Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-08-25

"Sit down, man, and get your breath, !"
said Bouton, laying his hand on Patch's
shoulder and forcing him down. "Sit
down and tell me all about il. Don't
speak out loud, for I've just had devil
Of a time trying TO quiet those two
girls. p"
Patch did sit down, and after time
he got his breathing under control and
told his story with considerable clear
ness, though Bouton's impatient ques-
tions prevented anything like consecu-
tive narrative.
"And Brandon rescued the doctor?"
said Bouton at length.
Yes. 1t all happened just as ! told
YOU"
Hist For your life, do not speak so
loud. Here Follow me away from the
fire. We must speak where there is no
danger Of being overheard. He led
Patch 10 the bank Of the stream and sat
down beside him under tree. Now go
on, but talk low, and for your life after
this tell no one the story. ;"
Patch told his story with much detail,
nor did he neglect 10 give himself due
prominence When he had concluded,
Bouton slapped him on the back.
Now, Patch, not word Of this 10
any one Do You understand"
you can bet your bottom dollar do.
I'm up to snuff, am. The feller that
can keep stiller tongue IN his mouth
than me was born dumb. F"
Good. Now 90 and take sleep II
will soon be daylight. "
Patch followed this advice by coiling
dp where he was and going TO sleep at
once, and Bouton went back 10 the slum-
bering fire and resumed his doing.
Sim Bliss was awake when Patch
came gasping into camp. Waiting till
Patch sat down, Sim, always ready TO
play the spy, crept softly over to point
from which he could hear every word Of
the conversation without being himself
observed And when, for greater secu-
rity. Bouton led Patch 10 the edge Of the
stream. Sim followed, and not word
escaped him He communicated what he
had heard 10 his brother, and II was
agreed between them that Sim should
make his way To- Deadwood and tele
graph 20 his father to come on.
While they We're discussing the stu
alton in frightened whispers the stars
began To pale and the crests Of the
mountains 10 the west took on the hue
Of fire opals Bearded figures rose from
the ground in every direction and began
to yawn and stretch themselves. The
horses and mules, resting with lowered
hips beside the river, began TO prick up
their ears and resume their grazing.
The fires were renewed, and those whose
duty IL was To cook set about getting
the morning meal. Henry Kyle went
down to the river 10 wash his face aDd
hands. lie bent over mirrurlike ex-
panse under the shade of bush, and
he was Mortified at the expression Of his
own face. IL was so aged, CHASTITY and
haggard. He had not slept much, and
il seemed 20 him that he could never
sleep again. His mother was ever III his
mind, or when he was not thinking Of
her he was troubled about the prisoners,
and he cursed himself for the part he
had taken III their capture. Having
bathed, he returned 10 the campfire,
and though it was out Of his way he
passed near the tree under which Alice
and Clara were sitting. The former did
not raise her white face There was no
need % do So. lie could see the unutter-
able anguish Of its expression, and
again h. mentally cursed himself. He
loved Alice Blanchard with all the
fervor and blindness Of his impulsive
nature, and ne imagined that when she
was wholly under his protection he
could win her. But he had learned his
mistake He looked at Clara III an in
definite way, as one preoccupied stares
into space He saw the slender, girlish
figure and the sad, wondering eyes, and
he staggered back and woke up 70
realization Of the situation. He could
have sworn for the moment that his sis
ter Nora was before him. Like one
fascinated and moving against weak
ening will, he went over and with un-
covered head stood before the sisters
Still Alice never looked up. She could
not have been aware Of his presence.
The terrible grief in her brave, pure
heart controlled every thought Of her
brain. The introverted look could take
no cognizance Of the external world.
She did not return his bow, made no
sign 20 indicate that she was aware of
his presence, but she was thrilled when
he fell on his knees and said with
choking voice:
For Gods sake, let me speak to
youl"
Speak" " replied Clara. "We are
helpless TO prevent you.
Il do not blame You for hating me-"
he stammered and rising stood with de-
jected head Il and / alone, am TO
blame for the misfortune that has be-
fallen you. In my heart, which is not yet
wholly dead 10 the early teachings Of a
well beloved mother, l realize my own
degradation, and / come TO offer you my
aid. "
Your aid! You offer your add" said
Alice in low, sad tones that pierced him
like knife thrusts.
THAT is what said, and will die
before l break my word. "
Your wordr' In this there was an.
Dther thrust.
Il do not blame you for doubling it.
have done everything to make myself
and my promises despicable in your
eyes. But try me and trust me- Let Inc
know how l can help you. "
Truly, you must be anxious
81 am
"Then you must be blind if you can
not see what we want" she said, avert
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