The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1904-09-29
CHAPTER x.


Deafened by the rush Of steam, whist
ling engines, the shouting of men, jos
tied and knocked hither and thither by
eager passengers seeking their luggage.
and by heavily laden porters, was quite
confused. At length 1 inquired OF
ouiet-looking policeman the way to
Rackstraw's buildings.
There may be hundred Rackstraw's
buildings, for what l know" he said,
with a laugh. What part Of the city
is tf'
camden Town is the rest of the direc-
ton" / answered
"Ohl that is miles away from here.
The best way for you to get to Camden
Town is to get into bus that you'll see
pass those iron gates below"
I thanked him for his information
and managed to get into the right bus.
/ felt very sick and weary when 1
emerged once more into the streets
went into a pastry cooks to eat bun,
and inquire for Rackstraw's buildings,
and they directed me- Small houses,
one story high; town-looking in their dir
ty bricks: country-looking IN their little
rardens that lay in front. l knocked
at No. 8. and the door was answered by
Martha herself
"Whatl Msater Silas," exclaimed she,
with surprise, as that you? Oh. what a
turn you've given mel Do come in,
dear: How poorly and tired you CO
lookr'
calculating establishment and kindly
welcome. she led me into the little front
room. and forced me to sit down in an
old armchair.
Now sit down there and rest while
get you a nice cup of tea; I'm sure you
must want it Dear me!-the idea of
seeing you'll How long have you been
here. and what's brought you up; some
thing wrong down there? But there!
don't answer any of my questions till
look half dead"
Busting about all the time she was
talking, putting the cups and saucers,
ard preparing the meal. Then she cali
ed in her mother from the back to see
Master Silas, whom she had talked about
so much. Fer mother was very stout,
kindly looking woman, who came in WHIP
ing the soap suds off her arms, and who
welcomed me as sincerely as her daugh-
ter did.
After hearty tea felt better. 1 then
proceeded to satisfy Martha's curiosity,
which was all on edge: and while was
about it made a clean breast Of every
circumstance. from the time that l over
heard the first conversation between tbs
Rev. Mr.. Porter and his daughter, until
the day of my marriage. Passing over
the month. upon the events of which
I told her my lips were sealed, related
the particulars of my fight. This long
narrative, of course, was not given with
<out repeated interruptions on her part
'sTherel I always said you was be-
witcted. She ought to be burnt. The
wicked old hypocrite. he ought to have
six monthsi That's the reason they gave
me notice. because / shouldn't see too
much; but, you know, a marriage can't
stand good that's brought about by
witchcraft. She can't be your lawful
wife"
s.She is no more my wife than you
are, Martha" I answered; but the next
moment, for various reasons. / was sor-
~ that I spoke so openly.
'Only think of that, now! What a
wicked, unnatural creature she must bev'
cried Martha. But what mercy ii Is
that you're out Of their clutches; Pm
sure my heart always felt for you. Il
was In way when heard you was to
be married. I knew some awful VIII
fainy was going on But what a pity
you didn't hear more about that grim
old woman SAat he followed from Gray's
Inn! You might have found out your
rel< ms, and-who kncws?-they may
vast people"
the h people wouldn't be likely to
one of the Rev. Mr.. Porter's board
ers," / answered bitterly.
aAh. poor lads, they're much to be
pitied," sighed Martha And now. Mas