Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1903-08-05

OF some trees ana nalteIeR uONn
from the wagon, and was presently
followed by a young woman in a
sunbonnet and an old man who
peered eagerly from side to side.
The mules we're Embarrassed and
fed, and two gaunt, travel-weary
cows united from behind the wsg-
on and turned loose to grace
Then the man took a fishing pole
and started leisurely toward a
green line OF bushes, which could
be seen winding along in the dis
lance /; the woman went into the
woods to gather fnel.
The old man watched them de-
part with evident uneasiness. He
loitered about undecidedly, and at
last walked slowly down the road.
A big brindle dog arose lazily and
followed him.
The wagon was concealed from
below by an abrupt bend in the
road. Along this rel dropping
masses of chinchapin bushes.
The old man paused near them
and ga zed wistfully into the val
ley. Every building, field and or
chard passed successfully under
the gaze, and his dim old eyes
grew misty with loving recogni'
ton. Presently he saw a horse
mar in the distance, and he look
ed at him curiously. After a bit
his curiousity changed to interest,
and then to apprehension. As
the horseman came slowly up the
hill he trembled violently and at
last turned and hurried toward the
wagon. AS he did so the dog
spraDg forward with loud barks Of
suspicion and defiance.
Suddenly there was a sharp re-
port, and a thin cloud Of smoke
rose hazily into the air. AS it
hOated out over the chincapin
bushes the herseman came into
view. There was a smile OF real
amusement on his face, which in
stantly disappeared as be glanced
toward the wagon. Underneath
it, and lyng in the shade was the
form Of a man, apparently asleep.
With a startled expression the
berseman threw himself from his
saddle and hurried toward the re-
cumbent figure. AT the same mo-
ment the woman emerged from the
woods.
"What's the matter 7" she de-
manded fercely. "Have you shot
him -
oN-no. l reckon not" The
man rose and stood aside as she
bent sOlicitOusly over the figure.
"He seems to breathe all right.
and / can find no trace Of a bullet
He paused a moment, but as sh'
did not answer, added deprecat
ingly: "YOu see l only intended
to brighten the dog and fred high
The old man grOaned and threw
out his arms as though to ward OF
something. The woman strokeC
his head softly.
81 low he's all right she said
He's been this way considerable
lately. Coming back to his OLE
home has made him sOrter fitted
reckon. Hits the first time he'
been round here in mOre'n thirt!
year."
GDid he live in this neighbOr
hoodi"
81 reckon so. Pap amt beer
much of a hand to tell about hi
old home. Most we know is wha
we picked up from words now anC
then, and from his actions"
'Do you expect to settle hereI'
The young woman did not seen
to think the question important
The stranger was tall and Of com
n
handing figure, aud she evidentl,
believed him to be q person 0
consequence in the neighbOrhood
Possibly he owned the very LAM
on which they we're camped. =
"We all amt settled about tha
vet" she answered simply. CIV,
like round hyer, and will stay !
nv husband can get stiddy work
I'd like to on pap's account. H
amt never been satisfied up il
Ca'lina. Not that he spoke of eve
spoke Of coming back, 'cept in hi
Sleep" she added hastily. w
all had q time in getting him star
ted. He seemed troubled aboU
somepin' and we had to persuad
and persuade fore he'd give in
Here the old man opened hi
ewes and started around question
inkly. AS his gaze rested upO
the stranger he cOnvulsively raise
himself to q sitting posture. A
e-st Ia aaamed inclined To m