The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-01

ago now easy it would be to bring the
custom back. I'd have the best-aye, as
good as you'll find in Boston. The
Globe is not such bad stand, Master
Hobbs. I've been disappointed in money
and, we'll, you know the other half Of
the story"
Il can say am sorry for you" Master
Hobbs replied. There's plenty knows
the story. I'll take some punch-that
wind goes through man."
The landlord prepared the punch, and
Mr.. Hobbs slipped it slowly, while the
landlord hustled about and replenished
the fire. AS he moved about, he looked
askance at his visitor; then he placed his
hands on the table between them, and,
looking down at him, said:
@You have come from William Aver, l
dare say"
way to give you timely warning. The
time is up to-morrow-as you must know
very WE'LL
I'VE will see what the morrow will
bring" the landlord answered. l am
obliged to YOU" Then in q hesitatlng
tone: Il suppose William Aver will be
wanting it all-there is nothing to be
gained by Offering him less"
There, think you do him wrong. 1t
you could give him half-wellT Mas
ter Hobbs face was concealed behind
his steaming mug of punch. When he
looked at the landlord again, there was q
kindly look in his eyes. In that case I
might manage it. But cannot promise.
am, as you know, the hand of the law"
Il know, know. If you put me out
tomorrow, tits not Master Hobbs-'ts
the law"
AYE, for William Aver, who but asks
his own"
1T is very hard. But you must do your
duty if do not satisfy William Aver to-
morrow. AS though gold grew on bushes.
Well. WE'LL"
The landlord shook his head and
sighed, I'VE will see what the morrow
will bring"
The Marshal of Salem slipped his punch
and remained silent. 1t was not for him,
he reflected, to add to the landlords dis
comfort. His duty was performed. He
had proved his friendship by giving time
ly notice.
At that moment another visitor en-
tered 8 man who bowed ceremoniously
to both. The newcomer was tall, with
dark hair, muddy skin, aquiline nose,
and piercing black eyes.
Il did not think to find such good COM
pany as Master Hobbs" said the new
conner.
Nor did I think I would meet you,
the Marshal replied, nodding. Sit you
down and let the fire warm your blood. "
The newcomer seated himself opposite
the Marshal, and, addressing the land
lord, said:
-You may give me the same comfort
Master Hobbs relishes-the hotter the
better. had business further down the
road, else you would not see me here
such night as this"
The landlord brought him his punch,
and Giles Ellis was in the act OF lift
ing the mug to his lips, when the door
was blown open. The blast blew out the
light and whirled the sparks in eddies in
the wide fireplace. The landlord uttered
an angry exclamation as he relit the soli-
Giles Ellis beheld young man both
knew we'll standing near.
You might learn how to open door, ="
said the landlord, sullenly, as he turned
to the last conner.
1t was the wind" said the young man,
rs he shifted his feet and looked from
one to the other, apologetically. His
wavering biuo eyes seemed to shift con.
tinua!ly. They never met the eyes of the
person he addressed. They were either
upon the ground, or glanced sideways.
The owner of these shifting eyes ap-
peared to be at loss to know what to do
with his hands and feet. The latter
IL Nth
alternately; his hand fumbled with his
garments, plucked at his buttons, or
were rubbed against each other. The
landlord waved hand to seat.
You may as we'll take your comfort,
Ezra Easily. Is there aught can do for
you?"
Instead of seating himself, Ezra Easty
advanced to the landlord, and whispered
to him:
Il come, Master Me ade, to tell you
customer is near. I overlook him on the
road. If my master was not 80 hard to
please, might have staid with my aunt
till the morrow. have come long way
since oclock-had I known what ]
learned on the road" he held up his hat
and passed his fingers through his wet
hair, an I'd made masters time my
time till the storm was over"
What like is this custom sr?' the land
lord inquired, coldly.
"A sailor, I'll be bound, by his talk.
he is coming from Marblehead, I think.
There's talk of q terrible wreck. This
be one of the crew, dare say. He asked
me where he could get quiet lodgings, not
in the heart of Salon; be was of quiet
kind, he said-which, considering he was
in drink, I do not doubt. Master said
I, you'll be we'll and truly served al
Globe Inn.' Then made sure he was
we'll on the road, and made excuse to get
on before him. Hark! how it blows. I've
heard no such wind before. And now"
Ezra Easily added, I'm in a condition
for warming something to keep
up ones spirits on terrible night.
The landlord served him promptly.
and, unnoticed by the others, thrust back
into his hand the coin extended him.
The door opening the same time, Ezra
Easty's words we're verified. A man with
long hair and uncut beard stalked into
the inn, closing the door after him very
deliberately. His face and hands we're
brown with exposure to sun and wind.
Looking around him, he advanced to q
vacant seat, sat down drew up another
chair beside him, and in deep voice
said:
Good evening to all here"