The national leader., 1889-02-23


clock on the mantelpiece licked the
hour of eight. Then he started, and
was soon on his way home, reproaching
himself for his tardiness, and the worry
his delay would cause his mother.
All went we'll with him for an hour,
when suddenly old Jane slipped down
on her knees, groaned, got up, limped
and refused to move. He dlsmounted,
and after a good deal of persuasion,
induced her to follow him. Then it
began to snow. the fakes. large and
feathery. clinging to him until he was
completely covered. and the ground was
as white as himself.
Ten miles to walk with lame horse
whose progress was slower than his
own. He could not possibly reach
home before midnight. His feelings
toward Miss Patty at that moment can
better be imagined than described.
In the course of an hour, however,
the old mares limp began to get better,
and, mounting, he found her able to
get over the ground at quite lively
gait. probably because her instinct told
her that home was not far away. And
her instinct was true, for they soon
came in sight of the old oak. better
known as the 'haunted-tree,' which
stood close to the road about mile out
of the village.
Will, up to this time, had forgotten
all about his money III the accumula-
ton Of incidents which had befallen
him; but the sight of the tree, and the
twinkling lights of the village family
visible through the thickly falling snow,
brought it to his mind; and, turning
his head slightly aside, he placed his
right hand on his breast to assure him
self that it was all right just as he came
abreast or the tree.
AS he did this. he saw for an instant
a couple of white, shadOwy forms
appear at his side, felt sharp. burn.
accompanied by crashing noise, and
then-oblivlonl In course OF time he
came to himself again, and found him.
self lying in the road. The mare was
gone.
He struggled to his feet, his head
aching as though it would burst, bathed
his face in snow, which was still fall
ing, and started for home again. Then
he thought of the money. and his heart
sank witAiu hfrn as he felt in his pocket
and found it gone.
Arriving al home, he found the mare
waiting at the gate, by which token he
was sure his mother had not heard her
come, and not wishing to alarm her, he
led old Jane to her stable as quietly as
possible.
He went to the house, wondering If
he had better tell his mother all then
or wait till morning. AS his step fell
on the threshold she opened the door.
He had no time to collect himself, and
as the light streamed out and fell upon
his face she started and turned pale.
Then, leading him over to a seat by
the fireplace. she said quietly, though
her lips trembled:
what Is it. my son. Do not fear to
tell me everything. What has hap.
pened?'
Thereupon, with many bitter com
ments. he told his story.
'Well,' said Mrs. Eckhart, when he
had finished, it is a hard blow for US
both, and this will be terrible trial
for us-to leave the home we have
made by years of work and sacrifice;
and at this time, too. above all others.
Think of all my pies, and that wedding
cake that took so much pains With
Pm sure don't know what will be-
come of theml'
Will sat silent by the fire, his head
bowed upon his hands.
Eckhart, let us 90 to bed now, and
get such rest as we may, in order to
be better prepared to meet whatever
may come tomorrow. And who knowsP
They say "a bad beginning makes
good ending;' and remember the same
Providence who has kept us all these
years still watches over u.s.
About the time that Will was enjoy
ing Miss Patty's company and currant
Corners was crowded with people trad
Ing. gossiping. and having good time
generally.
Among the merriest was group Of
men occupying warm place by the
fire in the back part of the store. They
were listening to story being told by
one of their number, man past middle
age. who sat facing the group.
Old Benson, as he was familiarly
known, was the prOverbial 'old settler
of the Corners. His one great weak
ness was for old rye, disguised with a
small portion of hot water and brown
sugar or molasses.
To judge from his appearance and
utterance, he had been indulging even
more freely than usual in his favorite
beverage, and held a goodly mug of it
In his hand at the moment.
Il remember the nights if twas
yest'day,' he was saying. The old
man was comm long bout twelve
o'clock, N just IS he gifts alongside o.
the tree, out jumps two robbers, knocks
him often his hoss, takes the money
out o. his pocket, and buries it by the
tree. Next mornin' we finds tracks in
the snow, an one o. US sees the snow
by the foot Of the tree don't look right,
an gives it a kick, an there he finds
the whole where they'd buried the
walIes. Wall, we took the wallet out
an covered the place over again, an
packed the old man home deader'n a
door nail. Then eight or ten on US
waits for 'em by the tree the mex
night, an, sure 'nough, they come an
we nabs 'em, an they was tried an