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


The landlord paced the floor with bent
head and hands crossed behina him. The
fire was low, but either the landlord was
oblivious OF the fact or the necessity for
replenishing it was not apparent. The
sanded floor was clean. The room looked
very bare. 1t served the double purpose
of tap-room and parlor, but just now
there was nothing to be tapped; no sit
tiers, and but little prospect OF any that
night.
A woman we'll advanced in years, Older
looking than the landlord, passed through
the room. She carried light, and when
opening and closing the doors shielded
it with her hand. The landlord cast
gloomy glances at the FIRE, but it was
plain his thoughts were far away. The
fercest blasts failed 10 excite more than
passing interest. He was brooding over
some st or impending evil. At the end
of half an hour, possibly more, he sat
down heavily in chair, placed his elbow
on q table. and, leaning his head on his
hand, gazed steadily in the fire. He was
thus occupied when the woman re-enter-
ed. She looked at him grimly, in silence,
then, as blast threatened to blow the
roof off tine house, turned to her hus-
band:
Pray God our boy is not on the sec a
night like this"
faye, aye. The Lord knows if he be
alive. I sometimes think it has Jared Ill
with him."
1T is four months since he ran away,
Daniel-four weary months since he left
Salem" The landlords wife placed the
light on the table. IF We had not been
so hard on the boy he would not have
run away"
4May6ap, mayhap. We could not tell,
And the sea catches SO many foolish
boys. The wisest lose their sons. bow
we're we to know
He would be a comfort to us L our
he might have been a help; but it's
past now, Grizzle. Nobody stops at the
Globe now. The new inn takes all the
custom"
The landlord spoke bitterly.
IF had matter of hundred pounds
besides what would pay my debt for the
boys misdoings I'd put new face on
the trade. I'd not let Matthew Dean
have it his own way"
Where is the use talking" said luis
wife. I dare say We will have nessen-
ger from William Aver on the morrow.
sTis the last day. It we're wiser if we
prepared to move. An you take my ad-
vice you'll put the best face on it when
the messenger comes, instead of sitting
here till the stool is pulled from under
you. I wish We had left early in the
week. 1t would leave less to the grace of
our creditor. No one could have said, as
plenty will, that we are pinched for time.
.Peaco, woman!" said the Landlord.
The days not over, Grizzle." And, as
if to verify his words, the door opened
and q visitor entered. A large man, with
rugged features and massive frame. He
carried stout stick, which he laid aside
upon entering.
Good evening to you, Master Hobbs.
said the landlord, rising. The landlords
wife bowed, trimmed the light, and re.
tired. The visitor sat before the fire,
and, struggling his broad shoulders. said:
"A very bad night for trade, MI. Meade:
] fear"
"Trade!" Daniel Meade, replied, scorn'
fully; there's little trade comes to GLOBE
Inn now. The new inn has caught the
peoples fancy. But, if misfortune did
not press me, I'd tell Mr.. Dean another
story. ! was saying to Grizzle awhile