Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1910-01-13

did a few days ago; it may arouse
suspicion. Better, if you can do 1t
naturally, say few ill-natured things
about me in the village. You can say
what you like, so that you do not un-
willingly tell the truth-you under
stand?"
"Ill say you are hard master,
said the man, raising his dark, mo-
rose eyes to his masters face.
Sir Richard smiled.
Certainly; anything of that sort to
throw dust in their eyes"
The man rose.
Stay" said Sir Richard. You Will
find a decanter of spirits and a glass
on that bureau. Help yourself
But the man shook his head, and
put the offer aside, as it were, with a
Jerk of his rough hand.
Good night, master" he said.
Good night, my good Stephen
said Sir Richard.
And the man went silently into the
night again.
Sir Richard returned to his desk
and took up the sheet of paper.
"a strange fellow" he muttered:
"But I can rely upon him. know that
expression so well; it was fear When
a man serves me from gratitude, am
not sure of him-gratitude is so unnat-
ural. but when he fears, then l feel
safe. Now let me see. A good hand,
and easv to imitate-notes on art
BabI He will have something else to
think of before | am done with him!
Yes, the writing is easy to forge, ana
the name-let me try
So saying he pulled a sheet OF pa
Der from his hand, and carefully lml'
tated the signature, Louis FELTON,
which was carelessly scraWled at the
bottom of the sheet before him.
Easy enough after a little prac'
tice" he muttered, examining his
bandiwork critically. q wonder there
are not more forgeries, even than
there are: it is so easy-so easy!
A bright fire was burning in the OLD
dining room OF the Hut. a small and
particularly plain supper was set Out
, upon the table and Stephen HargraVe
stood looking down into the names
waiting for his master.
That he bore his master no nate
might have been deduced by the care
with which he had made ready for hi
appearance.
The fire was a welcome; the chai
drawn close up to it was welcome
and Stephen Hargrave's attitude, a.
he stood listening, was welcome II
it's gloomy, distracted way.
Presently there was a ring at the
bell, the door was opened by the Lac
who served as Stephen Hargrave's as
s;stant, and Louis entered.
Snow was on his coat, and his face
was flushed with the exercise and the
night cold
"Wen, stephen, my mani" he ex
claimed, cheerily, shading his eyes
from the light of the lamp and fire
Here | am back at last! What {
cheerful room! Why, man you have
all the neatness of woman. What &
glorious fire! All, put the coat to dry
somewhere, it's saturated with snow
A wild night, but grand one"
And he sank into the comfortable
chair and rubbed his hands over the
fire.
Stephen left the room silently, and
as speechlessly reentered, with dish
of steaming mutton chops.
"Splendid!" exclaimed the hungry
Louis, as he drew his chair up to the
table. Cooked to perfection too;
Stephen, you are an artist"
Then, with all a hungry mans zest
he finished the chops, drank two cups
of coffee, and subsidized into the easy.
chair again, with a contented, happy
look on his face which seemed to set
the fire laughing with sympathy.
We'll, and how have things gomez
Anything happened
NO; what should?" replied Ste,
phen Hargrave, roughly.
Nothing, while you were here to
keep charge, my faithful BEAR re,
piled Louis laughing good-naturedly
Il can't think why your late master
parted with you, Stephen. He must
have cared more for veneer than
good stout oak. But" he added, more
gently, and with a kindly anxiety il
his frank, open eyes, you look NOR
glum than usual tonight, Stephen
what is the matter? My good fellow
would that l could persuade you tina
a sorrow shared is decreased one-haIf
Tell me what lies in your mind, Ste
phen; I'll help you to be rid of it if J
can"
He even in his kind-hearted symp
athy, laid his hand upon the man
sleeve as he bent to arrange the fire
stephen HargraVe shrank from his
touch and averted his face.
Nothing ails me- he said. in hi
usual sullen way. What should? Can
a man keep a silent tongue if h
likes? You didn't engage me to chat
ter like parrot, master"
NO, nor to play perpetual mute
Stephen replied Louis, gently. Blu
there, I'll say no more if my ques
tons pain you. I meant them kind
ly, my man, believe that: and tonigh
I feel so happy that a sad face jars
upon me. All, Stephen, lad, if you'd
seen what I have seen today you'd
lose something Of your misanthropy,
an old man and a child! That is all
and vet what lovel Angels might
sing Its praises and be guilty of no pro
family. I saw them, Stephen. in 2