The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1908-12-17

I 49, ~--~ e%At@A~Ao-A " noAAC MAAuE AEOAA
stream near by. made very acceptable
lunch. When he resumed his walk after
resting a couple Of hours. the weather had
changed. In the morning il was bright
sunshine. Now the clouds had gathered
and storm seemed imminent To make
matters worse. Walter had managed to
stray from the road. He found himself
walking in narrow lane. lined on either
side by thick woods. Soon the rain came
pattering down. at FIRST in small DROPS.
but quickly poured down in drenching
shower. Walter. took refuge in the woods.
congratulating himself that be had sold
the books. which otherwise would ave
run the risk Of being spoiled.
Il wish there were some house nearby
in which | could rest" thought Walter
The prospect of being benighted in the
woods in such weather was far fiom
pleasant
Looking around anxiously.. he espied
small footpath. which he followed. hoping.
but hardly expecting. thar il might lead
to some place Of refuge. To his agree
able surprise he emerged after a few min
utes into a small clearing, perhaps half
an acre In extent. in the middle OF which
was rough cabin. IL was a strange
place for house, but. rude as il was,
Walter hailed its appearance with ioy.
AT all events il promised protection from
the weather. and the people who occu
pied IL would doubtless be willing TO give
him. for pay, Of course. supper and iodx-
ing Probably the Recommendations would
not be hrst class. but our hero was nre-
pared to take what he could get. and be
thankful for it. Accordingly he advanced
fearlessly and pounded on the door with
his hst. as there was neither bell nor
knocker
The door not being opened immediatelv.
he pounded again. This time a not mar
ticularly musical voice was heard from
within:
Is that you. Jack -
No" answered Walter, lit isn't Jack
His voice was probably recognized as 4
mar OF boy, and any apprehension that
might have been felt By the person with
n was dissipated- Walter heard a bolt
withdrawn. and the door opening. raxeal.
d tall, gaunt. bony woman. who wed
Tim in manner which could not be con
adered very friendly or cordial.
Who are yOu7" she demanded abrupt
,, keeping the door partly closed.
am book agent" said Walter.
do you expect to sell any books herey''
sked the woman. with grim hunor.
No." said Walter. but I have been
aught in the storm. and lost nv wav.
an | stop here over night II the storm
hould hold on."
This isn't tavern said the woman.
ngraciousIy.
40, l suppose not, said Walter: hut
wln be favor to me II you viii take
e h, and l will pay you whatever Won
INK right suppose there is no tavern
sarby"
He half hoped there might be. for no
"a already made up his mind that this
ouid not be a very agreeable place to I
CD st.
there's one ave miles or said the a
oman \
That's too far to go in such weather. $
you'll let me stay here. will pay you B
iatever you ask in advance. - !.
Humph = said the woman. doubtful
i don't know how Jack will IKE fr'- y
As Walter could know nothing Of the q
ailments Of the Jack referred to. he re- h
lined silent. and waited for the woman
make up her mind. believing that she a
uld decide in his favor. He proved 10 70
right I,
Well she said. half unwilIinrIv- II =
1T know but III take you in, though ~
isn't my custom to accommodate tfIy-
r." II
I will try not to give you much trou- q
), said Walter. relieved to find that IN
was sure Of food and shelter.
'Humph y responded the woman o.
'he led he way into the building. =
lch appeared to contain two rooms d, -
first floor, and probably the same e
nber Of chambers above. There uaa NJ
entry, but the door opened at once IN
!, the kitchen. wi
Come up to the FIRE il you're vel. va
J the woman. aal
he invitation was hospitabIe. bur the 10
lner was not. However, Walter vaa -
TO accept the invitation. without -
king too much Of the manner In which y
vas expressed. for his clothes we're TN
ty well saturated by the rain. There ao
no stove. but an old brick fireplace bic
which two stout logs were burning. orr
re was one convenience, at least, about the
V in the woods=fuel was Abundant .
required nothing but the labor Of cut 80,
1t. sai
think III take Of my Shoes" said No
ter. era
fou can II you want to-. said his grim ho'
ess. hel
e extended his wet feet toward the
and felt a sense Of comfort stealing
him. He could hear the rain fall .
iercsiy against the sides Of the cabin -
felt glad that he was not compelled -
and the brunt Of the storm .ns
} looked around him guardedly. not oial
ing to let bis hostess see that be was A
!; so. for she looked like one who cinI
/ easily Be offended. The room seem inst
markably bare Of furniture There loot
an implanted table, and there were NJ ,
three chairs, one Of which had lost ~
ck- These were plain wooden chairs. -,
.hough they appeared once to have 10, -
painted, few yestiges Of the original lene
now remained. On a shelf were AT
articles Of tin, but no articles Of It
ny were visible, except two cracked from
Walter had before this visited the her
nes Of the poor, but he had never her
A home no poorly provided with ~. ..