The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-01-13

"'T b'longs to Dick Oscar. an you
know it," said the girl, fiercely. Now
I'm goin' back home"
You don't know of any more such"
said the insatiate peddler "lyin' round
loose up hei'e?"
1--WE done enough. An. look here;
keep your tongue between yo' teeth.
Tell that ! fetched you here. an you
won't see many r.ore sun-ups with them
spyin' eyes"
Mr.. Pond was tolerable woodsman,
and he led Capt. Peters and his scouts
to the mountain still without trouble.
They were all there-the Bleyiock boys,
the father. and young Oscar. They
were hard at work, and. surprised, were
handcuffed without the firing of gun.
The prisoners were halted at the
Bleylock cabin for baggage and good
bys. They were to go to the peniten-
tiary.
Mrs. Bleylock and Eliza wept and
moaned their fate; but Janey was still.
her brown lids yelling the duh fire of
her eyes.
"Janey, my girl" said Oscar, drawing
her apart, 81 spoke up rough to you
t'other day. But don't you mind it.
'Twarn't nothin' but jealousy"
Her eyes softened. Mountain pinks,
as we'll as some fine ladies. consider
jealousy as tribute to their charms.
perhaps I'll never come back" said
he.
She seized him by the arm.
"Dick, what can they do t you?"
Dunno. Most likely I'll kill some
body tryin' to git away, and be strung"
Janey burst into tears.
Shouldn't wonder f you married one
o. the Jareds," he said. piling on the
gloom.
"Dick Oscar. promised to marry
you, an don't go back from my word"
mo, an don't" cried Dick. There
amt as pretty shaped girl as you On
the Cumberland; an If ever l do git
back"
He whispered the rest in Janeys ear,
and she clung to him, blushing a deep,
deep rose.
"'S jest one thing l want to know"
said old Bleylock, as they tramped to
Nashville; 'how'd you find us?"
The captain laughed.
. Been entertainin' a peddler, haven't
you? Which one O. your gals d he make
up to?"
Father and brothers swore. Dick
Oscar nodded to his discernment, with
human triumph.
A few days later a young girl walked
into Nashville, who had never been in
city before. She asked but one ques-
tion-the way to the governors house.
That accessible mansion was readily
found; doors were swinging open; and
announced by sleepy darky, Janey
Bieylock stood in the governors pres
ence.
With fine and courteous manner
that ntleman listened, struck by her
figure, her full voice and passionate
eyes. He promised to use his influence
with the president to procure pardon
for Dick Oscar and the Bleylocks. and
Janey was allowed to go to prison with
the cheering news.
The mountain girl was heard of in
high circles. Hearts beat warmly in
lovely southern bosoms. and they made
a heroine of Janey.
"Why don't you marry here?" said
beautiful enthusiast, who had called to
see Janey, and kissed her, because she
knew SO we'll how to love. MARRY here,
and I'll give you wedding dress"
$50 we will" said Dick Oscar, when
he was out of prison.
And Janey went home wife, as if
the stars had been diamonds, and
strung like a larlaspur chain for her
neclo-father, brothers, husband, shell
tering her in their love.
Mrs Bleylock and Eliza ran to meet
them. Eliza thought perhaps some one
else would come with them. Had no.
her lover left her with kiss and
promise to come back?
The pink ribbon was round her neck.
Her lips were parted in happy, vacant
smile.
The old father was in advance. He
thrust out his arm as Eliza drew near.
Don't you speak to mel"
"Pappy!"
Keep away from my hands!"
The smile had gone. The vacant look
spread over the face that turned help
lessly to her brothers.
"You ought to be whipped like mig
ner." said Sam Bleylock. "What'd you
tell that peddler bout Oscar'sstill for?
Might "a known he was foolin' you"
II didn't tell where the still was"
Hob! you lie, too" And her father,
passing by, struck her with the back of
his hand.
Shame on you. pappy!" and Janey
ran TO her sister, over whose lips the
blood was pouring.
Her husband drew Janey away
Don't touch her" he said. with look
of f'disgust; "she amt fit"
A wild, terrified look swept over
Janey's face. Should she grasp at the
wind blowing in the treetops above
her? She caught Dick Oscars arm.
holding it fiercely. Here was some
thing to clasp to cling to. Her soul
shriveled in her ardent body.
Afterward Eliza Bleylock seemed to
wither away She repeated her denial
of having been traitor. but no one
ever believed her. She worked hard.
and was used roughly. She had never
been strong. Sometimes she stole
away and nursed Janeyls baby. who
seemed to love her, But never when
Dick Oscar was at home.
One day. sitting by the spring alone.
too weak. since long time TO work. she