Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-08-31

"Tnar's man thew coll sandy Cia,cs"
In the great quiet that seemed to have
fallen upon the house 'ho sigh Of the near
pines and tho drip of leaves without was very
distinct. Johnny's volc,, too was lowered
as he went on, "Don't you take on now, fur
I'm gcttin' all right fast. Wot's the boys
doin' ont thar
The Old Man partly opened the door and
peered through. His guests were sitting
there socially enough, and there were few
silver coins and lean buckskn purse on the
table. "Bettin' on suthin--some little game
or mother. They're all right" he replied to
Johnny, and recommended his rubbing.
ard like to take hand and win some
money" said johnny, rehectively, after Q
pause.
The Old Man glibly repeated what was
evidently familiar formula, that if Johnny
would wait until b. struck it rich in the
tunnel he'd have lots of money, etc, etc.
yes said johnny, "but You don't. And
whether you strike it or win it, it's about
the same. It's all luck. But it's mighty
cur'os about Chrisniss-ain't il, Why do
they call it Chrismiss'"
Perhaps from some instructive Difference to
the overhearing OF his guests, or from some
vague sense OF incongruity, the Old Mans
reply was so low as TO he inaudible beyond
the room.
Eyes, said Johnny, with some slight abate-
ment Of interest, "I've heord O. him before.
Thar, that'll do, dad don't ache near 20
bad as did. Now wrap me tight In this yer
blanket. So. Now" he added in a muffled
Whisper "sit down yer by me till | 60 asleep
To assure himself Of obedience, he disenga ged
one hand from the blanket, and, grasping his
fathers sleeve, again composed himself to
rest
For some moments the Old Man waited
patiently Then the unwonted stiffness of
the house excited his curiosity, and, without
moving from the bed, no cautiously opened
the door with his disengaged hand, aud
looked into tho main room. To his infinite
surprise it was dark and deserted. But even
then . smoldering log on the hearth broke,
and by the uPspringing blaxe he saw the
figure Of Dick Bullen sitting by the dying
embers.
"Hellol"
Dick started, rose, and came somewhat un.
steadily toward him.
"Whars the boysl" said the Old Man.
"Gone up the canyon on little pasear.
They're coming back for me In mint I'm
waitin' round for EN-. What ore you starin
at, Old Mani" he added with forced laugh ;
"do you think I'm drunkT
The Old Man might have been pardoned the
superstition, for Dicks eyes were humid and
his face flushed. He loitered and lounged
back to the chimney, yawned, shook himself,
buttoned up bis coat and laughed Liquor
amt SO plenty as that, Old Man. Now don't
You git up" he continued, as the OLD Man
made movement TO release his sleeve from
Johnnys baud. "Dont you mind manners.
Sit jest where you be; I'm goin' In jiffy.
Thar, that's them now"
There was a low tap at the door. Dick
Bullen opened it quickly, nodded Good
night" 10 his host and disappeared. The
Old Man would have followed him but for
the hand that still unconsciously erasped his
sleeve He could have easily disongagsd II,
II was small, weak and emaciatad. But per-
haps because II spas small, weak and sma-
cisted hs changed his mind, and. drawing
his chair closer to the bed, rested bis head
upon II. In this dsfenssleas attitude the 20.
tency Of his earlier potations surprised him.
The room Aieksred aud faded before his eyes,
rsappeared. faded again, went out, and left
him--asleep
Meantime Dick Bulisn, closing the door,
confronted his companions. "Ars you