The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1890-01-15
INDIAN JULIUS.
BY RUTH RANSOM.

lis this Pembroke's Tavern?" said the
tallest and largest of the little group of
horsemen collected at my door.
! was not in the least startled or sur
prised. Questions like this were an ordi-
nary part of my everyday existence. Our
little cabin was the largest of any in the
neighborhood-nor was it in any degree
palatial at that-and it stood Just at the
fork of the roads, where it was the most
natural thing in the world that "tav-
ernr should be located.
Matthew had chosen this particular
spot because Of a clear little spring that
bubbled up in the woods close at the
rear, and knot of magnificent madrona
trees, which flung their shadow over our
roof-tree.
A neat little picket fence, as yet guilt
less of paint, inclosed our smalhdomain,
and the cinnamon rose-bushes l had
planted were in bloom for the first time,
sweet reminders of the Eastern home we
had left behind us, three years ago.
sat in the doorway, pulling wild
strawberries as the three men rode up,
and answered composedly:
mo, it isn't tavern at all. "
"Mr. Pembroke lives here, don't hep
the man somewhat sharply demanded.
eyes; but it is private house"
Couldn't you give me and my men
some dinner, madam2"
"Not to-day" said /, succinctly.
my girl has gone away, and Mr.. Penn
broke is not at home. l am not prepared
for visitors
The men exchanged discontented
glances.
"Then, said another, 'we must keep
ON to Grill Station. Is it much further9"
"Nine miles, sand I.
''Is it a good roadi'
eyes, nearly all the way"
As | watched them ride away, I OBJ
served, with some surprise, that Indian
Julius, good-for-nothing redskin in the
neighborhood, was riding an extra horse
in the rear, with dirty blanket twisted
around his lank form. No,one knew the
neighborhood better than Indian Julius,
and vague wonder crossed my mind
that, with such a guide, they should find
it necessary to ask any questions of me.
l knew, however, that julius was sub
iect to fits of sullen silence, sometimes
lasting for days together, during which
it was impossible to get word-good,
bad or indifferent-ou of HIM. He was
II well known vagabond and skulker in
the neighborhood, and had wife
sold Cleo"-whose reputation was even
more shady than his own.
But he had whitfield out many will
low whistle for our little boy, and
brought nests of birds eggs to the baby,
and somehow | had soft spot in my
heart for Julius, in spite of his numerous
backslidings and shortcomings.
"Never let that old rascal cross the
threshold again, said Matthew to me,
after losing his best white Brahma rooster
once, and learning that Julius and Cleo
had had a chicken stew at their shanty
on the evening Of the same day. ''Bask-
cts, indeed And re-caning chair bot
toms! The man ought to be in the peni-
tentiarym
So that was surprised and not par
ticularly pleased, in about two hours
time, to see Julius come shuflling back
on foot, with the end of his blanket trail
ing abjectly in the dust. He paused at
the gateway.
''Pretty flowers, said he, staring at
the cluster of pink cinnamon roses.
"Nice for little pappoose!"
took no notice. Dinner was just on
the tabe-a savory rabbit fricassee, with
strawberry pie, and baked potatoes
bursting out of their jackets. was set
ting little Mat on ms high chair, and
tying a bib around his plump neck, pre-
paratory to the meal.
rabbit smells good, - said the Indian,
smiling the air. "Old julius hungry.
He had no breakfast. -
Little Mat looked imploringly up at
me.
Mother" said he, ''give Old Julius
some dinner, please. Old Julius mended
my little cart"
took out a liberal portion of the fric-
assoc, with two or three potatoes and a
monstrous cucumber pickle, such as l
knew his soul delighted in, and beck
oned to Julius to seat himself on the
doorstep; and there he made such meal
as only an Indian can, ending with a
huge cantle of strawberry pie and a
wedge of cheese big enough for three.
"Now, Julius" said l, ''you must
split me some kindling wood to pay for
this. -
Julius's copper eolored countenance
fell; he drew his hand across his berry
stained mouth.
"Me split him" said he, resignedly.
'Giye me big hatchet.n