Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-12-12
CHAPTER XIX

length Walter determined to break the
Silence, which had become oppressive. 1t
did not seem natural for two persons to
be In the same room 20 long without
speaking word.
II should think you would 6nd 1t lone
u living In the woods away from any
neighbors." he said.
II don't care for neighbors," said the
woman, shortly.
Have you lived here long"
That's AZ people reckon time," was the
answer.
You don't have far to go for fucl,"
was the next remark Of our hero.
did you say you was . book psddlsr r
sho inquired.
Il am 4 book agent"
IL your business good ons7" she AK
cd.
Il have done very well 80 far. but then
/ have been at 1t only week."
ITS a good thing to have money" said
the woman, more to herself than to Wal
ter.
Yes" said Walter Its very coayen-
lent to have money; but there are other
things that are BETTER
such az what7" demanded the woman
abruptly.
Good health, and a good conscience"
She laughed scornfuIly.
I'll tell you there's nothing 10 good
a. money. I've wanted 1t all my life.
and never could get 1t. Do you think
would live here In the woods II 1 had
money! No, / should like to be a lady.
and wear fine clothes, and drive about
in handsome carriage. Why are some
people so lucky, while | live In this mis-
Srabls hole2"
Perhaps your luck will change some
day." he said, though he had little faith
Ia his own words. He wondered how the
tall. gaunt woman of the backwoods would
look dressed in silks and satins.
MY luck never will change" she said
quickly. IL must live and die ia some
such hoyel as this"
MY luck has changed" said Walter.
quietly; "but 10 different way"
"Howy she asked, betraying In her
tone some curiosity.
: "A year ago-sx months agony faith
Or was rich man, or was considered So
He was thought to be worth over a hun
dred thousand dollars. All at once his
property was swept away, and now / am
obliged to earn my own living, as you
see."
How did your father lose his money 2"
BY specializing In mines"
The more fool ho II
MY father is dead said Walter,
Fracely. Il cannot bear to hear him
blamed"
"Humph p calculated the woman. "I
sxpcct you are hungry"
Yes" said Walter, Il am; but can
walt till your husband comes"
She took out from small cupboard a
plate of bread and some cold meat. and
laid them on the table. Then she steep
cd some tea, and, when II was ready. she
put that also on the table. Walter un-
derstood from this that supper was ready,
and, putting on his shoes, which were
now dry, he moved his chair up.
The woman poured him out some tea
/. In one OF the cracked cups.
-rhe first sip OF the tea, which was
quite strong. nearly caused wry ex-
preston on Walters face, but be man
aged to control himself so far as not to
betray his want of relish for the bev-
GRACE his hostess offered him. The only
.redeeming quality 1t had was that 1t
was hot, and. exposed as he had been
to the storm, warm drink was agree
able.
There's some bread and there's some
meat" said the woman. you can help
yourself
Walter ate heartily of the food and
succeeded In smptying his cup OF tea.
He would have taken another cup IL there
had been milk and sugar. but II wa stoo
bitter to be inviting.
Walter pushed his chair from the table,
and sat down again before the fire. She
rose and cleared the table, replacing the
bread and meat In the cupboard. There
was silence for another hour. Walter
wished 1t wore time to 20 to bed, for
the presence OF such a woman made him
feel uncomfortable. But 1t was too early
yet to suggest retiring. At length the
oilepcs was broken by step outside.
That's Jack" said the woman, rising
hastily and over her face there came q
transient CLEAN OF satisfaction, the FIRST
Walter had observed.
Before she could reach the door II was
opened. and Jack entered. Walter look
I'D up with some curiosity to see wha,
might be. He saw a stout man, with low
cring eyes, and matter red hair and
beard.
They are 1tiy mated" thought our
hero.
Ths man stopped short as his glance
Vested upon Walter. and he turned
quickly to his wife.
who have you got here. MegY' be
asked, In a rough voice.
"He was overtaken by the storm, and
wanted me to take him In, and give him
supper and lodging"
He's boy. What brings him into
these woods2''
HE says he's book peddler.'
Where are his books?"
81 have sold them ALL" said Walter
feeling called upon to take q persona
share in the conversation.
How many did you havs7"
Twenty"
How much did you charge for them7'
sfIhree dollars and half apiece."