Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-02


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 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 a
bundle carried at the end of stick over
his shoulder His clothes were 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 MIN
that day day had said to himself, That's
an ill-looking fellow" When the coach
bound to London had passed him at an
enrlier 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.
Plodding 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"
L glance over his shoulder showed him
that 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 curve in the road.
Just glimpse of the horseman's face
was given to the pedestrian as he dashed
by him. A Aglimpse-it was enough!
He saw young man of perhaps twenty.
five years Of age, with handsome, man
" face, and an easy seat in the saddle
that showed the practiced horseman. Ht
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 ant
stared at the fast disappearing rider
The Litter had taken no furtA notice Of
him--had certainly not recognized him.
But he had himself been recognized
The livid face Of the pedestrian, marked
with the traces Of dissipation and excess
grew paler still with hate; he shook hi
fist at the rider, and q horrid execratior
broke from his lips.
aCurses on you'll" he cried. May yor
break your neck before you get mill
further onl"
He threw himself moodily down by tn,
roadside. The sun was now down; h,
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 hin
and London.
He could not keep his savage thought
off the man who had just passed him
The burden of them was such as has har
assed thousands of miserable men befor
4 and since the wretched weight of envy
but never more bitterly did man think o
speak than he.
Il walk, he rides. I am poor, he lack
for nothing. I am miserable adven
turer, almost an outcast, he an officer il
& the military service, proud and happy
Curses on himi Why can't his horse fal
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 witt
his long stride. Yet he thought it Nigh
suit his mood better to plod on in tn
night. He did not know whether it wa
to be dark or light, nor did he greatl;
care; he was questioning with himsel
whether he was tired enough to insur
him sound sleep at an inn
Because If I've got to be awake, an
torment myself with thinking" he re
peated, II might as we'll be on the roa
rs in bed.
He looked toward the sea. It was quit
near the road at this point, and branc
led down to it. There was Light enoug
left SO TINT he could see the roof Of
house at the end Of this by-road, cuttin
off much Of the view of the water.
+Yes that's the Red Lion down there,
he soliloquized. Thought 1 knew th
place. Well lis II stop, or 90 ONT"
He did not at once answer his ow
[ question. Suddenly Q grin oyersprea
his face.