never past being robbed and
shamed.m
The man broke of IA bit of bark and chewed
IL, as he kept pace with her.
How much money have you!" he in
quired.
"YOun dog Thorncy and me just the
same IL give IL 10 You, I've bought you of
for the last time
you'll give me what money you have.
I'm clear down. IL you don't III make
stake the way you despse, and I'll take
Thorney."
Phpbe faced about, and they stood still,
with the path between them.
There's hundred other things lean do"
added the man, grinning "You know you
don't want 10 own me around here"
mot drop of my blood owns drop OF
yours" burst out Phnbe. II have lived
blameless life. You do your worst, won't
give you my earnings, and YOU will leave my
brother Thorney alone, too"
'She walked rapidly ahead into the dusky
woods. He was at no pains to overtake her
but let the space widen between them,
thrusting his hands into his pockets anu |
crook-mouthed whistle on his |
chin.
Phoebe, feeling frozen In her last mood, |
and carrying her defiant head erect, en-
tered the familiar sittingroom where Mrs. |
Holmes was rocking the baby To sleep. She |
entered as one who heard the cry Of wolves |
behind her, and knew the wolves might yet 1
burst in and claim her, Notwithstanding an l