St. Tammany farmer., 1906-04-28

light fell directly on the man. was
somewhat startled at his. sudden ap-
pearance, for had not perceived any
person on the road. It seemed to me
Is though the man had suddenly risen
,ut Of the earth. But as he drew
nearer / recognized him as Jack VIII
ton. sprang to my feet, rushed down
the steps and grasped his hand eagerly.
why, Jack. old boy" l exclaimed.
how very strange! was thinking Of
you this blessed moment"
Dear old friend,' he said, and his
voice had a hollow ring that appeared
almost sepulchral; "it was very good
Of you to waste thought on me-"
"Come, old boy" said, come on
the piazza and rest; you look tired out.
Why, thought you were in Europe" /"
/ / placed q chair beside my own and
Jack sank into it with a.deep sigh,
|As said: You must haye travelled
far to-day 3
Eyes" /" replied Jack, YEARLY, II have
come long distance since morning, !"
and the dull, lusterless eyes were
turned on me again, while the sus-
Epicion OF . smile filtered across his
pale face.
"All the way from New York, I sup
pose." said.
Farther than that" he replied, as
he again fixed his dull eyes on me. Il
came from London"
His singular reply affected me great
ly, but not more SO than his strange
and steady stare. But moment later
/ thought to myself that he was jok-
Ing me IN return for my curiosity IN
regard to his movements. / laughingly
responded: well. that was long
journey for one day, to be sure"
We sat there conversing for an hour:
I, however, doing most of the talking,
for Jack spoke only at long intervals,
and then only in low and mufaed
tone. I remember thought he was
strangely moody. While we were thus
engaged I saw James, my man-of-all-
work, standing at the corner Of the
house, beckoning to me.
+ EXCUSE me for moment, Jack"
said. my man probably desires di-
|rections about to-morrow's work"
went to where James was standing
and asked him what he desired Of me.
"Sorry to disturb you and your
friend, sir, but the bay mare wants
shoeing badly. Shall take her over
to the village tomorrow and have her
shod!"
"No; will take her there myself.
Hitch her to the blackboard early in
the morning and will drive over. I
have a friend visiting me and he will
enjoy q ride In the fresh air Of the
morning"
"All right. sir" said James.
When returned to my seat I was
struck more viyidly than ever by the
pallor of Jacks face. ... l..
"a Come, come, old man." said, =
know that you are tagged out. Twill
show you to your room. I'll bet q dol
lar you will sleep soundly.''
s'Yes," replied my friend, in muf-
fled tone, Il will sleep soundly. -
We enteyed the hallway, and taking
lighted lamp from the table I led
the way up the staircase.
"This is our spare room, Jack"
said. at isn't much Of room, but
when we go back to the city and you
come to see No will give you hand
oomer surroundings.
AS he stood beside me noticed that
the lamp was holding projected both
our shadows on the window shade;
mine was in bold. relief, while his waa
only q faint suspicion Of shadow.
This struck me % being very singular.
Goodnight, Jack" was my partiAo
exclamation; put ont the light when
you are ready for bed. will sss you
In the mcrning. !" ssss y 81
He turned those lusterless eyes upon