The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-29
CHAPTER XII.
THE PURSE,

There was goodly number in the
Globe Inn. The inn was freshened up
it looked smarter. 1t was remarked that
Daniel Meade was never as cheerful OF
even tempered as he was in the past.
But people said it was not much wonder.
The fate that had oyertaken his son, and
under his fathers roof, was sufficient to
cast shadow over Daniel Meade's life.
There were times when he gave rein tc
merriment, but, somehow, the frequent
ers of the inn liked him less in these
moods than when he was sober.
Grizzle Meade was the genius OF the
inn. It was Grizzle who smartened il
up, and was assiduous in her attentions
to the customers. The Globe Inn, from
dull and respondent place, suddenly
became the most popular resort near OF
in Salon.
There was o cheerful fire, and half q
dozen customers sitting around it, when
Arthur Proctor, who rarely visited the
inn, entered it one evening. Grizzle
Meade was waiting upon the customers.
The landlord was looking out OF the win
dow. Giles Ellis was talking in loT
tones to man whose face was strange to
Proctor. Giles was in the shadow Of the
great chimney, where he commanded C
view Of all in the room. He affected not
to perceive Proctor, who sat down in the
full light of the fire, and called for some
wine. It was Grizzle Meade's hand that
served him. A sailor sitting near him,
after turning to look at the newcomer,
faced his companion again, slapped 9
hand upon his thigh, and, as if pursuing
the theme discussed, said:
"Mayhap you can tell me something.
Since I've come ashore, I'm all at sea. ]
hear 80 much chaff, I've lost my reckon.
ing; and don't see any compass to 60
BY. What with those tales of witches,
why, it's ten times worse than any yarns
I ever heard in the fo'csle.
The sailor drank, looked into his meas
ure, then observing the uncertainty IN
his companions face continued:
Don't be alarmed! I'll bring trouble to
no man. But I've heard my father, who
fought the Indians, say this John Lee Is
q goodish sort of man. Now, I've been
abroad these four years, where the bone
and gristle of man tells. Howp Why,
how then but when o man stands by his
mates in pinch, and my father told me
John Lee was man to stand by his mates
through thick and thin. I've no. liking
for the other sort, but since I've been here
these three days I've found a ships crew
of milk and water fellows that scarcely
speak above their breath. More-there's
enough to man a boat-all speaking in
whispers and nodding-making faces, as
if they had fed on something that soured
on their stomachs. Tell me, mate, why
is it that never man opens his mouth to
answer me when ask, What's this proof
against John Lee?' or, Has no one q
word for John Lee?' I say, mate, must
mans wife-child of his bone-all hang
and nobody dare say word. I'd best get
back to my ship lest somebody takes hold
Of me-"
John Lee is not without friends, said
Arthur Proctor, quietly, without looking
at the sailor. The sailor whirled around
quickly. Because they choose to 60
about quietly, they are none the less true.
They feel for him in his trouble, and will
not see his wife and daughter hang until
it is proved beyond peradventure that
they are guilty
why, now, you are the plainest spoken
man have heard since / came ashore.
Landlord, jorum for the man that dares
answer civil question without mincing
his words"
fro BE CONTINUED