The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1894-01-04

world. hear the soft yielding snow
creak beneath the runners, feel the
warm presence by my side-tO live over
again, in short, the rapture of that
ecstatic..hour.
We did not go through Hardinsville,
as did not wish Mr.. Harmon to see US
until our return So OUR way took us
through long, deep canyon lined on
down and decorated in all fantastic
ways with clinging puffs of snow.
Never, this side OF the pearly gates.
shall my eyes again behold anything
SO beautiful as that snowy gorge. AS
the horses waded along the unbroken
track, tossing aside the feathery parti-
Giles. every instant brought to light
some new beauty. Even the little
stream that ran. bright and steaming,
along its rocky bed at the bottom of
the glen. was a thing of rare lOveliness.
Every rock. each bit of anchor ice and
every bush along its bank was hidden
with cushions of clinging snow. Some
of the forms were of singular beauty.
while others wee of quaint and laugh
able grotesqueness. How sweet it was to
note the curious Resemblance we found
and call them to each others attention.
And when we were climbing the oppo-
site bank, how pleasant to hear our
voices so softly echoed up and down
the chasm. while the snow upon the
overhanging branches loosened by our
laughter, came rafting down in show
err of silver spray upon our heads.
It was just noon when we arrived at
our destination, the odd Gedney Place"
The spacious front yard was all up
grown with neglected evergreens, upon
which the snow lay in soft, light mass
es undisturbed. The path to the front
door was guarded by the interlocked
arms of two great balsams on either
side. No enc had passed along it in
dozen years. drove through the side
gate to Il door which was evidently the
one most in use. A pretty shepherd
dog sitting on the threshold eyed us
wonderingly, retreated few steps,
and then came crouching to my side
for recognition. A word and a caress
made him my friend. tied the steam
ing horses to convenient post, threw
the blankets over them, and as the
path was not good one between the
paniOn out and carried her, protesting
ly, to the doorstep, where | carefully
sat her down. taking pay for my gal
lantry before [ knocked for admission.
There was no response. | knocked
again. All was still. | stepped back
and examined the house with care.
The shutters on two of the windows
were opened. the others closed. A
light curl Of smoke rose laZily from the
chimney.
He must be in," said, a. returned
and once more raped, louder than be-
fore.
"Perhaps he will not admit u.s." my
companion suggested.
"Pshaw" | answered scornfully.
"How will he keep us OUT"
The bravest man on earth is the
young lover in the presence of his mis-
tress who speaks OF imaginary anger.
Nevertheless my heart stood still,
when, after moments waiting. the
door before us swung open and we
looked into an empty room. At the
same time the dog at our feet set up a
prolonged and mournful howl. Assoon
as We could get the snow-light out of
our eyes and realize that the room was
really without an occupant. we saw a
door at the other side, towards which
l went walking softly. for no reason
that could give, and Sadie following
me, | think because she did not wish to
remain alone. | knocked, and we
waited with beating hearts. There
was no reply. | raped again. more
emphaticaliy. The dog howled once
more, while we waited for a response.
J | glanced at the outer door. The sun
was shining brightly without.
"Pshaw." l said, impatiently.
What's the sense of this? The man
is either boor or not at home"
l lifted the old-fashioned latch and
| entered Il room, warm, bright. cheer
| full. a common country cookstOve,
! bright and c'ean, stood opposite the
door. A window full of towering
plants let in the Southern sunlight. a
big, Old-fashioned clock pointed both
| hands to twelve, and with its solemn
tick seemed to warn us not to break
| the silence. We had closed the door
before we saw that there was anvone
| within. Then noticed the owner ~
| ing on a broad sct.ce with high back,
| which at first had screened him from
our sight. A table stood beside the
stove with dishes yet upon it. He had
| probably eaten, laid down and fallen
into doze.
Il beg your pardon. Mr.. Pike" I
said, advancing toward the couch. He
did not speak or stir. His small white
hands were folded on his breast and l
fancicd l could see them rise and fall
with his breathing.
Mr.. Pike" l repeated.
Still he did no: move. l put my
hand on his forehead. It was cold.
We have come TOO late" said to
my companion. "He is Gcad."
She came to E:y aide and looked dc wn
upon tho p"ac::o. face. After 4 mo-