Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-12-22

the mountain trail FOR the coming
OF the young hunter. nor that TIKI
light of gladness left her expressive
face whenever she saw him disappear
ing in the rocky heights above the
valley.
OF late Mart Estel had taken to Wis
fling the valley, but It CHANGED that
he never came there except when
George Heron was away.
Eli Taylor had ceased going to Can
Jon City; indeed, he seemed TO have
lost all interest in the farm, In his
family, and himself.
Lena and her mother tried to cheer
him, and Tom worked harder than
ever to make up for his fathers
losses, but still Eli went about like a
man whose heart was broken.
The reason for this melancholy was
at length made manifest, One day
Mart Estel, accompanied by stout,
florid man of forty, who looked much
like himself, came to the farm and
held a long consultation with Eli Tay.
Tor.
II have kept it all from my chill.
dren," said Eli Taylor to Estel and
his companion, who was known as
Lawyer Roggs," but | reckon the
best way is to have them in and make
a clean breast OF It,
Eyes; they might as well know 1t
first as last said Estel, "and more
particularly Lena, for she's got II in
her power to square the account.
How SOP" asked Eli.
Didn't tell you how when last
you was down, and didn't you prom
Use to speak to her about it?' asked
Estel.
81 wasn't myself then. I've forgot
all about it, and | wish could forget
that ever came to this settlement"
said the distracted man.
Have your family in and let us
talk it over" said Lawyer Roggs, as
he drew some papers from his pocket
Mrs. Taylor, Lena and Tom were
called in. and Mart Ilstel. without any
preliminaries, went on to tell how for
year or more Eli Taylor had been
getting deeper and deeper into his
debt.
Il loaned money and did all could
for Mr.. Taylor" said Estel, land at
last, seeing that he could not pay me,
/ took mortgage on the farm and
the stock. The mortgage is due, and
If Mr.. Taylor or none of the family
amt able to take it up I'll sell the
place or I'll take it for what's due
me-"
Il don't know anything about law
said Tom Taylor, "and don't want to
know, but I've tried, and 50 have
mother and Lena, to work hard and
make living up to this time. Ia.
ther had no right to mortgage the
farm and the stock, for they are
more of my making than his, and
do not propose to let any man inter.
fere with my rights"
"Ah, my young frend,' said Law.
yer Roggs, opening one of the papers
he held in his hand, your father has
here sworn that he owns this farm
and the stock; If he has sworn to
what amt true, why, all Mr.. Estel
has to do lis to apply to the officers
OF the law in Denver and have him ar.
rested for swindling and perjury"
On hearing this Eli Taylor groaned
and his wife covered her face with
her thin hands.
i have no more to say about it,"
said Tom, going to the door, "only
this-that the man who arrests nv
father will undertake life job, and
the man who carries off our little
property must do so by force.'
After Tom had gone Lena asked:
Mr. Bstel, can't you give us time
TO pay you? Father got only harm
at your place. He was not drunk.
ard nor q gambler before we came
here"
And | didn't make him one or the
other" said Estel. But / told him
before what / tell you now-that is,
that you can say the word that'H free
him from debt and make yourself
rich"
What is that?' asked Lena with
forced calmness.
BE my wife," said Estel, reaching
cut his hand
Lena drew back and the color fled
her face. Her simple life had made
her mind without any thought Of the
consequences.
Marry you?' she said. "How could
do so when do not love you?"
But you will learn to love me-"
said Estel.
That is impossible.
"Why SOP"
because 4 love another"
who is he?"
That matters not" she said, with
spirit you have my answer"
But i will not take mo- for On
answer. Think over what I have said.