The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-25
CHAPTER xV. Rilaa Tolr,air Einda Tr0llbl0.

haQ no condolences, and they 5eeHeu " have nothing in common As matter or fact, however, Silas was very tono ot his son. proud of his appearance-the lao was neat as a pin and well favoreo-ano proud of his love for books. Unhappily, Silas was never able to show his 'affec- tton and his fair-haired son never knew to his dying day how large a place he occupied in his fathers heart. Miserly Siias was with money. but his love for his son was boundless. His miserliness was for his son's sake, and he never put away . dollar without feeling of exul- tation; he rejodced in the fact that 1t would enable his son to live more com- fortably than his father had cared to live
 Silas had never, by word or act. inten- hona.lly wounded the feelings Of his son; he had never thrown himself in the path of Paul's wishes. There was a feeling in Shady Dale that Silas was permitting his son to 20 to the dogs; whereas. as a matter of fact, no detective was ever more alert Without seeming to do so, he kept an eye on all Paufs comings and goings. When the lads desires were reas- enable, they were promptly gratified; when they were unreasonable. their grat- ihcation was postponed until they were forgotten. Books Paul had in abundance. 61Al4 oG the ldIS0 lhDLdEy VI 0hSA OuASAA Tomlin had fallen to Silas, and the other half to Pulaski Tomlin, and the lad had free access to all.
 Paul was very fond of his Uncle Pu- lash and his Aunt Fanny, and he was far more familiar with these two than he was with his father. His association with his uncle and aunt was In the na- ture of a liberal education. It was Pu- lash Tomhn who really formed Paul's character. Thus 1t fell out that Paul was a young man to be admired and loved by all who find modest merit pleasing.
 When his father arrived at homo on that particular evening, as has been noted, Paul was reading a book He changed his position but said nothing. His fath- CT, instead of seating himself at the table, and consulting his notebook, walk ed Up and down the floor.
 what Is wrong? Are you in?" Paul asked after awhile.
 No, son; but I'm greatly troubled, I wish to Heaven could go back to the beginning, and tell you all about 1t; but l can't-I just can't
 Paul also had his troubles, and he re- garded his father gloomily enough. Why can't you tell me?" he asked, somewhat impafiently. ''But needn't ask you that; you never tell me anything. heard something today that made me ashamed. ,"
 Ashamed, Pau?" gasped his father.
 "Yes-ashamed. And if 1t Is true, am going away from here and never show my face again."
 Silas tell, rather than leaned, against the mantelpdece, his face ghastly white. He tried to say, What did you hear, Paul?'' His lips moved, but no sound is- sued from his throat.
 1.-TWO or three persons told me today" Paul went on, that they had heard of your intention to join the radicals, and run for the Legislature. I told each and every one of them that 1t was an internal He; but don't know whether 1t is a lie or not. I'll leave here."
 Silas TomHn's heart had been in his throat, as the saying is, but he gulped it down and smiled faintly. If this was all Paul had heard, well and good.
 At last silas spoke: "An the truth in that report, Paul, Is this-It has been suggested to me that 1t would be better for the whites here if some one who sym pathizes with their plans, and under stands their interests, should pretend to become a Republican, and make the race for the Legislature. This is what some of our best men think Have you met hnEs L1OUCAhAOS8 AAo eOOAAAo " OO ~ NSAJ clever man."
 ''No, I haven't met him and I don't want to meet him." Paul rose from his seat, and stood facing his father. He was a very Hkely-looling young man, tall and slim, but broad-sho 1ldered. He had the delicate pink complexion that belongs to faar-haired persons. That is a question, father, that can't be discussed between us You beat about the bush in sucn a way as to compel me to believe the reports I have heard. Well, you can do as you like; you may disgrace yourself, but you sha'n't disgrace me-"
 With that, the high-strung young fel- low seized his hat, and flung out Of the house.
 siIas Tomlin sank into a chair, as he heard the street-door slammed, Dis grace him! My God I've already dis Rraced him, and when he finds 1t out he'll hate me.
 An inner door opened and a negro wo- man peeped in. Seeing no one but Silas, she cried out indignantly, Who dat slammin' dat front do'R You'll break eve'y glass in de house, an half de crock'ry-ware in de dinin'-room, an den youu say I done 1t"
 "It was Paul, Rhody, he was angry about something"
 The negro woman gave an Indignant snort. 'I don't blame 'im-I don't blame i'm; not one bit. Amt been tellin you dat you'd run inn off wid yo' scrimpin' an pinchin2 But, 'tain't dat dat run'd i'm of. It's sump'n wuss'n dat. He ain't never done dat away befo'."
 RhOdy came into the room where she could look 5ilas in the eyes. He regarded her with curiosity, which appeared to be the only emotion left him. Certainly he had never seen his cook and afore- time slave in such a tantrum. Rhody's indignation could only be accounted for on the ground that she had overheard the whole conversation between father and son.
 ''Blast your black hide! I'll knock your brains out if you talk that way to mel" exclaimed Silas Tomlin, white with anger. You dratted fool; you know Paul hasn't gone for good. He'll come back when he gets hungry and be glad to come"
 "Is you ever seed him do dis away befo' sense he been born? No, you aln't' no you ain't! You don't know no mo put dat chile dan of he want yone. But l. me-oF Rhody-I know i'm. I kin LOOK at i'm sideways an tell ef he feelin' good or bad CT dlffunt. What you done ter dat chile7 Tell me dat"
 But silas Tomlin only sat glowering at Rhody in a way that would have sub dued and frightened a negro unused to his ways. Rhody started toward the kitchen, but at the door leading to the dining room she paused and turned around. "Oh, you got a heap ter enswer fer-a mighty heap"
 With that she went out. Silas sat for some time communing with himself.