West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-09-09

ana nat covered with dust stepped
to the ground. Aunt Nance embraced
her warmly.
You're sister Lucy's Marcia she
exclaimed excltedly. IL know with
out askin'. You're reglar Doolit-
tie. and you don't know how glad I am
to see your
"You don't really look strong" Aunt
Nance said while Marcia was eating
the elaborate dinner prepared express
ly for her. But. In, my dear. you'll
look Ike another girl after a summer
up here I'm this mountain air"
Then she suddenly asked In a softer
tone. Where is your brother David.
Marcia?'
Marcia's smile gave place TO paIned
and troubled look.
II don't know, aunt" she said.
Don't know7 Why. how is thatl'
1T Is more than year since we
have heard anything from David" said
Marcia. Then she added THAT Is one
reason why wanted to come west.
Aunt Nancy. besides what the doctor
told me about my health. I think Da-
vid Is out here. I did not write any
thing about II. for l thought l would
rather tell you ali about IL myself.
thought you might understand the story
better and feel more kindly toward him
to see you.
Ii was brief and sorrowful little
story OF boys waywardness that she
told, not an uncommon story OF a nat.
urally well disposed boy being led into
wrongdolng by evil companions and
finally running away after bringing dis
grace upon his home.
"All we have known for nearly two
years is that he is ia the west. We
heard once oE~his being in this state
III could only find him, am sure he
could yet be saved He is SO young
not yet twenty"
Til help you find him." said Aunt
Nance earnestly. "we'n begin at once
L know all the stage drivers around
here and people In nearly all the noun.
tain towns. IL he's anywhere I'm this
part OF the state Wen find him, dear.
Merrick ain't common name"
The mountain summer soon came on
In all its soft and tender beauty. Mar
cla lived out OF doors much OF the time.
she rode ON horseback down into the
grassy gulches or far up to the noun.
tain SUBMITS, where the snow lay In
httie patches throughout all the sum
ner days. Soon the color came 10 her
cheeks. Her thin shape grew rounder
aud fuller.
The night OF the 10th OF An
gust was one long remembered Inv
the dwellers on that mountain side
ana by those In the gulch below. They
TRfnrrR6 IN
time OF the big storm"
AT O'Clock the wind abated its
fury. At 10 It had died away so that
no sound was heard but the pouring of
the rain. Marcia and Kate Dooiey
went to bed
III was III O'Clock when Aunt Nance.
rising to go TO bed, stopped suddenly,
threw up her head and listened.
The rain was falling softly now, and
high above Its gentle sound she heard
a voice shrek out rs II In mortal
terror. Then she heard mems voices
shouting wildly.
What In the name OF wonder Is CO.
In on up there on Taylor mountain
at this time OF nightw she asked her
self as she hurried to door and look
ed out into the darkness.
Dear. dearr' she said, with more
OF irritation than OF fear in her voice.
Il wonder when this countrys ever
goin' TO get civilized so folks III live as
II they was Christians! There's mis-
chief goln' on up therel / saw them
Taylor mountain boys whisperin' to-
gether and lookin' savage when they
were down here to dinner today. I've
a notion to- Who's thatT"
The rear door OF the room had open
ed suddenly and been closed.
Aunt Nance turned quickly. Before
her. his back to the door, his hands
spread out upon 1t as II he would hold
1t against all resistance, stood a hatless
and coatless young man. his clothes
drenched and tattered, his face ashen
pale, his eyes wild and staring, while
his slender form quivered with fear
ooh. please come in and shut that
door, he cried, stretching out one
hand implorlngly. They're after me
those men arel Can't you hide me?
! haven't done what they say have.
Hide me! Hide mep
Aunt Nance slowly closed the door,
but seemed TO hesitate.
'Ma'am," said the young man, "Pve
been wild for a long time, but / am
innocent OF this wrong, and II you'll
help save me / VIII live a right life
from this moment. I'll go back home
tomorrow--back to New Hampshlrew
New Hampshirew Aunt Nance
caught eagerly at the words.
'Are you from New Hampshire?"
she asked slowly.
yes. vest oh. are they cominRT
From what town. she asked eager.
y.
The town Of Rockingham"
Now tell me your name, quickg'
"Dayid-Dayid Merrick."
She took his wet cheeks between her
hands and drow his faeo down to hors,
while sho kiseod him soothingiy.
"I thought SOL thought 90" she |
seid. with hor arms around bis neck. |
you've the Doolittle eyes, David |
Don't be afraid"
The door OF Marcia's room had |
opened suddenly. and she stood there |
with a shawl thrown lightly around |
her. The next instant she cried out: |
"Oh, it's David-my brother Davidp' /
The tramp Of feet was heard out |
side The look Of amazement on the /
boys face gave place to one Of ter |
ror, and Aunt Nance said quickly:
"Go I'm there with your sister. David" /
moment later six or seven rough /
looking men fled into the cabin. Aunt |
Nance knew them every one. She /
met them standing with her back 10 |
the door Of the room David and his /
sister had entered.
He come IN here didn't he. Aunt /
NanceT' said Joe IIaskln, the leader /
OF fho crowd ntVc oo.r hfr, sva 49,. Il