The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1894-04-19

she saw John Gordon, her husbands
best friend, walking toward the house
He was a dark, slender man, with a
nervous manner and rather joyless
smile.
How are you, Mrs. Stocker? Feel
ing rather lonesome, eh?' he called
out. 1--WE saw your husband driving
by this morning with his regimentals
on, and knew that meant he'd be gone
some time. Wife isn't very well, and
wants to know if you won't go over
and stay with her while I'm away"
Thank you. l wish l could, but
Mr.. Stocker can't possibly be back I'M
til tomorrow, and Randall has paid
me large sum in gold that dare not
| leave"
HAS ne, at last? l saw his horse
standing here, but had no idea you'd
ever see that money again" After a
moments thought he added: But why
not leave it? Does anyone know you
have it?"
| mo one but the man who paid it to
me, that / know of-but he looks like
brigand."
|
| letting your fears run away with you.
Brigauds don't usually pay debts, and
there's nothing to be afraid of. Just
leave the money here and go over to
our house to spend the night. Darkies
are a scary lot, and you haven't even a
sensible dog to keep you company"
She longed to yield, but she thought
of all that this money would mean to
her overworked husband, and, harden
ing her heart against Mr. Gordons re-
peated urgings, persisted in staying at
her post.
Saying that he was late for an en-
| gagement, her neighbor babe her a
hasty farewell
AS the early darkness of the Deem
Der night began to close in Nature
herself seemed to Mrs. Stocker, in her
overweight condition, to be conspir-
| ing with evil beings to heighten her
helpless terror.
At last Dinah ponderously waddled
in and broke the gloom by cheerfully
announcing the evening meal. While
this was in progress, wagon drove up,
and Mrs Stocker heard the welcome
voice of Ranney, sturdy, jolly Irish
| peddler, with whom she had had deal
ings for several years. His was one of
those rotund and jovial personalities
that look like embodied jokes, and the
very sight of whom makes everyone
! feel cheerful.
Now, Toots," he was saying, don't
We be for ating me up the minute I git
down Ice lnrcr Ct, Ts1,ah .,l
that I'd be mighty poor picking. Be
aisy, now, and the lady'n give we a
bone, maybe, with some marrow in it
I'm hollow clare through
Mrs. Stocker opened the door N time
to hear these last words, AID called
out: I'VE shall be glad to fill you up,
Mr. Ranney, and Toots, too. Come in,
both of you"
In walked master and beast, the man
with something of roll on his handy
legs, the white dog-whose legs seemed
respectfully modelled on the same plan
with the air of conscious power and
dignity belonging to a pure blooded
bulldog.
AS the peddler took his seat at ia BILE,
IOObo 81 NoNh DCSluC nm anu, Will
out taking the slightest notice of any
one else, looked quietly into his mas
ter's face.
1--WE been driving without a bite
since airly morning." said Ranney,
land thought I'd stop here for supper
and drop the things that ye ordered
last trip, Mrs. Stocker l knew Toots
was hungry, too; but, we see, he don't
beg, like common dogs He's too much
OF gintleman for that. He knows his
masterll feed him when he can, and
he has no patience wild whining, let
alone doing it himsilt."
"Toots is the best dog know Mrs.
Stocker answered, enthusiastically.
She took up bone and held it out,
saying: '"Toots, nice dog, will you
come and get this?"
Toots eyed her gravely, with an ex-
preston which said that he knew she
appreciated his worth, but thought her
tone was unduly familiar
Then he looked inquiringly at his
master, to see if he approved of accept
ing bone from strange hand.
Ranney nodded and said; Yes, old
boy; go and get it."
Toots walked calmly round to Mrs.
Stocker without any undign flied haste,
and with one polite wag of his tail
took the bone, which he crushed in his
powerful jaws as if it were au egg
shell.
Dinah eyed him at respectful dis
lance, and was visibly relieved when
the meal was over and she could go to
the kitchen.
"Mr. Ranney," said Mrs. Stocker,
hastily, my husband is away, and l
feel very timid. Can't you stay with
us all night?''
"Indade, mum, now I'm rale sorry,
for I'd dearly love to be any comfort to
ye; but | got word that me friend.
Charlie Craig, was down with fever and
begging every minute for me to come
to him. They say he may not live the
night out, and I've been driving like
mad all day to git to him in time If
twas anything else, I'd stay. But
you've no call to be anyways afeerd,
me dear lady. There's no robbers about
here, and no one has liver molested We,
| know"
She thought to herself: Dare trust