New-York tribune., 1901-04-14

I dunno as I'm allowed"- he began; but
Selhurst assured him again that he was, ana
lost no time in leading him out Of the building
to place him in a low. comfortable pony car
riage. There happe ned to be a warm coat tlunS
carelessly on the vacant seat, and the passenger
had t. take possession of it, for the evening air
was chilly The pleasant warmth of the coat
ana the cheerfulness ef being out Of doors did
Joe good. and he began to chirp little they
travcrsed the familiar read a merry pace
Like most country folk he had a knowing eye
for a horse, and il dill not take him long t. dis
cover that he and the pony were Old acquaint-
ances.
why. sure enough. IT'S old squire's silyertan,
se!hurst who had never enjoyed himself so
much in his life, admitted bhthely that it was
Snvertail in the flesh. and Joe began to wonder
whom he driving With. although he knew II
could not be the young squire himself He grew
quite chatty as the pleasant motion hTisked him
up and began pointing out the objects of IN
terest to the stranger as they passed them by
swiftly.
There be Pitgroun, where did the very first
piece of plouehin' ever l put hand to.
mind the furrows We're crookeder than the hind
leg Of a doug. Folk knows nothing of plough
in think its easy done. but l low they should
try it,"
Presently they passing 4 copse which
was just feathering out into spring green. and
he looked at the neW growth of wood with the
eye of expert.
I've done a goodish bit to hurdling in that
there copse; see theym givin it a bit Of rest.
'TiS turr'b rheumaticky work. and | hadn't
followed it long before getting crippled up
But he grew mournfuly silent as they drove
on 10y the river. and so close to the scene of yes
terdays tragedy. If that portion OF their route
could have been avoided SelhurSt would have
chosen some other way. BY this time they We're
close TO the Manor gates. which We're protected
on either side by a small and trinity kept lodge.
In one of these lived the head gardener and his
wife; in the other. which had been tenantless for
some months, the squire himself. trying to
soothe and comfort a restless, unquiet cat, who
had previously hal her paws carefully buttered
by the gardeners wife in order To reconcile her
to quarters.
At the door of this lodge silvcrtan drew up
with much decision. and Joe was asked to allcht.
quite daZed by the extraordinary things that
murmurns that he thanked tn" gentleman
kindly. but wasn't it time he was going back
long?
Selhurst shook his head as he helped the tot
tering old figure and cared for it tenderly,
Mr. Thorne." he said checrfuly. you are not
going hacklong any more. l want you 70 under
stand this clearly.
Joe understood nothing: he was in dream.
and therefore past speech altogether AS the
entered. the young squire rose from his
miniStrations with welcome in his face and the
restless little gray cat, who had proved a Veri-
table handful tD her anxious guardians. be
came suddenly almost delirious with happiness.
For moment Joe regarded her as some Inys-
teriollsy risen ghcst. and then the rapture Of
recognition gloWed upon his worn face and made
il almost young again.
"Vr!et,, My Vi'let, -
1t was all that he could say for some time
as he was fain to sink into 4 comfortable arm
chair and let Niet announce her bodily presence
10y vibrant purTs ana sCaritiration uf his face
with rough ana eager lltl!' tongue In'N
We're both rcjpic. . 10 he in any ay coherent.
but the sympath thiZug Knockers felt well re
warclei for their labor of love. I;ut presently.
= hon the old could look round, hc found
even more than his one recovered treasure.
There the riCkety ipurpCster. with its COM
Portable feather bed. which had been Wrest"d
from Liza Legg by generous compensation;
there was also the oak bureau, which the vicar
had brought down himself the very moment n"
had heard OF what in the wind. There was
a hOnely tea laid for two. for on" CuU!,sS saucer
had cream in il. the squire and Sclhurst hal
both decided that NiIet had fr"ttcd we'll
her master over the separation. and that her RIBS
must be better covered than they were \ cheer
full wood fire tWinked upon the hearth, and ther"
was just enough home!y comfort to keep old
man and his cat happy and content.
Joe did quite realize all his good fortune
until the squire explained it to him very clear
ly and kindly, with a neighborly hand his
shoulder.
Mr. Thorne this is now your home-yours
and Ni'lets. | consider il your due. and not
charity. You have been honest and faithful
servant to my father and his her. and
reaping the fruit of your lab, rs. | have ar
ranged that Mrs IoCkett. your near neighbOr
only few yards away, you sec-Wil do for you
and every week there will be a small sum pro-
vided. that either you or she do your bit
Of marketing. Perhaps you may thank my