Decatur Democrat, Volume 41, Number 35, Decatur, Adams County, 11 November 1897 — Page 6

£7 W i JAOLEVBYVME /> i?> J <& Mfr J DOTEMCPw^'^mEEKi 1 ? fAjL a rfl )w m.wss’u’. .-Aw J i y= [Copyright, 1896, by J. B. Lippincott Co.] lj '-ir ' '

CHAPTER I. The train stopped at Sidington just long enough to have a trunk thrown off and allow one passenger to alight. The trunk was mine, the passenger myself. Then the train went on again, the engine puffing and hissing in a vain attempt to acquire suddenly the greatest speed, seemingly in great impatience that it had been compelled to stop at all —which was not to be wondered at; for, when I gazed around, from what 1 could see. Sidington was nothing more than a station house, a few miles of railroad, and a wide stretch of hilly country. There was a young fellow of about my age standing in the doorway of the ■waiting-room. He was regarding me ■with evident curiosity. I stepped up to him. "Where is the station agent?” I asked, briefly. “Why. I’m the agent," the fellow replied, in drawling tones. “Isn’t there any towu nere, or at least ' a settlement? Is this —” sweeping my arm around in a comprehensive gesture —“is this al) there is of Sidington?” “You kin see about all there is from here.” the agent replied, with a grin. I Then, to my surprise, he stepped out I on the platform, locked the door, and put the key in his pocket. “Are you going to leave the station?” I inquired. “Yes. No use stayin’ around. There ain’t no more trains till three o’clock, ■when a couple of coals pass. This ain’t much of a station.” “But what’s to be done about my luggage?” I asked, impatiently, pointing toward a large trunk and several bundles at the upper end of the platform. The agent looked in the direction I indicated. “Oh, that’s all yours, is it? I thought maybe it might be. Got checks, I suppose?” “Yes, certainly. Here they are.” He took the checks, gazed at them doubtfully for a moment, then slowly went to the pile of luggage. “I guess it’s all right,” he said, after taking the checks from the various articles of baggage and carefully comparing them with the ones 1 had given him. “Y’ou kin take ’em along.” Now the trunk was large and heavy, and I turned on the fellow with a touch of anger, for at first I thought he was making game of me. But when I saw the expression of stolid indifference on his face, it struck me he was simply dull and stupid. “Thank you,” I finally said. “It is very kind of you to allow me to take my own property. Perhaps you will show further kindness by telling me how I am to take it. The bundles I might possibly manage, but the trunk, as you see, is large, and, I can assure you, heavy, and I really should prefer not to carry it, if any other way of removal might be devised.” For a moment, it seemed to me the blast of sarcasm produced an effect, for just a shadow of a smile appeared on the agent’s face. It lasted but an instant, however, and the blank stare with which he had viewed my belongings took its place. “Where you wanter go?” he finally asked, in an indifferent manner. “I would like to go to Nelsonville, if there could be found away to get my trunk there too,” I replied. “So you’re goin’ to Nelsonville?” He favored me with a quick, searching glance, which was immediately withdrawn when he caught my eye. “Nelsonville’s about three miles from here,” he continued. “ ’Tain’t much more of a place than Sidington. You ain’t goin’ to stay there, are you ?” I was about to answer sharply that that was my business, but, remembering the curiosity that the advent of a stranger generally causes in the minds of country folks, I told him my plans were not definite. “ ’Tain’t that I wanter be impert’nent,” he went on, with a grin; “but I thought if you was only goin’ to st there over night you might leave you. trunk in the station.” “Well, I had intended to spend two or three months, possibly longer, in Nelsonville. It depends altogether on how 1 like it. So, you see, I must have my trunk.” “Two or three months!” He gazed down at the track for a moment, and then turned quickly toward me as though an important idea had just come to him. “There ain’t no hotel at Nelsonville. P'raps you didn’t know that,” he said. “It will make no difference to me. I have made arrangements for accommo- . dation. You see, lam going to occupy a portion of my own property.” “Oh, you own a place there, then?” “Y’es, the old Nelson homestead is mine. It descended to me from my i grandfather, Abram Nelson. He has been dead 18 years. I have not seen the place since. I was quite a small boy then. And now, as I have plenty of leisure, the desire is natural to revisit the scenes of boyhood days.” The agent listened to my words, and I was considerably amused to note the interest they inspired —an interest, I thought then, due wholly to a country , fellow’s curiosity. _ I

“If I have told you all you wish to know about myself,” I went on, “will you kindly tell me, as a return favor, where a team can be procured to cart me and my belongings over to my place?” The fellow grinned at me, as though there had been something in my words of an amusing nature; but finally he did give me the desired information: “Why, I guess maybe Jake Hunsicker kin take you over. He’s just gettin’ in the oats, but if you pay him, p’raps he'll leave the oats be long enough to drive to Nelsonville and back. Anyway, he kin take you after supper, if you wanter i wait till then.” “And where does Mr. Hunsicker live?” ; I asked. The agent pointed to a clump of trees on the summit of a hill about a quarter of a mile distant. “Y’ou kin see just a part of the roof through the trees. The road runs uphill right past the house.” “How about these things while I am 1 gone? Will they be safe?” I inquired. “Oh, yes; no one'll take ’em. It'll be all right,” he replied, indifferently, as though he did not care whether my luggage would be secure or not. Then he I gave one more glance at me. grinned in his dull way. sprang from the platform, and went off down the road. All the country for miles about Nelsonville had been familiar to my boyhood. But now, after an absence of 18 years, I could hardly recognize this part of it. The railroad had been built some five years before, and that made, in itself, a great change. The station was in a valley, and the fertile fields and dark green forests on the bounding hills were all very beautiful. But, as there were few houses, and those in the distance, there was a loneliness about the place which seemed to find a counterpart in my life. For I was a social Ishmael, an outcast, burdened with the suspicion of a crime of which I was innocent. The fact that nothing could be proved against me, in the minds of most people, only indicated that I was such an adept in roguery as to be able to cover up all proof of my guilt. It was now a year that the cloud had rested over my good name. The first six months of this time I had vainly attempted to live down the general suspicion. But I found the houses of even those I had considered true friends closed against me, and so, heart-sore and almost despairing. I fled to Europe, hoping to find partial forgetfulness, or at least a rest from cruel tongues. Unfortunately for my peace, Americans read the newspapers, and I had only to mention my name to my countrymen whom I met during my trip abroad to be asked if I was the one whose name was mentioned in connection with the great bank robbery in Philadelphia. I soon tired of this and of being compelled to tell over and over again the circumstances of that affair, so resolved to go back to my native land, avoid the city where I was so well and so unfavorably F l' •'Where you wanter tro?" known, and seek rest and peace amid the scenes of my childhood. I also determined, after my arrival, to begin a thorough investigation of the robbery on my own hook. The reason 1 had not done this before will be stated later. The solitude of Sidington, the lack of a welcoming hand, the knowledge j that I had outgrown all boyish estiI mates and would therefore find the old : homestead no longer encompassed about by the romantic interest which a youngster’s mind was able to conjure I up—all this did not tend to raise my depressed spirits, and my heart was heavy I within me as I plodded up the long, I dusty hill toward the home of Mr. Hunsicker. A delicious breeze was blowing at the top of the hill, and I paused a moment under the shade of the maples, to bare my perspiring brow to the cool influence. Then I slowly walked up the shady path leading to the porch, keeping my hat in my hand. I hoped Mr. Hunsicker would be at the house for dinner, for I determined not to go out into the hot 1 fields to search for him. j A knock at the open front door caused

an interruption in the clatter of dishes which proceeded from an inner room, and very soon shuffling footsteps approached the door. A tall, stoop-shouldered individual, dressed in a brown cotton shirt, blue overalls and cow hide boots, loomed up out of the gloom of the darkened rooms. From the look of astonishment on the man’s face when he saw me, I judged the advent of a stranger was a rare occurrence to this household. “Will you haul me and a trunk to Nelsonville?” I asked. My question produced a blanker stare from the old fellow, and his jaws, which had been busy masticating a mouthful of food, ceased operations. I gave him time, and, when he had partially recovered from his surprise, again addressed him. “Do you understand English?” I asked. “Ach, y-e-e-s indeed!” he replied, aft- ! er he had hastily sw allowed the food. “And is your name Hunsicker —Jacob Hunsicker?” 1 continued. He nodded a reply. “The station agent down at the depot said that perhaps I could get you to take me over to" Nelsonville. Mill you do it?” “V eil, bud ve're just at de oats,” Mr. Hunsicker said. “I am willing to wait until after supper, which will not interfere with the harvesting. Y’ou will be well paid fcr , your trouble.” Hereupon the rather shrill voice of a woman came from the inner room. • She spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch, but I was able to make out that her words conveyed a command for her husband to comply with my request. She also added that he should not offer to do the work too cheaply.

I smiled as I recognized in this one of the provident traits of a Pennsylvania Dutch farmer’s wife. “I'll pay you well,” I reiterated. “I guess you should gif me feefty cent,” Mr. Hunsicker said, in a doubtful manner, as though he really did not expect to receive that amount, but was determined to get all out of me that he could. “It is settled, then, that you take me over. We’ll not quarrel about the terms. Allow me to rest here under the cool shade the remainder of the afternoon and give me some supper, and you shall have a dollar.” The farmer was quite overwhelmed by my munificent offer, as was also the hitherto unseen female. For the woman peeped from behind'the door of the kitchen to have a look at me. I bowed to her, and she acknowledged my salutation by coming forward. “I guess you has no dinner,” she said, in a hospitable way. The truth was, I had had none, and, being rather healthy, I was not sorry to be ushered to the table, where I was bountifully supplied. During the meal the woman favored me with many searching glances, which I attributed to her curiosity. After I had finished my repast we again returned to the front porch. “Y’ou have a nice place here,” I said, handing the man a cigar. “The house is new, is it not?” “Aboud fife year old,” he answered; and then his wife took up the conversation. “Ve rented a farm ofer at Nelsonville for a long dime. Bud ve nefer had no childrens, so ve safed some money and bought dis farm,” she said. The woman was eager for a little gossip, and was bound to have it, in spite of the fact that the dinner dishes were aw aiting her. “Did you ever know- old Abram Nelson, of Nelsonville?” I asked, willing to indulge her wish. '’lt's a long time now since he died —18 years.” “Y’es, ve knew him. It vas part of his farm ve rented after he died,” the man made response. I could not restrain a smile at his clumsy way of putting it, but before I could ask another question the woman came up to where I was standing and gazed earnestly into my face. “Ach, Gott! It’s true!” she exclaimed, clutching my arms. “It’s Nel, little Nel! Ach Gott, I knew it!” Then her excitement ended in a flood of tears. I gazed down at her in astonishment, and as I looked recollection came to me. “Why, surely, I used to know you,” I said, smiling down upon her. “You must be Sarah. Y’ou used to work at Grandfather Nelson’s when I was a small boy, and took care of me during my visits.” “Ach. seel he knows me!” the woman exclaimed, turning toward her husband. “He vould not forget Sarah! So, so. After so long a dime. Ach, my! And now you are a man, and has growed so big!” I really should have explained before that my name is Nelson Conway. I had been rather a small, puny child, and my grandfather called me Little Nel. Soon Jake went about his business harvesting the oats. Sarah and I sat all that afternoon under the cool shade, talking about old times. My parents had been dead many years, and it was something new in my experience to be petted, deferred to and made much of. Sarah took up the acquaintance just where it had been broken off 18 years ago, and seemed imbued with an augmented adoration sot me. I felt there was one true, loyal soul in the world whom I could depend on, and, in the natural desire for sympathy and consolation, I recounted to her all my troubles, including the circumstances connected with the bank robbery and the suspicion under which I had groaned in spirit for a year now. “It seems as though I were fated to carry that load to the grave,” I remarked, despondingly. “Ach. no, indeed you von’t. Don’d you feel pad aboud it, Nel. Y’ou see it come right. Let dem come to me,” Sarah continued, waxing indignant, • “let dem come to me. I dell dem if a

grandson of Abram Nelson is a thief. And dey find out some day.” Her assurances comforted and encouraged me very much. lor I knew my life had been honorable and square, at least in all business relations, and her absolute trust in me. after all the cruel insinuations and the cold looks of suspicion, was balm to my wounded spirit. . There was another, the brightest, fairest and best of women, who also felt confidence in my integrity, or at least had done so; one whose affection I had gained. But I had not heard from her since immediately after the robbery, and whether her trust and love still remained unshaken I could not say. I had no reason to doubt her; but then time works wonderful changes in a woman’s opinions, often. After supper Jake drove me over to Nelsonville. Sarah accompanied us, of course. She would have been intensely pleased to have me stay at her own house, but I was longing for the rest and peace which the old homestead seemed to promise, and so could not be persuaded to change my plans. At the corner of two roads, near the house, dwelt an old widow, who had taken care of my place. The large farm had been rented ouj in parcels to neighboring farmers, but the house had remained vacant ever since my grandfather’s death. We stopped at the widow’s home for the key, and the old lady came along with us. Soon I stood upon the porch and gazed around upon the scenes which had stamped themselves so strongly upon my boyhood's mind that even now, after all these years, they seemed wonderfully familiar. I missed the whiteheaded .old gentleman, whose figure had been the most beautiful of all to my boyish mind. With a sigh I turned to the door, placed the key in the lock, turned the bolt, and entered, followed reverentially by Sarah and her husband, and Mrs. Snyder, the old widow.

(To be continued.) ; HOW TO FIND OUT. Fill a bottle or common glass with urine and let it stand twenty-four hours; a sediment or settling indicates an unhealthy condition of the kidneys, when urine stains linen it is evidence of kidney trouble. Too frequent desire to urinate or pain in the back, is also convincing proof that the kidneys and bladder are out of order. WHAT TO DO. There is comfort in the knowledge so often expressed, that Dr. Kilmer’s Swamp-Root, the great kidney remedy fulfils every wish in relieving pain in the back, kidneys, liver, bladder and every part of the urinary passages. It corrects inability to hold urine and scalding pain in passing it, or bad effects following use of liquor, wine or beer, and overcomes that unpleasant necessity of being compelled to get up many times during the night to urinate. The mild and the extraordinary effect of Swamp-Root is soon realized. It stands the highest for its wonderful cures of the most distressing cases. If you need a medicine you should have the best. Sold by druggists, price fifty cents and one dollar. Y’ou may have a sample bottle and pamphlet both sent free by mail. Mention Decatur Democrat and send your address to Dr. Kilmer & Co., Bingbampton, N. Y’. The proprietors of this paper guarantee the genuineness of this offer.

Georgia Will Remain Wet. Atlanta, Nov. 6.—The Georgia senate yesterday by a vote of 23 to 18 defeated a measure, which, if passed, would have had the effect of making Georgia a prohibition state. The bill has been pending in the legislature since last year and has been exhaustively argued.

MOTHER!

and about which such tender and holy recollections cluster as that of “ Mother ” —she who watched over our helpless infancy and guided our first tottering step. Yet the life of every Expectant Mother is beset with danger and all effort should be made to avoid it.

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Blood Poisoned. FEARFUL RESULT OF IMPROPERLY TREATING AN ABSCESS. Mrs. I. E. Browning, of Pueblo, Painfully Afflicted from a Complioation of Diseases—Her Remarkable Fortitude. From the Chieftain, Pueblo, CoL

The hurry and bustle of the housewife is extremely wearing upon the delicate organism of womanhood. Her intense earnestness in whatever she undertakes, tempts her constantly to go beyond her strength. Read the story of a Colorado woman as told to our reporter: “Eight years ago” said she, “my husband died, and I was left with three children to care for and educate. About two years ago 1 was very sick with blood poisoning, caused by an abscess that bad not received proper treatment. The disease for a time settled in my throat, causing me intense agony. Then inflammatory rheumatism set in. For four months and a half 1 was a prisoner in my room, most of the time confined to my bed. My hands were swollen so that I could not feed myself, and the swelling in my feet and ankles would have made walking impossible if I had been strong enough. “ One day, after considerable treatment, my physician brought me a box of pills. “You need a tonic,” he said, “and something that will act at once, and this is the best medicine I know of for that purpose.” “Pills,” I exclaimed in surprise as he opened the box and showed me the little pink globes. “ These are Dr. M illiams’ Pink Pills for Pale People.” . “Yes,” he replied, “but you need not be alarmed, they are not physic, and my word for it, they’ll do you good.” “ Before I had been taking them a week I noticed a great improvement in my condition. Soon my rheumatism was gone, I grew stronger each day and now am in the best of health. The lady was Mrs. 1.. E. Browning, of 1154 East 4th St., Pueblo, Colorado.

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There is no word so full of meaning

“ I consider Dr Williams’ Pink Pi]]. Pale People,” she continued, “the kZ tonic I have ever known.” “A friend not long ago was telling m , her mother who is at a critical period u f life. She had been subject ing stalls, and the whole family wouM over her. Dr. Williams’Pink Pilk only Stopped the fainting spells, but rim her so much strength that she is able to up lite’s duties again. e “ I recommended the pills also t<) lady whose pale face made one bitv looked as if there wasn’t a drop of bU n ‘ her body She was so weak that ab. , ® not able to attend school, but after tilir,™ Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for awhile she gone back to school, and, with her cheeks and bright eyes, she looks like «n other girl. (Signed) “ Mrs. L. E. Browning ’• Subscribed and sworn to before nie tM. 19th day of May, A. D., 1897. e thl * George W. Gill. Xotary PiM, Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pal e p eo 'i contain, in a condensed form, all the el<C ments necessary to give new life and richness to the blood and restore shattered nerves They are an unfailing specific for such diseases as locomotor ataxia, partial paralysis St. Vitus’ dance, sciatica, neuralgia, rheumsl tism, nervous headache, the after effect of la grippe, palpitation of the heart, pale and sal. low complexions, all forms of weakness either in male or female. Dr. Williams* Pink Pills are sold by all dealers, or will be sent post paid on receipt of price, 5b rents a box, or six boxes for 12.50 (they are never sold in bulk or by tha 100), by addressing Dr, Williams' Medicine Co., Schenectady, N, Y.