The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-03-16


away from home. But father disliked him
more and more, as he grew Older, and one
night, when he was twenty, and | eight
cen, he took me TO a party at the tavern,
for most all young folks went TO the tavern
dances II those DAYS. and James had an
awful time down in the bar-rOom. He
foughttwO other young men and beat them
terribly. oh, but father was angry when
he heard of 1t lie forbid me ever having
anything more to do with James, and told
him he must never enter our doors again.
He called him loafer and a bar-room
brawier, and l don't know what ALL
never saw father so angry"
"And what did they night about?"
81 never knew exactly, but l have heard
that it was over some remarks that James
accidentally heard them make about me"
When did James try TO brighten you"
"Oh, that was the night before he went
away; the day lie was twenty-one. He
Threatened to thow himself into the river"
The river Why, what river?'
"The Mohawk"
"Why, the Mohawk is miles from here"
"Ies, dear, but We happened to meet
there that night"
after grandfather had forbid you see-
ing him?'
''Yes, dear, but you see we've hap
pened to meet, aHd-he was going away,
and thought l ought to say good-by 10
him; he was my own cousin. you know"
Yes, aunty."
"WelI, he and Uncle Ichabod had some
high words, and he went away and was
gone nine years. He came back twenty
years ago this spring"
Where was he those nine vears?'
"Oh, / don't know. lie was in New
n 10 nd
would see him sometimes; and then he
went on the ocean awhile, and to Europe,
too, guess. l never knew where" And
Miss Warren sighed deeply.
why doesn't be ever come here?"
81 don't know. He has never been back
to our house You know he never calls ct
any ones house. And, oh, Laura, he's
greatly changed greatly changed"
The silence which followed was broken
by the ringing of the door bell.
"It's Stubby Davies 10 see Mr.. Warren"
said the girl who had answered the hell.
Mary say Ira, not Stubby; the use OF
such nicknames is vulgar said Miss War
rem.
And Mary went into the kitchen and
told the other girls that some old maids
she knew Of was too stuck-up for any use.
Ira's face wore solemn look when he
entered the squire's office, fumblng his
hat with both hands.
What can | 90 for you, Ira?" asked
Mr.. Warren blandly.
MIR. Warren, shot one o yonr calves"
"Wh'-what in the world did you do
that for?"
81 was shootin' at mark. an the calf
come up suddin; an l didn't see 1t, so
jest shot it dead"
[ s.NN III 80 -
must be more careful, or I'll be sorry l
gave YOU the gun"
Eyes sir"
"But you did right TO come and tell me
OF it. So the first thing you did with the
gun / gave you WAS TO shoot my prop
erty?"
NO, sir; I killed a woodchuck first"
"Well, maybe that partly balances the
matter" said the squire smiling little.
''Neyer mind this time, Ira; only be care
| full; gun is dangerous thing"
Yes, sir"
"And il any more accidents of that kind
must happen, try and make the victim
that black bull instead OF my peacsable
calves"
"Yes, sir"
But that last remark he had made the
| night of the school meeting, followed by
the mysterious burning of the school
house. crossed Mr.. Warren's mind, and he
called Ira back.
THAT about shooting the bull" said he,
| looking at the boy searchingly. "was only
said as a joke; of course | didn't mean it
| you mustn't do that
''No, sir"
81 wonder" said the squire to himself,
musingly, after Ira went out, IF it's posi-
IL ~. H.
obligation to me for the gun. and wishing
for my further good will, actually went
| and burnt up the old school house?
Stranger things have happened!"
Ira stood in awe of the important Squire
Warren, but that gentleman never made
more of q mistake IN his life than he did
when he allowed himself to suspect the
boy of that crime.
Miss Warren intercepted Ira and told
him that Laura was quite free from pain
but could not walk much and would like
to see him in the sitting room.
IRA, said the girl when the boy came
i'll, Il want 10 give YOU this before any one
comes" and she handed him little blue
enameled locket.
''My picture is in it," she continued
"and will you always wear it around YOU
neck and never take it oh?'
es ~, SAID the lad, looking at tht
trinket little obviously.
And l don't want any one to know yot
have it,"
when l go a swimmin' the other boyt
III see it," said the matter-of-fact Ira.
"Well. you can take it off then, and a
no other time. Now remember, YOU arr
the brave knight, Sir Lancelot, and yol
wear my cclors, blue and gold"
"Yes'm."
Aunt Martha saw Ira out of the iron
door and told Laura that he had ioineC
James Lorraine. who happened to just ther
be passing at the gate And docs Lance
lot wear your colors?" asked Miss Warren
"Oh. Miss Martha Warren that vol
should countenance, much less promote
such folly in miss OF thirteen ~
YES" said Laura.
There was long silence.
81 wish he would call here sometimes.
said the lady. with sigh.
"Who. Ira?" asked Laura in surprise.
"Why, no, my dear; was speaking G
James,"
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY.
Cal at THE SENTINEL counting-roou