The Lakeland evening telegram., 1914-07-21

PAYING The PRICE
BY N. n. CROWELL.

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gaunt woman stood in the cabin
doorway and peered anXiously down
the narrow pathway leading into the
depths below. At her knees clung
three tow-headed children - hectic
checked, wild-eyed little girls-and the
sound of half-stitled sobbing told of
grief ranking in their childish bo-
sons
After a careful scrutiny Of the tim
ber far beneath, the woman turned
and patted the girls heads reassur-
ingly.
/ when are we a-goin to eat, MANI"
inquired the eldest, for perhaps the
tenth time.
When pap comes, child" came the
weak response.
The womans hollow cheeks flushed
as she glanced swiftly toward the lit
tie cupboard in the corner-she knew
its bitter secret. Jim, her husband,
also knew it when he descended that
narrow path early in the morning.
From the depths whistle sounded
up clear and keen, and the anxious
face Of the woman became pitiful with
tense, eager hope. Nearer came the
sound and presently the crackle Of
branches brushed aside could be
heard.
"Lissy?" Twas a mans voice-ex.
pectant-full Of cheer
"Jim!" That word spoke volumes.
The children darted away, and some
where in the dark laughing, scuffling
capture took place. The woman
smiled slightly and turned quickly to
her work-her preparations for
meal
Boisterously the four entered the
cabin, the children tugging at wealth
Of packages clasped beneath the mans
long arms. One stride took him to the
table and he dropped his burden there
on, hastily, as though glad to have
done with them.
Purity late, Lissy, by Jo!" he said.
Thought | never would git up them
rocks beyend Coles fork. I'm clean
tuckered"
Jim" The word trembled pitiful-
ly. "Yuh hain't got no credit down
yender, have yuh, Jim?"
NO, Lissy, hain't."
NO money been a-comin In to yuh
nowhere, Jim?"
"They raided wheat this aftuh-
noon, Lissy" he said, awkwardly
who got took?" Twas prompt,
eager ready query.
"Tunk Sellers. heerd they ketched
i'm"
Shore, JIM
Yes, Lissy I'm shore"
She stopped and busted herself at
the stove-her eyes wide, like those Of
hunted animal. A short time elapsed
and the savory odor of frying meat
dwelt fragrantly upon the air The
children circled clamorously about the
table, expectant,
set up, Jim," said the woman, pres
emily.
He shook his head slowly.
Il hain't hungry, Lissy."
She did not argue the matter-her
voice prevented it. The meal was
nearly over when the man arose and
!, stood before a cracked bit Of looking
glass that hung on the wall. Present
ly he turned and dropped a small
packet into the woman's lap.
'Yuh mought git yuh better glass,
Lissy. You will-wont yuh, gall" He
spoke tenderly, yet harshly.
! She dropped her fingers and they
; met the packet. The fingers instinc-
lively closed over 1t. Her eyes studied
the faded design in the oilcloth flxedly.
Upon a little shelf stood battered
clock He picked it up and began
winding It. after which he shook 1t
to his ear. Replacing 1t, he stretched
, himself lazily-then kissed the little
girls, beginning at the eldest.
. The woman's face was now buried
In her apron. He put his broad hand
upon her gray-fecked locks, bent low
and whispered:
. -woman-I-I'm goin'"
Silently he opened the door and
! stepped out out into the darkness.
Crack! It came up, clear and crisp
the sound of a rifle.
ShifIess jim had taken the price