Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1904-12-07


long ago, he had returned to find her
who had inspired it, singing with
others and doubtless oblivious to
whether he was dead or alive
1t was all the silliest sort of nom
sense then, of course, and foolish to try
TO recall it now; and yet. as Martin
did, it seemed that to feel the same
boyish happiness and live once more
in the same fairy palace built of moon
shine and filed with decisions, would
be cheap at the cost of all the years
that interviewed.
When he, somewhat saddened by
these by-gones, and not at all sure that
his return to Greenvale was wise,
reached the doctors home, to find it
occupied now, the greeting that fol-
lowed seemed doubly welcome
It's all my fault" admitted Martin,
in response to DR.. Soils profuse ex-
plantations, "and after all, the hours
stroll gave me a little pleasure, for I
passed Aunt Comforts and heard An
gle singing some OF the old songs. She
has piano now, Judge"
why didn't you CALI" queried the
doctor, with laugh; 'tshe knows
you're coming, and it wouldn't have
surprised her"
But Martin answered not, for to ad-
nit the facts would expose him to
the doctors raillery
Then they sat down to a social chat,
the doctors wife insisting that Martin
relate his side of that wonderful trip
into the wilderness and the discovery
of both wild man and hermit, and after
that the doctor recounted changes that
had taken place in Greenvale since
Martin had left it.
One story more, especially pertinent
to this narrative, was told by the doc
tor, and must be quoted
Il suppose you remember old David
Curtis" he said, 'and how he treated
his brother AMI? Well, the old miser
has almost reached his dotage, and
they say his conscience is beginning
to trouble him. I've always doubted
ne had any, but the men who work
in his mill and board with him say
he inlagines the premises have become
haunted and hears things at night.
He certainly looks more dried up and
carewOrn than ever. Then there is
deal Of concern here as to what he will
do with his property when he passes
on; you know, l suppose, that your old
flame Angie is next of kin, and if he
makes no will. she inherits it all"
II recall the stories of how he abused
his brother" responded Martin, "and
Amzi's mysterious disappearance.
used to half expect TO find his bones
in Misery Swamp some day when l set
traps there. Has no trace of him ever
been found?"
"No, and | doubt if there ever will
be. Old Cy Walker-you remember
him-says he met a man in the woods
above the falls about ten years ago,
who resembled AMI, and some be-
lieve it was he, and that he will re-
turn some day"
And there was no settlement of his
estate" put in Martin, as the old story
returned to him, and didn't Angie re-
ceive anything inally?"
Not a penny. David claimed AMI
owed him more than his personal es-
tate was worth, and all realty reverted
to him at Amzi's death, so Angie re-
ceived nothing. Aunt Comfort, as you
know, brought her up. There's one
curious fact about the matter" added
the doctor, after pause, land that is,
never since Amzi's- disappearance, has
David sold foot of the land"
For a few moments Martin pondered
On this curious complication in silence
He had, as a boy, heard something
about it, but it did not then interest
aim
: What about the dover right of An
gie's mother?" he asked suddenly; mo
will could rob her child OF that
You must ask Aunt Comfort" re-
sponded the doctor, smiling, and yet,
I'd advise you not to. It's a tender
subject with her, and never spoken Of y
Then other bits of village history
were recOunted By the doctor, and
Squire Phinney, Aunt Lorey, Parson
Jones, old Cy Walker and dozens OF
others, once well known by Martin.
were spoken of.
Il must hunt I'D old Cy tomorrow,
asserted Martin as the talk ended, land
set him to take me fishing He used
TO know where all the best holes were. -
And thus Martin came in touch once
more with GreenVale's quiet life, and
when he was shown into the doctors
best front room, it seemed as if his alb
sence had been only months instead
of years.
One incident of this first evening
| or rather Query-kept recurring, even
after he sought lis pillow: To whom
| belonged the male voice which joined
| Angles in the old songs, and was he
q frequent and welcome visitor there:
! CHAPTER XIV.