The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1901-05-29

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"Why, ho1Cdy, Pap SdmpSon2'
parture from Beckett's Mill. Though
four years had passed since that time,
Sim had never returned, and the people
Of Postum Ridge were no wiser as TO
his whereabouts than they had been
the day he left. a large reward had
been offered for his arrest, and the oni-
cials, stimulated by the hope of earn.
Ing the money, had made strenuous cf.
forts to locate him. But it had been all
I'm vain. Now and then there had
come reports to Bcckctts Mill to the
effect that Sim had been captured; but,
as Is usual with such reports, 1t always
turned out case of mistaken identity.
Pap was wondering where Sim could
have gone to hide himself so complete
ly and whether he was still among the
living. He was wondering, too, wheth.
er If Sim still lived he would ever re-
turn to Possum Ridge and if he return.
ed what would be his fate. 1t was
with such thoughts as these the old
man was busy when he was suddenly
aroused and shocked by some one close
to him saying quietly:
why, howdy, Pap Sampson?"
Pap started and looked quickly
around, and, his eyes falling on
bearded, sun tanned face his mouth
fell open and he stared in stupid
amaZement for almost minute Then
he rubbed his eyes and stared again.
Lord a-massy" he exclaimed at
last. Am l dreamin, or is that rally
Sim Banksw
ut is rally Sim Banks, Pap" the
other replied; whats left Of him any
way"
Pap was down off the fence in the
twinkling Of an eye, and the next mo.
ment he had Sim by the hand, shak-
Ing 1t with a heartiness that was al.
most painful.
Great land Of Goshenw he cried.
Who'd "a thought it? Lord a-massy!
It's shore old Sim, amt it;"
Il guess 1t is, Pap. Are you sur
prised to see me?"
Surprised to see you! Why, Lord,
wouldn't be no more surprised If the
sky was to drop. But think of the
devil an he's shore to make his ap-
pearance. as the old sayin goes"
Were you thinkn OF mc?"
Jest been a-Sittln thar on the fence
awonderin whar you'd gone an what
had come of you an If | was ever
a-gwine to git to see you any more.
was Jest a-gwinc over them thoughts
when you moughty nigh skeered the
life out Of me by spcakin to me that
away. Land, don't hardly seem like
1t can be you, Sim"
Don't it?"
p,,t
all these years?
"Pvc been to the war, Pap"
Great day In the mornn You
amt been fghtin into the army, have
your
eyes, I've done some nghtin."
But you wasn't killed, bless the
Lord"
"Not quite"
He came next thing to It, though"
Sims companion volunteered.
us that SOP" Pap cried. "Waal, I'll
be smitched! You come moughty nigh
gittin killed"
Yes, l had pretty close call once"
Great land! Tell me all bout 1t,
won't you, Sim?"
"Yes, but first you must tell me
somethin, Pap. How Is Louccsy?"
Lord, ain't l a great old fool a-run.
MIN on here that away, never a-think.
In bout what you'd naturally be lest
a-dyin TO know? Loueesys we'll"
where Is shc-up at the old placer"
La, no! She amt lived thar sence
you went away. She's down at town."
what Is she doin down there?"
"She's workin I'm store to earn her
livin."
Sim was surprised.
"To earn her llvinT he repeated.
Pap nodded his head.
What's become Of all the land left
herT Sim asked
TITS thar Jest as 1t was. She aint
never teched foot Of it."
"Whyp
"said 1T was your'n an she didn't de.
serve It."
Sim pauscu moment, tncn salo:
IAN Melvinr
'LordT Pap exclaimed. Don't you
knowp ''
mo. Did he an Loueesy"-
mo. He was killed the day you
left" ~"
A queer expression came to Sims
race, an expression In which surprise
and relief were blended.
Didn't you know bout him beIn
killedT Pap asked.
mo. have never heard q word
from home sence 1 went away, an ]
don't know anything that has happen.
ed. Who killed himY
The man who came with Sim looked
quickly up and appeared to wait eager.
iy for Pap's reply. 1t was then Pap
noticed for the first lime how pale and
emaciated that man was.