The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-11-07
Why, and great beads of perspiration

why, and great beads of perspiratiOn
stood on her forehead. Fortunately a
chair stood near, and into this she sank
heavily, almost in swoon. At the same
instant an unmistakable giggle was
heard. The horrible face disappeared in
twinkling, the door opened as quickly,
and Eph, holding on broomstick head
made of SHOW, surmounted by battered
hat, and with eyes made of two pieces
of coal, stood shaking with laughter.
This was too much; twice that day had
the mischievous boy nearly frightened
her into fits.
go de Lawd, chile, if dun cotch you,
I'll-I'll-" Chloe's slipper was off in a
iiffy, but Eph went whistling to the barn,
safe, he knew, from pursuit. sob, but
I'll lambaste HIM fo' dis! I will, if has
to wait up all night. All, heah's de strap
1T last"
Rob actually caught himself nodding!
That would never do. How the wind
whistled and how long the hours were!
AT length he heard sleigh bells on the
road, and guessed it was Eph going back
to the station. "She'l soon be here" he
repeated again and again. The wick in
the lamp fickered bit. Rob turned on
his right side, facing the fireplace. As he
did so his heart almost ceased beating.
Standing there, his face bearing an ex-
preston of supreme contentment, was the
figure of man.
Chloe put the finishing touches to the
tea table, knowing that Bob's mother
would want extra attention on her re-
turn, and sat waiting and listening.
Soon she recognized Eph's voice high
above the winds
Down Mobile! Down Mobile!
How loye dat putty yal-l-e-r gal,
1T won't do to lambaste him now"
she thought, as she ran to open the door
Tor Mrs. Hawthorne: I'll wait till he
comes in from the 5ahn!"
Rob's mothez was much fatigued and
nervous, which brought forth a perfect
volley of calculations from Chloe as she
removed her wraps. Of course the
mothers first inquiry Was for her son.
and this led naturally to a disquisition on
Eph's incorrigibility, for nothing pleased
Chloe so much as to point out his bad
traits, thus securing for her own self
whatever sympathy might be given,
which was never much. Mrs. Hawthorne
knew of the love the negress bore for her
offspring.
The tea having performed it's proper
functions, Mrs. Hawthorne was able to
tell of her purchases and to speak of the
friends who would visit her on the NOR
row. Eph, taking advantage of the coli
versation, removed from the sleigh great
armfuls of presents and placed them in
the hall with impunity. Then as he
drove away he turned over several plans
how best to tide over his "mammy's'
wrath, for he felt quite sure that it
would require deep diplomacy this time
to escape punishment.
Rob's mother stole quietly upstairs to
his room, but stopped at the door and
listened. Rob was snoring. II will not
disturb him. she thought, turning to 90.
There were heavy footsteps on the
.veranda. She looked over the banisters
and saw Chloe, firmly clutching her
strap, pass rapidly along the hall, NUT
tering, can so, Mr.. Eph, you mus cum
iii de front way, mus you, jest same as
a lord or duke? I'll Earn you some
manners, you good muffin brack debbil,
in response to a knock-a short, sharp,
decisive knock.
"Now, Chloe said Mrs. Hawthorne
w'arningly, "no capital punishment. I
won't stand ton this night of all
Others" But Chloe's blood was up. She
threw back the door with her left hand,
and was about to lash furiously with her
right, when D..
ooh, Dress de Lawd! Oh, praise be
to de deah good Lawd! Oh, oh, oh!
Missy Hawthorne, jes' cum heah-jes'
cum heah!" a.,
u. A woman's wild shrek. "John. my
husband! Oh, merciful Father, is it
true?"
A strong man was Hawthorne, broad
shouldered, bronzed and bearded. To
his breast he gathered the fainting won,-
all, holding her as priceless gift. - -,
eyes, your long suffering, loving John, .
he said, his voice shaking with emotion,
black from living death rs a captive Of
the Indians, but home at last thank
God! for good and all. Rob-my baby
boy-where is he?" ..f T.. 49,. Z. !,
Rob heard the cry. He had been talk
ing to strange gentleman in his dream