The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-22

 | tiles at Washington took cognizance thereof and issued orders that there was | to be no more torture of the prisoners. Reprisals were made in all parts of the State, and as was to be expected, the negroes were compelled to bear the brunt of all the excitement and indignation. One of the first to seek Cephas out was Nan Darlington, and this was precisely what the young hero wanted. He was very cold and indifferent when Nan be- sought him to tell her all about his trip. How did he enjoy himself? and didn't he wish he was back at home many a time? And what did Paul and Jesse have to say? An. Cephas had his Innings now!
 "I didn't see Paul and Jesse" replied Cephas, and l didn't see Francis Be- thune.
 But gradually Cephas thawed out. One or the other had to surrender, and the small boy had no such incentive to silence as Nan had. His pride was not involved, whereas Nan would have gone to the rack and suffered herself to be pulled to pieces before she would have asked any direct questions about Gabriel.
 Pm mighty sorry I wenf," said Ce- phas finally. and then he stopped short.
 "whyT' inquired Nan.
 'On, Wetl-l uOH huOW cAdCtly. thought would find everybody just like they were before they went away, but the one I saw looked like a drove of mules had trompled on him. He didn't have on any coat, and his shirt was torn and dirty, and his face looked like he had been sick a month. His eyes were hollow and had black circles around them."
 Did he say anything?" asked Nan in low tone.
 "Yes; he said, Brace up. old man."
 Was that all?''
 And then he asked if anybody had sent him any word, and I said. Nobody but Mir. Sanders; and then he said, I might have known that he wouldn't for get me- Cephas could see Nan crushing her handkerchief Tn her hand, and he en- joyed 1t immensely.
 Was he angry with any one7" Nan asked.
 Why. when did anybody ever hear of his being angry with any one he thought was friend?' exclaimed Cephas scorn- fully. Nan writhed at this, and Cephas went on. He had been tied up by the wrists, and then he had been put in a sweat-box, and nearly roasted-yes, by grabs, pretty nigh cooked" Cephas had the unmixed pleasure of seeing Nan turn pale. T think you are simply awful" she gasped. You are cruel and you are unkind You know very we'll that care something for Gabriel. Haven't we been friends since we were children together? Do you suppose I have no feelings?' T know what you said when I told you I was going to see Gabriel" What was that?" inquired Nan. Why, you said, Well, what is that | to me? exclaimed Cephas. He twisted his face awry, and mimiced Mans voice | with considerable success, only he made 1t more spiteful than that charming young woman could have done. "Yes, I did say that, but didn't l go | to your house, and tell you what to say | to Gabriel?"
 Cephas laughed scornfully. Did you think I was going to swallow the joke | that you and that Claiborne girl matched up between you? Do you reckon I'm fool enough to tell Gabriel that you'll die If he don't come home soon?" You didn't tell him. then?"
 "No, l don't" replied Cephas. "I would cut off one of my fingers before I'd let him know that there were people here at home making fun of him."
 Nan gazed at Cephas as if she sus- i pected him of a joke. But she saw that he was very much in earnest. I'm glad you didn't tell him." she said finally. Then she laughed, saying, "Cephas, re- ally did think you had a little sense.
 q have sense enough not to hurt the feelings of them that like me-" the boy replied. And he went on his way, try ing to reconcile the Nan Darlington who used to be so kind to him with the Nan Darlington who was flirting and fitting around with long skirts on. He failed as older and more experienced persons have failed.
 When Nan met Cephas. on the occasion | of the interview which has just been re- ported, she was on her way to Neighbor l Tomlin's to pay a visit to Margaret Gather. Margaret happened to be out at the moment, but Fanny insisted that Nan should come in anyhow.
 Margaret will be back directly Mss Fanny said; "she has only gone to the store to match a piece of ribbon. Be- sides, I want to talk to you a little while. But good gracious what Is the matter with you? l expected cheerfulness from | vou. at least, but what do 1 find? Well, you and Margaret should live in the same house: they say misery loves company. l Here 1 was about to ask you why Mar garet is unhappy, and find you looking | out of Margarets eyes Are you unhappy, | too?"
 "No, Aunt Fanny, I'm not unhappy; I'm angry. l don't see why girls should be- come grown Why, 1 was always in a good humor until I put on long skirts, and then my troubles began. I can neith- CT run nor play; must be on my dignity all the time for fear some one will raise her hands and say. Do look at that Nan Darlington, Isn't she bold piece? never was SO tired of anything in my life as am of being grown. l never will get used to 1t. If can't be myself, I'll do like Leese Clopton did; I'll go into | convent
 Well, you certainly would astonish the nuns when you began to cut some of vour capers," Miss Fanny declared.