The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1906-02-02

derson. becoming alarmed for the
safety Of his young friend, urged him
to prepare himself for defense in q
chance meeting with his enemy.
johns reluctant hand had scarcely
deposited the pistol safely out of sight
In his hip-pocket. when the cracking
OF dried twigs upon the foot path lead
ing past the spring caused both BOYS
10 look quickly toward the sound, and
as they did so the tall form of a slen-
DOR young man came into view.
The material and cut of the neat
suit OF grey tweed worn by a new
conner as well as the mans genteel and
almost foppish appearance, denoted
that he did not belong to this back
woods settlement. A students cap
set boyishly upon the back of his
head, and the soft dark rings of cur-
~ hair framed massive brow of ex-
Quisite fairness. He carried a large
leather bound book under his right
arm and his slender hands were as
shapely and white as woman's.
He nodded pleasant good morning
to the two young men, as with long
swinging strides he passed where they
were sitting and then disappeared be-
hind screen of dark green foliage.
Who is that young fellow, Bob?"
inquired John, as the foot steps of the
passerby died away in the distance.
His name is Charlie Seymour He
Is a brother of Mrs. Allen, the rec
tors wife, whom he is visiting. Mrs.
Allen told me yesterday that her
brothers health had failed while he
was attending a law university in New
York. consequently his physician had
ordered him to give up his books, and
banished him for a season to the pine
forests of Georgia. He hasn't given
up his books, however, for he is al
ways porting over them when 1 call at
the rectory; and did you notice the
his arm when he passed us?"
Yes. / noticed it. No doubt he is
stealing away to hide himself some
where in the woods so as not to be
disturbed while he is reading" replied
John.
They would better lock up his
| hooks from hin, and ,,,t b;,, 70 boo
ing corn and cotton; that would bring
the roses back TO his pale cheeks, eh,
John?"
You are talking sense, now, old
! man." laughed John, as he rose to
his feet and began to brush away the
shavings which had lodged on his
trousers from the stick on which he
had been idly whiting. well must
be OFF," he continued.
Where are you going? inquired
Bob. as he too rose from the green
messy bank and began to unite the
| halter strap of his horse that stood
tied to a stout sapling, near by where
\ hhC wv DccH
Il am going down to Overtons mill.
Won't you go with me. Bob?"
Il am sorry / can't old fellow, but
promised father would hunt up
, our stray cattle this morning. What's
the reason you're not out horseback
riding this morning, John?" he con-
J tinued, as he vaulted into his saddle
and tried to restrain the horse who
danced about in his impatience to be
on the wing.
Il just took notion to foot it;
am in the saddle so much l get tired
Of it," John turned into the path as
he spoke, and his friend said:
well, goodbye! You will be
down to the party given at Colonel
Thomas's tonight, won't you, John?"
Yes, 1 suppose So" John Answer
ed, carlessly, as he struck out through
the woods and his friends horse
pranced away in an opposite direction.
[COntinued Next Week.