The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-10-13

ness, against WHICH tue IdlllnS ram SiitCcreu
like fine wires of silver. l shouted aloud
and to my joy got an answer.
"Who is there? What is the matter?"
"a traveller" replied, "who has lost his
way in this cursed swamp. Whoever you
are, you will make friend and find Q re
ward if you lead me out of this"
Come straight on, there is no danger be-
yond getting your feet wet"
"They are that already" answered, and
pressed on, having absolutely to force my
way through the wet rushes, which wound
themselves around me impeding my progress
terribly. Moreover, so sticky was the slime
below that thought every moment it would
pull the boots off my feet. Struggling in
this manner for hundred yards or more,
guided by the fire, and an occasional shout
from my unknown friend, at last touched
hard ground, and with a Thank heaven!"
got out of the swamp, and found myself at
the foot of the hillock, behind which tho
fire was blazing.
(Which way to Bucine?" called out.
care you out of the swamp"
eyes"
"Then come round the shoulder of the
hill to your right, and follow your nose.
You will find shelter here. Bucine you could
never reach tonight, and dog should not
be out in this weather."
"True, friend" 1 muttered, and with q
loud thanks" to the apparently hospitabls
unknown, l followed his directions, and,
rounding the hillock, saw before me, splut-
tering in the rain, a huge fire of pine logs,
at the entrance to q hut of the rudest de-
scription. Inside, perceived a sitting fig
ure, over which the light from the fire alter
nately cast a glare and then left it in dark
ness. / made my way to the open door,
which hung back on hinges of rope, and en-
tered without further ceremony.
"Humph!" snorted my host, without NOV
ing from his position. 81 said it was no
night for dog to be out, did not say any
thing of WOLF"
This change of tone was not SO surpris-
ing, for, dripping wet, covered with mud,
and white with fatigue, my general appear
ance was but little calculated to reassure
anyone. Yet, as l hung my cloak on a
rough wooden peg which caught my eye, I
could not help laughing in mockery as / an
swered:
Evolves, friend, come to wolves lairs"
He took no notice of my remark; but,
him, said "Sit down there" He then rose,
and went toward the fire with an unlit torch
in his hand. This gave me some opportunity
of observing him. / saw he was of spare,
but elastic figure. His head was bare, and
his white hair hung in matted locks over q
lean neck to his shoulders. His dress was
fantastic and entirely out of place to his
surroundings. It consisted of tight-ftting
jerkin Of parti-colored velvet, with pulled
breaches to match, pulled over thick black
hose. On his feet were the ordinary san.
dals of the peasantry, and, as he stopped to
light the torch wood, / saw his face was
scanned with wrinkles, and that his lips
moved rapidly, as if he was speaking, al.
though no sound issued from them. He did
not delay about his business; but fastened
in, and, sticking torch in hole in the
floor between us, resumed his seat, and said,
abruptly:
"Let me look at you"
Apparently his scrutiny was satisfactory,
and did nothing to interrupt him.
"Hungry?"
"No All that ask is to be allowed to
rest here till tomorrow"
'That is well, for have no food to offer
you; but here is some wine in this skim
He reached to a corner and pulled out a
small wine skin. This he placed before me
with the single word drink"
"No, thanks" The whole manner and as
pect of the man were SO peculiar, that, al
though l was much fatisued, judged it
prudent to decline. His quick eye seemed
to read my thoughts, for he laughed little
bitterly as he said:
"Tush, man! There is no fear. You bear
too long sword to have purse worth the
picking, and you are not supping," look
Of hate passed over his features as be
dropped out slowly, with the Borgia. See,
will give you toast-Revenge." He took
a pull at the skin and flung it to me.
Il drink to that" 1 said, tasting the wine
in my turn. Here then was another who,
like me, sought for consolation in ven.