Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-22
CHAPTER w.
Harvey Birch. PeddIer.

storm below the highlands of the Hud-
son, if it be introduced with an easterly wind
seldom lasts less than two days Accordingly.
as the inmates Of the Locusts assembled on
the following morning, around their early
breakfast, the driving rain was seen to strike
I'm nearly horizontal lines against the windows
of the building, and forbade the idea of ex-
posing either man or beast to the tempest
Harper was the last to appear after taking a
view of the state of the weather he apologized
to Mr. Wharton for the necessity that existed
for his trespassing on his goodness for a
longer time.
While yet seated at the table, Caesar en-
tered, and laying a small parcel in silence by
the side of his master, modestly retired behind
his chair, where, placing one hand on its back,
he continued in an attitude half familiar. half
respectful, listener.
What is this, Caesar?" inquired Mr. Whar-
ton, turning the bundle over to examine its
envelope, and cycling it rather suspiciousy.
"The 'baccy, sir; Harvey Birch he got home,
and he bring you little good 'baccy from
York"
Harvey Birch!' reioined the master with
great deliberation, stealing look at his guest
Il do not remember desiring him to pur-
chase any tobacco for me- but as he has bought
it, he must be paid for his trouble"
For an instant only, as the negro spoke did
Harper suspend his silent meal; his eye moved
slowly from the servant TO the master and
again all remained in impenetrable reserve
To Sarah Wharton, this intelligence gave
unexpected pleasure; rising from her seat with
Impotence, she babe the black show Birch into
the apartment; when, suddenly recollecting
herself she turned to the traveller with an
nuiV lanL and
will excuse the presence of a peddler"
The indulgent benevolence expressed in the
countenance OF the stranger as he bowed a
silent acquiescence, spoke more eloquently than
the incest framed period, and the young lady
repeated her order, with a confidence in its
truth that removed all embarrassment
Harry Birch had been peddler from youth:
at least so he frequently asserted, and his skill
in the occupation went far to prove the truth of
the declaration He was a native of one Of
the eastern colonies; and, from something of
superior intelligence which belonged to his
father, it thought they had known better
fortune In the land of their nativity Harvey
possessed, however, the common manners of
the country and in no way distinguished
from men of his class but by his acuteness.
and the mystery which enveIoped his move
ments.
Ten years before, they had arrived together
in the vale and purchasing the humble dwell
ing at which Harper had made his unsuccessful
application, continued ever since peaceful in
habitants, but little noticed and but little
known. Until age and infirmities had prevent
ed the father devoted himself to the cultivation
of the small spot Of ground belonging to his
purchase while the son pursued with avidty
his humble barter. Their orderly quietude had
soon given them so much consideration in the
neighborhood as to induce a maiden of five and
thirty to forget the punctilo of her SEX and to
accept the office of presiding over their domes-
tic comforts. The roses had long before van
ished from the cheeks Of Katy Haynes and she
had seen in succession, both her male and fe-
male acquaintance forming the union so de-
sirable to her with but little or no hope left
for herself when, with views of her own she
entered the family Of the Birches.
There was one piece of intelligence, and that
of no little interest to herself, which she had
succeeded in obtaining; and from the moment
Of it's acquisition, she directed her energies to
the accomplishment of one object aided by the
double stimulus Of love and avarice.
Harvey was in the frequent habit of paying
mysterious visits in the depth of the night to
the fireplace of the apartment that served for
both kitchen and parlor Here he was observed
by Katy; and availing herself of his absence.
and the occupations of the father, by removing