Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1926-07-09
CHAPTER !
Shelter for the Night.

Night was falling as two horsemen
drew rein in front Of a cabin at the
edge of clearing in the far-reaching
somber forest. A man stood partially
revealed in the doorway. His left arm
and shoulder were screened from view
by the jamb, his head was bent for
ward as he peered intently through
narrowed eyes at the strangers in the
road.
who are you, and what do you
want?" he called out.
Friends. How far Is it to the tav-
ern at Clark's Point?
"Clark's Point is three miles back"
replied the settler. "Where you bound
fer?"
Lafayette. guess we're off the
right road. We took the left turn four
or five miles back"
whats takin' you to Clark's Point?
There amt no tavern there"
my name is Gwynne. l left Craw-
fordsville this morning, hoping to reach
Lafayette before night. But the road
Is so heavy we couldn't"
Been rainin' steady for nearly two
weeks" interrupted the settler Hub
deep everywhere. / guess mebby we
en- find place fer you to sleep tonight,
and we en- give you sOmethin fer man
an beast. If you'll jest ride around
here to the barn We'll put the hosses
up an feed EN-, and-Eliza set out a
couple more plates, an double the ra-
tions all around. Where do you come
from?" he inquired, after moments
hesitation.
MY home is in Kentucky. I live
at"
Kentucky, eh? Well, that's a good
place to come from. l guess you're all
right, stranger"
The gaunt settler conducted the un'
expected guests to the barn, where,
after they had dismounted, he assisted
in the removal of the well-filled saddle.
bags and rolls from the backs of their
jaded horses.
"Water? he inquired briefly.
mo, suh," replied Zachariah, blink.
ing as the other held the lantern up
tIc DCllCl " IOoh lIAlo loNC' AoNA
ariah was a young negro-as black as
night, with cleaning white teeth which
he revealed in a broad and friendly
grin. Had all dey could drink, mars
ter, back yander at de crick.
"We can't offer you much in the way
of entertainment, Mr.. Gwynne, but
what we've got you're welcome to-"
Il shall be greatly indebted to you,
sir. The time will surely come when
may repay you-not in money, but in
friendship. Pray do not let us discOm'
mode you or your household. / will be
satisfied to sleep on the floor or in the
barn, and as for Zachariah, he"
1.-The barn is for the hosses to sleer
in," interrupted the host, land the fiool
Is for the cat. Tain't my idee of fair
ness to allow human bein's to squat on
proppety that rightfully belongs tc
hosses an cats-sO l guess you'll have
to sleep in a bed, Mr.. Gwynne" He
spoke with a drawl "Zachariah en-
spread his blankets on the kitchen floor
an make out somehow. Now, If you'll
jist step over to the we'll yander, you'll
find q wash pan. Eliza-I mean Mrs
Striker-wilH give you towel wher
you're ready Jest sing out to her
Here, you, Zachariah, carry this plum
der over an put 1t in the kitchen. Mrs
Striker will show you. Be careful OF
them rifles of your'n. They go OH
mighty sudden If you stub your toe
You'll find a comb and lOokin' glass IN
the settin' room, Mr. Gwynne. You'll
probably want to put few eXtry
touches on yourself when l tell yoJ
there's an alfred purity girl spendin
the night with US. Go along, now. LII
nut the feed down for your hosses an
be with you in less'n no time"
"I am prepared and amply able tt
nav for lodging and food, MIR. Striker
so do not hesitate to"
"Save your breath, stranger. I'm al
deef as post"
With that he entered the barn door
leading the horses. Gwynne and MI
servant hurried through the darkness
toward the light in the kitchen window
The former raped politely on the door
It was opened by Mrs. Striker tall
comely woman well under thirty. III
removed his tall, sorry-looking beaver
Madam, your husband has instruct
ed my servant to leave our belonging
in YOUR kitchen. / fear they are no
overly clean. Your kitchen Is as cleal
as pin. Shall instruct him to return
%bo,r, 20 tho harm and"
Bring them in," she said, melting IL
spite of herself as she looked down iron
the doorstep into his dark, smiling eyes
His strong, tanned face was beardlesS
hin tooth were white his abundan