Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1892-11-11

thoughts ran from that to Jennie, as the
thoughts Of the money lender ran from
his ducats to his daughter.
At last he slept, but not any too
soundly; dreams visited him, and un-
pleasant ones they were. Vision after
vision came and faded, and his wife was
alarmed beyond measure TO see his un-
conscious hands go out again and again,
perilously near sometimes to the loaded
ride.
1t was midnight before she slept at all
but then her sleep was profound. 1t
was broken at last by the strangest and
most thrilling Of sounds, no less star
Ting than heavy fall, and O loud
harsh, reverberating report, as though a
cannon had been fired at her ear.
No woman Is ever too frightened to
scream, and Mrs. Jameson's shrieks
were loud and shrill as she covered
among the bedclothes, and scrambling
in the darkness and muttered words she
could not understand did not lend to
calm her.
There was rush of feet in the hall
without; a stout shoulder sent the door
inward with a crash, and Dick Leyoe,
who had made this unceremonious en-
trance, stood there, with light high
above his head, his keen eyes scanning
the apartment swiftly.
1t took him moment to comprehend.
and then he laughed with immeasur-
able amusement
The miller, clad but lightly, was
sprawling on the floor, dazed wonder in
his face, the old rifle, which he had struck
as he fell, lying harmless beside him
and now unloaded; window was open,
and through it came fine sheet OF rain;
the old man was soaking wet and rain
drops glistened on his hair and scanty
garments; his bare feet were muddy,
and altogether he presented anything
but an agreeable or presentable appear
ance.
"What has happened?" asked Dick as
soon as his mirth could be suppressed, as
he aided the miller to his feet.
"I-I don't know" stammered jane
son.
His wife, hearing voices, cautiously
peeped out from under the coverlet.
"Robbers!' she cried shrilly. "They
have been here again. Have they shot
you. Harvey
"No, wife, I'm not shot, said Harvey.
IAN don't think there's been any rob-
bers round. Fact is I've been sleep
walking"
"Whatr
"Tve been wallzin in my sleep, sure as
you live," groaned the miller. I'm all
wet, so must have gone out OF doors.
an the Lord only knows where | have
been or what I've been doin. | was
dreamin Of that ten pounds
He broke off and hurried to the spot
in which he had hidden the monsy. 1t
was not there.
"You're rather old for such capers,
Harvey" his wife was saying.
But he didn't hear her. Very blankly
he turned to Dick, who had now retreat.
ed to the threshold where Jennie was
:sendrg, white and startled, but rayish'
ingly pretty.
Lad" the miller said solemnly, 81
believe I've robbed myself. I've heard
Of such things, an nowI believe I've just
done that, an Ihain't got notion where
put the money"
sis it gone?'
"Yes."
"Then you had best put on dry clothes
sir, while 60 out and try to follow the
tracks you have probably left in the
garden. Your feet are so muddy I'm
sure you must have been there. I'll re
port in few moments"
A whispered sentence to Jennie ut the
door, arl Dick was off to don his boots
and laugh at the remembrance of the
miller's plight.
With u lantern he went out into th'
rain, and his gravity departed again al
under the window 81 the miller
chamber he discovered deeply indentet
footprints, which proved that Jameson
had emerged like schoolboy.
The big, bare feet left plain traces il
the soft soil of the garden. Dick fol
lowed them ON across the road, ant
found that they ceased at one corner o
the mill. A loose board had beer
freshly replaced. He drew it out ant
there, in the aperture, found small til
box.
Taking it out, he hurried back to fine
Jameson, his wife and Jennie up an'
dressed, waiting for him.
The miller took the box eagerly ant
opened it with scarcely steady hands
There were the ten pounds, and unde
them the money of which he had though
Dick had robbed him.
Lad" he said, turning to his EN-
ployee, "I've been thinkin i'll of you TO
the last few days, an ask your pardon
II can ever do you good turn call OF
me-"
II take your word, sir" said Dicl
cheerfully, going straight TO Jennie an'
taking her hand. IL want your consen
10 my marrying Jennie some day, whel
have proved myself able to take car
OF her. We love each other, and hope
sir, you'll not forget what love was =
yourself once"
mo, | don't, lad" said the miller
with tender glance toward his wife
"bnt q mill hand gets but poor wages
an you'll have TO wait awhile"
''As for that" said Dick, 81 thin
yonrl have 10 look up another mill hand
Mr.. jameson, for have another offer
and intend taking 1t. | wasn't brough
up TO labor aud was at college whel
my father died. leaving me. instead 0
the thousands | expected, nothing bu
my empty, unframed hands. left tn
college aud fate led me hither. III
have shown no talent as miller, hav
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