Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1902-03-07


the big tent where the circus perform
ance was held. Indeed, nearly every
one had already entered, and they
found themselves alone with few
stragglers.
Il believe the grand procession's go-
ing to start" she whispered, nervously.
"All right; let's go ln," he replied,
and led her to the entrance.
The big tent was literally lined with
people, from the canvas roof to the
seats at the very ringside. 1t seemed
impossible that 1t coula hold another
person. The boy looked anXlously
around. On each side of the band stand
he discovered that small box had
been built. with flowing red canopy
over ii and cushioned seats. One of
these boxes had been taken by party
from Squire Meldrum's house-the
big man" of the yillage-and merry
group of young and old people occu-
pied 1t. But the other box was vacant;
for who beside the squire had money
enough to pay dollar a seat at the
circus?
The boy stopped an usher, and after
whispered conversation was escorted,
with Aunt Huda, behind the tiers of
seats and through a narrow passage
into the box. Their appearance caus-
ed murmur of surprise from the sur
rounding benches. Many knew the old
ladys pleasant, homely face, and mar
veled at seeing her thus occupying the
position of honor opposite Squire Mel
drum himself.
Martin was seated away down near
the ringside, but he looked up with
the others, and his astonishment was
intense when he saw Aunt Hulda fram-
| ed by the crimson curtains AMI can
opy, and strange youth beside her
who was paying her devoted Utention.
| All during the circus the poor man di-
vided his gaze between this remark
| able vision of his wife and the antics
of the clowns and jugglers. He saw
her drinking red lemonade with her
companion, and that her lap was load
ed down with peanuts and candy and.
popcorn; for the boy would do nothing
by halves, and bought everything that
was offered for sale.
Martin shook his head, and sighed,
| and looked again. 1t was certainl,
Aunt Hulda. but how she came there
was n mystery he could not fathom.
He waited outside the tent while
| they heard the concert, after the circus
itself was over. Martin was not given
to solving problems; time would ex-
plain everything, he thought. lie knew
when they were coming by her laugh,
and such a laugh he could not remem
Der hearing from Aunt Hulda since the
happy days when they were first wed.
He put out his hand and touched her,
almost diffidently, as they followed the
crowd from the entrance.
"Huldy" he said.
"Good gracious" she cried; "if it
isn't Martini We've been looking for
you everywhere, for the boy wanted
you to stay with us to the concert.
It's his fault, Martin" she added, more
as his company, you know-and l
couldn't well say no."
Pm glad you had the chance" said
Martin, simply. Then he plucked her
sleeve. "Who is he?" he whispered.
II don't know" she answered, be
hind her hand; but, o Martin, he's
been so good to mel"
well are we ready for home?'
broke in the boy. Il expect old Piebald
Is anxious to get back and MUNICH his
hay. Shall we go?"
They drove home almost In silence
with Martin sitting in the back of the
wagon box and the boy driving. Only
once did Aunt Hulda speak, and that
was to say, with a contented sigh, ~
don't think we missed n single thing!
While Martin put up the horse the
boy got his wheel from the kitchen. 81
shall sleep at Millbank tonight he
said, brightly; ''for the hotel there
seems like a comfortable place; but be
fore | go | want to thank you for q
very happy evening"
Aunt Hulda leaned down, and taking
his round face between her hands, kiss
ed him tenderly.
what made you do it?" she whisper
ed "Why were you so good to an ole
woman like me?"
The boy stood looking into the nigh
for a moment before he answered
'Mother and |" he said at last. softly
were always good comrades, and hat
many jolly times together; and when
saw you sitting under the tree thi
afternoon my heart grew hungry 10
some one to go with me, as she use'
to do, and have a happy time. She
dead now, you know
His voice broke with a sob. and tn
woman gathered him into her arms an'
held him close to her for while. The
she kissed him again, with sweet
motherly caress.
: Good night" he said.
The next moment he had MOUNTS
his wheel and disappeared down tn