The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-04-11
Observation-Disclosures


the valley to their homes in the hamlet
hanging high above them against the
mountain.
AS they walked they chatted of the
sights in the town, of the good wives
and little ones to whom they were com
ing after three days absence; Joking,
Joyous, happy in remembrance of their
town jollity and in the anticipation of
their welcome home. Occasionally they
stopped under the overhanging branches
of an orchard and ate apples, or they
kneeled by a spring, making cup of
their hands to drink from; then passed
on again.
The sun struck down 6ercely upon
their backs and shimmered on the dust
of the road.
"Ah, the heat! Let us go more slowly,
John"
NO" replied the other. cit will be
cooler higher up. Let us make haste and
reach the shade of the woods, and be-
yond there will be breeze blowing"
Suddenly, as they walked, David felt
that they were not alone. and turning
his head saw third person following a
few PAGES behind them, an extremely
tall man, wrapped IN black cloak As
David turned the mans eyes looked into
his with steady, unfinching gaze. The
black robed figure was only short dis
lance behind him, walking with long,
even stride, without sound, his cloak
drawn up to his ears, covering his mouth
and chin.
As David looked he shivered; then,
turning his head quickly, he walked rap
idly on, urging his companion to hasten
But just now you were calling to me
to go slower, and now you want to
hurry"
Yes, let US hurry-the heat," And
they passed on, the ardent sun beating
on their backs.
AS they went forward David turned
over in his thoughts the strange sight he
had seen behind them, that was behind
them now, he felt certain, though not
daring to look again, shiver coursing
the length Of his spine at the thought of
the muffled figure in that fierce heat.
And John, had he also seen it? Did he
know what came swiftly, without sound,
at their heels? He looked cautiously
from the corner of his eve at his friend
without turning his head even slightly.
John plodded on, his eyes Oh the ground
and his big shoes white with the dust,
grumbling at the heat, his face dull and
expressionless.
At length they reached the cooler air
where the road climbed between the
arching trees Of the forest, and John
halted to rest in the shadow. He was
older than his friend and tired more
easily.
Now" thought David, che will look
back and see." And he watched the
others face narrowly.
They sat on the edge of the road. their
legs hanging down the bank. Johns
gaze wandered back, down the long
stretch over which they had come, and
David waited.
But the old man only looked out from
the shadow with half smile of salts
faction that so much of the long Journey
was over, his simple countenance placid
with the thought. ''How white the road
Isl" he said.
And not many travellers on it." said
David, in half question, still looking
earnestly at his comrade'sface.
Not a creature in sight" answered
John quietly. eve have the road to
come out in this sum-
David, treasured by this, turned |
slowly and looked back. Just below, by |
the first tree, in full view, silent. motion
less, stood the tall figure, little nearer I
than before
David leaped to his feet and ran along
the steep road. stumbling. terrified. I
John saw nothing, and this creature so
close, in plain view. Hurry, hurry!' he !
called back, and ran on.
What has come to you? Are you
crazy? cried the old man. Zone can't |
pause to rest but You jump and rum
II am not-well. l want to get |
home" painted David. I'VE have vet
far to go. We must not waste time |
resting"
You are sick. Yes, you are pale;
your teeth chatter. We viii stop at old |
Andrews aud get you something. 1t is |
this scorching dayr'
Yes, yes; we viii stop at Old An
drew's. He will cure me- 1t is not far.
only beyond the next turn, where the
trees end
And we can take the short way home
from there, the path from the back of
his house, up The Rocks.'A
Again they walked rapidly onward,
the old man full of concern for his friend,
the young man looking straight ahead.
At tie border of the forest the small /
brown house stood on the edge of Old
Andrews scanty farmland. the poor.
half barren land of these mountain
farms. Beyond the few fields that
stretched up gradually from the back of
the house rose abruptly The Rocks" a
high cliff, reaching far along the side of
the mountain, sheer, forbidding, its bald
face crossed by a rough, narrow path
way. By using this steep way the jour
ney to the cluster Of houses above the
Tiff was made much shorter than by fol-
owing the gradual, winding ascent Of
the rosd.
Tho two friends turned in at old An
arew's little gate. at the door they
were met by the farmers wife, her
sleeves rolled up to the elbows.
'.Ah! John Martin and Dave! Back
rom the fair? Come in"
Eyes, Mary, on the way home. Where
s Andrew? David here had a turn on
he road coming along below. and ws