The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1895-09-07
THE GHOSTS EYES.

Mrs. Robert Livingstone was a
woman Of superb dignity. Vet any
one OF her city friends would scarce
ly have recognized her in the rather
4 clumsy figure running and stumbling
Up the rough canon road that led
from the. lower hean field to the
sanch house. Her black skirts were
not held up, but allowed to trail q
little and catch the fine dust and
tar weed stain rs she hurried on.
Nothing Of trhins Importance could
have frrc2i Mary Livingstone thus
Tar to, forget her elegant self, even
alone in canon.
The fog was coming up from the
sea and slowly closing in and deepen
ing the shadows Of the gorge. 1t
was already late twilight, and the
loneliness and gloom OF the place tor
tured her over tense nerves. A little
owl flew with q shrill scream over
her head, and she screamed with it..
A belated ground squirrel rustled IN
the underbrush up the bank, and
she felt that all the terrors of the
Jungle were upon her.
+ A sharp turn in the trail brought
her at last in view of the house and
the welcome glimmer of 4 light gave
her a little courage. She quickened
her. steps still more in her eagerness,
forgetting that the canon stream
crossed the road at the bend, and,
: missing the board, she stepped in an
kle deep. Even this she scarcely
noticed, but splashed on over the
slippery stones. 1t was only when
she reached the gate, breathless and
disheveled, that she seemed to be
able to think.
u can't let Allen sec ms IL tahiiss
would ask all manner Of questions
and not be put off, and l could not
tell him that. Oh, no, no. But
inst then slight, youthful figure ap-
u1area at the veranda steps, stand
ing on crutches.
What makes you so awfully late,
mother?" he called out to her. Il
thought You never wculd get here,
and the thin, complaining voice was
even little more impatient than
usual. Sing is on one Of his worst
rampages and is mad as hops because
dinner is late. l was even afraid to
ask him to light the lamp aud I've
been sitting out here in the dark for
ages, If there's a dish left out there
it won't be his fault. Listen to that '
and Just then tin pan seemed
to 60 spinning across the Kitchen.
II am very sorry, my dear sail
Mrs Livingston, quietly? but was
detained by the engineer. lie says
the threSher engine is broken, anl
he must 90 to Seco Grande to-mo:-
row for repairs. Some OF the men
were tobe: paid off. and | had their
accounts to look over. | will be s!ad
when your father gets home. llar-
resting is too important time for
me to be left alone. Poor Allie.
What forlorn time you've had
Come in and well make up for it, -
and she preceded him into the dark
little parlor.
Quickly lighting the lamp, she
said: "Turn,it up more, dear, after
it has burned q little, and tell Sing
to have dinner in five minutes. I'll
be right out" and she hurried to her
room, leaving her son wondering
vaguely that his mothers hand
should tremble as she held the tnatch,
and secretly wishing she had not LETT
him to face the irate Sing alone.
Allen livingstone was II, but long
accustomed to having every win
tempered for him, he was naturally
timid and not little spoiled. Mrs.
Livingston. larished upon him that
yearning and tenderness that .
hopelessIy crippled child calls forth
from a mothers pity. He was at
once her idol and her sorrow ard his
slightest wish was law.
Dinner at the ranch house was
even more quiet than usual that even
Ing. Mrs. Livingstone appeared tired
and preoccupied, while Allen fretted
xhildishly over the rather warmed III
flavor OF things on the table.
The offending Chinese came and
went in sullen routine. After the
coffee, Mrs. Livingstone put her ann
lovingly over her sons shoulders ai:d
they went out to the parlor thus.
Il have lovely scheme, dearest,
she said. "Whjle father is away
think it would be nice for you &c
come over ana sleep in your Old
room adjoining mine. 1t will be more
sociab,e and we can play we are both
young again. What do YOU think
II don't mind it, st,id Allen, ,ind!(-
ferentIy, lighting delicate cigari;a
The house was one Of those Nrim!
tive Spanish structures, built o.
adobe, one story and>hree sides facing
an open square-very~ pleasant and
artistic with the deep verandaS, vine
covered and cool, and the little court
always full of flowers and sunshine
but not 80 convenient and practica
for everyday comforts as some more
modern plans for homes The mair
part of the house is taken up by Tie
living rooms leaving the sleeping
in the wings and far sepa
stes,