The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1909-07-22
The House of the Black
>, = e.s:: Ring e.,z=.... 100.

ON, In glad you've come. Right
IN this way. Don't stop for anything
seat. and they rushed together into the
house. closing the door behind them.
At once all was dark and silent.
Amos sat for a moment gazing blankly
at the place where they had vanished,
then he swore softly.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS."
But nothing could long discomfort
Amos. 1t vas evident that Mrs. Earth
1ng's stay was to be no short one 1t
was equally evident that nothing was
required Of him-at least for the pres
ent. Accordingly, he found a place FOR
his horse, sought out a comfortable
seat. and lighted his pipe. Thus forth
fed, he prepared for a long siege.
Mosquitoes sang their shrill songs
about him. a whip-poor-will came at
length within a few feet cf where he
sat. SO near that he could distinctly
hear the chuck" at the end of each bar
OF his score. The near Run filed the
night with its drowsy monotone. Amos
leaned against the side of the house,
and then dozed off with his pipe still
In HIS mouth.
He was awakened by a stealthy step
very near him, but, though bewiIdered,
he did not or make a sound. A
man crept silently through the yard,
opened the back door Of the kitchen,
and passed In. That was not Toms
step, nor Poppy Miller's. He listened
intently and after a time heard the
humble Of a voice within, but he could
catch no syllable. There was some
thing strange about the affair.
Perhap he could peer in at a win
dow, but the windows were not easy
to locate in the old structure. Two he
found after cautious accommodating, but
they were closed and tightly blinded.
Then he stole to the other side n
found a window partly open. He lifted
himself cautiously.
1t was the window to what appeared
to be the pantry. The apartment be-
yond seemed to be feebly lighted, as
with a candle.
All was silent. Then, by listening
hard, he heard a low sound as Of some
one muttering d~isjotntedly, but he
could make out no words. Suddenly
mar and clear rang out Squire Harris
wick's voice. There was no mistak-
ing 1t.
But who put it on, I want to know?'
There was both fear and anger in the
tone; who was it? Did Al Farthing
put 1t on?'
low monotone.
Here, damn 1t! quit that! Look me
In the eye, and stop that jabbering!
o. can't scare me, you blasted old
witch, with any such rigmaroie g that
Speak up, OF I'll put you where you be-
AOAo. " iOdl INOSS CdlIl0 mere
The reply was audible now. 1t arose
In h wailing tremolo, and 1t gathered
force as it went on until 1t became al
most a Shrek.
"Ha. ha, ha! she m here. She
comes to see me, and shan't I help her
when she loves the very air he breathes,
when his eyes have looked at her and
she can't sleep, when he'll have his re-
venge? Ha, ha, ha! Let him look to
his daughters she well? Is she
happy? is she fair now?"
Here, quit it.; do you mean Jim
Farthing?"
"Ah. look-look-see! The old man,
her father-let me count his hours.
One, two, tire, four-,
Stop, you damned bag! stop!"
Five six seven-oh, it's not long
eonugh to be worth the counting
Then she'll marry him,-ha, ha, ha!
she'll marry him, and they'll divide it
up-oh, it'll be merry! All these years
he's shaved for 'em and sold out his
very soul for EN-. And she'll marry
him-See, those eyes, there's revenge
in EN-. All. my God! Matthew Heller,
you've got revenge"
Stop" Numbered the old man, but
at that moment there was commotion
In front. Amos turned automatically.
Run right In, doctor; don't stop to
rap" It was Jim's voice.
The kitchen door opened softly, and
Squire Hartwick stole around the house
and down h road, passing not six
feet from the man under the window.
Off after the sheriff, I'll bet yeh,'
mumbled Amos, under his breath. Then
he went out to interview lin.