The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-07-11

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 from
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 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 cccu-
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-
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 not par
ticularly musical voice was heard from
within:
rs that you, Jack?"
NO." answered Walter, sit 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withdrawn, and the door opening, reveal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 manner which could not be con-
sidered very friendly or cordial
'Who are your" 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,
ungraciously.
mo, suppose not" said Walter; but
it will be favor to me if you will take
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 to
stop at.
There's one FIVE miles off," said the
woman.
That's too far to 60 in such weather.
II you'll let me stay here, will pay you
whatever you ask in advance"
"Humph!' said the woman, doubtful
ly, II don't know how Jack will like it,"
AS Walter could know nothing of the
sentiments of the Jack referred to, he re-
NAMED 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. II
don't know but I'll take you in. though
it isn't my custom to accommodate tlav-
elers."
Il 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 Shove There was
no entry, but the door opened at once
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 the invitation, without
thinking too much of the manner in which
it was expressed, for his clothes were
pretty well saturated by the rain. There
was no stove, but an old brick fireplace.
on which two stout logs were burning.
There was one convenience at least, about
living in the woods-fuel was abundant,
and required nothing but the labor of cut
ting it.
Il think I'll take off my Shoes" said
Walter.
You can if you want to-, said his grim
hostess.
He extended his wet feet toward the
fire. and felt sense of comfort stealing
over him. He could hear the rain fall
ing fercely against the sides of the cabin
and felt glad that he was not compelled
to stand the brunt of the storm.
He looked around him guardedly, not
wishing to let his hostess see that he was
doing so, for she looked like one who
might easily be offended. The room seem.
ed remarkably bare of furniture. There
was an implanted table, and there were
also three chairs, one of which had lost
its back These were plain wooden chairs.
and though they appeared once to have
been painted, few vestiges of the original