The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-09-11

II, out soon re1nomDereu tnaL IL was the name
of the grantor in that old deed, and that had
deciphered the family name on some of the
moss-grown headstones in the graveyard.
In vain tried to convince myself that it
was only condolences that my Jorton family
must be scattered and dead had to give my
self up TO detection.
Ii is thus that the clouds OF trouble roll over
our heads. We no sooner recover from one
shadow and begin to bask in the sunshine of
happiness than another takes its place. That
night, as the church clock doomed out an hour
when | ought to have been asleep, il seemed to
sound only refrain to the words: 'To them
and their heirs forever"
As some victim of involuntary viglls has
courted it, "SorTow enduteth for q 10Y, but
night cometh in the morning"
So the next morning l arose, determined to
drop the whole subject from my mind, and [
succeeded in so far that / never mentioned the
graveyard, nor even looked that way, if
could help it.
had told Maria Of the strangers foolish
surand, but had said nothing of the similarity
of names, for reasons already limited at. There
is enough actual trouble in the world for every
one without giving them occasion to borrow
what really doesn't exist.
Months went by, happy months for us.
Everything tlourished about the place; the
garden, the young trees and vines that | had
planted all grew rs plants never grew before
On a new place.
One bright Sunday in November, as we
were sitting at lunch. Maria was remarking
pensively on the many blessings we were en-
joying and (she is of rather devout turn of
mind was saying that we had good reason for
keeping Thanksgiving day this year if never
before.
From where she sat she could look out of
that lovely window toward the village and the
church, and at this point she called my atten-
ton to a peculiar group i'll the street. They
had stopped in front of the adjoining lot, q va
cant lot owned by Mr.. Van Grinder. and
seemed hestating for moment what to do.
There was very ordinary. raw-boncd team of
horses attached to a heavy farm wagon, empty
or nearly so. On the drivers seat was good
natured-looking Irishman, and beside him was
quite an old man, whom l remember to have
seen hanging about the Saloons one of those
blear-eyed old reprobates who make us resign
ed to (but ncredulons of the deadly effects of
drink.
Behind the wagon walked young pettfog-
cling lawyer of the place, whom just knew
by sight, and with him was man whose face
could see distinctly, but whose figure was
dimly associated in my mind with something
unpleasant--I couldn't recall what.
The horses were turned up on the sidewalk
and their discouraged heads hung over the
rickety fence that separated Mr.. Van Grinders
lot from the street. The old man climbed down
from the seat and seemed to be pointing the
way for them to move. Strangely enough his
unsteady finger appeared to aim directly to-
ward our house.
The stranger now turned so that had good
view of his countenance, when at once knew
him it was Ephraiin j orton, A cold chill ran
down my back as glancedagain at the empty
wagon and saw that it was not empty. 1t con-
tanned long pine box that reached slightly
above the sides Of the wagon, and my worst
fears were realized-almostG for I still had rea-
son to be Thankful that it was Van Grinders
lot and not mine that they seemed about to
enter.
At word from the lawyer the old man and
Jorton gave pull at the top rail- Oh the 1ence,
and over it came.
They then took a Decline; yes, for my house
and for the very window where we were now
breathlessly watching.
Maria was puzzled and interested; was in
agony.
Though the ground was rough and steep in
places, the driver siashed his old horses and
persuaded them that they were to move
Straight ahead and follow the men before
them.
It now appeared who SO rough turnout had
been used to convey--I shudder to say it-a
dead body to its final resting place.
Diagonally across the corner of the lot
straight on they all came, remorseless as fate,
till finally they reached another fence. This
time it was a newer fence. 1t was my fence
Jorton went to the wagon and returned with
a hammer and chisel, with which he proceeded
carefully to take down q length of the fence.
couldn't help thinking that he handled it
nearly as if it were his own fence.
Stupidly wondering what they would do
next, [ stood like a statue or fool, till Maria
asked me if L was the latter, cor why didn't
go out and stop them?"
Mechanically put on my hat and went ont,
though I had an awful foroboding that 1
shouldn't be able to stop them. asked Jorton
what he was about TO which he replied that
Lawyer Snyely would explain.
That gentleman bowed, and drew from his
pocket paper which he said was copy of
the deed OF this land, from the Jorton family.
He read the clause reserving the burying
ground, and, concluding-"tog together with
right Of way to and from the said burying
ground, for the purpose of buryIng their dead
TO them and their heirs forever"
"You can't blame Mr.. Jorton," said he
"for lie is u descendant, and even bears the
identical name Of that early Ephraim Jorton
and il isn't his fault that the mother of his de-
ceased wife happened to die at his house, not
far from here; she had TO be buried some
where"
He paused for breath, and the pensiye Jor-
ton repeated after him, eyes, had to be buried
somewhere"
ST don't deny that" almost shouted, "for
I saw that Maria had raised the window. and
/ thought it was time for me to show little
spirit; but il she's got to be buried in that
ground, why didn't you inquire for the proper
way to it? A right Of way has been left on
the other side of the farm"
Lawyer Snively replied serenely that there
was only one proper way that they had Alright
to follow, and that was the way that had al
ways been used.
zone of our Oldest residents is present"
said his, 'who can testify that we are now fol-
lowing the original lane; he has fixed the line
by means Of one or two old trees, and there is
no doubt Of its correctness"
The old wreck, evidently rejoiced at his own
importance, smiled feebly and was about to
sps ak, when Sniyoly shut him off and contin-
ucd: "Moreoyer-we'r very sorry, but-this
isn't the worst oft the way runs right through
this wing Of your house. The horses might
pass around outside, if you will give written
permit, Acknowledged before notary--I can
do that for you; it won't cost you but a quar-
ter and viii be pleasanter for all parties but
the corpse Of course must follow the legal
right Of way and be passed through that win
dow and out Of the door opposite"
! stoOd perfectly dazed / longed for an
earthquake For once my prayer was an
swered the earthquake came.
Our first premonition Of its coming was the
iingling % a chain in the backyard, and tho
words in Maria's firm voice
"There, Bone, gently nowi"
He was nonmally my dog; bnt when 10
was united I was, more accurately speaking,
his man.
On ordinary occasions I didn't hesitate Mt
the most groyeling act 20 curry his favor, and
had always shuddered at Maras familiarity
with him. On the present occasion didn't
shudder. felt perfectly resigned and willing