Norwich bulletin., 1914-03-19
THE OLD, LONG CLOCK

| He looked at her fondly for a mom- 1 ent, and clasped her to him fiercely, while the tears rose to his eyes in | spite of his manhood. Then kissing 1 the boy lightly on the cheek, he went 1 out quickly towards the underbrush. The woman looked after him anxi- i OuSly; watched him steal away into the bushes and disappear. Then she 1 turned, choking back the sobs that | would keep rising in spite of her eff forts to stifie them. She gazed around the little kitchen. How cheerful and homelike everything looked ana now hard she and Dave had worked to keep things running. True there were only few chairs. a table. and the big ottoman in the corner, besides the lit tie knick-knacks which only a woman can arrange. But the old long clockl She went across the room and touched it lovingly. It had been her mothers and she thought worlds of it. I'd hate to have you hurt, old clock We've been together a long time, you and I, but I'm afraid-Pm afraid"
 The sounds of her own voice seemed to bring her to her senses and going to the door she looked out over the plain.
 Yes! There could be no mistake There they came, galloping along on their horses as though the fiends were pursuing them. Their scarlet coats dotted the Undiscovered background and she could almost hear their spurs clash they were so near. l. was just a quarter to three. and with a sigh, she sat down to wait for what she knew was inevitable.
 Nearer and nearer came the hoof beats: then the door was rudely flung open and the leader of the bushrang- CTS stood before hcr. He was a stall wart fellow and might even be called good-looking, except for jagged scar above his left eye.
 Where's your husband?" he de- manded, walking around inspecting the furniture and tapping the walls for secret panels.
 Do you expect to find him under that table? Because I can save you the trouble of Iooking-he isn't there, v she replied calmly.
 He looked at her in open admiration. You've got nerve. if you are We man, but it ain't gein' ter help yer none. Where is he?"
 Hes where you won't find him. the woman answered defiantly.
 Yer won't tell me then?" he sneer- ed She shock her head slowly.
 Well, we'll make yer. l guess 1t won't be leng before yer change yer mind'' he laughed harshly.
 Calling to his men. he gave them an order that filled her with horror, but sine gave ne sign.
 Her home was to be burned in ten I2otnutes! Ten minutes to decide be tween ,-- old long clock and their lit tie hoard of gold. The hour would then be three.
 Now" he said menaclng, tell me where yer husband is. Gim me the gold. an I'll not bother yer. but if yer wen't''-he shrugged his shoulders significantly.
 She turned pale. but did not answer, and with a look of disgust and vexation he turned away and walked to the window. The woman sat there. her tears falling fast.
 The minutes were going quickly, oh. so quickly, she thought as she raised her tear-stained face to the clock. Eight minutes to three! She lifted her hands and moved her lips as in prayer.
 The ranger glanced at the clock then resumed his position, looking out to- wards the hills with Q grim, set face. Time was going, and every minute was precious. He turned again and looked at the clock. surprise written on every feature.
 Still eight minutes to three?" he gasped. The time don't seem to go very fast.
 A few minutes more went by. and again he looked at the clock. Wonder and astonishment was on both faces; it was eight minutes to three!
 What's wrong with that clock? Cad, There's some trick here
 He strode over to the old clock, opened the case. and stood as if petri- fled. There on the inside was a golden haired boy calmly holding the pend ulum with both hands.
 Come out, you rascal, and tell me what yer mean by this little joke. Seems ter me it's a little out of sea- son.
 I'm not a rascal, for trying to save my Daddy's house. am I?'
 The rangers face softened at the childish question and he turned his head as though ashamed to show his emotion.
 'eNo' kid I guess yer ain't-I guess yer ain't," he repeated, half to him self.
 The sight of the child's face recalled memories that he had vainly tried to put from his mind. If things had only been different! But with a smothered oath at his weakness he recovered himself, as he heard the drunken laughter of his men outside.
 The muscles in his hard face re- faxed and he laid a. rough hand gently on the boys head.
 Young 'un, yer all right you are, Yer mother ought to be proud of yer. There don't cry lad, and try ter think well of me. I-I don't have no mother ter look after me. yer know"
 He thrust 8 roll of money into the and without backward glance, walked from the room. Mounting his horse, he commanded his men to move on not needing their looks of contempt.
 And as she heard the rapid gallop of the horses slowly dying in the dis tance the mother clasped her boy to her heart -BDstOn Record.