Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-10-17

drew attention to the house." volun-
tered man who was standing as q
sort Of guardian Mt the main gateway.
"Some of the sailors wives who had
been to the wharfs to see their hus-
bands off on the ship that sailed at day
break saw it us they came up the lane
on their way home and gave the alarm.
Without that we might not yet have
known what had happened"
"But Mrs. Webby'
"Come In and see."
There was board fence about the
simple yard within which stood the
humble house forever after to be point
ed out as the scene Of Sutherland
towns most heartrending tragedy. In
this fence was a gate, and through this
gate now passed Mr.. Sutherland and
his would be companion, Miss Page.
A path bordered by lilac bushes led the
way to the house, the door Of which
stood wide open. AS soon us Mr.
Sutherland entered upon this path
man appeared from the house and
came directly toward him. 1t was
Amos Fenton, the constable.
"Ah, Mr.. Sutherland" said he, "sad
business, a very sad business! But
what little girl have you there?"
This is Miss Page, my housekeeper's
niece. She would come. Inquisitive-
ness, the cause. l do not approve Of
| it."
Miss Page must remain on the door
step. We allow no one inside except
| ing yourself" he said respectfully, in
recognition of the fact that nothing of
Importance was ever undertaken in
Sutherlandtown without the presence
of Mr.. Sutherland.
Miss Page courtesied looking SO be-
witching In the fresh morning light
that the tough old constable scratched
his chin in grudging admiration. But
he did not reconsider his determination.
Seeing this. she accepted her defeat
gracefully and moved aside to where
the bushes offered her more or less pro-
lection from the curiosity of those
about her. Meanwhile Mr.. Sutherland
had stepped into the house.
He found himself in a small hall
with staircase in front and an open
door at the left. On the threshold OF
this open door man stood, who at
sight of him doffed his hat. Passing
By this man, Mr.. Sutherland entered
the room beyond. A table spread with
eatables met his view, beside which, in
an attitude which struck him at the
moment as peculiar, sat Philemon
Webb, the we'll known master of the
house.
Astonished at seeing his old friend in
this room and in such position, he
was about to address him when Mr.,
Fenton stopped him.
"Waitw said he. "Take a look al
poor Philemon before you disturb him
He was sitting just as you see him
when we broke into the house hall
hour ago, and we have let him be for
reasons you can easily appreciate. Ex-
anime him closely, Mr.. Sutherland; he
won't notice It."
Iluu1fRat-, ,Yhes alls him? Why does he
hurt, too?'' 80
No; look ut his eyes" T-se->a1's
Mr.. Sutherland stopped and pushed
aside the long gray locks that half con-
ceaieo Cne couulenaAce oI Als ASeU
| friend.
why" he cried startled, "they are
closed! He isn't deadf'
"No; he is asleep"
"AsleepY'
eyes. He was asleep when we came
in and he Is asleep yet. Some Of the
neighbors wanted to awake him, but
/ vrynv nt lot To-
strong enough to bear Sudden shock.
mo, no, poor Philemon! But that he
should sit sleeping here while she-but
what do these bottles mean and this
parade of supper in the room they were
not accustomed to eat int"
I'VE don't know. 1t has not been
eaten, you see. He has swallowed q