The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1900-01-20
n f hadn't slept soundly. He rarely
y slept soundly now. 1t wasn't his
Il age, surely, he was only 81 and
it couldn't be his business affair

age, surely, he was only 81 and
it couldn't be his business affairs,
for all his investments were sound and
highly remuneratiye, and his large income
was rapidly increasing. No, he must look
for the cause elsewhere. Perhaps it would
be we'll to consult doctor.
He arose and, lighting the gas, looked at
his watch 1t was halt past 4. He went
to window chat faced the east and raised
the SASH. The air came in cool and frag
rant. Low down by the faraway ridge
stveaks OF pale light were showing.
"I'li see this sunrise, said Amos Brand
on. 81 haven't seen one since | was a
boy lie hastily dressed himself and
batled his face and hands. "lll see it
from She outside be added, and softly
creeping down the stairway found his hat
and opening the great door descended the
stone steps that led to the street
As be faced the east and moved slowly
along the avenue he snuffed the air and
found it good He even took off his hat
and let it cool his head,
I'll certainly seems TO me that this is
better than tossing on that comfortless
mattress" he muttered Wonder why
never thought of it before?'
The pale streaEs in the east grew broader,
pink flush rose behind the wooded crest,
the clouds became hazy. Swiftly the flush
deepened, spokes of light were flung up
ward, and then came the sun.
Amos Brandon walked slowly onward,
eagerly watching these magic changes.
''Oh," he said chats fine It's worth
the trouble. How many people know any
thing about it? Precious few. Look at
the present audience. One restless, lonely
old man and night Waterman or two.
W,laa \ shame.
He came to street intersection and
paused and looked at his watch.
"Quarter after ), he muttered "No,
I'll not go home. I feel like a runaway
boy. II! stroll down 10 the lake. don't
believe I've really seen The lake in dozen
years.
He walked at a leisurely gait, breathing
in the tonicky air and ever and anon turn
ing his gaze on the 3untinted clouds. His
eyes were brighter and MS step more elastic
He seemed to grow younger as he advanced
Laboring men, swinging their dinner boxes
loOhed a,ouud as they passed him. His
was an unusual figure at that early hour
Once he heard man repeat his name to
HE companions, and they all stared curl
ously at him as they passed.
As lie came within sight of the lakes
blue ripples girl came across the avenue
and turned in on the sidewalk inst ahead
Of bin. She was t girl of perhaps IL,
rather slender, with q clear olive complex
ion and thick datl; hair. She was neatly
dressed, save her shoes, which were diugy
and frayed, and in her hand she carried a
basket whose contents were concealed he
meath white paper. Amos Brandon quick
sneG Lis steps little.
"You are an early riser" he said to the
girl. At the moment he was interested in
early risers.
eyes, sir, ~ said the girl, who showed no
surprise at his abrupt remark. II have to
rise early to carry my fathers breakfast TO
him. He is helper at the mills over
there" She pointed to a long row of
dingy buildings not far ahead.
She spoke we'll and with lack of con-
straint that the old man admired.