Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-04-11
sY CHARLOTTE N. oRAsMs

wcuid have answered any number Of
questions.
Who was the lady that sunpY'
she was Miss Ray-Miss Hettie Rsy.
daughter Of the old man who lived st
Rosewalk.
.,uere w. Rosewalk?
II Is cottage built on the slope of tn.
hill around there by Southwood--.
vague direction, but Sir Basil remember
ed every word Of IL,
Who was the old man?
An. that the sexton did not know! All
tnat he could tell was that he had heard
that he wai bit of q writer in the DO
,'.iea- hne. that he was poor, and that
ms daughter worked very hard. He knew
little OF him. because he kept away from
everyone and shut himself I'D in his liz.
tie cottage.
Rather curious history" thought the
young baronet. "Such a father and such
oaughter! He cannot possibly be
ponticai writer of any note. or l should
nave heard someone speak Of him. Be.
iorc long will see for myself what Rose
walk is like
One autumn day Sir Basil strolled over
going for a long ramble: but he did not
ask her to accompany him. There was in
his mind No direct thought that he was
going somewhere clandestipe,y. He climb
ed the steep hill once more, and there
before him lay the pretty town Of South
wood.
After walking SO far his courage failed
him; he passed through the lane and did
not even look at the cottage he had come
to see.
He felt ashamed Of himself, and went
back again-the lane was a long one.
When he returned, he found that an ell
DERBY man was standing watching the
passing of a ship at sea. The scene was
so beautiful that he was charmed with 1t.
Some instinct told him that this was
Martin Ray. This is a lovely scene,
SIR" Sir Basil remarked, as he paused
N front Of the old man.
ut is we'll enough" he said
And then Sir Basil was slightly dis
concerted. He hardly knew what next
to say. He stood and looked, first at the
blue, ripping waters and then at the
stern, worn, haggard man. 1t was better
perhaps to be frank.
Il am looking" be said, quietly. ''for
the house of Mr.. Martin Ray. Can you
tell me if this be it?'
Il am Martin Ray" answered the 9TH
er, briefly.
And again Sir Basil was nonplused.
The man raised himself from his lean
ing attitude and looked at the handsome
dark face before him.
You wanted to see my house and me
whyT' he asked.
My reason is very simple" replied Sir
Basil, raising his hat. II heard that you
were living here, and l wished to see
one who, rightly or wrongly. has been a
leader among the people"
Are you Of my way Of thinking" ask
ed Martin, abruptly.
NO, l am not" replied Sir Basil. "You
carry to excess that which l believe in
but little. l hold a middle path between
you and those whom you would call your
enemies"
"A middle path" repeated Martin
"Ah. then you will not interest me-"
Il am not sure that l wish to do so,'
replied Sir Basil. 1T was not with a
view Of interesting you that I desired to
see you"
Il did not intend to be rude" returned
Martin Ray. II mean this-that my life
has been a fierce fight. l know but two
all mediocrity."
You are like an old soldier who smells
gunpowder." said Sir Basil, good-temper-
edly. "You would enjoy q warm politica!
argument with me; but 1t 10 not possible.
l am only just beginning to understand
matters. In a few months or few
years." continued Sir Basil. II shall be
better informed about politics than am
now. intend to read. to study. to think.
and then. when I have mastered both
sides of the various questions. ! shall b.
able to form clear and decided views Of
my own"
That is right. said Martin. "Cop
and see me again. You have stirred an
old pain in my heart. GOod-by."
And without another word. Sir Basil
retraced his steps to Dene Abbey, think
ing the whole way of the man he had
lust left.