Year: 1879

sum was once more accumulated.


You may trust me this time, Mary"
said Bob, with a parting kiss, the
morning he started to town to carry
the money to Didymus Dodd's lawyer,
who had possession of the mortgage.


With fervent prayer that he might
not be led into temptation, Mary re-
turned her husbands kiss, and went
about her daily cares, filled with anxiety
for what the day might bring forth.


Bob felt brave and strong till he came
in sight of the crossroads tavern. Old
Roam, from the force of habit, turned
his head toward his accustomed hitch
ing place. Bob urged him on, and in
moment more would have been out of
danger. But then the demon of irreso-
luton took possession of his soul.


It's sultry day." Bob soliloquized,
"and glass of something cool--iust
one-can do no harm"


Old Roam, given his head, was soon
rubbing his nose, in friendly recogni-
ton, against the sign post, while his
master was exchanging salutations with
the host within.


"A cold whisky toddy, Mr.. Spigott,"
said Bob; ga pair of 'em, l mean, for
hope you'll do me the honor of your
company and you, friend" turning to
seedy-looking stranger in the corner,
won't you join us ="


He of the seedy looks didn't care if he
did, and stepped forward into line
without more words.


The toddies appeared and disappeared
in twinkling. Then three handed
chat was struck up, and the toddies
were repeated-all at Bob's expense, for
there wasn't stiny drop in his
blood.


The seedy stranger made himself so
pleasant that Bob was glad to learn they
were going the same road. He even Of
fered to share old Roam with his new
friend, on the old fashioned plan of ride
and tie;' but the latter declined politely,
saying, as they were only going short
way together, he would manage to keep
up afoot If Bob didn't ride too FAST
Another round of drinks, and Bob and
the stranger took their departure in
right merrie' humor.


" Here" said the latter, when they
had reached the heart of the forest,
where foot-path branched from the
main road "we must part, for my way
is by this path"


Bob expressed his regret at the en-
forced separation, and was on the point
of reluctantly resuming his journey,
when the stranger begged him to alight
for short rest.


Here's nice cool place among the
bushes" }" added the stranger, "and here
is little something for refreshment,"
producing a flat bottle from his pocket;
"our chat has been SO pleasant that L
would like to enjoy half an hour more
of it.'


Bob was in no mood to be unsociable,
and he and his companion We're soon
seated side by side on log, as costly
as General Marion and the British Off
Ger the day they dined on sweet potatoes
served on piece of bark.


The stranger uncorked the bottle and
handed it to Bob.


What is it ?" inquired the latter.


Brandy" the other answered


" Health and happiness" said Bob,
by way of preface to good gulp.


A gurgling groan escaped him. The
flask dropped from his hand. His throat
burned as though scorched with fire.
His temples throbbed. A confused buz-
zing filled his ears. A sense of numb
ness pervaded his brain, and he fell to
the ground unconscious.


In trice the stranger dragged him
into thicket, and stripping him of his
outer clothing, replaced his own there
with and mounted Roam, rode off into
the woods with Bob's clothes and
money.


The robber was afraid to venture far
till night set in. Then, under cover of
the darkness, he hurried forward, hop
ing, before daylight, to be well out of
reach.


Soon river intercepted his flight. 1t
was swollen by recent rains, and the
rapid current made its passage danger
GUS to those unaccustomed to the ford.


Surely, this must be the right
place." muttered the robber 4" / OBJ
served 1t closely yesterday; yes, this is
the spot"


Poor Roam recoiled and SHE'D, hut his