Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-03-10
Only one thing lacks

made the misery aDJect and Jhat Is
rain. If the clouds drop, and the water
leaks into my den, I'll give myself
up, and secure dry cell somewhere
then JaJsper and the Jordans may
make the best of it. I'm not going
to become confirmed invalid to save
Jasper's pride, and help on his suit
| to that dragon of Wantley. If he
thinks it against his interest that /
should be in gaol, I'll go back there.
I'm not eager to have that heap of
superciliousness as sister-in-law,
Walter, so collect sticks and fern
that I may have fire.
Martin, do not insist on this; the
light and smoke will be seem
Who is there to see? This rock
is only visible from Cornwall, and
there is no bridge over the lamar
for some miles up the river. Who will
care to make journey of some hours
to ask why fire has been kindled on
the Raven Rock? Look behind, the
trees screen this terrace, no one at
Morwell will see. The hills and
rocks fold on the river and hide us
from all habitable land. Do not op-
pose me; I will have a fire.
o. Martin said the boy, you throw
on me all the responsibility of car.
ing for your safety, and you make my
task hard one by your thoughtless-
ness
I am so unselfsh,' said Martin,
gravely. I never do consider myself.
| can't help it, such is my nature
Walter reluctantly complied with
his brothers wish. The boy had lost
his liveliness. The mischief and
audacity were driven out of him by
the responsibility that weighed on
him.
Abundance of fuel was to be had.
The summer had been hot, and little
rain had fallen. Wood had been cut
! the previous winter, and bundles of
faggots lay about that had not been
removed and stacked
| Before long the fire was blazing,
and Martin crouched at it warming
his hands and knees. His face re-
Taxed whilst that of Walter became
lined with anxiety. AS he was thus
seated, Jasper came on him carving
blanket He was dismayed at what
his brother had done, and reproached
/ him.
Martin shrugged his shoulders. Tt
is very well for you in a dry house,
on a feather bed and between
blankets, but very ill for poor me,
condemned to live like a wild beast
You should have felt my hands before
l had fire to thaw them at, they
were like the cold mutton I had for
my dinner
Martin, you must put that fire out.
You have acted with extreme indis-
cretion'
Spare me your reproaches; / know
| am indiscreet. 1t is my nature, as it
lies in the nature of lion to be
noble and of a dog be true
Really said Jasper, holly, dis
turbed out of usual equanimity by
the folly of his brother, really, Mar
tin you are most aggravating. You
put me to great straits to help you,
and strain to the utmost my rela-
lions to the Jordan family. do all
| can-more than I ought-for you,
and you wantonly provoke danger.
Who but you would have had the tenn
Gritty to return to this neighborhood
after your escape and my accident,
Then why do you remain here I can
not believe in our illness. Your lack
OF common consideration is the cause
OF incessant annoyance to your
friends. That fire shall go out He
went to it resolutely, and kicked it
apart, and threw some of the flaming
oak sticks over the edge of the
precipice.
hope you are satisfied now,' said
Martin sulkily. You have spoiled
my pleasure, robbed me of nv only
comfort, and have gained only this
that wash my hands of you and will
leave this place tonight. 1 will no
longer remain near you-inhuman
unbrotherly as you are
are going, answered Jasper. You
shall have my horse. The horse is
my own, and he will carry you away.
Send Walter for it when you like. 1
Will see that the stable-door is open.
and the saddle and bride handy. The
horse is in a stable near the first
gate, away from the house, and can
be taken unobServed.'
You are mighty anxious to be rid
of me- sneered Martin And this is
a brother!'
had brought you a blanket off nv
own bed, because supposed you were
cold.'
| will not have it, said Martin
sharply. If you shiver for want of
your blanket 1 shall be blamed. Your
heart will overflow with gall against
poor me. Keep your blanket and
curl up in it yourself. I shall leave to-
night. have too much proper pride
to stay where am not wanted, with a
brother who begrudges me a scrap Of
fire.
Jasper held out his hand. I must go
back at once he said. IF you leave