Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-08-28

pally because it would enable him to see
the country at his leisure. During the
first five miles he succeeded in selling
both books, which relieved him of the
burden of carrying them, leaving him only
his valise.
Walter was strong and stout and en-
joyed his walk. There was a freshness
and novelty about his present mode OF
life, which he liked. He did not imagine
he should like to be a book agent all his
life, but for a time he found it quite
agreeable.
He stopped under the shade Of large
elm and ate the lunch which he had
brought with him from the inn. The
sandwiches and apples were good and,
with the addition of some water from
stream near by, made very acceptable
lunch. When he resumed his walk after
resting couple of hours, the weather had
changed. In the morning it 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 a drenching
| shower. Walter took refuge in the woods
congratulating himself that he had sold
the books, which otherwise would lave
run the risk of being spoiled.
IL wish there were some house nearby
in which l could rest" thought Walter
The prospect of being benighted in the
woods in such weather was far fiom
| pleasant.
Looking around anxiously, he espied a
small footpath, which he followed, hoping
but hardly expecting. that it might lead
to some place of refuge. To his agree
able surprise he emerged after few min
utes into a small clearing, perhaps half
! an acre in extent, in the middle of which
was a rough cabin. 1t was a strange
place for a house, but, rude as it was
Walter hailed its appearance with Joy
At all events it promised protection from
the weather. and the people who occu-
pied it would doubtless be willing to give
him, for pay, of course, supper and lodg-
ing. Probably the accommodations would
not be first class, but our hero was pre-
thankful for it. Accordingly he advanced
fearlessly and pounded on the door with
his fist, as there was neither bell nor
knocker.
The door not being opened Immediately,
he pounded again. This time a not par
ticularly musical voice was heard from
within:
rs that you, JackT'
NO" answered Walter, ut isn't Jack"
His voice was probably recognized as
that of a boy, and any apprehension that
might have been felt by the person with
in was dissipated. Walter heard bolt
withdrawn, and the door opening, reveal
ed tall, gaunt, bony woman, who rved
him in a manner which could not be con-
| sidered very friendly or cordial.
WHO are you?" she demanded abrupt
ly, keeping the door partly closed.
II am book agent" said Walter.
do you expect to sell any books here?
asked the woman, with grim humor.
NO." said Walter, "but l have been
| caught in the storm, and lost my way.
Can l stop here over night if the storm
should hold on"
This isn't tavern" said the woman.
ungracously.
/ NO, suppose not" said Walter; "but
it will be favor to me if you will take
me in, and | will pay you whatever YOU
think right. l suppose there is no tavern
nearby"
| He half hoped there might be. for he
had already made up his mind that this
| wOnI1 10
stop at.
There's one five miles off," said the
woman.
That's too far to go in such weather.
II you'll let me stay here will pay YOU
whatever you ask in advance"
"Humph ~ said the woman. doubtfuI.
ly, Il don't know how Jack will like it."
As Walter could know nothing of the
sentiments of the Jack referred to, he re-
mained silent, and waited for the woman
to make up her mind, believing that she
would decide in his favor. He proved to
be right.
"Well," she said, half unwillingly. ~
don't know but I'll take you in, though
it isn't my custom to accommodate tllv-
elers."
81 will try not to give you much trou-
ble," said Walter, relieved to find that
he was sure of food and shelter.
"Humph !" responded the woman.
| She led he way into the building.
which appeared to contain two rooms on
the first floor, and probably the same
number of chambers above. There Nrs
| no entry. but the door opened at onoo
into the kitchen.
"Come up to the fire If you're wet"
said the woman.
The invitation was hospitable, but the
manner was not. However, Walter was
glad to accept tn, invita- ion, without
thinking too much ~ the manner in which
it was expressed, for his clothes were
pretty we'll saturated by the rain. There
was no stove, but an old brick fireplace.
on which two stout logs were hurnino