The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1893-11-30

Mark pondered this counsel, waver-
ing and tormented between love and
pride and doubt. He longed to follow
Shafto's advice, yet memories of that
last painful interview battled with his
more hopeful mood. One thing he re-
solved-not to plead with Cicely to re-
new a waiting engagement If he
sought her again he must ask her to
marry him at once.
In regard to means he was in much
the same case as before, for he had not
been able to save very much yet. But
everything might be made easy by the
sale of Chance, for whom he had re-
peatedly had offers ranging from five
to about fifteen pounds.
He smiled grimly at his own senti-
mentality in feeling this to be impossi-
BILE. Some verses ran in his mind
about an Arab who, trying to sell his
farorite horse, ended by fiinging back
tn. gold and galloping away. and he
thought how people would scott at the
idea of poor railwaysman of the pres
ent day emulating this hero of romance.
Yet the conviction remained with
him that money thus gained would
bring no happiness, and when sending
his dog to the show he put prohibit
tive price in the catalogue to avoid
being tempted by further offers.
But when Scott, disregarding his int
timation, offered him fifty pounds to
start with, quickly rising to seventy as
he marked the owners reluctance, Nes-
bit began to feel his resolution waver-
ing. Chance, after costing such sum,
would surely be treated like n prince
and be quite happy in his new home
and for himself, the happy dreams and
anticipations that crowded upon him
made 1t impossible to dwell upon the
pain of parting with his dog.
During the few weeks he had re-
quested for consideration he wrote to
Cis intending that his decision should
depend on hers, and on the day when
Scott was to call for an answer he had
received from her n letter. which was
all that lovers heart could desire.
But since early morning the New
foundland had hung about him con-
stantly with dropping tail and implor-
ing eyes, and Marks spirits had sunk
low by the time Mr.. Sydney's manager
arrived.
He was kindly sort of person, and
had become friendly with Nesbit dur
ing the show time, and the two men
sat down to comfortable tea before
settling their business.
Hes grand dog, will say that for
him." said Scott, patting Chances
broad head, as he sat in expectation of
scraps 'It's pity we dinna ken his
pedigree. How did he come into your
hands?"
"By chance, and l named him after
it. In the Wheathope accident"
II never heard tell ont. You don't
mean to say you've had an accident in
this little, quiet, bit placer"
"Ay, an bad one, too. It's quiet
enough and deadly dull, but it isn't as
safe as it looks. There's stiff incline
right down to the station, and just be-
yond there's a desperate sharp curve.
1t was made for coal traffic, and it's
fit for little else, but now they've made
loop of it with the main and expresses
run over it.
"Well?'
swell, one evening the Airdells ex-
press got out of control, and ran amain
down the bank, and went off the road
here at the curve. Smashed all to
pieces she was-guard and driver badly
hurt, passengers wonderfully little
damaged considering, and Chance here
broken leg"
And you looked after him?'
81 set his leg with a neighbours help,
and never shall l forget the sense and
patience that poor beast showed. And
then he settled down, looking so cheer
full and friendly like-my word!-it
made me feel how lonesome I'd be till
he came"
"Ye should have gotten wife, Mr..
Nesbit, when we first came-nay, l
didn't mean to seem curious" as Mark
started and flushed. Maybe things
went wrong?'
"They did; but I'm hoping they'll be
set right" Nesbit answered, briefly.
"Well, as I was saying, l took the dog,
and l got to fairly dread his being
claimed. The label had been torn off