The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-15

JOnutnhn JhchSOu Uo Hcr iriciu, niIs.
Samuel Pearl.
yourself at home. It's precious little con-
versation, though, one can have with one,s
neighbor about what's going on in the
mountains with the men folks talking
nothing all the time except them revenue
sharks" And Mrs. Pearl looked uneasily
through the window Of the little sitting
room that commanded a general view OF
the mountain road that skirted past her
home like tho trail of serpent and was
lost in the gloom of the cedar trees that,
mingling with the dense underbrush,
caught the eye on all sides.
"How's AliceS" asked Mrs. Pearl rather
abruptly.
''Fair as can be expected Elizabeth.
The girl don't seem to be the same creature
since Ike went away, though the Lord
knows / thought a great deal of the boy,
more SO than ever let on TO Jonathan.
But Jonathan was down on the lad, and
what's weak woman going to do against
a strong mans oppositionS" And Mrs
Jonathan Jackson sighed.
"Been five years now, Miranda, since
Ike went away. l always wondered why
he left here, but folks can't be personal,
you know, and ask questions that don't
concern them" Mrs. Pearl said inquisi-
lively, drawing her chair few inches
nearer to Mrs. Jonathan Jackson.
"Well, Elizabeth, knowing you don't
talk about other peoples business"-and
here Mrs. Jackson Looked suspiciously at
her guest-'I don't mind telling you Of
the affair Ike Holland, you see, Jonathan
took out of an orphan asylum when the
boy was about . years old and brought
him home TO raise. Jonathan had been on
visit to Nashville and thought nothing
would be better than to bring the lad here.
Twas little before Alice was born, and
the boy, IL seems, became attached TO the
girl from her birth.
but Jonathan was proud, and he used
to tell Ike how he came to be in the family
and that Ia owed him great deal. You
know how Ike grow up TO manhood and
how IL was said that in these parts there
wasn't one who could stand up and fight
the revenue officers like him. There's many
distillery which the lad saved by warn
ing the owners, and Jonathan himself Is
under obligation TO the boy on that score
But the day came when | saw that Ike
thought great deal of my girl and that
she wasn't at all dispieased with his ut
tentions. But Jonathan was blind-never
seemed to see that the two were forever In
each others company.
lone day Ike, man like tells Jonathan
he wished to marry the girl But Jona-
than became furious and told him he
wasn't anything but miserable outcast-
an object of charity. He went further; he
struck the Lad a terrible blow. That was
his answer. Ike did not strike back.
heard him mutter something for Alice's
sake. But the lad raised his hand and
swore that he would even up things with
Jonathan If IL took until Judgment day.
Then he went away and no one has over
heard Of him since"
Mrs. Jackson sighed softly to herself.
Mrs. PEARLS eyes were wide open with sur
prise, and she wondered how the true story
of likes disappearance had remained a Sc
cret so long.
Getting dark, Miranda, and I guesSI
had better be going up the road. :" And Mrs.
jackson bade her friend goodby.
The November sun was gradually dis
appearing behind the mountains and the
long shadows of the fading sunlight cast
spectral figures here and there among the
trees
Mrs. Jackson then lighted the oil lamp
and made ready for the evening supper.
Presently the sound OF a conveyance was
heard in the roadway and Jonathan Jack
son and his daughter Alice alighted They
had been down 10 the village, n ride Of go
miles over the mountain roads, to provide
themselves with some necessary supplies
What's the news in the village, Jona-
tbanP" inquired his wife.
Nothing much. Some reports out
about the revenue officers, though don't
take much stock in the stories" And
Jonathan relapsed into moody silence.
The rest of the meal was eaten in quiet,
and after the dishes were cleared away
Jonathan sat comfortably 10y the fire and
smoked his pipe, as the November evenings
were becoming chilly and unpleasant.
After an hour had passed there was the
sound of horseman approaching near to
the house, and moment later some one
knocked at the door.
Jonathan rose, surprised, from his seat
and opened the door.
docs Jonathan jackson live hereS" In
quired the newcomer.
my name is Jonathan Jackson" an
swered the master OF the house. "What Is
your business?" And Jonathan looked at
the stranger with suspicion.
II am making journey over the noun
tains, and would like TO stay here tonight
at least. F"
For moment Jonathan Jackson looked
surprised Then he bade the stranger en-
ter, while he went outside and put up his
horse
In the light Of the room the stranger ap-
peared Co DO a man of somc 30 years of age.
He possessed dark beard of luxuriant
growth, which concealed what wouls have
been considered a handsome face were II
boreft OF its hirsute appcndage. The guest
took his seat near the fire and kept his
peace In few minutes Jonathan re
turned and Joined the family circle
1T appears 10 me, stranger, l saw you
today In the village, Jonathan ycntured.
Possibly. was there" the guest an
swered
"On busincsss"
"On business"
Then Jonathan was silent for n moment
He was apparently Ill at ease
II suppofo you hayo heard that IL Is
pretty dnr9crous travelling in these partsS"
again vcntui ! Jonathan.
"Is i,?" said rho stranger, and Jonathan