The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1899-08-09
ABSOLUTELY PURE

came to Soonville. He was a tall,
handsome, melancholy individual, very
reckless, very wild - fascinating,
though; a sort Of careless style about
him, certain nonchalant frankness
that would make you share your last
crust with him and give him your last
red copper. What are you blushing
about? And honestly I am glad that
urgent private business compelled him
to pass, on flying trip, incog, but
I am anticipating.
"Mr. Armistead very promptly got
into a difficulty in Boonville, when it
fell in my way to render him slight
service. Six weeks ago or thereabouts
he dropped in on me one evening, bag
in hand, to bid me good-by, and to
thank me for what he was pleased to
call my kindness to him.
HE was going-by the way, he
didn't say what was his destination
no matter, Your picture was hanging
over the shelf that served as a mantel
in my rude quarters (you see, had left
it there, hoping it would make good
woman-hater of me), and as soon as he
saw that picture he made sudden
movement toward it-almost q jump
it was. He controlled himself and sat
down again, but he could look at Moth
ing else.
That is a striking likeness he
said, at last; it might have been taken
for her-of the most beautiful woman
ever saw. I spent but one hour in
her society, but will never forget her.
Interesting, romantic I murmur-
ed. 1t strikes me would not have
been satisfied with one hour; would
have continued the acquaintance
There must have been something
compelling in my desire to hear that
story, for he added:
"It happened this way: I was a
fugitive. Why? No matter'-and he
looked dreamily at the curling smoke
Of his cigar, as if it might be the
wrath of that past to which he re-
ferred. 4 was passing in disguise
through strange city. To elude those
who were spying upon me, l entered
at night a certain house in quiet
quarter Of the town. I did It in
the most natural way in the world;
7 simply raised the latch Of a door
which. through some oversight, per-
haps, had been left unlocked. 1t was
a. roomy old place, and there didn't
seem to be many people about; in fact,
it was occupied by an elderly couple
and their daughter. Toward midnight
left my hiding place and entered the
parlor.
"I had been there a short time
when, providentially, as it turned out,
a lady stole in. She had some difficult
ty in getting about in the dark, but
she finally struck a match, lit a candle.
and looked into big mirror that was
hanging at one end Of the room. What
in the mischief she did it for I can't
conceive-can you? I have wondered
a hundred times what brought her
there, it was my good angel, sup
pose.
81 shall never forget her look OF
terror when, as she held the candle
above her head, she saw me behind
her. I didn't want any outcry, and l
did not want to terrorize her; put my
arms about her, for she could hardly
stand, and grasping the candle, beg
ged her to be calm. When she be-
came so, I threw myself upon her
mercy. l begged her to look upon me
as a fellow-creature in misfortune;
not to judge, but to help me. She an
swered my prayer in letter and spirit.
I left the house, walked out of the city,
and attained a place Of safety
81 don't think I gave a sign Of life
during that narration; I was a statue,
but a statue that would wake to life,
rest assured Of that.
When he was gone-and wished
him Godspeed with all my heart-I
thought would jump on the first train
and come right back here; but bet
ter plan suggested itself, and decided
to defer my return a few weeks.
'I remembered your promise to look
in the old mirror On the 31st Of Octo- :
Der; and Just suppose, said to myself,
Just suppose I should surprise her, i'm
probable as it seems, before that old
mirror on next Halloween! She'll be
obliged to forgive ne in self-defense.
COURAGE OF A COWBOY.