Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-02-02

untasted, prcferring luncheon they had
brought with them in basket. After
supper Laura came ont and begged Mark
to bring Souri, and Jakey to speak to her
She smoothed Jakeys 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 a 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.
1T is due to your son and daughter"
he said, "that am here at this moment,
indeed that | am alive. l belong to u
wealthy family and am wealthy myself.
1t only requires means to make a 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 u
desirable career. / 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
! Jakev 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 uu. stranger. Y
treat us far. Hadn't you better send the
letter wheny git no'th?'
"No. ! must write it tonight. am
| by no means safe; my neck is still i'll
halter
The man led the way to his bedroom,
where tho 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
the country, the travellers again got
into the carriages. While they We're
standing before the gate prior to de-
parture Mark saw Souri, out by the we'll
house. lie went there to bid her good
by.
Souri," he said, II wish there was
some way i'll which | could show you
the gratitude feel toward you. When
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
] would like to make some correspond
ing sacrifice for you"
Laws, | didn't do nothen. Besides
she leaned over the well and looked
is too differ You uns is a gentleman,
and air poor white trash"
There was an ineXpressible melan-
choly in her tone.
"Souri," Mark went on, Il have made
an arrangement with your father to
make lady CT you. can't make such
a 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 l go | want you to promise
me that you will consent. | am still ~
danger, and you must grant Inc this as
perhaps last favor"
The girl burst into tears.
Promise"
81 don't keer what do"
"Do you promise:
"Yas, promise"
With d 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 a short distance when
he heard Jakey calling to him. lie
pulled III the pony and waited for the
boy to come up. Jakey was holding
something out to him, which, as ne drew
nearer, Mark recognized rs the red silk
handkerchief.
Sour sent it ter y"
"Tell her that I'll never part with it.
AN got Inc squirrel gun" said the
boy.
"All right, Jalley. Keep it to remem
Der me by
Mark grasped the boys hand and Their
drove on. Laura Fain leaned back on
the cushions in silence.