Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-02-24

dime for your pluck said Vance,
/ laughing. and slipping a small coin into
the child's hand. Now you're all right,
are ypu:"
es. sir. Thank ye. sir"' returned
! the child. looking up, smiling with glee
at his unexpected good fortune.
But as Vance plainly saw the little
, lpturned face, he caught his breath in
sudden surprise. Where did the child
get those wonderful. magnetic. black
eyes. that dazzling complexion. the red
/ lips, and jetty. waving hair! IL ever on
| earth chili's face was the image of a
mans face ;har boy was the image of
Louis lie Dru,
what a likeness thought Vance.
| Then he questioned the child.
| what is your name, my little man?'
The child hung his pretty head. and
| only flashed bashful glance by way of
reply But the other little fellow volun-
teered the information, saying. His
name is Willie lie Dru.'
Vance turned white. AND the whole
world reeled with him, jus. then He
was actually obliged to lean against the
fence a moment for support Then he
asked unsteadily:
Where do you live, WillieF' The child
glanced up again, smiled, but did not an.
swer
Vance took n quarter from his pocket
and held it up. Here, I'll give you
this il you'll tell me"
The silver argument loosened Wilhe'S
tongue. Holding out his hand for the
money he said. Live right here" and
pointed to the cottage in front of which
they were at play.
rs your papa at home" asked Vance.
Haven't got any papa. Guess he's
died responded the little fellow
a mist swan before Vance's eyes, and
for moment his head reeled again But
he controlled himself at once, aud asked:
rs mamma at home. then?''
Yes. sir" was the answer.
"Wcll, Willie. | want to see her" said
Vance. Come to the house With me.
will you?"
But the 5-year-old eyed the tall stran-
ger doubtfully
Mamma don't know You" said he.
Yes, she does, replied Vance Come,
you run in and tell her l want to see
her He held out his hand and half
conserving, half reluctant, the child took
it, and they went up the narrow. flower
bordered path from the gate to the cot
tage
Vance paused upon the doorstep. VIII
lie opened the door and ran in, crying
out, Mamma mamma. here's man
wants you"
In n moment lady came to the door,
and Vances last doubt was removed. A
little older and paler than when he saw
her last. he recognized her instsntly-it
was the Nettic Burke Of olden times who
stood before him.
Good evening, SIR She said. civilly,
advancing to the door.
Good evening. Mrs. lie Dru," return
ed Vance, lifting his hat
will you walk in?" said the lady;
and Vance perceived that she was look
ing keenly at him,
Vance stepped inside and held out his
hand, saying cordially:
Don't you remember mo: / used to
know you In New Haven"
She turned pale. ard he saw that the
mentiOn of New Haven had m ected her
visibly as she answered, without accept
ing his offered hand
Il recall your face, hgt the name"
douglas, of Kentucky supplied
Vance, as she hesigated
"Oh, yes. | remember you now. Mr.
Douglas" said Nettic, giving him her
hand for an Instant "please take a
chair. viii YOU"
She did not say she was glad to see
him Vance noticed the omission. but he
took the chair she offered She sat down
Mt some distance from him. with little
Willie eliugiug to her and ewing the tall
stranger. his money tightly clasped in his
chubby hand.
Perhaps You are surprised to sea me-
Mrs lie DRUG remarked Vance.
'Yes--I~I did not know that any one
in New Haven was aware Of my my
residence here" she answered, At pink
hue tinting her pale face.
Il do not believe that a single soul
in New Haven is aware of that fact
said Vance. Il am certain that / could
not, by any means. come npou any trace
of You there 1t is only by accident l
have found you at last"
You have been seeking me. then?"
she asked, an expression of alarm cross.
lag her features.
For more than ten days. Mrs. lie
Dru," answered Vance, gray ,ly
Who sent yoa:" she demanded.
No one sent me- and only one per
son living knows | left home with that
intention" answered Vance "But came
all the way from Kentucky with the one
object of finding you"
Mamma | say, don't squeeze me so.'
cried little Willie. "Lem'mc 20 play"
Go, then, darling but don't go far
from the house. said the mother, releas-
ing linn As he ran away Vance said;
Mrs. lie Dru, see you are uneasy
about your boy. Let me assure you that
my business does not mcuace him in the
least--rather the contrary. You have not
the least cause for alarm
Thank You for the assurance" said
Netue, breathing more freely. Perhaps
am foolish about Wulie-he is all
have, you see" Aud she smiled, wan,
sd smile which tosehed Nance's kind
heart deeply.
Mr. Douglas notice you cali me
Mrs. lie pru," She wen, on. DO YOU
chance TO know that my right TO that
title has bren d:sputed?'
Il do have come 10 assist you in
establishing that right Mrs. lie Dru.
DO you know where your husband is at
preScntt'
She turned deathly white. but answer,
ed. Il do not"
May | ask you to have entire conf
deuce in meT' asked Vance. Il come
uni, as a friend "a sou. BAT IL order t.
prevent u great wrong. you must trust
me fully"
Il viii Do so Mr. Douglas. II yen viii
assure me that he di2 nos send you here.