The Delta independent., 1895-09-25
coYySAsN Saa. " S.s.NAp9yAeoNI. 90. :
2 81 PATIENCE STAPEET0N.a 5

"What state's-prison mug" Craig
thought; but he said, politely: 81 have
lost my way"
"Well, 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 bribc 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 a 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. I am stranger here, as
only bought the lodge this spring"
81 don't know where it is"
"Ah! a stranger too. You own this
placc2"
~ don't see that that is your affair. T"
81 might make it mine, il the odds
were not against me-" Oliver muttered
turning and tightening his saddle
girths A door in the house suddenly
opened, and in the flood of light stream
ing out Oliver saw slight girlish fig
ure peering into the darkness.
What is it. Louis? Not NJ. de Res
taud? Isis he hurt?"
"Only tramp. Go back into the
house." called the man, rudely.
fat little woman in 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
for forty years, I have suddenly
achieved an adventure" II have lost
my way" he said. lifting his hat. 81
am not n tramp at all, but neighbor
even n landed proprietor. did hope
for shelter, but will only ask direc-
ton"
but I don't know any directions,
sir, and wouldn't trust Louis; he'd
like to get anyone into trouble. ! am
thankfully ignorant of this horrid coun.
try; want to be; I 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 unobscrved, here intcrposed
an objection, clutching the girls arm
tightly, and talking hastily in whis-
pered French that sounded like a pro-
longed hiss, SO great was her agitation.
"Hush up, hag!" said the singular
young woman, again freeing herself.
"And now do come in for little
while"
She was bareheaded, and wore some
kind Of sleazy gown. AS the rain
was speedily wetting her shoulders,
Oliver was forced to go up under the
roof of the veranda.
'You needn't be shocked" she went
on, merrily, '.at what said to her; she
does not know a 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 SO
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,
fulIc ioFeiy, W etlahRers' IL nc "ants
to be-"
The man, grumbling to himself, led
the mare to the barn.
II don't fancy leaving her to his
mercies." said Oliver, nneasily, 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 is
fond of them, and a thoroughbred,
too, like that one, will delight him.
His liking for horses is the only human