Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-12-05

lie stopped under the shade of a 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 a
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 a 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 ave
run the risk of being spoiled
81 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 from
pleasant.
Looking around anxiously, he espied a
small footpath, which he followed hoping,
but hardly expecting that it might lead
|
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 a rough cabin. 1t was a strange
place for 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 1t 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-
pared to take what he could get, and be
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:
us that you, Jack 2"
mo" answered Walter, at isn't Jack"
His voice was probably recognized as
that of boy, and any apprehension that
might have been felt by the person with
in was dissipated Walter heard a bolt
withdrawn, and the door opening, reveal
ed tall, gaunt, bony woman, who eyed
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.
81 am book agent" said Walter.
DO you expect to sell any books here p
! asked the woman, with grim humor.
NO" said Walter, "but l have been
caught in the storm, and lost my way
Can | stop here over night if the storm
should hold on?"
This isn't tavern" said the woman,
ungraciously.
mo- suppose not" said Walter but
1t will be a favor to me If you will taks
: me in. and l 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
( would not be very agreeable place tC
stop at.
There's one FIVE miles off" said tn,
woman.
That's too far to go in such weather
, II you'll let me stay here, will pay yor
whatever you ask in advance"
"Humph ]" said the woman, doubtful
ly, 81 don't know how Jack will like it,
As Walter could know nothing of tn,
sentiments of the Jack referred to, he re
manned silent, and waited for the woman
to make up her mind. believing that sh,
would decide in his favor. He proved t,
be right.
= "Well," she said. half unwillingly. -
! don't know but I'll take you in, though
it isn't my custom to accommodate tilv
4 elers."
II will try not to give you much trou
: ble," said Walter, relieved to find tina
he was sure of food and shelter.
"Humph !" responded the woman.
She led he way into the building
which appeared to contain two rooms OF
T. tho first floor, and probably the sam
: number of chambers above. There wa
!, no entry, but the door opened at one
: into the kitchen.
"Come up to the fire IL you're wet.
said the woman.
, The invitation was hospitable, but tn
= manner was not. However, Walter wa
!, glad to accept the invitation, withou
thinking too much of the manner In whlcl
il was expressed, for his clothes ,er
pretty well saturated by the rain. Their
! was no SlONes Out du Oiu DTlCk fireplace
$ on which two stout logs were burning
$ There was one convenience, at least, abcu
. living in the woods-fuel was abundant
and required nothing but the labor of cut
G ting it.
c Il think I'll take off my Shoes" sail
e Walter.
g You can II you want to- said his grin
3 hostess.
u He extended his wet feet toward tn
!; fire. and felt a sense of comfort stealth
J over him. He could hear the rain fall
e ing fercely against the sides of the cabin
l. and felt glad that he was not compelle
to stand the brunt of the storm
e He looked around him guardedly, no
p wishing to let his hostess see that he wa
e doing So for she looked like one VIII
a might easily be offended. The room seem
d ed remarkably bare of furniture. Their
{. was an implanted table, and there wer
a also three chairs, one of which had los
y its back These were plain wooden chair.