The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1903-08-13
Observation-Disclosures
GSS 6%S $685. 90 6WSSH6
| A MYSTERIOUS I
| DISAPPEARANCE
Copyright, 1908, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
BY ADA G. SWEET


T HE hot May sun was shining down
upon the city. Men, women and
children surged out from streets, al
leys and courts, intent on reaching the
fields and their encircling acres, here
and there, shaded by trees and shrubs,
and thickly planted with the Dead.
Abner Hull stood aimlessly looking
about him. The street to which he had
lust walked from his cheap boarding
house; was one of those which led
through the town. The old man
walked aimlessly on in the direction
taken by the oyerfiowing electric
cars. His face, lined and weather
beaten, was serious, almost grim. The
corners of his mouth dropped, his
shoulders were bent, his feet dragged,
his clothing hung loose upon his gaunt
frame; he looked, as he felt, forgotten
and.alone in the world. -
Suddenly shrill, family heard, but
persistent strain of music came borne
on the soft south wind, the thin stream
of sound upheld by the throb of
drums. Old Abner Hull stood still.
Nearer came the music, and around a
corner square away wheeled double
line of blue-clad men. Old Abner
hurried to the curbstone, and stood
awaiting the little band of veterans.
Hello, comrade," called hearty
voice from the, passing G. A. r. post.
From the double file of men, one
dropped out and grasped Abner's hand.
"Where have you been?, Haven't
seen nor heard of you for ten years!"
said the friendly veteran. "Come on,
fall in, let's see if you have any vim
left in you! You've grown a little the
worse for wear since sixty-four-like
the rest OF us"
Abner was hurried on after the blue
streak in the street, and was soon
marching along in step with the some
what slow pace of the veterans
march.
Bring the good old bugle, boys,
Wen have another song"
chanted the war music.
There it is! Coed old tune!" said
Abner, and he stamped along Justify
with the others. &
AS they waited at the railway sta
tion for the train which was to carry
the thronging people to Rose Hill
cemetery, the old friends chatted
standing little aside from the other
comrades, after one or two introduc-
tlons of the newcomer to this or that
veteran.
You don't ask any questions,
Asher said Abner, at last, just as the
train was backing in. "And l know
why; but l am going to tell you, all
the same.''
All right" replied Hills, ''but wait
tlH we get settled in the car"
When they were seated side by side,
and the dingy houses began to fly past
I them as the train pulled out, Asher
ms arm laid along the back of the seat,
ms hand touching Abner's shoulder,
spoke:
NOW out with it. And first-you
lett home looking for work, and never
came back, never wrote. That much
Know. How about it?"
ne broken old soldier sat in silence,
aor time, embarrassed by his com
Iade's scrutinizing look.
Married soon after the civil war tc
woman of strong will, rugged health,
ana coarse grasping nature, the gentle
had fallen an easy victim to
/ pelticoat government of the absolute
aespotlsm type. Four strapping
uaughters in time became assistants to
!neir mother in the business of carry,
ing on the family affairs. His fifth
Il uaugnter, Mandy, looked like him anG
was IKE him in gentleness and refine
ment of nature, and she came to be
le one ray of sunshine in Abnel
nuiis dull and sordid existence. AL
enis had not to be told, anyone coulo
zee It, though no one could understand
side.
again and again the returned wan
uerer essayed to speak, but at last
cognizing the impossibility of thu
1i1empt, he turned his wrinkled, still
olo lace, and looked resolutely out o.
tne ear window.
Then Hills spoke: