Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-07-22
CHAPTER II.
A FRIEND IN NEED.

he was the victim of false accusation
that he was under no pecuniary obliga-
tions to Farmer Price. but that the
money paid to him by his employer, on
which the charge for his arrest was
based. was for services faithfully rem
dered.
The word of the wealthy farmer was
sufficient to deprive him of his liberty.
while his influence was such that he
could have Robins trial postponed for
almost an indefinite period. In truth
Zadie' father was aware that the young
man confinement in Jail was an effec-
tual obstacle to his lovemaking, while
at the same time it cleared the way for
carrying out his plans Of marrying her
to Caleb Shurker.
But Edward Robin was not the kind
of man to despair. Buoyant by nature,
possessed of a resolute will and great
confidence in his own resources. he bore
up under his misfortunes with cheerful
courage and sought consolation in the
exercise Of the talents with which ma
ture had literally endowed him.
10 while away the dull hours Of his
imprisonment he learnll to play the
fiddle. In this instrument he discov-
cred a new language in which to ex-
press his disappointment and sorrow.
his deep affection for his sweetheart
and all the tumultuous emotions that
harassed his melancholy soul. Plaintive
strains Of melody, waited through the
bars Of his cell, reached the ears Of ro-
mantle damsels in the outer world, and
they would gather under his window of
a pleasant summer evening to exchange
sighs of pity on his behalf for his story
had got abroad in Goshen, and he had
become the ideal hero of many senti-
mental heart
Months rolled by. and still Robin re-
mained prisoner. No trial had been
accorded him. nor was there the slight
est prospect of hearing for his case,
and all this while he had received no
word or token from Zadie 1t was ap-
parent that the vigilance of her father
was never for moment relaxed and
that no messages could pass between
them. The strains of the fiddle were
now so melancholy and grief laden that
one of the prisoners fair listeners was
moved to active pity and resolved to
offer him substantial consolation.
Joe Westbrook. the jailkeeper, had
a very beautiful daughter named Polly.
She was of great assistance to him in
his work inasmuch as she had assumed
the entire duty of providing food for
the prisoners. And now that one of
them had interested her sympathies che
took upon herself the further duty of
taking their meals to them in person.
It may have been the result Of acci-
dent. but, singularly enough. the full
est plate and the choicest viands now
found their way through the ''grief
hole" of Edward Robins cell. Occa-
sionally delicacy not included in the
bill of fare was added to his meals
Sometimes it was a quail or partridge.
sometimes flask of wine There was
no mistaking the significance of these
gifts. They informed him that mys-
terious friend was taking an interest in
his welfare.
As soon as he was convinced of the
fact he resolved to ascertain this per-
sons identity. so he set himself to
watching Heretofore it had been his
custom to keep aIoof when his meals
were brought him: now. however, he
determined to take them in person from
the tray. The next time his "grief
hole" was opened for the introduction
of food. therefore. he advanced to the
door and greeted the tray bearer with
cheerful salutation.
GOOD day to you. friendl" he cried
as he took the dish proffered him. 81
thank you most gratefully for your at
tention.
A deep drawn sigh was the only an
swer to his words
What! Have you no cheering re-
ply for meY' he asked beginning to
suspect the truth. Come. let us shake
hands. for bear you no grudge, al
though you are my jailer.
AS he had anticipated. a slender
white hand and Just the suggestion of
an intrancingly lovely arm were thrust
through the "grief hole. and after he
had pressed the fingers. withdrawn in
timid haste
God bless you, my friend!' ex-
claimed Robin. with genuine feeling,
"for. whoever you may be, | am sure
you sympathize with my unhappy
fate.
ALIAS, sir. answered the sad. sweet
voice. "who would not synpathize with
your
Further conversation between them
was interrupted by the sound of foot
steps in the corridor Nevertheless their
brief interview was sufficient to con-
vince the prisoner that he had made
friend upon whom he could rely.
Every day thereafter Polly Westbrook
found opportunities to visit the cell of
the captive when no prying eyes were
near and cheer him with consoling
words. Like Pyramus and Thisbe Of
old, they whispered through wall, the
"grief hole affording them an easy
means of communication.
,on,, booo,,,o fo Robin