Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-12-13

"Never fear that / shall like il lesi
on that account" said the stranger
Here l can imagine myself in The
heart of the forest and at all time;
shall be free from the scrutiny OF
your chance guests, who might take
it i'll that | should prefer TO be alone
For, understand, landlord, my CON-
plant wants the tonic of silence and
privacy. As ] look about l see that
these surroundings suit me well. That
old oak bed with the great head
piece and high canopy is like the one
in which slept in my fathers house;
the settee yonder | can draw up to
the fire on the open hearth IL we
should have a cold rainstorm, such as
sometimes breaks in these mountains
in the summer months; and the broad
mahogany table will serve me to write
on when the mood seizes me. Now, as
/ have ridden far since daybreak,
| spread a meal for me in this room,
and don't forget TO send up a bottle
of claret, or, if you have not that,
some home-brewed ale. Indeed, /
should like to eat here always, and
l am prepared TO pay you for the ex-
ira service | shall require"
A preference for seclusion so strict
was a new experience TO the land
lord, who was one of the most socia-
BILE of beings, and he withdrew with
out comment or suggestion, being
struck dumb with establishment. In
half an hour he returned with a tray
on which smoked a dish of broiled
chicken, very tender and juicy, some
baked potatoes, a lettuce salad, a
plate of homemade bread and the
freshest of butter, and Indian meal |
pudding and a jar of honey. The
claret was not wanting, and the coat |
Of dust on the bottle told of many
years Of undisturbed repose in the |
landlords cellar.
1T is really a Burgundy" said he,
"and II the praises Of Gen. Strong's
officers count for anything you viii
find it palatable."
The stranger, who had scarcely no
ticed the preparations for his enter
tainment, nodded, but said not a
word. As the landlord went out again
he thought that he heard a sigh es-
cape his guest, deep-drawn and
mournful, as of one in mental an
guish.
'In some trouble which he must
bear all alone, / fear" said the land
lord; and this surmise he lost no time
in communicating TO his wife.
As the days wore on the landlord
found his guest more peculiar, mystic
rious and taciturn. When the wealth
er was fine he left the inn soon after {
breakfast, and, avoiding footpaths,
plunged into the recesses of the for {
est. Seldom did he return before
lightfall, and If rain or hunger drove {
him home he approached the house
rom the rear, ascending to his room a
by private stairway. Once or twice :
he landlord observed him scanning I
he entrance TO the inn from dis I
ance with a distrust and uneasiness I
hat was unaccountable.
When the weather was inelement y
he stranger shut himself in his room, 4
'oring over books and writing, or
facing the floor with restless feet. p
lis lamp burned far into the night,
nd in its still watches his tread
ften resounded through the house h
Without doubt the agitation of mind d
'hich this sentinel duty denoted re- G.
olved around people far distant, and y
e lived again in scenes of excite n
lent and distraction. o,
The landlords wife was sure that $
he sometimes heard their guest
irike his elinched hands together as
e walked. and utter groans of re-
lorse. At first these signs Of aber- :"
alton gave the landlord some un- =
ssiness, for he thought he might be %
arboring a criminal or feared that
is guest might soon be more in need !.
an asylum for the demented than u,
the refuge and creature comforts p
an inn. But after one of these y
ights of stress and disquietude the
ranger emerged so self-contained =
nd serene of front that the landlord ~
nd his wife were treasured.
One evening, after nightfall of a =,
ny lowering with storm clouds and -
oppressive with the mutterings of :,
lunder, that the hills cast back and :.
nth somewhere in the distance. a o
'aveling carriage drew up at the
Dor of the inn. and there alighted !.
well-favored gentleman and a lady
striking beauty. They were both
'ung, and evidently people of dis r
notion.
Landlord" said the gentleman, as ~
lie host of the Green Mountain house -
listened out to meet the travellers.
he storm seems about to break. and ~
you can accommodate us we will -
iss the night here" -
Il have more accommodations than !,
lests." said the landlord, with frank -.
ess, "and my wife viii be glad to
axe the lady comfortable"
They had hardly gained the thresh- ba
Did of the inn when the gloom of
lie roadway was illuminated by a Wv
flash of lightning, and instantly a la
arve-shattering peal of thunder is