Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-01-24

hearts and Annie's sibilant breathing;
a watt of flower-spiced air shook the
feeble candle flame, a moth dashed
,nadly through it; the doctor put some
thing to the pale lips; the patient seemed
to sleep.
Some seconds passed; Arley stood
rigid and erect; cold dews sprang on
Stephens strong square brow; his
mouth was parched.
Then Annie started and sat up. For
give!" she cried, gazing into her hus-
bands face drawn, and stretching out
her hands to him. The effort brought
blood from the wounded lungs to the
mouth and she fell back, her eyes turn
ing to Arley and closing with smile
forever.
1t seemed not long after that Adams
found himself in the kitchen, where a
fire had been kindled and candle
burned dimly, but not so 'dimly that he
did not see dark, wet stains on the
stone floor. The doctor was holding
his arm firmly, Arley was standing be.
fore him with sullcn, defiant gaze ID
his large, dreamy eyes.
Its four years since I saw Annit
Duke, Mr.. Adams" he was saying,
It'll this afternoon. Mother died at
five o'clock. I'd overstaved my leave
for day and they were after me. l
slipped along the hedge in the ditch to
your orchard, and SO through the gar
den and wooi-house, where your wife
saw me and took me to the strong beer
cellar, and hid me, and gave me the
smock frock. There l should have
stayed until could have got off quiet
in plain clothes. But 1 heard the shot
and the cries and ran out and helped
carry her up. That's all have to say"
"And that's enough" said deep
voice from dark corner whence issued
two soldiers, while third appeared at
the door.
"Quite enough" replied Arley, salut-
ing. Good night, gentlemen"
Good night" replied Adams, me-
chanically, as Arley and the three sol
diers, each with Good night, all"
vanished into the pale summer night,
where their measured tread gradually
died away into silence.
"Her last look was for him, and
self.
II was never more sorry for any
body in my life, Mabel, the doctor told
his wife afterwards 1.-The man was
like stone. The woman told him his
wife had said she was glad to go,
thankful for the shot"
The tailor's son slept but brokenly;
sometimes he was glad to hear solitary
footsteps echoing along the silent
streets and passing into the cool and
pleasant night; his spirit seemed to
pass into the freshness with the I'M
known steps. He walked tonight to
hear the belfry clock chime the four
quarters and strike twice on the deep
bell that sounded fuller and more sol
emn on the silent night. The air stole
fresh and sweet through the open win
dow. 1t was not unpleasant to lie
awake in the restful stiffness. A quar-
ter chimed and the half hour. The
bells were like the voice of a watching
spirit, telling that all is well. Then
from far OFF rose the faint roll of
wheels and quick beat of hoofs, louder
and louder, till the sound ceased at the
opposite door, and the doctor drowsil Y
dropped to the pavement. He was
cheered by the red light of the shaded
candles on the table where the supper
was still waiting, cheered still more by
the sight of his wife opening the door,
flushed with sleep, charming in CAM
brio dressing with pink ribbons
and pink slippers, her shining hair
gathered into long thick plait that
fell over one shoulder, her eyes bright
with welcome and kindness.
He thought Of poor Annie's words:
IL I'd thought you'd q cared for me
it you'd said kind word" So, to
Keep himself from over softness, he
roundly rated Mrs. Newman for being
up.
But she only laughed and stopped his
mouth in the proper way.