Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-05-31
A PLAIN MAN.
BY J. B. sUrznun.
CHAPTER x JOHN pIsAPPnARs.


 very gloomy atmosphere. Henry had fully explained everything, and, while the colonel and Mrs. Gregory were com pelled to admit that he had acted with moderation, yet they were so inconsist- ent as to feel that he might have done even better. The colonel, while out wardly showing disapproval,' in his secret heart was not little proud that the boy of his training had shown such spirit.
 Janet was clear out of bounds in her indignation at John's brutality, as she was pleased to term it John. not being a mind-reader and meeting only cold looks, conscious that he had used req sonable prudence in the matter, at once put into execution a plan which had been forming in his mind during the morning. He packed a small amount of clothing in 8 valise that could be strapped behind the saddle, put the rest of his belongings, together with | one hundred dollars in gold, in his trunk, which he looked and left in his room. r-. ....
 Going to where the colonel was en- toying his pipe on the veranda, he gave that worthy the second shock of the day by the abrupt announcement that he had decided to leave Texas.
 The colonel was profoundly stirred.
 What on earth possesses you, John? had supposed you the most peaceable lad in the country, and here you are shooting people almost on sight, and not satisfied with that, you want to pull out entirely. You must be bent on making trouble"
 "As seem to be making trouble here, and my conscience acquits me of blame, I have concluded that perhaps it would be wiser for me to get out of the way and let things quiet down."
 Mrs. Gregory had come out on the veranda as John was speaking and was stricken dumb with amazement. The idea of Johns leaving them had never entered their minds; he had become a part of the institution, he had always been amenable, obedient, obliging, in- dustrious. Little by little the colonel had shufiled off responsibility until the practical management of the plantation was in the young mans hands, and he had been faithful to the uttermost The Gregorys knew in their hearts that while they werc showing displeasure towards the young man in q few days it would all wear away, and that things would move along in the same channel They did not know that the lad was carrying a heavy heart, and that he really welcomed the opportu- nity which presented itself to try a new field of action. A long discussion fol- lowed, argument and entreaty was tried, but John was not to be moved. The most he would promise was to let them hear from him occasionally, but leave he would and that at once. An offer of the colonel to give him money was promptly declined; he had enough of his own to last him year. He bade them all farewell except Janet, with whom he requested few words in pri- vate. To her he said: ''I am going away, have you anything to say to me?"
 'I do not know that have, unless to wish you a prosperous trip" in a very formal tone.
 Il have a word to say. You are cap tivated with Richard Lanvale. am no backbiter, but he is not trustworthy, and you will repent the trust you put in him. You will never see me again un- less trouble comes to you and you need me-"
 The opening of the sentence had angered the girl beyond measure. That the keen eye of the despised and re- jected lover should have so promptly discovered the rising interest, as yet almost undiscovered by herself, was too hard to bear.
 "When I am in trouble I shall not call on MT. John Hewson, and will not remain to hear you islander a better man than yourself" She turned and left the room. John mounted his horse and rode away in deep dejection, watched by the whole family except Janet. When he got to the turn of the road where he would be out of sight of tho house, he straightened up in his saddle, turned and took a long look at the group on the porch, waved his hand and passed out of sight.
 Col Gregory turned to his wife, who was crying quietly, and with suspicious moisture in his eyes said: 'There goes lad who will make his mark in the world," to which Mrs. Gregory re- sponded in the most irrelevant manner: ''I feel like had buried one of my children" Henry said nothing, but turned and shook his fist in the direction of the room where Lanvale lay, which fully expressed his feelings.
 John rode along in a deeply despond- ent mood. Every rod of the rutty road, every tree and stump was as the face of familiar friend. 1t was like tearing a sturdy young sapling up by the roots, but this young man was made of sturdy stuff, and having once decided there was no retreat. When the confines of the plantation were reached, he got off his horse, sat down on a log, and it Is no derogation of his manhood that he shed bitter tears. While sitting thus despond- ent, he felt a cold nose on his hand, and on looking up was met with sympathiz- ing looks from old Hector, favorite hound, who had been slIull1ing along a few hundred yards behind, but seeing | < %G $Gs / AZ
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