Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1890-05-09

HenryT she whispered, II fear II
her words We're prophetic. for at that
instant out of the gloom leaped several
forms and Josiah found himself min.
ioned. pi"7
What means this, Rosine? Is this a
new lover ha, ha, or a new runaway
scheme? 1 saw you slip away and /
followed, none too soon it seems, Take
nm to old Bruno's and shut him up: as
for you, Miss, you come with me!p
10 Josiah's disgust and anger he
found himself helpless as a babv,
and at last to his horror he
found himself locked up or rather shut
up IN a cage with a huge bear--a tame
performing one as it was in truth, kept
near n dressing-room, but Josiah did
not know this he would have cried for
help only the man that left him there
1old him an cutlery would enrage the
bear, and only by perfect quietness
could he hope to escape. He thought
OF his revolver, and at last succeeded
in freeing his hands, and then he dis
covered that his hip pocket was empty
not only Of the revolver but of his
money also.
Josiah was no fool if he did fall a
victim to q pretty face, and he began
to put matters together.
First, they stole fifty cents, then
twenty dollars. I reckon it wa a game
from the beginning, and I don't sup
pose MI. Bear would eat me at all; he
would find me altogether too green,
Nanny ought to keep me tied to her
apron.strings the rest of my life-if
there is any rest"
The circus folks had all departed
save a few, and the tents we're being
torn down when Josiah heard a voice
near him whisper:
Come, quickly; the door is open!
We have only q few minutes time"
1t was the girl he had tried to be-
friend. He quietly obeyed her, Won
dering if she was in it all, and merely
wanted to rid herself of him quietly.
I'D like to have my twenty dollars,
they STOLE"
Never mind the money. Do hasten!'
imploringly.
Without more ado Josiah and his
companion hurried away in the heavy
darkness.
Where did you leave your wagon and
horses?"
Josiah told her.
Come then, you must get them at
once and we will soon be Off"
In less than an hour Josiah, still
puzzled and in none of the best of
humor, was ON his way homeward with
empty pockets and a strange girl
crouching in the back of the wagon.
What will nanny say?" he thought.
I'D ruther face a canon. Poor thing,
she may be innocent. I can't turn her
out. I've got to fight it out but the $40
we need so to buy groceries; oh dear, ]
did get into a pretty mess. If I'd raised
a row I'd got into the papers and that'd
a been worse and no money back
either"
At noon they paused to let the horses
have some hay.
cts all 1 can Afford" said Josiah.
tive got a quarter left that will gel
some cakes and crackers I guess, and ]
reckon we won't starve until we reacl
home"
Pm not hungry" said his compan'
ion. Il only want to keep hidden"
At a late hour they drove into the
barnyard at the old home; a light
burned into the window and soon the
old mother, lantern in hand, hurried
out.
"Sakes alive, Josiah, how late yor
are !! Why, who's this?"
GA lady I found on the way. She
begged to come home with me, that's
"A lady! What did you want to come
to Possom Run for?" coldly.
"Let us go in, please" said the girl,
and 1 will explain everything, I an
very tired"
When Josiah entered he found his
mothers face had softened.
Supper is ready. I hope you car
both eat, the child-she's little more
can remain until we see what is best
for her to do"
But the story of the lost money was
not told. Josiah knewit must be told by
the next day.
The most astonishing thing happened
however; when he went to put his hand
in his pocket he drew forth the los'
money-at first he thought it the los
money, but he found this was in two
tens, the other had been in fves.
He understood but resolved to keel
silent, it was evidently the girls wish.
Rosine, as she was called, washed of
the remains of the paint and powder
combed her hair into n long, heavy
braid and turned her hands to whatever
she could find to do.
She's the handiest girl I e. saw. ]
don't see how she learned so many
things. Poor dear, how she hates the
mention of q circus"
Josiah made a grimace. mo wonder
so do l."
In two years Rosine was
his happy wife; a few weeks after he
marriage mai rode up to their door. A
sight Of him she turned pale.
you needn't faint, Rosine, l bring
you only good news. The publishing
of your marriage led to your discovery
Your stepfather is dead, and the for