The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1889-02-15
CHAPTER VIII.
A STRANGER AT NASHVILLE.


The quiet, unprctcntious little vii.
lage Of Bushville was thrown into
fluttcr of excitement over the arrival of
a stranger He was man between
forty-iive and fifty years Of age, quiet
and unassumlng, making no acquaint-
ances, and with no apparent business.
He was occasionally seen in conSuta-
ton with Mr. Smalwccd, the Village
banker, and Mr.. Elias Bolts, an at
torncy at law. Various were the
spccuations as to who he was. and what
he was. Some said he was an English
nobleman travelling incOgnito; others
that he was an Eastern capitalist who
had come out West with the intention
Of establishing n manufactory. Every
citizen of Bushville was ready TO advo-
cate the manufacturing qualities Of the
town. A Western town is good
point for manufacturing; but some
how Eastern capitalists can not be
made TO see their advantages.
Dave Black, the merchant, was con-
suited frequently, but h could only
advance his theory. Dave Black was
about forty years of age, and like all
village merchants was regarded rs q
walking newspaper, a philosopher and
dissemination of knowledge to all the
country round,
"Do yc know who he is, Davcp'
asked Bill Martin, as he stood leaning
one elbow on the counter.
"What do sc mean?" asked the mer-
chant
"Why, the stranger what's stoppin'
ut Brewster's tavern
.I' ,.A - ,l,,,,,,. -
"Wcll, what's yer theory, Davc?'
1--WE can t say we know any thing fur
certain, ye know
80, yes. but who is hc?"
IL don't know; he hasn't told any
one his name, We know
"Well, what s his business?'
I've only gotta suspicion rs to that"
"What is your suspicionP'
"He is one of two things y
"What are thcy?'
"Ie is either rich millionaire, lots
o. money, who is prospectin' around
an goin' to do n big business here, or
he's detective after some poor cuss or
other
Bill started as if new idea, and one
not altogether pleasant, had struck
him.
"A detective" he said. recovering
himself Immediately. "What business
do you suppose detective can have
hercP who's he aftcr?' (,
"No one is suppose to know that.
Them chaps usually keep their secrets
to themselves. My bc YOU could think
of some one in Your own ncighborhood
who comes in und d'r suspicious circum-
stances, sail Dave.
Don't know any one" answered
Bill, somewhat puzzled. Then bright
ening up in moment, he added:
"But thar is one fcllcr in our section
regarded rs ruther suspicious.
who j. hep
"Waltcr Browniicld ho calls him.
self. an he works for Jim Miles
where's he FROM
Queenstown, hurd. y
"llow long sincc?'
"AbOut month ago.
"Dye know what business he was in
thcre?'
"Clcrking in Joe Brewstcr's store. I
hecrd.n
"ln Joe Brcwstcr's store! Well, |
know Joe Brewster very well, an IL
lilt ifAlNi - ~ AAtiAAN ~ AAN "a W. '''N 49,
about il.
"lf yc'd write to him he might in
form We. said Bill
I'm do il. III write this very day.
But say. Davc?'
"Wcll. Bill. what is it7'
Don't ever hint that I scd word
bout il. yc know. I'm poor workin
fcllcr. We know. an don't want TO do
any fcller wrong. or make any enc
mics.
IL understand YOU. Bill. and I'll not
mention your name in the affair at all. y
As Bill walked away the merchant
soliloquizcd with himself
"Jim Miles u an old customer OF
mine. and if he is harboring thief and
/ find IL out shall make it my business
TO tell him.
Bill Martin strollcd about the streets
until he met Jack Hawkins.
"llcv We hecrd about the stranger.
jack he asked.
The old fcllcr what's stoppin' a;
Brewster
The same"
~Nss