The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1898-06-10
AClEW BY WIRE
Or, An Interrupted Current.
BY HOWARD N. YOST.
Copyright. 1896. by J. B. Lippincott Co.
CHAPTER II.

It was something like coming home,
after all, albeit to a house almost void
of furniture and peopled only with
remembrances of loved forms long since
gone. At any rate, it was the only home
I could really call my own.
There were two rooms, the spare
bedroom and the parlor adjoining, on
the first floor, which still retained the
furniture. Everything about these
rooms, though faded and somewhat
worn, was in good order. and I COM
plimented Mrs. Snyder on the care she
had taken.
Sarah had thrown up the windows,
and the soft evening air came into the
rooms.
Although the place had not been
allowed to go to ruin. there was about
it that indescribable quality which is
attached to long-deserted houses. We
all felt it more or less. Sarah and Mrs
Snyder spoke in whispers; Jake stepped
about on tiptoe, as though fearful that
the heavy tread of his cowhide boots
would bring back the spirits of the
departed; while to myself there was
pathos about the old house which had
not known an inhabitant for so long.
1t seemed like some human being de-
serted by it's own flesh and blood.
While I was passing from bureau
to wardrobe, from center-table to man.
tel-piece, taking mental notes of all the
Old-fashioned china and bric-abrac
which adorned those places still, and
which in my young days had been for
hidden my boyish fingers, Sarah and
Mrs. Snyder made up the bed. taking the
bedding from huge cedar chest which
stood on one side of the room.
Sprigs of spruce and hemlock had
been placed in the chest from time to
time, and when the cover was lifted
the pungent odor filled the room.
All through the preparations no.
ticed that Sarah and Mrs. Snyder were
engaged in earnest conversation.
The old widow was especially vehe-
ment. and Sarah would frequently
shake her head and give forth exclam-
atoms indicative either of wonder or OF
disapprobation. My old nurse also ia
vored me with many glances which
seemed to have much of solicitude in
them.
When everything had been done tc
make me comfortable for the night
Sarah turned to me. and spoke low
with touch of fear in her tones,
"Come, Mel, you go back home with
us" she said. Don't stay here all alone
in dis grade big house. I am afrai,
to hat you. Come back with u.s." she
reiterated, appealingly.
"No, indeed" replied, decidedly. So
would not miss sleeping amid the CRATE
full odor of spruce for anything. II
be over to your house for breakfast
Mrs. Snyder" turning toward the ole
widow. You understand am to TAX,
my meals at your house, do you not ?"
'Yes. Dat ish all fixed Mr.. Son
tag, your lawyer, told me. Bud yo,
better go back NIT Sarah" the OLE
woman replied.
"And why so? What's to hinder m,
staying here in my own house?"
asked. Have you cooked up scheme
Sarah. with Mrs. Snyder, to force me t,
60 back with you?" asked of my oil,
nurse. "Never fear. you'll see enough
of me. Til come over to your hous
often"
The two women exchanged glances
and seemed to be reluctant to proceed
Finally Sarah spoke in awe-strickel
tones, first looking around with
frightened expression.
''Dere's something funny aloud d
house, Nell"
'eHumph! don't see anything funn,
at ALL" replied. There is more sad
:, ness to me-"