Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-09-17

II have told you everything about my
self, because have no mother to con-
fide in; and you will no more violate
my confidence than a mother would;
of that am certain
Zach, Mel! I got no leetle vons of
mine own" she answered, with trem-
bling voice. There We're tears in her
eyes, too, when she said: II would doas
much for you us a mudder; guess
would, Nell"
Her love was grateful to me, or
phaned as I had been for many years,
and for the last year without friend
to console or advise me.
bud you vas foolish, Mel, to say you
not see her undil you flint de robbers"
Sarah went on-"foolish of you, and
hart for her, too. bet you she hat
lots of heartache."
what else could I do, though, in
honor7" I exclaimed.
well, you are innocent, and she lofes
you, and knows, too. dat you didn't
rob de bank. So den it would be no dis
honor to drust her lofe and be happy
in i'd"
Sarah's logic found an echo in my
heart. Perhaps it was unjust to Flor
cnce's love not to ask her to share my
burden. I knew, If I could share any
sorrow or trouble Of hers, how happy
I would be.
We soon reached Sarah's house, and 1
refined up to allow her to alight. Then
I continued on my way.
Twineburgh was about two miles
across the valley beyond Sidington. It
was lively little place, of about 1000
inhabitants. One of the great trunk
lines of railroad ran through the town.
The road to Twineburgh crossed the
track at Sidington station, near tho
depot.
AS l reined up my horse to a walk
and glanced up and down the track
before crossing, saw the station agent
standing on the edge of the platform.
1 nodded to the fellow and he an
swered with grin. Then, as he slowly
came toward me, stopped the horse
and waited.
"You took the trunk, didn't you?" he
asked.
mir. Hunsicker came for IT," I re-
piled.
II saw the trunk was gone when I
came back" he said, in his numbering
fashion. IBID Jake take you over to
Nelsonville?"
Eyes. am much obliged to you for
directing me to him." said, shortly.
II thought mebbe he would"
Having said this, he shifted his
weight to the other foot. I patiently
waited.
mice country around Nelsonville,"
he finally went on. "Some of the city
folks beginning to find it out and go
there for the summer. Mr.. Morley's
been there six months now. Know Mr..
Morley?"
II am slightly acquainted with him."
replied.
"Then there's another Teller comes up
from the city. Let's see-what's his
name, now? He's got little hut mile
or so from here, and comes up to hunt
and fish. Guess he don't shoot very
much. 1 never see him take any game
back to town with him. Oh, yes, now I
remember. His names Jackson"
started in surprise and became a
little more interested.
'What? Not Horace Jackson?" /
asked.
Eyes, that's his name. Acquainted
with him?"
II used to know Mr.. Jackson quite
WELL"
Seems to be nice fellow" the agent
remarked, reflectively.
IA very pleasant gentleman. Oh, by
the way" I went on, "is there tele-
graph instrument at the depot?"
ITO be sure"
"And I could send message when
ever want too"
Eyes; that is, whenever I'm here"
"Well, but supposing I had an i'm
portant message to send when you are
not here?" asked. "Where could I
find you?"
II live up the track about O. mile" he
replied.
This direction?"
"Yes. The house is right by the
track, just where the switch begins"
"And what's your name?"
"Ask for Hunter"
It appeared to me that the fellow did
not relish my questioning. He seemed
to be ill at ease under it.
docs Jackson go to Mr.. Morley's
house when he comes up here?" asked.
II guess he does, sometimes. He amt
been up lately; not for five or six weeks.
At least haven't seen him"
docs Mr.. Morley stay at Nelsonyille
all the time?" asked. Cor does he go
to town every day."
HE goes to the city three days in the
week; sometimes nore'n that. He takes
the morning train here at SidingtonL
and comes up to Twineburgh on the
afternoon train"
bowed my head and drove on.
The fellows words gave me food for
thought. Horace Jackson frequent
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