Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-10-03

WHICH ditci Diicl hcSibdAiOii shc
placed in his.
Please take thisr' she said hurried
ly. 1T is mine and l have right to
do what l please with it, and you
may need it long before you reach
the mines"
The stranger started, as though the
touch of the soft little hand had i'm
parted an electric current.
"Oh, l cannot-I cannot take this
from your' he demonstrated. You
have already been too kind. Do not
deny yourself further"
1T was saved TO buy something that
1 fancied, but do not really need. "
she persisted, in the same eager,
pleading tone But | have no de-
sire to spend it that way now. 1t
will make me much happier to let you
have ito know that it has lightened
your hardships little
Once more the stranger looked up
into her face, then his fingers closed
over the little parcel.
Il will take it, and if you ever see
NE again, it will be like this-at har-
vest time-your harvest, perhaps.
God bless you, and goodbye"
He seemed disposed to say more,
but after an instant of irresolution,
| turned and left her
Had Millie turned and looked out
of the door few moments later, she
might have seen her beneficiary pause
with head uncovered, raise his hand
toward the house, and mu:mur few
earnest words; then, slowly turning,
he passed on.
When farmer Bowers came in
twenty minutes later, the story was
told to him, with the exception of that
part of it which Millie deemed most
prudent to keep to herself.
He shook his head rather obviously
and before retiring that night took
especial care to see that every fasten-
ing was secure; and they were not
|
disturbed
Four times more harvest had come
and gone. but each time with more
scanty gleanings, rendered this time
more gloomy and despondent by the
illness of the farmer, from which he
was only slowly recovering.
1t was evening, and the family had
gathered around the table, when a
knock was heard at the door.
Miles heart gave bound, and the
color deepened on her cheek.
Eddie had risen to answer the sum
mons, but she was before him, and
opened the door.
A man stood there-a man into
whose face Mfiiie looked eagerly
then a shade of disappointment
crossed her own, as she waited for
him to speak.
May / ask for a meal and an
hours rest ?" he said in a trembling
voice. Il AIN hungry and exhausted
and have come long distance.
Yes: come in," she answered, in
the same gentle tone that had refresh
ed many a wayfarer through those
four years of toilsome struggle. I'VE
have but little to give, but such as II
is we will share with you"
Making place for him at table,
she put some food before him.
While she was passing back and
forth between the rooms, farmer
Bowers remarked to his wife:
THE Wilson farm is to be sold to-
morrow"
What "a jolly place that would be
for usr' exclaimed Eddie, while his
mother only sighed. Its the finest
place around here-and going for a
mere song. We could get rich
there
Very likely" answered his father
gloomily; but as it is, one more such
hard year will deprive US of this little
place, | fear
Mrs. Bowers signing was weeping
now. and even brave-hearted Mile
dashed away few unbidden tears.
Then she went back to wait upon her
guest, but he was gone.
Toward evening OF the next day, as
farmer Bowers was sitting in an arm
chair. with his head resting wearily
ON his hands. a horseman rode up 10
the door, dismounted, and knocked
for admittance.
The farmer answered the summons.
is your name Henry E. Bowers 2
asked the stranger
1T is" was the farmers reply.
Il have a package for you" con
tinued the gentleman. please receipt
it in this book"
Mr.. Bowers complied, and the man
was gone before he could realize
what had happened. Then going
back to his chair he broke the seal of
the large envelope.
Some papers fell out into his hands,
on which his astonished eyes read
the deed of the Wilson farm.
What can this mean!" he exclaim-
ed. as the others gathered around
him.
Here is II letter, fatherr said Eddie
picking up a small envelope which
had fallen. Read this.
Breaking the seal, Mr.. Bowers read
the words, traced in a clear hand
some hand:
Mr.. Bowers: Ny Dear Sir-Four
wears ago wayfarer-a tramp-stop-
| L.. ond aokad for a