Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1908-12-04

He 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
stream near by, made a very acceptable
lunch. When he resumed his walk after
resting a 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 a 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 q 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.
II 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 flom
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 house, but, rude as 1t was,
Walter hailed Its appearance with Joy.
At all events 1t 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 not par
ticularly musical voice was heard from
within:
rs that you, Jack?'
NO." answered Walter, cit 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withdrawn, and the door opening, reveal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.
Il am a book agent" said Walter.
DO you expect to sell any books here p
asked the woman, with grim humor.
NO" said Walter, 'but 1 have been
caught in the storm, and lost my way.
Can l stop here over night If the storm
should hold on7"
This isn't a tavern" said the woman,
ungraciously.
mo, l suppose not" said Walter; "but
It will be a favor to me IL you will take
me In, and will pay you whatever you
think right. 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 a very agreeable place to
, stop at.
There's one ave miles OF" said the
woman.
That's too far to 60 In such weather
If you'll let me stay here, will pay you
! whatever you ask In advance"
"Humph" said the woman, doubtful.
~, II don't know how Jack will like II. y
As Walter could know nothing of the
sentiments Of the Jack referred to, he re-
manned silent, and waited for the woman
to make mp her mind, believing that she
would decide in his favor. He proved t.
be right
, WELL" she said, half unwillinsly, "a
, don't know but I'll take you In, though
1t isn't my custom to accommodate Il Az
elers."
II will try not to give you much trou
ble," said Walter, relieved to find thai
he was sure Of food and shelter.
"Humph !" responded the woman.
/. She led he way into the building
which appeared to contain two rooms or
tho first floor, and probably the sam,
number of chambers above. There wal
: no entry, but the door opened at ono,
into the kitchen.
. Come up to the FIRE If you're wet,
said the woman.
7 The invitation was hospitable, but tn,
: manner was not. However, Walter wal
glad to accept the invitation, withou
= thinking too much Of the manner in whicl
it was expressed, for his clothes wer
pretty well saturated by the rain. Their
: was no stove, but an old brick fireplace
$ on which two stout logs were burning
5 There was one convenience, at least, abcu
0 y living in the woods-fuel was abundant
and required nothing but the labor of cut
e ting it.
c 81 think I'll take off my Shoes" sal
q Walter.
e You can If you want to- said his grin
$ hostess.
It He extended his wet feet toward tn
{ fire, and felt a sense of comfort stealth
y 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.
Ie He looked around him guardedly, no
p wishing to let his hostess see that he wa
Ie doing so, for she looked like one VIII
a might easily be offended. The room seen
d ed remarkably bare of furniture. Their
I, was an implanted table, and there wer
a also three chairs, one of which had los
= its back. These were plain wooden chair,
l. and though they appeared once to hav
re been painted, few vestiges of the origins
lie paint now remained. On a shelf were
Is few articles of tin, but no articles c
lie crockery were visible, except two cracke
V Guns Walter had before this visited ri