The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1901-02-02

F4ii t'.'NN anu w lllNlltH' Nl4t0
down To whisper, rises once more and
walls.
Across The pnairies of southern and
eastern KANSAS vast fields of wheat
wave in the wind, varied by acres OF
yellow, rustliug corn. meadows OF al
falfa and clover fresh from soil SO
loamT that one might thrust ones ann
down elbow deep into its blaclucSs and
touch no clay, but beyond, nearer the
Colorado line, vegetation is stuntcd. the
black soil assumes an ashy look. gaunt
cattle browse upon the parchcd prairie
grasses, and the smart cottages OF the
east give place to huts
In one of these huts, about which the
wind hoWlcd necessarily. rocking ii to
its inefficient foundation, an old woman
stood slowly pressing her gaunt hands
together and looking. her heart in her
eyes, ut Il creature who huddlcd close
to the open fire, shivering.
He was pitiful object. His clothing
was in rags. his shoes were worn until
the toes protruded, and his head was
clean shavcn. while his hands, trans
parent and cmaciated, tremblcd weak.
ly as he spread them out to the blaze.
famed by the wind. which crcpt wills
tlingly up through the wide cracks of
the crumbling hearth.
The old woman suddenly opened her
arms. She made as if she would have
claspcd him in them. Instead she
pressed her hands nervously together
once NOR" and spoke.
''You amt had nothin to eat" she
said. you're hungry, amt youT
"Ycs," he answered.
She FASTENED to the fireplace and
fumblcd with the pots and pans.
Hes walked such long way" size
muttorud, and he's hungry, of course.
Why didn't think of that bcforp:"
As she prepared his meal she glanced
at him again and again. Her old eyes,
peering through the network of wrin.
kles surrounding them, gloatcd over
him.
81 amt blamin You. jamie She said
by and by Don't think | am blamin
you. 1t want your fault. How could
you help what was bred in the bone:
You did what your father did before
you. 1t was bred in the bone"
He WAS silent His hollow eyes fol.
lowed her hungrly as she set the plate,
knife ana fork on the table. He crouch
ed nearer the fire, his Shaven head
turned, watching her.
''The good Lord himself couldn't
blame you for what was bred in the
bone" she went on falteringly. How
could he! Like father like child. He
was a thief. and you-oh. jamie She
broke off with a sob. though her eyes
were dry. They were too old for tears.
"You've walked so far, dearie, haven't
you? You are tired, amt you? know
you are tired"
She lowered over him.
Il amt blamin you for what's bred
in the bone" she reiterated Il amt
blamin YOU
BY this time she had prepared his
food and set it on the table. Rising. he
made his way to ii with tagging and
weary footsteps and took the chair she
had placed there. She pushed it nearer
hands over his stopped shoulders.
'Therc, now she said. eat" and
she watched him while he ate
He was furnished. He dcvoured his
food. snatchng ut it like an animal
She relillcd his plate again and again
She poured out his coffee and Swcctcn-
ed it for him as if he were child. She
hnvarnl him, hp
over her one chick. tenderly. brooding-
ly, caresSing him with her eyes.
at Amt been so very long seems like
since you We're Il little child. Jamie"
she cooed, "all huddled up in my arms.
That was when we were among the
best. before he before it all happened
and we took to hidin out here on the
DraireS with the wolves and the coy
oteS-heforc h" left me. If he had only
taken me with him, but he wouldn't.
He left me"
Suddenly he dropped his fork and lis
tened. The rays from the candle on the
table lit up his frightened eyes.
She also raised her head. listening.
Don't be scared" she said soothing
~. II only lllc Wlnu n-nOWlln ana
a-whStIin."
4 shutter blew to.
"You see" she added its only the
wind"
She again filed his cup.
even after he went | had you,
Jamie and the good lord knows I'm
glad TO have you ag'in." She stroked
his sleeve. I'm glad to have you
ag'in." she repeated
and you wouldn't leave me, Jamie,
never no more. If they come, I'll hide
you SOS they can't find you. You won't
leave me ag'in, will you, will you?" she
implored.
He shook his head and continued to
eat voraciously.
She pressed her hand upon the shay
en- head. and her lips moved silently.
81 amt complanin. jamie" she said
presently. but it's the loncsomencss of
il and the wind. If it want for the
wind, could get along. Listen how it
blows. 1t never quits BLOWN. Some
times I'm afraid" her voice sank to a
whisper; Pm afraid it will get into my
brain and addle it. Some days | can't
think. it blows so. Listen now!'
e., - -. l..x