The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1889-03-01
CHAPTER XIV.


rSCLE DANs PREDICTION.
Carefully as Mr.. Miles had kept his
opinion Of Walter Browniield locked
in his own heart, his very manner
aroused the suspicion Of his family that
something was wrong. The GOODNESS
with which Walter was treated was per-
ceivcd by all, aud both old heads and
young began to put many strange things
together.
Pinkcy Miles perhaps suffered more
on account of the youth than any other
member of the family. Her naturally
sympathetic heart went out 10 the un-
fortunate Walter when he came there
few weeks before, homeless wan
dcrcr. His face was so pale and so
sad, he looked so weary and friendlcss,
she could not help plying him. Then
when she discovered in him the true
germ of manhood, noble heart, and
highly intellectual brain, then was adj
miration mingled with her pity. lIo
was her ideal of true manlincSs. How
diiicrcntwhcn compared with the rough
clownish fellows of Preston Flat, who
seemed To know nothing save to run
horses on Sunday and attend corn
huskings. In form he was more slcn-
der than they, not nearly so muscular.
but his gentccl, wcil-brcd air contrastcd
strangely with the rough rude youths of
Preston Flat. The Flat had its bullies and
heroes whose achievements were with
the fist. Walter was Pinkey's hero, but
far din rent. He was refined hero.
Gould he be so badP' was the ques-
ton which arose In her mind again and
!, ,,.-.,,I1., thnt Ia. h,,
was so gentle and kind would associate
himself with men whose whole aim
was plundcr and bloodshcdP
Although Mr.. Miles had not charged
Walter, nor limited at his suspicious to
his family, yet Pinkcy knew as well
that he had suspicious as If she had
heard them. She had read of men
being dcccitful, and playing the part
OF good men when in reality they were
knavcs mt heart. but Walter could be
playing no such part; his manner was
perfectly natural.
scandal had begun to whisper from
ncIghbor To ncighbor that the pale
youth knew more about the robbery OF
the Californian than he would dare to
tell. An these rumors were kept from
lllt fdI - VI WI. ilbN lls ll5 N'hiit''
man still kept his bed, though his arm
was healing and he was otherwise do
ing we'll Walter seldom went into
his room. for he felt that there was n
vague suspicion in tho family that he
was one of the would-bc murdcrcrs
II his mental suffering was great
Pinkcy's was equally SO. She seldom
saw Walter and never more than spoke
to him. She dared not trust herself to
speak with him. i'm the old confidential
way. Bitterly did her mind recall the
many pleasant hours spent in his COM
pany, and above all that delightful
ride through the forest road to church,
and return. Walter noticed her re-
served manner and misinterpreted it.
"Shc. too, miStrusts me-" he said to
himself, rs he sat upon his favorte
block behind the barn. They all sus-
pcct me; they all think me n thief;
they all think me murderer. Pinkey
mistrusts me with the rest. Oh! what
have done To- deserve thisP' he
groancd.
As he sat there he wondered II the
great and good Father. who watches
over all, had forsaken him. That
saintcd mother. who now slept in her
grave, had taught him when child to
call on the Lord in his hour of trouble
and lie would not forsakc him. Walters
heart was full and he prayed to God 20
have mercy on him and bring him ont
pure through this fiery ordcalN AL was
dark; no star could be seen iu.the hori-
zon. Walter moved and acted like one
i'm dream.
One afternoon Pinkcy Miles put on
her calico sun-bonnct, which made her
sweet face and dark ewes more beauti-
full than ever. and went across the field
To the hut of her Uncle Daniel Hodge.
who was in reality pensioncr on Mr.
Miles bounty. She found Uncle Dam
iel and Aunt Margaret in the kitchen.
the good old man sitting in his favorite
armchair with his stout cane in his
hand. Aunt Margaret was pairing APP
| piles, her round pink face showing but
few wrinkles, and the neat old-fash-
ioncd cap making the good old woman
look pretty.
Good mornin', good mornin'.
Pinkey; bless your soul, come in and
have a seat. said Uncl1 Dan as she
came to the door.
"Why, Pinkey." said the old lady.
"how glad ann TO sc yc; do come in
and have n seat. You must bc tired
crossin' the fields.
20, no, Aunt Margaret. am not"
Pinkey answered. n smile ON her beau
tiful face. "a walk across the field,
which cant be more than mile at
most, doesn't weary me-"
"Well. well. set down anyhow, and
tell me all the news What's the latest
from Bushvile?"
There is nothing. Uncle DAN" said
Pinkey.
"How's Mr.. Brown gcttin'P"
Better. we all think he'll be able 70