The age-herald., 1900-03-04

strangers, mountain adventures and dis. coveries which afforded the boys abundant themes for conversation and prevented the time from hanging heavily on their hands. one thing hfndered perfect enjoyment. The old man whom they affectonately called Uncle Dick" continued very feeble The boys had imposed upon themselves the task of nursing him by turns, but were beginning to feel the responsibility grew heavy. for though he perceptibly grew worse, he stead fly refused to see the village doctor.
 "I tell you boys" practical Harry was saying, as they rested on some beautiful moss-covered rocks, i've must have a doc tor now. We have allowed this to run on too long I fear Jim, you must see him and talk to him about sending to Elizabethton or Johnson City for one. A doctor he must have at once"
 ''Yes," assented Jim, land I am afraid 1t Is already to too late. However, I shall do my best to persuade him to let me bring one this very day. Let all of Us walk on to the cabin. though only one or two of us need go in"
 Thanks to the queer old man for show ing us this short route to his house. We can get to him with less difficulty than we used to have. Come," said Bert "iet us all go on and come back together after Jim sees him.
 It was a glorious summer afternoon, and
 
 mans house was a thoroughly pleasant one. The leaves were changing their green dress es for warmer colored ones. as if to prepare themselves for the frosty nights that came early enough in this altitude. Many trees were already masses of red or solid yellow. or red. yellow and brown mingled. Some of the boys were of sufficiently poetic temperament to be keenly sensitive to this panorama of beauty: the rocks of the hill sides, the streamlets of water that rushed pel-mell over them, the luxuriant ferns. and other of natures most beautiful child ren, hidden away in this sequestered spot. The scene had so impressed the boys that they had become more subdued in sp,r- Its. and more quiet than was at all cus- tomary for them, while the anxiety felt for the friend they were going to see intensi- fled the feeling as they approached the house.
 Bruce was to remain with him through the night. and so it was agreed that he and Jim should go in while the others wait ed without. They were in act of throwing themselves about on the grass or of seating themselves on the rocks scattered about in profusion under the trees, when the attention of the group was claimed by voices in the cabin
 The sound of rough. harsh tones followed by the voice of Uncle Dick in feabIe but excited protest, caused them to look at one another in amazement. Alarm was depicted on every face. a<.q.- Jim and Bruce paused a moment, then beckoning to George and Ran to follow. they were about to enter just as Uncle Dick in nervous. ,trembIng fashion, was again heard saving ptiously. "Please5 go now and come tomorrow. I am feeling too weak for the interview" f A volley of abuse and coarse languarge- was the reply "Go, you old fool, and come back after you are dead? Don't think I am a baby; you will die this time sure, and, no doubt you will be happy to die and not tell me. No; blast you you shall tell me now" More paths and then the old mans voice again. as if begging for mercy. u e.
 Fred sprang past the boys, pushed open the door, rushed in to behold the poor, sick old man on his knees, where he had sunk from terror and weakness. and a burly wretch standing tbreatenirgly over him, his arm raised if half inclined to fell him to the floor. The unexpected and undesirable entrance of the boys seemed to anger the stranger beyond endurance. He turned ferociously upon the intrudors and seeing that they were merely five bows. he though to dis pose summarily of them.
 Jim, being nearest, was the first to en- counter the rufian. He was scarcely pre- pared for it, and attempted to slip out of neaoh.
 Gro be continued.