Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-29
HER DUTY"


across the hills of Dartmoor.
y man sat on one OF tho great granite
rocks that lay on the top of Dlinc Tor. He
had been sitting there since midday. He
had watched the sun as it shonc on the
| purple heather and green brackon; he had
| watched the cloud shadows as they wan
dered through tho valleys and along the
burns and strcamlets.
The man had not enjoyed so long a rest
of undisturhod quiet for many years.
Away in the distance, when the sun
shonc at midday, he had seen his home, the
homo he'd Inhabited for seven wears He
was never going to return to that home
and he smiled when he saw the sunlight
strike the windows of the great ugly build
ing. For his home had been no cottage;
it had been large mansion, and he had
lived there in solitude yet surrounded by
hundreds of his fellow men.
AT s O'Clock the moon lifted herself
above Hound Tor and nestled among q
few white cloudlets which hung around
her in the east.
Yes, it was delightfully."- peaceful and
calm. There was only one thing he want
od-a Pipe of tobacco. He laughed aloud
as the thought crossed his mind, for it
seemed queer want just then, but he had
not smoked q pipe for seven years.
Seven years ago 1t was near Hound
Tor, too, just those seven years ago that
he had smoked his last Pipe and had his
last chat with little Clio, lying amidst the
heather. Perhaps little Clio was still at
BARRIERS cottage! 1t would be good to see
her again, and they could climb tho Tor
and lie amidst the heather just once more
Yes, be would go and look for little Clio.
There was n light in the cottage win
dow. He opened the door without knock
Ing. woman rose from the oak chair
and started when she saw the man.
Il want little Clo'," he said, forgetting
now that seven years had passed since no
last entered the homestead
Tho woman regarded him attentively for
some minutes without speaking. Then
pushing a seat toward him: $50 you've
got away at last? l guessed you'd tire O.
living there '-pointing south-"prctty
soon. But it ar'n't no use your acomin
here. You got yourself into tn mess and
you'd better clear yourself if you can"
Where be little Clo'?' tho man asked
again.
II be little Clio, or leastways was liz
tie Clio. They don't call me that name
now. Have you forgotten twas seven
years ago?"
dc sat down on the chair she had pushed
toward him and looked absently at the oil
lamp burning on the table
'les-Id forgot-yes-you was little
Clio once. I'd forgot-Td somehow ex-
pected to find her here still wanted her
to como up and sit on Hound Tor, and
have chat while | smoked my pipe-just
as we used-l mean as she and / used to
do But I'd forgot; twas silly of me-
Yes, answered the woman, " twas
silly. She stood by the open door, nerv-
ousiy smoothing her dress The man let
his eyes wander around the room.
Things amt changed much-the chairs |
and tables and ornament things, l mean
but L can see that she's gone; | under
stand now. So you be a wOman-ay, and |
u fine one too. You amt married? | won.
der at that, then! You ought ter have
married Say, could you find a pipe?-any |
old pipe-I s'pose mine S lost. No? That's |
nice! L didn t 'spcct to see him again |
and tobacco? | knows your father always |
smoked Pride o Devon Thanks" He |
filled his pipe, and she noticed his fingers |
tremblcd. She gave him light, and then |
resumed her position BY the door.
This is like old times, almost-if only
little Clio was here | sposc you couldn't |
be little Clio just for half an hour or So
sort of play actin at it, you know? Forget !
what er was like? Fancy that, them |
| remember well enough. / spose Won
think I'm a bad 'un. That's why Won
don't speak to me. Perhaps am, but | did
1t to save little Clio, though maybe you We
a-forgotten that" He relapsed into silence
and sat looking absently at the old grand
father S clock and putting his pipe.
After little while the woman smoke
II hear some one coming. If it's.
"Your father" the man interrupted
81 hope it's him. He rose and advanced.
pipe in hard, toward tho door. At the
same moment tall man in uniform and
carrying carbine in his hand appeared.
The woman Iell back a pace or two, say
ing: Yes, he's here. WASN'T shelf ring
him
The two men looked at one another for
a few seconds, then he in the uniform
spoke: Thought I'd find you here. No
use resistipg-a couple more warders stand
ing outside, Como along, my beauty, back
to Prlnccs' Town"
All right" he replied quietly, "but
just grant me one favor; let me finish my
pipe. my first for seven years" He laughed.
Inc warder, after a moments hesitation,
acquiesccd
he finished his pipe and rose and hand
cd IL to the woman. THANK you. You
might keep It in memory of Jim Amerz
and little Clo'-and-Im sorry / did
sorry was too late to see her ,
again.
Inc woman held the door open for the
warder and tho convict to pass out. can
right, she said. 81 am sorry for you, but
had to do my duty, you know. "-Nc,y ,
Budget.