Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-07

The other listened. her awed, un- canny gaze watching every movement, every expression. Sue felt that she un- derstood.
 So. you sec. Janey, dear, I'd like to help him-to tell him of the land mex. ours, so he would be rich. He de- serves 1t, but-my promise to dad, my sworn promise to let nobody know nobody" She finished with mourn ful shake of the head. and resumed her seat.
 On lanes face was mixture of cunning and delight. Her eyes, usually wide open in vacant stare, were con- tracted as with secret design in which the doltish spirit found great glee. She mumbled few words to which Sue paid no heed. Her mind and heart were intent upon other things, and she sat in dreamy silence until. tired out. she dropped asleep.
 And the elfin girl kept watch beside her until long into the night, peering deep into the gloom of the woods. Perhaps there she saw the little men in green at midnight revel with the fairies: perhaps she heard their music. the waters run, as they danced by the light of the flredy lanterns.
 CHAPTER Xx.
 A warm afternoon was drawing to close. Clouds banked the western sky, dark as with the smoke of bat tie, while from their crimson lining bristled spears of gold.
 On the river a skin shot between rufies of foam Two men sat in the boat; one dark as the water he cleft with feathered oar, the others pale profile sharply outlined against the bluffs beyond. Over one shoulder was flung a cape which the wearer adjusted from time to time as though its weight were burden. But his manner was alert, eager, and he scanned the shore with earnest eyes. So this is the place. Owatoga." he said, and scarcely waited for the keel to scrape the sand before his foot touched shore.
 When Winslow and his guide came in sight of the cabin. it appeared de- serted; only a thin curl of smoke beckoned invitingly, and the weather vane bobbed welcome.
 At last familiar figure came from back of the cabin. "America!" and Winslow darted forward without hesi- tation. The old woman's eyes in the uncertain light glittered like those of cat; then. recognizing him, she smiled, and there was unctuous de- light in her hearty: "You-Mars Wins low? Fo' Gawd's sake!"
 He shook her hand. and the long, damp fingers responded with the un- certain hold of one not accustomed to the action.
 'T 'spicioned heern the gravel scrunch; my years is sharp yit. I'se tur'ble glad to see yo, Mars Winslow. kin O feared yo' might O disremem- bered us all by dis time."
 She had gone forward to meet them. and as they reached the house: Les be right still" she cautioned; "'cause missy done fell to sleep. Eposin' we set out hyar awhile" and she brought chairs under the tiny framework over the door, from which q honeysuckle vine flung ample shade.
 Ar'De folks is al gone off somewhsrs, Mars Creighton, an de young man tuk'n went to town to do some tradin'. Missy Lavvy jes' toted on to get some fresh ar. She'll be back immejit."
 Thus the old negress rambled on, including even Owatoga in this gra- cious reception.
 Winslow spoke little. fearing to break the spell which held him in en- chantment all the more alluriug. that he knew 1t could not last. Silently he drank in the delicious languor of a young midsummer night. A breeze blew from the river, heavy with the perfume of blossoming locust trees, where birds scolded and chaffed in wide-awake preparation for slumber. Clear, close. comforting hung the sky, where the bold stars came early out. though light yet glowed in the wake of the sun. It soothed Winslow to think that this was her home-this sweetness of summer. of bird and tree and blossom. It was all hers, and she the fairy princess of this enchanted wood.
 And so. indeed, she seemed. when from the copse beyond she came, her arms filled with pungent weed that gave forth a spicy aromatic odor. Of slender. ethereal beauty. in her light muslin dress against the dark trees. she moved like a will-o'-the wisp, and winslow had wished she might longer hover there-the real woman of flesh and blood had power to wound to