Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-06-25
VT, r


knoll been other than he was, this
latest precaution might have served to
excite suspicion that his mind was
beginning to give way under the de-
pressing influences Of his manner of
existence. Afterward, it is true, sus-
picions of the sort came to me, though
they were never long-lived, but at that
time, while wonder was aroused, the
feeling carried with it no suggestion
that he was not actuated by some SUI
ficient reason for the step he had taken.
So far as l knew, his safety was not
threatened; but l had to confess my
self in ignorance of the character OF the
peril he dreaded, and to note his ar
rangements, without approaching the
need of them, much rs raw recruit
might watch the many and seemingly
excessive precautions of veteran in
charge of a magazine.
About fortnight after the adven-
ture in the marsh Lamar surprised me
with an invitation to dine. He said very
little while the meal was in progress,
but when Martha had cleared up the ia
BILE and shuffled off to her own domain
he began to talk with unwonted free
dom. He asked questions about the
village, concerning which his curiosity
vas certainly newborn, and then about
the progress had made in building up
a practice.
"Well," said I, rather sheepishly, cts
slow work. People hcreabouts are
conservative. Most of them have sur
vived old DR.. Banks attentions for
good many years and they are cautious
about changing Besides, most of them
knew me as youngster. and it takes
time to live down the fact that was
boy"
"You maintain the professional air?"
said he, inquiringly.
"Yes, though they give me little
cause to smell of drugs. Strange and
powerful odors would impress them,
I suspect; at least some of the older
brethren seem to find such an aroma
worth carrying about with them"
"You should possess conveyance Of
your own"
$50 far one has been unnecessary. In
case of need, Mrs. Weston lends me a
horse and buggy"
THAT will not suffice. Procure n
suitable vehicle and horse-one of
speed. The cost shall be nine"
every WE'LL" l answered.
He rose and bowed in the fashion in
which he terminated an interview,
oII lo lnff hn
room: Procure them at once"
l understood that in this order he
had an eye as much to his own benefit
as to mine, but it pleased me reverthe
less. There was nothing in the way of
horsef1esh in the neighborhood which
would meet the requirement of great
speed, and ! resolved to drive to Bas-
settville the next day to seek Sam Car
penter's assistance, his knowledge of
the trotting stock of the region being
encyclopaedia in its scope. To the
shrewdness of horse trader born and
bred he joined reasonable amount
of honesty, and, as there could be no
baggling over his commission, he could
be relied on as a trustworthy adviser.
When l drew rein the following morn
ing before his stable he came out to
meet me, with a twinkle of profession
al amusement in his eye as he glanced
at Mrs. Weston's steady old mare and
ramshaclile blackboard.
"Sam," said I, getting down to busi-
ness at once, II want to buy good
horse"
Like enough We dew" he answered,
dryly. MANY dews; some gifts EN-"
II want your help. What's more, I'll
pay for it,"
"Now yer talkin' sense" said he,
warming up little. "Buyin' boss s
like gittin' wife; if yer don't know yer
bizness, good looks II fool We, nine times
out O. ten. But what's yer pick, go or
show?"
"Go," said l. "a horse that will stand
without tying, that's easy to drive, that
has no bad tricks, that will jog along
till he's called upon, and then will give
anything in the country his dust-that's
the horse I'm after"
"D'jer ever try to name a baby SOS 10
suit seven maiden aunts?" he queried,
with what seemed to be unnecessary
irrelevance.
mo"
J "Wall. I reckon we've got the same
kind of job on hand"
ooh, come" said I, you're my re-
lance in this. Scratch your head, and
dig out what I'm after. twill be worth
your while"
He reflected for moment.
"Wall," said he, there's nothin' to
suit we round here; but if yell come
along to Trent, I'll show We just the
article yer after"
The proposal pleased me; for had
several errands to attend to in that
city, and ride of less than an hour by
rail would carry us there.
Come on, then" said Carpenter,
when l had agreed to his plan; lets
get down ter the deepo. Trains due in
ten minutes"
During the trip he told me some
thing of the various happenings in
Rassettville, and, in turn, sought news
of Rodneytown in general, and Of my
patient in particular. He had heard,
he said, story that the invalid was
rich brewer from the south who had
been sent to a less enervating climate. /
prayed that the yarn might receive gen
eral circulation and credencc, though
how it had been started was one of the
mysteries of countryside gossip.
Hes from Charleston, South Car
liny, some folks allow" said Carpenter,
suggestively.
From that direction, certainly" l
answered.
HE keeps mighty close"