The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-07

sence he got in with these desperadoes.
He's naturally cowardly, an they have
failed to obey their orders. But eff he'd
a-knowed you was Mandy's child he'd
threatened to take his life eff he ever
a-let them cut his throat ruther than
a. harmed you, fur she was about all
he ever cared for. Maybe 1 kin per-
suade him to move over nigh you-uns
/ wish he would. 1 am tired out with
this way of livin'. 1 want to see my
child before 1 die"
II reckon you do" said the young
soldier, pained by the sight of her emo
tion. Come, go with me, now," he
urged. cit UP heer. This hoss will
tote double. Mother an the children
will be glad to see you. Pap is off in
the war"
The old wrinkled face glowed with
pleasure.
81 couldn't think a-goin' now; he's
too weak an waverin' to be left to his
self; but I'll come before long, eff I am
able" Then she broke out a joyous
laugh like that of a child. Il de-
clare, how much like Mandy you
do talk, now 1 know who you are.
You've got her head an eyes. But
you'd better be a-goin' now. Tell
Mandy I'll come over thar as soon as
kin arrange it"
The light of dawn was whitening
the eastern skies as she entered the
cabin door. Coot Marlborough was sit
ting over a big fire, his hands out
stretched to the flames. She saw a
look of intense relief spread over his
face as she came in, and then he gazed
doggedly into the fire. Neither spoke
for several minutes, as she sat drying
her shoes and skirts near him. She
broke the silence presently.
"Coot Marlborough" she said, "I've
got more Christian patience with you
right this minute than j ever had, In
spite of what you tried to do to that
pore wounded. boy last night. The
Heavenly Father stepped between You
an a. awful crime. That boy them fel-
lers might a-rnurdered last night (fur
he'd a-fought 'em till he drapped) was
nobody else but Mandy's Oldest boy
| He started, gazed at her wildly, dr
awful horror growing in his eyes, fol-
| fully a minute; then he hung his head
| and auivered in every limb for long
time. Her dress dried, she rose and
| looked down at his cowed figure pity
ingly.
'I'u fry some bacon an put on g
pan O. bread" she said, gently. But he
made no reply, and she busted herself
with the cooking utensils on the hearth
| at his feet.
HE was mighty. anxious to have us
move over thar she went on. HE
lowed he'd help us with our crops ei
| stunned thai
Mandy an the rest of 'em would like
to see us. Roberts amt thar; he's of
In the war; you wouldn't have to SEE
him. 1 am mighty lonely, so fur from
women folks, an I do want to SEE
Mandy and her other children. pc
think you would, too"
| After what happened last night
the old man began. but he did not fin
ish what he started to say, and, to hid'
his embarrassment, he rose and stooC
in the door
He said he didn't intend to say on,
single word about It," said Mrs. Var
borough, argumentatively; "he ain
the unforgivin' sort"
What time had you ruther start?'
Marlborough asked, his eyes on tn
white mists that were climbing up tn
mountain side. Il kin get a wagol
fur our things an hoss. / don't in
tend to meet them fellers agin. The.
are mad at us, kase he got away las
night. II knowed you had led in
out the back way, but l didn't lie
on, kase-kase they would a-killed yo1
is they had caught you"
"Well go today, then" said the oil
woman. II want to see Mandy might,
bad"
Not since she birth of her only chill,
had Mrs. Marlborough felt so happy a
when she and her husband drove owe
the mountain to join those she loved Il
the peaceful valley beyond.