Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-26

"M y'all ain't dc beatenes' white men eber come acrost!"
 Mind your own business! what are you. anyway?"
 But America was not to be daunted What I am, I'm dat-and dat's what am" was her oracular response. Then she continued: Ain you had no rais. in? Don you know 6 lady when yo sees one?'
 By St. Anthony, that I do. and no mtstake!" was the maudlin answer; "and does my duckie know her dearie when she sees him?" and suddenly reeling up to the girl, he chucked her under the chin.
 With movement swift and strong, America sent him sprawling back, his body spanning the prostrate statue.
 His companions staggered to the res cue as the rufflan arose ,uttering vol ley of oaths.
 You black she-deyil!" he roared with clenched fist raised, "I'll teach you manners"
 But just then voice said: Better learn them first, my man." and a slight, hut muscular frame was inter- posed between the women and their assailants. The girl gave a scream half of fright, half of relief. as she recognized the gentleman who had led the strangers this morning-he who had introduced himself as Winslow.
 At assistance from this unexpected quarter, the other soldiers retreated through the shrubbery, leaving their leader alone to face the indignant res cuer.
 Half soDered at the situation, but too angry for caution, the bully drew sword and made lunge at Winslow "a thrust unsteady and weak. Wins low easily parried it with his cane, but as he did so, the lace rufies of his shirt fell over wrist white as a wom- ans. At the sight of it's delicacy his opponent laughed contemptuously:
 T never fight milksops; get home to your mother!' and he turned to go.
 But, angered now, Winslow barred the way. You would draw upon an unarmed man, but you sneak out of a fair, hand-to-hand fight; you are . coward!"
 The man made sudden dash for him, which. however, Winslow evaded by an agile turn. Then, before the fel- low could rally his sodden senses Winslow knocked him down, and snatched up his sword. Thus armed he faced his opponent. "Go!" he com. manded. T, myself, will return this sword to your superior officer. The man who insults women is unit to wear It."
 Paralyzed. less by fear than amaze ment and chagrin at being worsted in . hloodless encounter with one he thought so mean a foe, the soldier slunk away muttering vengeance be- lied by his hang-dog manner.. x: 7 In the short silence that fof1owed, America continued her way to tho spring house. leaving her young mis- tress and the stranger together.
 She picked up his coat, and fiecking the dust from it, said:
 T am very much obliged to you, sir"
 "The pleasure is mine: I was form- nate in being here"
 "The trial. then. is over?"
 "As farce 1t began; as a farce 1t ended. I can only regret the emba-- rassment 1t caused you"
 She laughed joyously. Pray, sir, do not consider It. We have had so much to bear for the past two days that tride more does not matter"
 Her voice was very near to tears.
 Then, quickly recovering: All this time, Mir. Winslow, have the advan- tage. You do not know my name; am Lavender Creighton"
 She extended her hand, adding: You must forgive my not sooner summon. ing my aunt; she has but just returned from Marietta"
 "Then Mrs. Blennerhasset is your aunt?"
 T call her SO; 1t is, however, the privilege of friendship only. We are old and dear friends. My mother and I have been staying with her this winter. We are en route to the west-to the new territory. and were waiting for good weather-for the spring-to con- tinue the journey. It seems now" she added, with a little catch of breath, that we are to go on regardless of the season. The law waits no mans pleas ure-no, nor woman's. either"
 Here America, returning. inter- rupted.
 "'Scuse me. missy. but y all better come on to de kitchen" and they fol- lowed her in silence. Then the cook placed chairs for them around tse stove while she hustled about getting dinner. and this informal introduction Into the family affairs delighted the guest. but Lavender apologized.
 q fear this is a poor sort of hospital fly, sir. but Americas domain is the only private part of the house. The soldiers bow to her will alone. and 90 give her a wide berth"
 Dusting q fioury chair for him. she placed 1t before him with little ex- lggerated bow: then she left the room 1 o call Mrs. Blennerhasset
 A few moments later the mistress of l he house entered. She was . woman past the prime of life. but still at- | ractive. her face beautifed by lhe 'yss. large. dark and full of purpose. , The stranger rose. My name is