The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-09-09

1
remembered now, as l saw him by the
flash of the light, that he as well as had
been near when 'the squire" held up
the two great nuggets; and it struck me
Pm quick at conclusions-that both
scoundrels had not intended to come up to
the house, but were just lurking round.
What for?
Miss Helen-I only knew her by her
Christian name then-faced them steadily,
though she had called me to her, and
asked what they wanted.
"Why, nothin in special, miss stam-
mered Dawlish, lifting his ragged straw
hat with swell-mob politeness, and a leer
which made me tingle to kick him; son y,
is the old boss at home? II mean
your pa, miss, he translated.
mo" she replied, holding her head
high, to show she was not frightened but
|, being close to her, could hear her heart
thudding like hammer, whilst the blood
famed to her brows under the foul gaze
rowing over her 'sWhy do you ask p
"Just this, mum. Will you be so good
as tell him that me and pals off to Hutton 5
ranch for short spell, and if he'd
like to tramp Over-why, It's mighty
'andsome part o the country, and he'd be
welcome, that's ALL .
"You must be in hurry to go, said,
putting in my oar, ''if you're trudging
twenty mile for pleasure such night as
this"
"Oh we didn't know as you was in
charge here with british laugh ''but
the walk is our lookout; the lady can de-
liver civil message, | hope
81 will give it, interposed Miss Helen,
''as soon as my father comes in.
"Much obleeged, miss then theer's
nothin more to add so we'll toddle.
Good night, miss" and he hourished his
hat again.
She shut the door upon them, drawing
stout bar across it, ''Are those the men
he works with p she cried, finging up
her hands-"Heaven help us r
tried to turn the subject, stirring the
fire into blaze, and pretending to do a
lot of things, for | didn't care to leave her
Twas my belief the two blackguards were
still hanging about. As for their invita-
tion to "the squire it was but lie in
vented on the moment
was casting round for another job,
when she stayed me by asking if | would
go to meet her father
sBut you"-
NAY; l do not mind The little house
is secure, Why" with wistfu smile,
"I am always alone from daybreak until
dark"
knew it was the fact so, bidding her
open to none until she heard me or ''the
squire whistle, started on my errand.
Not very far had to go, for met him
in that same little ravine of which his
daughter had dreamed, it skirted the pine
wood. His pick was over his shoulder,
his right hand in his pocket-feeling the
nuggets, perhaps. He was singing song
in some foreign lingo, Italian or Spanish.
He looked more content than | had seen
him-more at rest, nodding to me in his
patronizing fashion. After a few stray
words, related what had happened, advis-
ing him to be on his guard
Thanks, l will,'' he replied, haughtily
amused at the scamps asking him to pay
visit in their company. @But I've secret
to tell you, Ned" he added. Il have
done with Green Valley creek, and shaken
off its crew. Luck has favored me beyond
my hopes can afford to turn my back
upon it. | shall tax my daughter-she
does not know it yet-with me to Goul-
burn tomorrow, where we shall remain for
short time, then go on to Melbourne l
have thonghts of settling there"
As he spoke, the little tie Of comrade-
ship between us shattered; in moment we
were sundered as the poles, so quietly he
brushed it away.
eff you like to step round early in the
morning and see us off, you can. Why,
my good fellow, You look quite down.
Well, it Is kind to be sorry to lose me.
We shall meet the wagons at the end of
the wood. If those scoundrels intend to
dog my steps-I agree with you their trip
to Hulton's is only a ruse-I should find
your company useful; also, you could help
to carry our few belongings. paid up
my rent to johnson at the tavern last
night perhaps you'd kindly give him the
shanty key? Why, Straightways," with
laughing surprise, "has my news struck
you dumb ?"
l felt as if it had, as if were shot
through and through; the earth swayed
under my feet, lie was condeseendingly
grati6ed at my troubled state, taking it all
to himself; he was just the man to do it,
"You were always an honest fellow,
Ned IA trusty creature Be sure that
you come Tomorrow my daughter will
like to shake hands with you before she
leaves aud he went on gayIy through the
rich, thick grass.
No rest was mine that night; evil was
in the air. So, as | could not sleep, got
up and went out. Not being fool |
knew | must keep my misery to myself;
b,,f ,,.,r l,e, xro. l.. /