Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1909-04-13

LInney, who demanded news of his mas
ter, and said that he had not returned
to the Caravan all night. Tim seemed
greatly troubled, but gave vent to no very
violent ebuIlitions of grief. When he
was gone Matt sat by the freside, and
looked long and keenly at William Jones.
What are you staring att" cried he,
fidgeting uneasily under her gaze.
Nothing" said Matt; Il were only
wondering
Then don't go wondering" exclaimed
the good man rather Inconsistency. You
mind your own business. and don't be a
fool - And he turned testify and gazed
at the fire. But Matt, whose eyes were
full of a curious light, was not to be
abashed
Amt you well. William Jonesg she
asked.
I'm we'll enough-L am
It's queer, amt it, that the painter
chap never come homer"
How should l know" growled Will
liam. May be he's gone back to where
he come from"
"Or may be he's drowned? Or may
be something else has happened to him =
suggested MATT.
Never you mind him. my GAL He's
all right. never fear. You go along out
and play
Matt went out as directed, and it was
some hours before she returned. She
found her guardian seated in his old place
by the fire, looking at vacancy. He start
ed violently as she entered, and made a
clutch at the rude piece of ships iron
which served as poker.
BE it you, Matt? Ior,' how you star
tied me were-I were-taking a doze. -
I've been up yonder," said Matt.
Up where?"
up to the painter chaps cart. He
amt come back; and the man is search
ing for him all up and down the place."
Fortunately it was very dark, so that
she could not see the expression of her
hearers face She walked to the fireplace,
and. taking box of lucifers from ledge,
began to procure light, with the view of
igniting the rushlight fixed to the table.
But in moment William blew the match,
and snatched the box from her.
What are you doin' OFF, he cried.
Wasting the matches, as if they cost
nowt You'll come to the workus, afore
you're done"
The days passed, and there was no news
of the absent man. Every day Matt went
up TO the Caravan to make inquiries. AT
last. one afternoon, she returned, looking
greatly troubled; her eyes were red, too,
as if she had been crying.
What's the matter now?" demanded
William, who had left his usual seat and
was standing 81 The door.
Nothing said Matt. wiping her eye
lids with the back of her hand.
Don't you tell no lies. You've heerd
summat? Stop! What's that there I'M
der your armT" =.
All at once he had perceived that she
carried large roll of something wrapped
in brown paper He took it from her and
opened it nervously. 1t was the crayon
portrait of herself executed by the defunct
artist.
who gave you this here?' cried Will
liam Jones. trembling more than ever.
Tim"
who's hep
Him as come looking after his master.
The painter chap amt found; and now
Tins going away in the cart to tell his
friends And he give me this-my pic
ture: he give me it TO keep. His master
said | were to have it; and / mean to
keep it now he's dead -
William Jones handed back the picture,
and seemed relieved, indeed, when it was
out of his hands.
'DeadT he muttered not meeting
MATHS eyes, but looking right out to sea.
''Who told you he were dead?"
Matt did not reply, but gazed at Will
liam so long and so significantly that the
good man. conscious of her scrutiny. turn
ed and plunged into the darkness of his
dwelling.
An hour later loud voice summoned
him forth. He went TO the door. and
there was Monk. of Monkshurst 1t was
the first time they had met since they
parted on the night of the murder. Monk
was dressed in dark summer suit, and
looked unusually spick and span.
Where's the girlf" he cried, after a
whispered colloquy of some minutes.
Matt, where are you?'
In answer to the call Matt appeared at
the door. No sooner did she perceive
Monk than she trembled violently, and
went very pale.
Come here, Matt" be said. with an in
sinuating smile. See! I've brought
something for you-something pretty for
you to wear"
As ne spoke he drew from his waistcoat
pocket small gold ring. set with turquois
stones. But Matt still trembled, and
shrunk away.
Il don't want it'll sha'n't wear it, !"
she cried.
Nonsense. Matt y said Monk. why,
it's ring fit for lady. Come. let me
pat it on your finger"
So great seemed her agitation, so deep
her dread of him. that she could not STIR
so that when he approached. laughing, and
caught her round the waist, he slipped the
ring on her finger before she could resist.
But it only remained there moment.
With a quick. sharp cry. she tore herself
Tree. and. taking the ring of. threw II
right away from her upon the sand. Then,
with wild gesture of fear and loathing,
she rushed into the cottage.
William Jones walked over and picked
up the ring. while Monk stood scowling
darkly after the fugitive.
What ais the girl?" cried the latter,
pocketing the present.
Il dunno She's never been the same
since-since the painter cAap went miss
ing. I'm afeerd he turned the gals head
Hell turn no more heads" muttered
Monk under his breath; he added aloud
and with decision. There must be ar end
to this. She must be married TO me at
once"
DO you mean 1t, master: When you
spoke of it fust thought you was lok-
ing"
Then You were fool for your pains.
She's old enough. and bold enough. and
vixenish enough but I'll tame her. tell
you there must be no more delay Ny
minds made up. and I'll wait no longer.
Sinking their voices. they continued 70
talk together for some time. Now Matt
was crouching close TO the threshold, and
had heard every word of the above con
versation. and much that followed II.
When Monk walked away mad disappear