The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1908-09-17
Xxx.

length Walter determined to break the
silence, which had become oppressive. II
did not seem natural for two persons tc
be in the same room so long without
,peaking a word.
Il should think you would find it lone
ly living in the woods away from any
neighbors," be said.
Il don't care for neighbors," said the
woman, shortly.
Have you lived here long?"
That's as people reckon time" was the
answer.
You don't nave far to go for fuel"
was the next remark Of our hero.
did you say you was a book peddler?'
she inquired.
Il am a book agent"
rs your business a good one2" she ask
ed.
II have done very well so far, but then
| have been at it only a week"
Its a good thing to have money" said
the woman, more to herself than to Wal
ter.
Yes" said Walter Its very conven-
lent to have money but there are other
things that are better"
such as what?" demanded the woman
abruptly.
Good health, and a good conscience"
She laughed scornfully.
III tell you there's nothing SO good
as money. I've wanted 1t all my life,
and never could get it. Do you think
would live here in the woods If l had
money? No, l should like to be a lady.
and wear fine clothes, and drive about
in a handsome carriage. Why are some
people so lucky, while l live in this mis-
cradle hole?"
Perhaps your luck will change some
day." he said, though he had little faith
in 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 in some
such howell as this"
"My luck has changed" said Walter,
quietly; but in a different way"
"How| she asked, betraying in her
tone some curiosity.
"A year ago-six months ago-my faith
er was a rich man, or was considered so.
He was thought to be worth over a hun
bred thousand dollars. All at once his
property was swept away, and now 1 am
to earn my own living, as you
How did your father lose his money!
by specializing in mines"
'"The more fool he!"
my father is dead,' said Walter,
81 cannot bear to hear him
"Humph" CALCULATED the woman. II
you are hungry"
Yes" said Walter, II am; but l can
till your husband comes"
She took out from a small cupboard a
of bread and some cold meat, and
aid them on the table. Then she steep
ID some tea, and, when it was ready, she
put that also on the table. Walter I'M
from this that supper was ready,
ind, putting on his shoes, which were
low dry, he moved his chair up.
The woman poured him out some tea
n one of the cracked cups.
The first sip Of the tea, which was
quite strong, nearly caused a wry ex-
,ression on Walters face, but he man
ged to control himself so far as not to
'etray his want of relish for the bev-
rage his hostess offered him. The only
edeemlng quality 1t had was that it
vas hot, and, exposed as he had been
o the storm, warn drink was agree
BILE.
There's some bread and there's some
said the woman. You can help
ourself."
Walter ate heartily of the food, and
ucceeded In emptying his cup of tea.
lie would have taken another cup if there
ad been milk and sugar, but it wa stoo
litter to be inviting. (
Walter pushed his chair from the table,
nd sat down again before the fire. She
ose and cleared the table. replacing the
read and meat in the cupboard. There
as silence for another hour. Walter
ished it were time to go to bed, for {
lie presence of such q woman made him
,el uncomfortable. But it was too early I
ct to suggest retiring. At length the '
was broken by a step outside. t
That's Jack" said the woman, rising
and over her face there came a S
ansient CLEAN of satisfaction, the first Y
had observed. q
Before she could reach the door 1t was q
,ened, and Jack entered. Walter look
up with some curiosity to see what Il
TT of a man the husband of this woman Z
light be. He saw a stout man, with low 4
ing eyes, and matter red hair and c
ard.
They are ftly mated" thought our &
no.
The nan stopped short as his glance D
sted upon Walter, and he turned
ickly to his wife. a
who have you got here, Meg?' he a
ked, in a rough voice. ;,
"He was overtaken by the storm, and y
me to take him in, and give him
pper and lodging" -
Hes a boy. What brings him into q
ese woods7" -,
HE says he's a book peddler."
Where are his books?"
have sold them ALL" said Walter, 81
ling called upon to take a personal -,
Ire in the conversation.
How many did -ou haye?"
Twenty" Ia
How much did you charge for them?T
Three dollars and a half apiece" =,
That's seventy dollars, isn't tit" l
Yes"
Well, you can stay here all night il pr
/ want to. We amt used to keepin' a
.eru, but you'll fare as well as We" W
slLA,t 1850 -an .n-,s1 I Ig-LA / 70