The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1894-06-28
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III b. PATIENCE STAPEET0N.Y

the savage barking Of dogs and the
clank Of their stretching chains as they
leaned from their kennels. Mac, in
duty bound, set up a challenging up
roar, silenced only by his masters
whip. From the lighted windows
Craig saw the house proper was built
Of logs and raised considerably from
the ground, with wide veranda ap-
preached by long fight of steps. A
door in the L that was on level with
the ground suddenly opened and man
came out with lantern-an under
sized man, with white face, deep
sunken black eyes, and q scrubby beard
around his chin of such blue-black
color that his face looked deathly
pale.
"What sta+e's-prison mug!" Craig
thought; but he said, politely: II have
lost my way"
swell, this is not it," said the man,
holding his lantern rudely near divers
face.
II do not need your assurance of
that, my civil friend; but if insulted
you with bribe could you put up my
horse and give me shelter for the
night?"
"No."
western hospitality is evidently
out of your line. l fancy New York
or the adjacent islands are more to
your taste than ranch in the noun
tains. Perhaps you could direct me to
Lord Morris shooting box; it's on the
Troublesome, about five miles from
Parkville. am a stranger here, as I
only bought the lodge this spring."
II don't know where it is"
"Ah! a stranger too. You own this
place?"
81 don't see that that is your affair. I"
II might make it mine, If the odds
were not against me-" Oliver muttered.
turning and tightening his saddle
girths. A door in the house suddenly
opened, and in the food Of light stream
ing out oliver saw slight girlish fg-
ure peering into the darkness.
''What il It, Louis? Not NJ. de Res
taud? Isis he hurt?'
''Only . tramp. Go back into tho
house." called the man. rudely.
A fat little woman in q cap ran out,
seized the girls arm, and tried to drag
her in the door; but the young woman
defended her rights vigorously, and,
freeing herself, ran down the steps.
81 have entered romance" thought
Craig, advancing to the steps. after
travelling in extremely beaten paths
j for forty years, I have suddenly
achieved an adventure" II have lost
my way" he said, lifting his hat. 81
am not tramp at all, but a neighbor
even landed proprietor. did hope
for shelter, but will only ask direc-
ton"
''But don't know any directions,
sir, and wouldn't trust Louis; he'd
like to get anyone into trouble. I am
thankfully ignorant of this horrid coun-
try; want to be; hate it. But you
must come in and get dry and have
your horse rubbed down. What a lovely
dog!"
The fat woman, who had descended
the steps unobserved, here interposed
an objection, clutching the girls arm
tightly, and talking hastily in whis-
pered French that sounded like q pro-
longed hiss, 50 great was her agitation.
"Hush up, hag!" said the singular
young woman, again freeing herself.
"And now do come in for a little
WHILE"
She was bareheaded, and wore some
kind Of sleazy gown. As the rain
was speedily wetting her shoulders,
Oliver was forced to 60 up under tho
roof Of the veranda.
"You needn't be shocked" she went
on, merrily, ''at what said to her; she
does not know word of English, and
she's gone and won't come any more.
Half the fun have is calling her names
and saying things to her she would 30
like to know. Louis, take the gentle
mans horse and give her good care.
None of your tricks, for monsieur
might this once like to be friendly; you
never can tell; he and Lord Morris
were. Monsieur can be agreeable,
quite lovely, to strangers, if he wants
to be-"
The man, grumbling to himself, led
the mare to the barn.
II don't fancy leaving her to his
mercies," said Oliver, uneasily, as he
watched man and horse from the
porch. Somehow / have not over
much confidence in your servant"
''Isn't he evil-looking? Annette,
though, thinks he is beautiful. But
Louis will be good to your horse; he ID
fond Of them, and q thoroughbred,
too, like that one, will delight him.
His liking for horseo is the only human
trait he has. Do come in, Just 1ittlo
while; we're not robbers or Bendera
though things are funny. Bring your
lovely dog. WIN he fight little mite
Il Of one?'
If he did I'd disown him" )" smiled
Grain /.
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