Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1893-02-08
CHA Il TT f f PAAN60G 4 Il.
" F. A. mitchell, LATE u. S. A.


tlle Oeldy WAS COulptlSdCeu 1OI ny tuo
thought that he would likely learn
something of Souri, and Jakey, of whom
he had heard nothing since he left them
in the Chattanooga Jail.
Mark told Laura of his plan. She was
distressed at the delay. Something
seemed to tell her that it would bring
trouble. But Marks reasoning was un-
answ cradle, and there seemed nothing
else to do. If they must spend night
anywhere it would better be among
those upon whom Mark could rely.
At last they drove up at the Stacks
gate. Mark handed the reins to Laura
and jumped from the phaeton inpatient
ly. Not seeing any one in the front of
the house he proceeded to the rear. The
first person he met was Jakey. He took
the boy up and hugged him.
"Are You glad to see your big brother,
Jakeyp
"Air tn corn ripe?"
Sour came out of the house, her big
eyes glistening and her expressive face
radiant with pleasure and excitement.
She had heard nothing of Mark since he
left her in prison. Mark seized her by
both hands.
"You uns air safe. knowed it," she
said, almost in a whisper. She could
hardly speak for JOY.
"For the present, Souri,, thanks to
you"
Mark asked no questions then. He
knew that they were safe and at home,
and he hastened to inform them and the
father and mother who came out to well
come him that he was with party who
was unaware of his true character, which
they must not betray, and desired per-
mission to stay in the house over night.
Then he led them around to the gate.
Daniel had meanwhile caught up, and
the two vehicles were halted in the road.
1--WE will spend the night with these
good people," said Mark. "They are
quite willing, and will make us as COM
Portable as possible"
The party alighted and the horses were
driven to the barn. Mrs. Fain and her
daughter were given the room in which
Mark had changed his clothes when he
went through to the south, and Mark was
assigned a bivouac on the gallery, or in
the barn, or any other place he might Sc
lect.
An apology for meal was carried in
to Mrs. Fain and Laura, which they left
untasted, preferring luncheon they had
brought with them in a basket. After
supper Laura came out and begged Mark
to bring Souri, and Jakey to speak to her.
She smoothed Jakey's tumbled hair out
of his eyes and asked him if he remem-
bered her. Jakey was about to reply in
his usual fashion when he checked HIM
self, and for the first time since Mark
had known him answered directly.
Souri, stood eying Laura from the cor
ners of her black eyes with a mingled
expression of admiration and antago-
nism. Laura spoke to her kindly, but
got only monosyllables in reply.
Mark passed the evening with the
Slack family listening to recital of
Souri's and Jakey's experience after he
had left them in the Jail at Chattanooga,
and he gave them an account Of his own
adventures.
After all were asleep that night Mark
took Farmer Slack out into the yard,
where they could converse unheard, and
developed a plan he had conceived for
Souri, and Jakey.
"It is due to your son and daughter"
he said, "that am here at this moment,
indeed that I am alive. I belong to
wealthy family and am wealthy myself.
It only requires means to make splen-
did woman of the girl and fine man of
the boy, for means will produce educa-
ton, and education is the open door to q
desirable career. I am going to leave
with you letter to my father in Ohio,
which will contain an order for suffi-
cient amount of money to insure both
Jakey and Souri, an education. Take or
send them north, present the letter, and
you will find everything provided for
you. Souri, may not consent at once,
but doubtless she will in time. Now
must have pen and paper"
"You uns is good un, stranger. Y
treat US far. Hadn't you better send the
letter wheny' git no'th?"
''No. l must write it tonight. am
by no means safe; my neck is still in a
halter"
The man led the way to his bedroom,
where the old woman was sleeping.
There he produced writing materials,
and Mark wrote an order which, whether
he lived or not, insured the future of his
two friends, his preservers among the
':poor white trash" of Tennessee.
The night was passed with snatches of
sleep by all the party. In the morning,
after the pork and corn bread meal of
ehe country, the travellers again got
into the carriages. While they were
standing before the gate prior to de-
parture Mark saw Souri, out by the we'll
house. He went there to bid her good
by.
'Souri," he said, II wish there was
some way in which could show you
the gratitude feel toward you. When
I think of my fate, had you not appeared
in the nick of time to save me by your
wit and daring and sacrifice, feel that
I would like to make some correspond
ing sacrifice for YOU"
Laws, I didn't do nothen. Besides
she leaned over the we'll and looked
down into it's depths-"you uns and me
is too differ. You uns is a gentleman,
and l air poor white trash"
There was an inexpressible melan-
choly in her tone.
Souri," Mark went OH, II have made
an arrangement with your father to
make a lady of you. 1 can't make such
sacrifice for you as you have made for
me; that is impossible; but can do this
if you will act with me and consent to
the plan. shall be off in moment,
and before 60 1 want you to promise
me that you will consent. am still in
danger, and you must grant me this as
perhaps last favor"
The girl burst into tears.
Promise"
II don't keer what I do"
"Do you promise!'
"Yas, promise"
With pressure of the hand he turned
away, and stalking to the gate got into
the carriage beside Laura. Daniel and
Mrs. Fain had started. Mark followed,
and had gone but short distance when
he heard Jakey calling to him. He
pulled in the pony and waited for the
boy to come up. Jakey was holding
something out to him, which, as he drew
nearer, Mark recognized as the red silk
handkerchief.
"Souri sent it ter y"
Tell her that III never part with it. u
"'N got the squirrel gun," said the
boy.
"All right, Jakey. Keep it to remem,
Der me BY"
l., l.