Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-09-15
man. who shortly after died. and II


''After remaining some time in Char
lotte, 1 went to the other end of the
road. aud examined the books of the
connecting agents; but no clue could
be found All agreed that it had been
stolen by the agent who had died, and
was advised by my superior officers
to relinqulsh the search; but, being
anxious to continue it, I was allowed
one month more.
''There are several functions on the
road, and some Offices where mail is
given out in bags and marked for small
country towns and villages. I had
hoped that, on account of the amount of
mail which at that time assed through
the hands of the agents, it had been
overlooked, and had found its way
into the country.
''I had but one week longer in which
to continue my search, when after ex-
amining all the prominent Offices along
the road, 1 alighted from the train at
a station, en- route for a small Office
twelve miles in the interior. The
mail to it-a weekly one-was sent
direct by the mail agent.
81 hired a saddle horse, and amused
myself with the stories of the mail
carrier, boy of twelve OF fourteen
years of age.
Toward noon, arrived at a small
country inn. and, after hasty dinner,
continued on my journey to the post
office, mile and half further on.
1T was beautiful day. The coun-
try was bedecked in all the beauty of
summer. The tall majestic pines.
through which my road lay, waved
their heads in the breeze, and their
heavy sighs brought to mind the deys
of Marion, whose bravery has added
poetry to almost every forest in South
Carolina.
81 was absorbed in thought, when
suddenly the forest ceased, and the
road ran down long hot lane, at the
bottom of which was q large white
house, the residence of the postmis-
tress.
' rode along slowly, admiring the
house as l did so. 1t looked cool and
inviting, and it was surrounded by
mock oranges, while here and there
tall pine waved its head above the
surroundings, and seemed proud of
the ivy that clustered around its trunk.
81 dismounted ut the gate, and
passed up the flower garden. A lady's
hat, some small garden tools and
book were thrown carelessly beneath
the shade of tree, as if some girl,
weary of her work of play and read
ing, had left them to enjoy a walk
among the beautiful shrubbery.
''As ascended the steps, l turned
to enjoy the beauty that surrounded
me, now made more grand by the voice
of the happiest of all songsters, the
mocking- bird. 1t seemed dream--a
something too beautiful and calm to
be true paradise-and 1 could not
refrain from asking myself, as
knocked at the door of this fairy abode,
if 1 were not q serpent come to destroy
all its pleasure and beauty.
''My summons was answered by
man, who asked if l wished to see
Miss Mary.
81 answered I had come to inquire
for letter.
''He summoned Miss Mary, and, as
l.
lowed the Office to be at his house, to
show off his beautiful daughter; and
she was really beautiful girl of
eighteen, and even now l can see the
happy smile with which she greeted
me.
"'Please, ma'am, asked, lis there
letter here for John Jones?
81 used my own name, as l knew
she had never heard of me, and felt
for once as if my occupation was
mean one.
'Jones?' she repeated, as she
looked over dozen letters she took
from small walnut box lying on
table in the parlor. Jones? No, sir;
there is none for you. There are
some for Squire Jones family, she
added, with smile, as she held up
letter directed Miss Fannie JONES'
She will be glad to receive it?' 1
said, after reading the address.
Yes; 1 know she will. 1 know
who it is from, and am going to take
it to her myself, this afternoon. You
don't know her, do you?'
"'No, ma'am,' answered. Il am
a stranger here.
'' 4 thought SO. In fact knew it.
Come to buy cotton, suppose?'
81 came near being thrown off my
guard. After some hesitation an
swered:
''I have come in search of gold.
Then you ought to see Squire
Jones; there is gold on his place, they
say.
"I would like very much to see
him.
81 am going over there this after
noon. 1 will show you the way, she
answered, innocently.
"And, before had time to prevent,
her light footsteps could be heard as
cending the stairs. In few moments
she returned, talking and playing with
her father, with all the freedom OF
spoiled child.
IL