The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-04-20


 place."
 was anxious to know whether they had heard of the Shelcut fight and at the supper table asked several sly questions soon, to my relief discover ing that they had never heard of Emryville, and that, living in Tennessee, thirty miles from the state line, had but vague belief that even such commonwealth as Kentucky was in existence | was in the saddle again by daylight the next morning. The valley came to an abrupt end, and following first road and then another, crossed many hill before the afternoon was far advanced. When the shadows of the great trees had begun to grow long, when evening, with cool approach, began to blow a chilly sigh dismounted at a gate in front of large, doube-lcg hcnse. The neigh borhood was rude, but not uninviting, and the house, with dense roll of smoke issuing from its stack chimney, bore comfortable appearance. stood, half dreamily looking at the scene. The house faced 6 stream that flowed through a valley far below, and just beyond the gate approached by a smooth path that crossed lane, spout spring flowed. A horse and a mule were biting at each other in a lot near by yellow hammers cold enough to be frisky, were twittering and flirting with one another in a cedar tree; calf bawled, and a COW, standing in the lane, shook her head and blew her breath at me- Just as l had opened the gate q woman came out in the broad, open hallway dividing the two sections of the house, looked at me wonderingly, scolded bristling dog into meek obedience, and called out
 "Come on in, he won't bite you. Ain't nothin but puppy"
 l She shied somewhat when stepped up into the hallway, and when asked her If could stay over night, she replied that she did not know until "pap" came Just then "pap" came up to the gate with number of squealing shoats at his heels "Pap," said the woman, "this man wants to stay all night"
 "Wall, we've never turned nobody away yit. How -do2" he added, turning to me. "Step right inside"
 followed him into large room. A churn with dinner plate top of 1t stood near the fireplace and a spinning wheel and pair of winding blades occupied one corRer rag carpet on the floor and heavy center table, upon which several books lay, bespoke an attempt at refinement The man was not ill-looking; he wore & cosely-croppei gray beard but his hair was long. His wife's face was thin and sallow, she had bad teeth, and car ried the aspect of overwork
 "The boys will put your hoss away when they come" said the man, "so you may jest set right down here an make yo'se'f at home"
 "The boys," added the woman, as she took up a long stem pipe and thrust it among the burning coals, "air at school. They larn mighty fast too. We haint been havin' many schools round here, an when Miss Hatton tuck up, wy we jest all nach- ully sont to her. Mighty fine teacher, too an is a mighty pleasant body to have about. She bo'ds with us. They comin' now pap" The man went out and I heard him giving instructions with regard to my horse. The teacher tall woman, came into the room, and, without appearing to have seen me- stood near bed, taking of her gloves. Her voice, when she spoke to the woman was soft and low, and naturally expected to see a handsome face, but in the gathering dusk could not see her features. chunk fell. The fire blazed up. l saw Ella Msyhew. "Miss Hatton," said the farmers wife, this is- you did not tell me your name" she added con- fusedly
 "My name is Collins" I answered.
 "Good evening, MT. Collins" said "Miss Hat ton," lowing. "Don't you think you'd better light lamp Mrs Grider?"
 The teacher did not recognize me, and while con- graduating myself felt much disposed to thank her for great kindness.
 "You are travelling I suppose, MT. Collins" she said, seating herself with we'll bred ease.
 "Yes, for my health" answered.
 "You will find this pure air quite invgorating had to leave the city on account of my health"
 1 imagined, just then, that she was my equal in