The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1915-11-19
A House Divided.

~ did not wish any serious
harm to befall the young
man, and assuredly he did not wish
him killed. Still he felt that he had
a duty to discharge, and that, hav-
ing captured a prisoner, he could not
consistently allow him his freedom.
He was trying to decide what, under
the circumstances, he would better do.
Finally an idea occurred to him. aud.
Frightening up, lie said:
I'll tell o what I'll do, Jayhawk,
You think them bushwhacks mought
cut up sorter rough with you, an I
dunno If you mayn't be right. You
see feelin' is runnin' right smart high
here jest now. an both sides is sorter
reckless. SO III Jest take you up home
with me an send for George. When
he comes I'll jest leave 1t all to him
an he'll know what to do"
"Who is George?" Ross asked, his
face frightened under a little ray Of
hope.
"Oh, he's Jest George" the old man
replied. He's-thar's my house, now"
They had emerged from the woods
into ii small clearing, at the opposite
side of which stood a two room log
house.
That's whar l live," Silas added,
and Immediately two or three hungry
looking dogs set up a furious barking
to announce the presence Of a stranger.
"Moughty fine dogs, them air, Jay
hawk"
Presently as the two men came for
ward across the clearing a tall, slender
young fellow came out Of the house
and stood on the doorstep watching
them. Old Silas saw him and his face
,%.arkened.
THAT dadgumed silly Billy" he NUT
tered. bet he's been up to some dew
ilment an has come to taunt me bout
II. Dadburn his onery skim
Ross saw Billy, but he took no notice
Of him except to give him a casual
glance. Beyond Billy, in the open
door, stood n woman, and 1t was on
her Ross gaze was fixed. She was
young. and Ross thought her the most
beautiful woman he had ever seen. At
the first sight of her he experienced a
curious inexplainable feeling, and, try
AS he would, he could not keep his eyes
off her.
Daughter" Bone said, this we're
chap Is a Teller named Ross. Picked
him up down thar in the woods, whar
he'd stopped to enjoy n O. them mud
baths we been hearin' tell bout.
Fetched i'm up to take supper with us
an mebby to meet some O. our friends"
Then, turning to Ross, he added: "Mr.
Ross, I'm happy to make you knowed
to my gal. Her names Nervy."
Ross and the m shook hands.
At her touch Ross was conscious of a
slight thrill that passed over him.
Reckon supper's most ready, amt
it," Silas asked.
Eyes, quite ready" Minerva replied.
Ross thought he had never heard q
voice so soft and gentle and so full Of
music.
"Waal, then, we mought as we'll be
eatin'," Bone remarked. i've been
trampin' round in the woods after
them blamed sheep till I'm hungry
'nough to eat a boss. Come, jayhawk,
fetch a chair an set up. Hain't much
to eat yere, but sech as 1t is you're
plumb welcome to it."
At the table were old Bone. his wife
M daughter and Ross. Billy sat on
the doorstep and looked wistfully on
While the others ate. Now and then
he drew a long sigh as a reminder that
ne was present and not provided for.
For a little while there was silence
then Silas turned to his daughter and
said:
Il lowed I'd better send for George
an let him say what we'd better do
bout Mr.. Ross. If he thinks it best to
turn i'm over to the bushwhacks we
kin do so.'
Minerva hung her head, and her face
colored. After a slight hesitation she
said:
YES, that will be best" Then she
added to herself, '.Just as we'll send
for the bushwhackers at once"
Billy, seeing no prospect Of getting
any supper, arose and started away.
After going a few steps, however. he
stopped and turned back long enough
to say:
The COWS is in your corn. Uncle ST."
Those words of Billy's were to Silas
Bone what a red rag is to a mad bull.
He sprang up from the table in such
haste as to very nearly upset it and,
snatch1ng up a tumbler. hurled 1t
through the open door at Billy's head.
"Dadgum yo' onery hidew he ex-
claimed. In make YOU wish you was
in the corn or somewhat else fore I'm
done with you!."
He snatched up another tumbler. but
before he could throw it Mrs. Bone
caught his hand and held it fast.
"Silas," she said severely, "let go
that glass an set down thar an be.