The Forrest City times., 1894-07-20
WAS IT STEALING?
How Brutal Husband Was
 Taught a Needed Lesson.

Speaking of the disabilities of wom- en, some people would have you be- lieve there were none nowadays be- cause women are more favored in this land than in others, that their rights are well enough protected and they have nothing to wish for. Why, it was only this morning l heard of woman knocked down by her husband and called a thief for taking money from his pocket, as if it had been his money only and not hers that she had worked hard for. Her little boy, with other children, had got into some troublesome petty offense-and it was to release him that she was hunt ing around for money. Her husband never gave her any, although we'll to-do man and she a hard-working woman"
 The speaker paused. and there were many questions asked and general buzz of conversation. Through it all Mrs. Arens sat and listened. She heard no names, and she was very at tentive. What if it were Ellen, the sister who had been like a mother to her, married to such penurious man? She should not feel easy till she saw her. At the first good opportunity she ordered her carriage and. putting in some cushions, almost smiling at her fears, she told Dennis where to drive.
 It was at the other end of town, at the foot ot lane leading up to small, shabby looking house that he stopped the horses, and she 2 ot out to walk. The window shades were down, and she walked around to the back door, kitchen. On an old lounge was the prostrate form of her sister, with suf- fering ip her face.
 Ellen, is it true" she said what have heard? Did he dare to raise his hand against you, after all these years? Tell me quickly. Where are you hurt?"
 ''Oh, no Oh, no, It was only the words. They startled me so. It was what he called me. l hit the table the sharp corner. hurt my side. 1 believe did fall, and it is very sore; but am going to get up." She made a resolute effort, but fell back with white face and an exclamation of pain
 You must go home with me. You are all worn out, and there is no one here to nurse and care for you proper ly. Lie perfectly still, my dear, till come back.
 Mrs Arens called to Dennis, who drove away for help. Then she went about the house picking up what would be needed, and W hen Dennis returned, her sister. quite unresisting, was lifted into the carriage, carefully wrapped up and driven away.
 Hiram Blake, on coming home that night, found no fire. no wife, no sup per- no son. Such an experience had never happened before in the whole course of his married life. He had been hard at work all day, and had had no time to think of the occurrence of the morning, but now it came back with troubled insistence. He went to house not far away, where lived woman known as ''old Emeline," who sometimes came to help his wife. He hired her now to come and get him something to eat Then as he moved uneasily about the room, from window to table, trying to read, and putting his paper down again. little Paul came in with scared look. He said his mother was at his Aunt Rubys, aad that the doctor said she would be sick long time.
 Don't wonder" sniffed old Emeline, casting black look at Hiram Blake. Its wonder she want took sick long while afore. She had work enough for three women to do here
 At the end of week the man ac- knowledged to himself that he had never been so miserable in his life. He dismissed the hired men after the