The Delta independent., 1897-11-12


you've been brought both to de same
place togedder. And know she lofes
YOU"
You are more certain than am of
that" 1 answered. somewhat Gloomily.
81 have told you everything about my
self, because l 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! l got no leetle vons of
mine own" she answered, with trem-
bling voice. There were tears in her
eyes. too. when she said: Il would do as
much for you as a mudder; l guess l
would, Mel"
Her love was grateful to me, or
rl,aned rs 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
rot see her undil you flint de robbers"
Sarah went on-''foolish of you, and
hart for her, too. bet you she haf
lots of heartache."
what else could I do, though, in
lonor?" 1 exclaimed.
'Vell, you are innocent, and she iofes
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 could share any
SORROW or trouble of hers, how happy
would be.
We soon reached Sarah's house, and 1
refined up to allow her to alight. Then
l Icontinued on my way.
Twineburgh was about two miles
across the valley beyond Sidington. 1t
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 tho
track at Sidington station, near the
depot.
As l reined up my horse to a walk
and glanced up and down the track
before crossing, i saw the stntion agent
standing on the edge of the platform.
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. slar
'Mr. Hunsicker came for it," re-
piled.
II saw the trunk was gone when 1
came back" he said, in his numbering
fashion. Ibid Jake take you over to
Nelsonville?"
ayes. / am much obliged to you for
directing me to him." said. shortly.
81 thought mebbe he would"
Having said this, he shifted his
weight to the other foot. l patiently
waited.
"Nice country around Nelsonville,"
he finally went on. "Some of the city
folks beginning to find 1t out and go
there for the summer. Mr.. Morley's
been there six months now Know Mr..
Mor,ey?"
81 am slightly acquainted with him."
/ replied.
"Then there's another feller 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. never see him take any game
back to town with him. Oh. yes. now I
remember. His names Jackson"
little moro interested.
what? Not Horace Jackson?"
asked.
"Yes, that's his name. Acquainted
with him?"
~ used to know Mr.. Jackson quite
. we'll"
'Seems to be a nice fellow" the agent
remarked. refectively.
"a very pleasant gentleman. Oh, by
the way" / went on, "is there q tele-
graph instrument ut the depotT
TO be sure"
"And 1 could send o message when
ever I want to?"
ayes; that is, whenever I'm here"
"Well. but supposing l had an i'm
portant message to send when you are
not here?" 1 asked. "Where could
ind your
II live up the track about mile" he
.eplied.
"This dircction?"
"Yes. The house Il right by the
rack, just where the switch begins"
"And what's your nameT"
"Ask for Hunter"
It appeared to me that the fellow did
rot relish my questioning. He seemed
% be i'll at case under Il.
"Does Jackson go to Mr.. Morley's
iouse when he comes up here r. 1 asked.
II guess he does. sometimes. He amt
oeen up lately; not for five or six weeks.
At least haven't seen him."
"Does Mr.. Morley stay at Nelsonville
Ill the time?" nsked. '-Or does he 60
to town every day?"
ssIlo srx<>~ 20 <h~ rsHv N6r.~. A. q ~
week; sometimes more'n that. He takes
the morning train here at sidington,
and comes up to Twineburgh ON the
afternoon train
bowed rly head and drove on.