The Springdale news., 1889-08-02
ain [ no tavern keepers here.

5TIhs.l7 Se-1--@[~ "wE AIN NO TAVERN KEEPERS HERE"
 Your right sweetheart and I don't want tavern fare. I'm getting some facts to put in book. l want to find out somo things about the country round here"
 What things2 What do you want 10 find out9 There ain't cnny thing here"
 Except deuced pretty girl! Ex- cuse me, miss, 1 mean no harm. You have heard of those people who collect bugs and snakes for scientific expert ments?"
 Air you one of 'om crittors9' asked Lou.
 The young man laughed and slid easily from his horse. "If you'll allow me l will show you my collection, but I am almost starved. Will you give me some supper?'
 T reckon there ain't nothin' 10 eat but hard pone-bread an mlasses, seein as we didn't expect comp'ny."
 That will d0 I ask nothing better, and I'll fasten my horses halter and let him graze.
 Lou looked sharply at her guest and the thought, Il have seen him before, came into her mind. At the same mo- ment the young man, as if divining the thought, took off his hat, and looked full at her. He was slight and not so tall as she, with masses of reddish brown hair, and flowing brown whis- kers. He had curious habit of vail ing his eyes with their lids. giving them an undescribably soft imploring look. that was very effective. Lou found her eyes dropping abashcd be- fore this strangers gaze.
 Nav, I never seen him afore this minnit," she said to herself Lou pre- pared supper and set it before her guest Then sho took down horn and standing in the doorway blew a loud shrill blast that ended with a curious quaver, almost like warn ing.
 its fur feythcr" she explained,
 "Worhin in the tobacco fcld?' haz- arded the guest.
 No! yes" she stammered, ''he ain't fur at this time.
 "Ain't you afraid to stay here alone?' suggested the young man.
 II can take kocr Of myself, stran- ger, she answered, significantly.
 In a short time spare, gaunt man lounged into the cabin and planted his rifle into a corner.
 "Evenin',n he said, awkwardly, "Down Fan. Travelled fur?' to the guest.
 Prom the last town. Taking it easy, spearing bugs and butterflies My name is Hudson Nate Hudson, at your service. "
 Ever seen i'm afore, asked the man, in an aside to his daughter
 Never, as 1 knowed of. Seems es of hoerd his voice, but I reckon not. Idon't guess he is one of 'em."
 She pointed down toward the hearth.
 Tho old man sat down in his shirt sleeves and ate pone- bread and molasses with a relish, talking meanwhile in a quaint. hospitablo way with his guest who made such good impression on him, that he suddenly burst out
 Dang it, its meaner nor a mule s year, to eat dry grub like thet an suthin' handy to wet it. Stranger, air ye inclined tew lickcr?'
 Nate Hudson smiled good humored- N.
 "Im agreeable" he said, airily.
 linen here ye air, stranger.
 The old man squatted at the hearth and drew forth the aforesaid jug, He turned out cupful for the guest, and one for himself. Then he re- placed the jug.
 That's fair all-round whisky doesn't grow in those parts?' suggested Mir. Hudson, as he smacked his lips after long draught, that brought the color into his face.
 Neither father nor daughter observed him bury his face in his handkerchief for moment, nor that he slipped the contents of his cup into it, with a toss of his hand.
 When bed d-timo came the old man prof1ered his guest the hospitality of the loft, and his horse was staked on the mountain side. with Fan outside, as guardian. Before he was ready to re- tire. the host took his gun and went out.
 Isn't your father afraid to leave you here alone?n Nate Hudson asked of the mountain girl, his hostess. T kin purtect myself, as tole you afore,' answered Lou, proudly, and with significance. Then this audacious stranger commenced siege of the most romantic and desperate love-making that any gallant ever indulged in. He told this frecKled-face, angular girl, who had never nad lover in her life, that he had been drawn to her by some blind instinct, that he could not define, but which he now knew to be love. He praised her eyes, her hair, her lips, and swore he would stay there until she smiled on his suit He promised to do n thousand mad things 10 prove his loyalty. When bewildered and charmed