The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-03-16

In the misanthrope's mind thousand con
flicting thoughts ran riot, for in the
sweet face he recognized his former love
while lying by his side, sleeping so calmly
and restfully in the same berth was the
man who had robbed him of that which he
held so dear, and changed him into one
of the most miserable creatures in the
world. With curse Bill opened his clasp
knife and his arm hung suspended over
the sleeping man, the blade directed toward
his heart Then the thought came to Bill
that to kill him it would be necessary for
the knife to pass through the picture of his
old sweetheart.
Carefully he removed the picture, and,
holding it in his hand, raised himself on
his elbow and gazed at it.
The tears came to his eyes; finally he
replaced the picture, and, shutting the
knife. laid down by the side of the man
who had stolen his love, but not to sleep.
The other never knew how near the gates
of death were to him that night.
The next day Bill was cross as ever. He
ate his breakfast silently and went into the
woods without a word to any one, walking
apart from the others. All day he worked
with a woman's face ever in this mind and
blind rage consuming his heart The day
was a stormy one, and the great flakes OF
snow spread thick mantle on the deep,
white covering which already lay upon
the earth. 1t had turned bitter cold and
the wind swept mournfully through the
tall trees, making them emit the most
melancholy sound in the world the requiem
of the pines, when lost spirits seem rush
ing madly by. But all day a tempest, too
had been raging in Bills heart. Toward
nightfall he started to retrace his steps
toward the camp. He had been working
on the outskirts of the forest and the fore
man and the others were well on ahead of
him. Suddenly Bill came across a pros
trate tigure-that of his buoyant companion
lying senseless in the snow. having been
struck by a falling tree. Loss of cons ,ious-
ness had been immediate, and in the blind
ing snow his misfortune had not been OBJ
served. Bill stood there for some moments
The battle he waged with himself was
long one. Perhaps if he left him there he
might yet win the woman he loved. His
death would be attributed to the blow
from the falling tree and the cold. He
was not yet dead, but the exposure in that
cold would soon stitIen the motioness form
With anger in his bosom. Bill turned away
and started toward the camp. He had gone
some distance when he paused and reflected
The pathetic face of the wife arose before
him: the pale, appealing face Of the woman
he loved
1t was late in the evening when Bill
staggered into camp with his heavy load
doctor was sent for and then Bill went
to bed, assured that the other was out of
danger. When his rival recovered he
thanked Bill profusely and slapped him on
the shoulder, and with suspicious moist,
! ure in his eyes, told him that he was the
dearest oil cross grained fellow in the world
and bringing. down his huge fist he would
defy any one to say otherwise. The two
shook hands and there was gladness in the
| heart OF Boom Log Bill.
~ have only one regret, Bill" said the
/ other.
/ what is that growled Bill.
Il have lost the photograph of the
sweett st girl in the world"
The misanthrope hung his head and said
nothing. The other had no suspicious.
After all he was most concerned in looking
forward to spring when he would once
more hold the original to his breast and
the sad parting would be a matter of the
past,