Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-01-24


roar; he could see high
points and prOmOntOries jutting out
from the land; and there were also long
strips of sandy beach, usually where the
restless sea had made an indentation in
the shore, and a bay was formed where
ships boats could land in good weather.
This was the interesting panorama
that the traveller upon this road might
see, but we may we'll doubt whether the
man saw much of it who was striding
along below Colchester near sunset of
the third day of September, in the year
named. He was a pedestrian, afOOt and
alone, his face set toward London, and
bundle carried at the end of a stick over
his shoulder. His clothes we're seedy,
and patched in places. His hat was
pulled low over his eyes, as if he wished
to escape observation and recognition.
He never stopped to observe any feature
of the road; to those whom he met, rid
ing or walking he merely gave one quick
glance, and then looked down again.
More than one who had met or passed him
that day day had said to himself, That's
an Unlocking fellow" When the coach
bound to London had passed him at an
earlier hour he had looked up and
scowled, very much as though he hated
the people upon it who were able to ride,
while he was compelled to walk.
Flooding along thus, his heart full of
bitterness toward the world, needing lit
tie that was near him, he was startled
from his mood by sharp, decided voice
close behind him.
Get to one side, my man; you frighten
my horse"
A glance over his shoulder showed him
that a hOrseman was almost upon him.
The bloOded animal was cUrvetting and
shying and his rider was trying to force
him on.
The wayfarer jumped to the side of the
road. A light touch Of the spur sent the
horse bounding on. In two minutes horse
and rider had disappeared from sight
around q curve in the road.
Just a glimpse Of the hOrseman's face
was given to the pedestrian as he dashed
by him. A glimpse-it was enough!
He saw young man of perhaps twenty
five years of age, with handsome, man
ly face, and an easy seat IN the saddle
that showed the practiced hOrseman. He
was dressed in the fatigue uniform of the
British artillery service, which showed
him to be an officer of some rank.
The wayfarer dropped his bundle and
stared at the fast disappearing rider.
The latter had taken no further notice of
him-had certainly not recognized him.
But he had himself been recognized.
The livid face of the pedestrian, marked
fsWlth the traces OF dissipation and excess,
grew paler still with hate; he shook his
fist at the rider, and a hOrrid exc Grafton
broke from his lips.
Curses on you'll" he cried May you
break your neck before you get a mile
further On!"
He threw himself mOodily down by the
roadside. The sun was now down; he
knew that the twilight was quickly ended
at this season of the year. A milestone
near by told him that there were still
thirty miles Of weary road between him
and London.
He could not keep his savage thoughts
of the man who had just passed him.
The burden of them was such as has har-
assed thousands of miserable men before
and since the wretched weight of envy;
but never more bitterly did man think OF
speak than he.
walk, he rides. am poor, he lacks
for nothing am q miserable adven-
turer, almost an OUtcast, he an officer in
the military service, proud and happy.
Curses on him! Why can't his horse fall
on him and crush him2"
Then his thoughts turned upon him
self, and his present condition and stu
alton. he was weary with travel-fOr
starting from Colchester at an early hour
he had made thirty miles that day with
his long stride. Yet he thought it might
suit his mood better to pIod on In the
night. He did not know whether it was
to be dark or light, nor did he greatly
care; he was questioning with himself
whether he was tired enough to insure
him a sound sleep at an inn.
Because If I've got to be awake, anC
torment myself with thinking" he re-
peated, Il might as we'll be on the road
as in a bed.
He looked toward the sea. It was quit,
near the road at this point, and brancl
led down TO it. There was light enough
left so that he could see the roof of
house at the end of this by-road, cutting
OF much of the view of the water.
Yes that's the Red Lion down there,
he soliioduiZed Thought knew til,
place. Wells it stop, or 60 On?"
He did not at once answer his owl
question. Suddenly a grin Oyersprea'
his face,