Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-08-21

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"Yes'm-I'm quite aware Of that, {"
said Israel, meekY. "And where no
offense is intended, it's hoped as none
will be took. But, knowing as you
was alone and unprotected
II don't know what you call unpro-
tected," brusquely interrupted Miss
Ives. "I've got loaded gun and q
six-gallon kettle of boiling water here. I"
"And," mildly went on Israel Jen-
kins, "this ere gentleman, Mr.. Mar
shall, of Alabama, wanted a pleasant
lodging in the neighborhood, which
meals could be took at the Toplady
Arm-though our apartments is all oc-
cupied with the gentry as come to fish
and shoot, through October--and No.
vember-an it might be a consolation
to you, Miss Ives, to have gentleman
about the premises; and I could par
ticular recommend him as very quiet
and decent"
"Good gracious!' said Miss Isidora.
"Why don't the man speak up for
himself? Is he deaf and dumb?"
'Tt would be a great kindness,
ma am" said Mr.. Marshall, of Ala
bama, at this direct appeal.
Miss Ives hesitated.
"Well," she said at last, IT don't
know that I've any objections. Re-
becca, unbolt and unchain the door!"
And SO The Tower garrison was
strengthened by an addition of one.
ne NT;ao TcsIDro al
Mr.. Marshall the whole story before
he had dwelt twenty-four hours be-
hind the queer little wooden battle
ments Of The Tower. Mr.. Marshall
listened quietly.
Isn't it n clear case Of swindling
and extortion?" she demanded, ex-
citedly, with her short curls (parted
on one side, like man'sl all rumpled,
her cheeks reddened, her plump little
fist unconsciously doubled
II should think so," said Mr. Mar
shall.
"Would you submit to it?" she
asked.
"No, I wouldn't" said Mr.. Mar
shall.
"And all because my great-grand-
fathers name was written John b. in
stead of John G., in the deed," per-
sisted Miss Isidora. "Why, any
schoolboy would be ashamed to avail
himself of any equivocation like that"
Mr.. Marshall proved himself quiet
and peaceable member Of the little
household. He liked dogs, and al-
lowed Miss Ives King Charles spaniel
to sleep, undisturbed, amid the papers
on his table.
He was partial to birds, and en-
tered, ut once, into the most friendly
of alliances with the parrot and the
macaw. He grated Miss Isidora's
orange tree for her, and showed her
new way to train her wax plants.
And at the end of four weeks Miss
Isidora put into execution plan which
she had long been forming.
"Mr. Marshall" said she, cts a
great deal of trouble for you to go
three times day tramping down that
long hill to the Toplady Arms and
back again. You are no longer
stranger to us here. We have learned
to respect and trust you. If you
choose to take your meals with us
here, shall be quite willing to admit
you to my frugal table, as friend"
Mr.. Marshnll's countenance changed
oddly. He made curious sound in
his throat as if he were swallowing
something.
"Miss Isidora," he said, II can't"
"Cantn' repeated the lady.
"Nothing could induce me to eat
salt under this roof" said Mr.. Mar
shall, incoherently.
"Bless and save us! Is the man
mad?" cried Miss Isidora Ives.
81 am, socially speaking, fraud"
said the stranger forgery"
Miss Ives sat down on the sofa in a
helpless way and stared at him.
"But your sweet graciousness and
kindness have conquered me-" added
Mr.. Marshall.
"What do you mean?" said Miss
Ives.
"Just this" said the stranger, II
am here on false pretenses. I am
your cousin, the plaintiff Ny name
isn't Marshall, but Gideon Marshall
Robinson.
"Ma'am," whispered the heartless
maid, who turned absolutely green on
hearing the name of the family
enemy, "shall 1 bring the kettle of
boiling wnter?'
"Rebecca," said Miss Ives, "hold
your tongue and go out and feed the
young turkeys. 1 am fully compe-
tent to manage this matter myself"
And Rebecca, feeling herself put
down, departed.
"I came here" went on Mr.. Rob
inson, "to look into the facts OF the
case for myself. 1 have heard of your
prejudices against me-
"Yes, 1 think so," interposed Miss
Ives.
"And 1 do not blame you for them,"
said Mr.. Robinson. ''Now that nm
personally acquainted with you, Miss
ives, nothing could induce me to
prosecute this
Ubiquitous claim!' interposed Isl
dora.
"Iuiquitous claim!" acceded Mr..
Robinson, with a repetition of the
swallowing sound. "Just what you
please to call it. I respect you as a
lady, but I appreciate YOU as rela.
tive; but, of course, knowing who I
am. Won cannot tolerate me any longer
as vour friend. will pack my bag
aud depart at once. l can only feel
reoratful that + '>reived you so