Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 11, Number 11, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 11 September 1880 — Page 2

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THE MAIL

IW'FCK

FOR THE

PEOPLE*

TERRE HAUTE, SEPT. 11,1880

OUR OWN.

Oor cottage ma* be mull, the landscape tome Otir flower* ma lack anew high-sounding name. Oor chosen patlw be rocky and wind blown,

And yet we lore our own!

The little eh lid that site beside oor feet May rob us ot oar strength and rest to •nd cauae oar way with cares to be thick

Strewn.

4

And yet we love oor own!

There may be fairer lands and brighter skies, There may be friends more faithful or more wise Than auy we have ever aeen or known

Bat each will love his own!

ocrioiiBr-oepieiuui:!.

gcrlbner—September.

tmf&u Hicketts Hollow,

V.

LIMA BEDWOOD FAIRFAX.

'Wbo-a o-a-a-hnp!' The stage stopped with a jerk the cloud of dust which be bad been outrunning ail the way down the mountain suddenly swooped in at the windows, making Itself evident to every sense, and, now that our motion bad ceased, the air grew at once many degrees hotter. The incessant rattle and jolt of the past four hours wife displaced by an oppressive, sultry quiet, which rendered «very movement of the horses In the harness distinctly audible. The driver swung himself leisurely down from bis seat, choked his wheel with a stone, and, after extricating my baggage from the boot, assisted me to alight, remarking, as ho did so, that *tbis bysr' was «t' Fork.'

Apparently Ibad.missed connection. My friends were to have met me here but no carriage was in sight save the triumphant "Mountain Rover,' as it bumped its way on toward its destination. I was all right as to locality there was the white bouse on the slope, and the broken sign post which had been described to me, out for other indications of human life only a dissolving view of the rusty coach, beoomlng more •nd more vague in its own dust.

At this moment, while I sat deliberating, a tali woman emerged from the woods which skirted the turnpike, and walked off up the road. She had a basket filled with blackberries on her bead, while an empty tinjpall, stained with the same fruit, bung on her arm. She moved too last for me to observe a

features and a peculiar complexion. There was a self reliant poise expressed in the erect, angular figure whien made me watcb her with considerable interest. Strange to say, she did not stop aud stare. SUo gave one quick, sidelong

8er

lance In my direction without turning bead then tramped on with the air of having a long walk before her and was soon out of sight.

Seeing no other alternative, I trudged lip the slope to the white bouse, and asked the man, who sat la the doorway. If 1 might not come in and wait until Mr. Williams should send for me. He assented at once, said the stue was 'earller'n gin'ral,' and escorted me into •A sort of best bedroom, where I waited what seemed to me an interminable time. Just as my bead was aching its worst, from the combined causes of fatigue and hunger, the man, who divided his attention between me and the road, announced quietly: •Yore's yer wagln an' t' tumbley cart fur yer trunks.'

Headache better in a moment I ran to the door and cordially greeted my rough charioteer—a farm hand, minus ooat and vest—who helped me to my seat beside him, while my baggage was being liftud from the road side into the tumbley cart by a sullen blaok boy. A brisk trot down the rocky road, in the comfortable little Jagaer, a slow walk across the prettiest little river ever lorded, a further progress of two miles with those groat solemn mountains all arouud, like giant sentinels guarding the lovely valley. Finally, we drew up before a substantial brick dwelling—my destination. Mrs. Williams ran out to meet me, accompanied by her daughter, a pretty girl of fifteen, and ber sister, Belle Holmes. The sight of Belle was a surprise to me. I had thought her far away at her home in Pennsylvania, but her unexpected appearance was a great treat. Surely a more cheerful, pleasantly helpful woman than she, never existed.

The naif acted kindness felt and expressed, the genuine hospitality manifested by my hostess, did more to render me comfortable and happy than even fresh water, clean clothes and a good supper.

The sun was high in the heavens when I awoke next morning. Afraid of being lute, I sprang up and dressed quickly—then, re-assured by hearing no bell, I drew aside my curtain and looked out. It was too late to see the mist wreaths welt away. The suo bad already cleared all impediments from his path, and now shone on In undimmed glory—there was not even one whit® speck In and there, down the blue green xnoun

the perfectly b!ue sky. Hers jwn the blue green moun­

tain side, one could detect little patches

of cultivated ground, while clustered in a clump about the base of the nearest mountain was what appeared to be a tiny villa#*, the ouly indication ot buman habitation in this wild mountain region.

In our after breakfast chat in the shady front porch, I carnally mentioned the Singular ti«ure I had seen while waiting at toe Fork. •That uiuU have been I&bie ftiokstt,' •aid Belle. 'She fat a character, and you mu*t MM h« when she COIUM to sell fear berries.* 1 soon grew profoundly Interested Belle's account of the Uleketta and of Hicketts Hallow—which 1 found was tbe name uf tbe small settlement I kiwi noticed ftvm my window. They were •11 of one fomtly, though It would be difficult to define their relationship to one another, as tbo marriage relation ww almost unknown among tbain,— wary Ignorant and poor. When I asked If something could not be dons la Insprovethau^ Belle said abe had orten Wed to get vhe children to oome to ber. Sunday afteruoona, buiso Car her eflbrts had been entirely ansnooeasfttl they would rx* oome sad she could not go to them. She bad tboogW of doing so, but when be

meaUooed

her plan her

brother-In law positively forbade it, and •tid no lad should ever go alone to HickeUe Hollow. The mm drank whenever they could get the Uouor, they were rude Imp^nank and the Idea wv* ait3ge«.u«r IsaprsotlsabJe. at'There was a cabin some distance offfurther up tfa* mountain. Is that one of Utera VI asked.

She looked In tbe direction I indiaeted.

'Yes, that In Simps Hickeu'a bouse. Mr. Williams ealls him the 'bead devil of tbe lot.' He is a handsome savage, attd possesses rather more intelligence than most of bis kinsfolk—bat his temper is terrible. He lives there with bis wife, Ibbie, snd three children. The mountain women say he treats ber cruelly, yet. in spite of this, sbe is devoted to him and fears him to an extent which ia almost as amusing, when you see what a powerful creature she Is,*

A few mornings later, as I sat alone in my room, Belle knocked at the door. 'Come down in Emma's -room,' she said 'Ibbie Hickett is there she has sold her berries, and 1 am afraid sbe may go without your seel ng her,'

Down I went at once. I foand, sitting in an easy chair in Mrs. William's bed room, an odd looking figure enough. It was a woman, tall, raw boned ana muscular, with long strong arms and power ful sinewy bands. Her perfectly straight black hair bung down, lank and gressy, aronnd her gaunt face. Sbe was barefooted, and ber short stuff petticoat reached very little below tbe knee. Something there was about her which recalled the degraded type of tbe North American Indian the complexion was thick snd muddy, with dashes of ugly red about tbe high, prominent cheek bonos, Singularly at variance with the black hair and tawny skin were the eyes these were of light gray color, bright, restless snd almost fierce. A wide mouth, containing a set of even white teeth, completed this description, and Ibbie Hickett sits before you. Something strangely familiar about the woman, apart from hsr grotesque appearance, ms«ie me look at her rather fixedly. Sbe wae perfectly free from embarrassment. As I entered, sbe bent forward snd ooolly returned my gaze with a self-possession which a London belle might nave envied. 'Ibbie/ ssid Mrs. Williams, 'here is lady from swsy down the railroad. Yon must look at ber well, and tell me wbiob you think is the prettier, she or Belle.'

Ibbie could scarcely have looked at me much harder than sbe was already doing but, as Mrs. Williams spoke, she darted her glittering eyee around on Belle for an instant, then they were brought to bear on me again. I thought I detected a flash of recognition in them as they seemed to take in, with one comprehensive glance, my face, figure and costume. Her opinion was given In a sort of guttural sing song. She began low down tbe scale, gave full value to tbe first note, gradually quickened the time as she inorease in pitch, until she reaohed tbe word 'fittest,' when sbe suddenly dropped her voioe to its first tone and completed tbe sentence*: •Wy, t' biggest one t1 fattest one's t' puutfest.'

I suppose I must have looked little disooncerted. It is not pleasaut to listen to a candid disapproval of one's personal appearance, even when that disapproval is expressed by a wild creature like Ibbie Hickett. Belle read my countenance,'and hastened to interpose in my behalf. •Why, Ibbie, I thought you would like her fair skin. I've beard you say you like white skins many a time, and I'm so dark.'

Ibbie took a cool, leisurely survey of my slender proportions, and presently chanted out as before: •Ye-a-as, she's wbl-ite 'nuff, an' sbe's rl-igbt good lookln' gal—too but she's too poor fur me w'en I see her atandln' in t' pl-ike I kuowed s' balnt got 'nuff meat hon her.'

This, then, was the woman whom I Lad seen on the road^& I wondered that I had nqt reoogqiKM .her sooner, ber Individuality being so marked.

Belle, perceiving tbe impossibility of extorting a compliment tor me from Ibbie, tried a chauge of subject. 'Ibbie, I bear you have anew baby is it pretty 'Ye-a-as, bit's reel putty hit favors Simps he's 'bout t' puttiest man I ever see.' 'Is he fond of it

The woman's face changed in a moment. She rose abruptly, and gathered ber baskets from tbe floor. •Someti-itnes h' li-lkes hit, someti-lmes h' don't,' she replied, curtly. 'Nobody can't make him li-ike nut'ln' 'dout n' wants ter h' kin wbup sny man in t' holler he balnt 'feard er nobody,' she added, with an *Id kind of pride. •Does he ever whip you, Ibbie?' inquired one of tbe ohildren, who was standing near. 'I halnt a gwlne to tell none on yer nut'in 't all 'bout Simps,' said Ibbie, with rough decision. She oontinued, ber face wearing an uneasy expression): •Ef Ae knowed bit, ef Simps knowed bit, he'd jess lief pick hup some 'am nuther an' knock me in t' head's not,' •But he wouldn't know It,' said Belle. 'Who on earth would be mean enough to tell him such things?' •Oh, plenty powerful mean critters 'bout yere,' replied Ibbie, sententiously. "Sides, h' knows every thin', 'pears like. Oimme my money, Mis' Williams I mua' g' home*ter t' cbillun.'

She took tbe coin without a word of thanks, and stalked out of tbe room. Just as she reached the hall door, Bessie Wtlliams commenced playing a popular melody very badly the parlor was opposite, the door open, ana tbe sound to us was disagreeably audible. Ibbie did not tbink so, however. Sbe prieked up ber ears, showed ber white teeth in a grin, nodded her bead in time to tbe tune, and finally thtew back to us, over her shoulder, by way of a parting salutation •That there thin' makes er ml-ighty putty noise.'

A moment more and we saw her tall figure striding up tbe road, with the heavy baskets poised on ber bead. 'Well, what do you tbink of ber said itollew •Oh, I hardly know it seems to me she Is a woman of tremendous force. Did you notice bow reserved sbe was about her husband 'Yes, indeed.' 'I believe be doss beat ber Mr. Williams,' said I, «a tbe squire entered tbe ball, 'you ate a magistrate. Could not a stop be put to such cruelty 'what cruelty Inquired tbe big, good humored man. 'Oh, suppose Belle baa been ealisitng yoar sfyrapatbiss ia behalf of itbit Hickett—It's a ftort of bo*:v with Balis. 9o». you know, Mr*. SLlug, 2 think ear mend Jbole aeeda oo duuapioe. I set bar just now on the road, aad It aSiaek me aha looked quits ss capable of sstf-ia-fenss any man I know, besides, sbe dotes on anpa. I dost bsllsvs sbe would ever forgive me if I wssto Intsrfere betwsan him aad bar. 8» I lot alone* and am vary aoaalar with

Emma,' turning «e bis wife,

•eant yon tftop that thrtuaariag tn tbs parlor? Omm, Mrs. King, let's let oor neighbors' domestic sftsiss akMss, and have soms good masks.'

One Sunday saorning. early la toaaber, as I went down to a lata ti fast, I found Mia. Williams and Belle la the ball, bwily engaged ia packlnc atablas of were runin tbe

two large hamper* with various kinds. Tbe children ning excitedly amoad, way, tad exodasof •We are going to a big masting at tbe

axdltadly around, getting in tbe] J1 and everything beloksned some Sing is of an unusual kind. eng

"Hawk's Bill,'" said my bestess, before I had time to ask questions. 'We only beard of it this morning. Mske haste and eat your breakfast—yon must not fell to go it will be an entirely new experience to you.' •Will it be right to go on Sunday said If, remembering a graphic account I bad received of these meetings. •Well, I'm afraid you will not be spiritually much benefitted,' replied Belle. •I would rather go on a week day myself but tbe difficulty lies just here— tbe meeting only lasts one day.*'You haven't mnch time to loee,' put in tbe Squire 'the Hawk's Bill is a good long way off, and Emma ia always late.'

I stifled the rising voice of conscience, soon finished my breakfast, changed my dress, and was ready for tbe expedition. Our party wae a pretty large one. Mr. Williams, tbe children, the nurse, snd the baskets were packed in the bottom of the rickety spring wsgoa, as tightly as sardines in a box. Mrs. Williams, wbo rivaled Jehu in ber style of driving, and who prided herself npon ber proficiency in thst exercise, assumed tbe reins quits ss matter of cauree. Belle and I less ambitious, snd certainly less capable, made ourselves content with the back Bests of ths Magger,' while Joe, the ploughman, undertook tbe management of our horses.

It wss after eleven o'olock before we reached the meeting house, and tbe sermon had already begun. The various •nd Buggies, with sna sws

carts, wagons crowd which surged

Her manner self consciousn she seemed to not* of inatlnct upon ber attention

v.

fiSKRE HAUTE SAIUKUAI" EVENLNG MAIL.

the

swayed before

us, rendered it a matter of impossibility to oome witbin thirty yards of the building. So we remained seated in our respective vehicles, on the extreme outskirts of the congregation. The preacher, for the greater convenience of most of his bearers, wss stationed in tbe open air, a few paces from tbe door. As well as I oould judge from the discourse, of which I caught only stray fragments, tbe spesker taught fatalism of tbe most radicu kind.

Why do yon rend for a doctor when our children are slok he vociferated arms about in gesture. 'It's because you haint got faith. I tell you the thing's displeasin' to Almighty God. Do you doubt His power to ssveyou? Tben why employ human means? If your child dies, what then It diee because its time has come if the Lord wills to take it, all tbe doctors in the world won't save it. An' ag'in, ail this yere nonsense 'bout Sunday schools tain't right if tbe .children aregoin' to be saved, they will be, that's all if not, you might send them to Sunday school for fifty years, an' 'twouldn't do no good. Ag'in, there's a gooa many people says you mus' go to school, an' go to oollege, 'fore you're fitten to preach. I never learned at college, an' yere I've ben a preaching' to big crowds for twenty years. Yes, brethren, I thank tbe Lord I never rubbed my head ag'in' a oollege wall.'

your children are slok hoarsely, gyrating his erratic snd redundant

Just tben Belle touched my arm.) 'Ibbie Hickett is behind us,' sbe said, in a low tone. 'I wonder wbat she came for I never knew ber to attend a religious meoting before.' 1 turned around, and looked out from the tiny window in the back of tbe carriage. The woman was standing in tbe shade ef a large tree, with two forlorn ohildren near her. Certainly it was not a holiday seeking spirit which had brought her to tbe 'Hawk's Bill.' Sbe was attired in her uaual abort homespnn gown, and sbe oarried a oalico sun bonnnf. In Iiai* hand 1 net in her hand.

free from aps, that witb a dejnaod

0ontrast%bici

her haggard face and foiled garments made with the gaudy finery of the otber women present was very marked. Ber Her restless gray eyes did not glance around with their accustomed alls!ness instead, she kept them intently JUked on a distant part of the grounds. Lboking in that direction, I had just espied a tall man and a gayly dressed woman talking together, when BelLQ exolalmed: 'She Is watching Simps and tbat Cox

S'rloonpleIthey

$ there are,' and she designated had noticed. 'I heard tbat be visited at Cox's a great deal. Now I know what brought Ibbie hem to-day she's as jealous as Othello.' 'Aunt Belle,' called out one of the children, 'mamma says oome and help her with dinner.'

The morning sermon was by this time oonoluded, and tbe congregation had begun to bestir themselves. Most of them were msking for thei? respective baskets.

Belle descended from the carriage and walked off with her little nephew, and I was left alone—Joe having long sinoe betaken himself to moro congenial society thsn ours. I wss unable to roalst a strange impulse which kept my eyes fixed In tbe direction of Ibbie Hicket. I felt for her an almost unaccountable sympathy, and this In sfite of her repulsive appearance.

The poor thing's jealous misery, so plainly expressed In her countenance, seemed to confer upon her a kind of dignity. She never once withdrew her steady gaze from tbe man and woman wbo walking together, but presently I saw her eyes tske a shorter range. At the same tidio she qutokly and carefully withdrew herself and ber children behind a large farm wagon which stood between her snd the crowd, snd which served to screen tbe trio entirely from my view. Simps must be somewhere near. I scanned the crowd for bim and Jinny Cox, with tbe scarlet drees of tbe latter for a guide. Ah! there they were, scarcely ten yards from me now. They formed two of a lot of people grouped around a watermelon stsnd. Tbe vender of tbe melons wss driving a brisk trade. Tbe preaober himself, determined to be consistent with his teaching, was slowly working his way through ths crowd toward tbe pine boards piled up with dark green 'Mountain Sweets,'-

Smps Hickett stood oo tbs side next our carriage, waiting for his turn, and I bad abundant opportunity to satisfy my curiosity regsrding him and bis ooaa-

Kj

aioa. Sbe was a bloway, vain lookalrl of about twenty, with a round, sitaporiag fiace, rosy cheeks aad dark eyes—rather pretty in spite of tbs fivs distinct sbsdss of red she bad contrived to combine ia ber ooatoma. Tbs smut's sasaaiflcsnl abystqas almost startled so*. Tall aad well termed, broad la tbe shoulders, deep ia tbs cfasst, be bald la bis bandsaoM bead like a siM. The fcattues wars oUeay cat and alaaosk perfectly regular tbe long, eenware a dssp, pstbet blue, by proftiss blaok lasbss. He boon beautiful, bat tbe too beavy aad sallon, tbe dogged and, as be turned to speak to tbe gm/ one lost sight of tbe aure tint of b» syes •Itar tbeir sioa beoame visible.

weU shaded WMM bave

expree-

'Jinny.' eaid he, in a mellow, baritoas which accorded well witb bis fees and figure, *arter w' gite t* wateymelin, 10*8 take hit In t' woods. We kin eat hit tbar, an* I ktn talk t'yer better—I ca-an't a* nutin* toyer fur laitecs a rannin* **JTnnjs6esBed to object possibly, bejg a belle, st» did not mm to waste ber engaging msaaemand brilliant on Stoips Hickett alone.

'Oh, no, Slmpe,'she said, giggling 'I don't keer for melin hin t' woods—t' preachln' 11 gin fore long. YeraV er good place, nigh dis wagin. Coasellong nobody ca-an't yere yar tbar.'

After a little demur she seemed to carry ber point. Simps shouldered the melon, and they sat just back of our carriage, with only a farm wagon between them and Ibbie. Belle's voice, speaking doee to me made me start. 'What's tbe matter?' she exclaimed. 'Your face is as white as your drees I am afraid this long jaunt hss been too much for you.'

I nodded toward tbe man and woman, now busily engaged with thefr collation. •Ibbie is hidi&g behind that wagon. Ob, Belle, something will surely happen.'

Scarcely wss this sentence uttered when the little ragged girl, who had evidently escaped from her mother, crept from her hiding place and accosted tbe man. 'Gimme er piece, daddy.' she said, extending ber little dirty hand 'I'm so hongry.'

Simpe had been too much occupied with the feast and Jinny to notice the child's spproacb until she spoke his first expression was thst of astonishment but almost Immediately his face darkened. 'Who brung yer yere, Nance?' be asked. 'Mammy brung me sh' brung Pete, too we's ben yere pbtty nigh all t' mornin'.' 'Whar's yer mammy now?' ssd Simps, rising. mps, •She'i tn' Pete play all 'roanryere w' seed yer sn' Jinny a oomin' den

's roun' tbar, 'hin' t' wsgln. She let me an' Pete play all 'roun' yere tell Jli mammy hid us 'hin' t' wagin, she did.' 'She's hid 'hin' t' wagin, are sbe? Well, yer go back to her, an' take that wid yer.'

Here he struok the child with his heavy band, as he added, with a short laugh, 'Yer kin tell her I gin hit to yer.'

Naney shrieked with pain and terror. At that instant, as if summonsd by an irresistible voice, the mother sprang into view and caught the sobbing child in her arms. Then she turned fiercely, like a she wolf at bay, her blazing light eyes glaring on silly, frightened Jinny Cox. 'Twuz you got her tbat tbar liok he wouldn't er teched her ef hit warn't for you. I tell yer, Sinny Cox, yer'd better clear away from yere putty quick, if yer went to save yer mnshy face.'

Ibbie still preeerved her pecullsr guttural chant, even in the midst of her rage. I remember I thought at tbe time it increased her resemblsnoe to an angry beast. Jinny Cox began to whimper. 'Da, Ibbie, I never teched Nance. I wouldn't hurt ber no way. She's welcome to apiece er melin. Yer, Nanoe. take er pieoe, an' go give mammy some.'

Ibbie dashed away the peace offering, and strode up to her rivsl. •Ef she teches hit, FU whup ber worser'n he done. Go 'way wbsr yer come from, an' leave my man alone.'

Jinny shrank in her terror closer to Simps, and this goaded Ibbie to frenzy. •II yer don't want ter git hurt, yerd better step dis minnit.'

Sbe added, with a still, deliberate utterance, which I had to strain'my ears to catch: 'I swar, ef I ever gits hole yer, yer wont nuver Yer'a better tske keer, Jinny Cox.'

Jinny was beginning to move off in a bewildered fashion, when Simps, who bad watching the frantic woman with a set, dark attention, now interposed. 'Yer kin jlst stay wbar yer is, Jinny,' said he, touching tbe girl's shoulder. 'Leave her to me. I kin fix ber set down an' waiter minnit. I'll soon git done.'

Approaching Ibbie, with his hslf closed eyes fastened on her, I thought, in spite of his handsome face, he was neither pleasant to see nor safe to enoounter. When he spoke it was in his deepest voice, and with a sense of mastery which had its effect at onoe. 'Haint yer knowed no better'n to come yere peekin' arter me Is I got ter learn yer 'gin

Ibbie, after the first glance at bim, looked down at the ohila in her arms, and began nervously to pick at its frock. •I s'pose yer feels mighty smart braggin' 'bout tearin' people's faces,' he continued, 'but I tell yer, an' yer know I balnt muober han' fur foolin' ef I ever yere yer talkin' tbat way 'gin, why I'll sarve yer like I done the big rattlesnake tried to bite me last week he'll never p'isen nobody no more yer seen me bit him,' and his grim smile pointed bis last remark significantly. 'Take dem cbillun an' go home faster'n what you come—d'yer yere?'

The woman was no match for Simps Hickett she knew it, and attempted no reply to bis threat. One felt, while listening to him, that there was a strong reserve of moral force which he kept in check he might employ It at any time, but tbe present occasion did not demand its use.

As he spoke, Ibbie's flushed face gradually settled into the scared, ashen look we had noticed before. Even then her jealous fondness for this man. stronger than fear, asset ted itself in a last effort to recall him. 'I never meant to make yer mad, Simpe,' she flattered. 'Come, g'home wid me an' the cbillnn. Yer cloze his sli mended good sn' tbe dinner's on a cookln'.'

He made no raply—be was letting her exhaust herself. Poor Iboie blundered on, witb a ghastly attempt at esse: 'Why' I brung tbe cbillun yere so I oould fin' yer, an' tell yer about It. Oome, Simps, haint yer a gwlne?' •D'yer tbink yer kin fool mm 'bout dinner an' cloze, an' eeoh I balnt no fool. Yer oome yere to peek arter me,' replied be. 'I knows yer ways, an' 'member, ef I ever ketehes yer peekin' arter me 'gin—why. jlst take keer, that's all. Jinny 'n' me's keepin' oompaay ter-day. I reckon I'll hev to go wbar she sex. She's er powerful good lookin' gal. yer see, Ibbie,' with a cold smile, 'an' bit kinder res's er man ter look at her arter he's ben bad so much or sich wlmmin,' tamed from Ibbie, and walked toward tbe Cox girl, saying: *Oome along, Jiany. Sbe wont pester yon no mote.'

Jinny, now all possible harm to ber* self bad been averted, bad lecoverad ber habitual self oomplaoency aba stood watting for Simps, bridling rather triumphantly. Ibbie did not «ses either of &ess after that last taant for the first time her sroteaqne figure eeesaed to tsoubls hsr. Sbe gave one of ber quick looks at ber muddy frock aad soiled aaklss, then ate wheeled suddenly around, put on ber slat aoatbonnet, called 'Pete,' aad waa ready tot bar ten miles' tramp. Sbe had to peas our carriage in order to gain tbe road. Her bonnet did not hide ber face. Weeoald see that tbe bright, fierce eyes were dimmed with tears, and the hard month was working.

not appear to think anything unusual had happened, except tbe feet of their

mother's tears. 'Nance* was begging her not to cry, and 'Pete' was asking if ber foot hurt much. Tbe whole party had a travel worn and weary appearance, and Belle's kind heart could stand it no longer. 'Come here," Ibbie,' she called *sit down, while I run and get you some dinner.'

Sbe walked quickly away to give Ibbie time to recover herself, and I turned my head toward the crowd for the same reason.

She was the first to speak. •I never see ye all 'fore. Is yer ben yere all the time?'

The unsubdued emotion in her voioe told me I must not look st her yet. 'For some time,' I said, as lightly as I oould. 'What do you think of the new preacher. Ibbie

lI

didn't git to yere him,'she replied. •I wur too fur off.' Then, after a pause, •Did you see me jlst now

I looked toward Belle, who was returning, as I answered: 'I saw you talking with a man. Is he your husband 'Yes, that's Simps, an' that there gal wur his oousin, Jinny Cox he haint seen her fur er good pieoe she's ben stsyin' wsy 'roun' the udder side the mountain wid her annt. She's his oousin yer see, and he's gwlne ter take ber home. Nanoe, yer must 'a' switched yer ooat in my eye—'pears 11-ike hit keeps hon a waterin'.'

Belle's hands were full of estables, and tbe ohildren were soon esting witb an eagerness which told of longjiasting. Ibbie refused to take anything fibetook one mouthful when we Insisted, but she shook her head as we again proffered the food. 'I ca-ant 3at,' she ssid 'pears li-ike tbe vittles'd choke me but thauky, Baal fur the cbillun. Come, ohillun, yer got 'nuff now 's long way home.'

We watched her until her tall figure was no longer visible. Then I looked at my oompanlon. She drew a long breath, and we descended from the carriage, and walked on toward tbe meeting house.

'Some people is seoh fools!' observed 'Marthy Ann,' the house girl, as sbe vigorously dusted the mantel piece. It was about four or five days after the meeting at the 'Hawk's Bill.'

I gave a murmur of assent to this most truthful statement, and returned to my book. But this did not satisfy 'Martny.' Sbe evidently had some communication to make. Sbe invited Inquiry, lingering In my vicinity dusting and re-dusting tbe furniture, glsncing in my direction .every now and then but I asked no questions, and sbe presently broke out again with: 'Tbar'll be er broken bead 'bout yere 'fore long, I'm thlnkin', ef some people don't look out an' learn some sense,' wagging her head mysteriously. 'Hit do 'pearlike Ibbie Hickett haint got the sense sh' wuz born with.' 'What about Ibbie Hicket 1' I asked, roused into sudden interest. 'Wby, sbe's follerin' Simps roun' 'gin. 'Ki An' ef he ketches her at it—well, I wouldn't like ter stand In her shoes, that's all!' 'How do you know she is following him?' 'I seen her at It, Miss King—that's wby. Yeste'day evenin' I come along home from mammy's, over thart' udder side the Holler, an' I oome acrost Simps iflpkett an' Jinny Cox, plump. She wuz goln' over ter the Holler. An' I stopped an' talked ter Jinny er piece, an' blmeby I started along home. An' I hadn't went no way'fore I come aorost Ibbie, cree-pin' 'long easy, like, up 'g'ln the bushes. I speak'n ter her, but sbe. wouldn't stop. She said she wur in or burry. An' Jim Bryles, he cum acrost her ter-day. He tell'n Miss Pettlt, an' Miss Pettit tell'n me. Well, all I got ter say, I hope 8imps wont see her he won't take no foolin' off noftody—much lees off Ibbie.'

Only two days after this the September rains set in, and as a matter of oourse, tbe little Shenandoah became swollen and turbulent, detaining me in the neighborhood beyond my time. There waa no flood, but the ford oould not be used, and I was told to make myself content, as I oould not get home for a week or more.

One evening, as we were sitting in tbe parlor at work, Mr. Williams came in and stood quietly by tbe table. I looked up, aud met suoh a grave look that I Immediately asked if anything bad gone wrong on tbe farm. 'Not on the farm,' he said. 'At least, not on this farm: but tbat old bridge at Kite's is gone at last, and oarried a poor woman with it into the brook. She was alive when I come from Kite's: but tbe dootor says sbe won't get well.' 'Why the water's not deep enough to drown any one there,' said Belle. 'No but she has received severe internal injuries, and she can't live long, nohow. She's boen asking for you. Belle, and I want you to get ready. I'll take you 'round to Kite's right away.' 'Who is it?' we all cried. 'It's tbat poor thing, Ibbie Hickett, Sbe was picked up by one of Kite's men, and taken there. I don't understand,' pursued the Squire, witb a perplexed countenance, 'how tbat bridge come to go. 'Twan a crazy old thing, to be sure but nothing short ot a yoke of oxen and cart could make It give way. One woman of Ibbie Hickett's weight ought to cross safe enough. I thought maybe Simps' devilment was at the bottom of it but sbe says sbe was entirely alone. Well, poor thing, sbe's done for now. You'd better go with Belle, Emma,' said he, addressing bis wife.

Mrs. Williams hesitAed. One of tie children was not well, and sbe had been a little anxious all day. •I'll go,' said I 'I've nothing to keep me,' and about fifteen minutes later found us on tbe road.

Kite's fturmbotiwe was only about two miles distant, and we soon reached tbe cabin wbere Ibbie Hickett lay. Ther* was a dim light burning inside, aud two or three women were seated aronnd tbe room as we entered. Belle walked np to the bed, and spoke. •Is tbat yon, Baal T' said tbe sick woman, feebly. 'Yes, Ibbie. How do yon feel?' 'I'm mos' pse' feelln' bad,' sbe said, brokenly. 'I'm goin', Baal, I'm goln', shot*. An' I ain't sorry ter go,' she added, after a short pause. 'Not much. Taint so good all die, ef 1

n' ter make er body

bate tar die, ef twa'n't fur them poor baby. I spec he's bongry now.'sbe said, making an effort to •He's yere, Ibbie,' said one of the wotAas. 'Jim Kite went over ter the Holler mnA brunaed him.' 'Bring him in, Patty,' said Belle. 'Ibbie wants bim—don't you, Ibbie?* nwSfS2^sS°IbW^ suddenly, ss aba looked in my direction. I csme forward. •It's I, Ibbie. Don't you remember maf*

Sbe looked at me fixedly, and tben "OhTfe«L 'F'mem ber now—you wuz at t' 'Hawk's Bill' that day. Sbe's er good gaal, too, Baal. W'en ebe sees er body* fotHHibla, sbedont mske am feel was•em t' do, taUctn' 'bout hit.'

The woman here entered witb tbs-/ baby. Ibbie stretched out her brawny arms for him, and they placed bim beside her. 'Mammy's baby,' she murmured, brokenly, a« she stroked the Uttle plump cbeek .with her hard hand.

1

Don't he

favor Simps, now?' sbe continued, turning to us witb a feeble attempt at a smile. •Where vrSimpaf asked Belle. 'Idunno—I dunno,' said tbe skik worn-, an, with a kind of wall. 'I telltnl t' men ter tell him t' come but I'm 'leered be^ halnt at t' Holler. He's 'feered I'll te'l,' she muttered, tossing her bead uneasily from side to side. 'He neodn't be 'feerea. I wouldn't tell, not ef they killed me dead— What did I say?' she said, suddenly, in a different tone. 'Y' mustn't mind me. Words comes outen mv mouth sometimes, an' 'pears like I donrt have nuthin' ter do wid 'em.'

Here's Simps now,' said Belle, as a tall figure darkened the doorway. 'Oh, sen' bim yere,' said his wiie eagerly.

Come yere, Simps I got sumun' ter tell yer. Go 'way, y' all you too, Baal all on yer—I don't want nobody 't all.'

We stepped Into the next room, and sat there In perfect silence. We could hear a faint hum of voices from the/ room where the dying woman lay/ About ten minutes passed, when Simps came and called us to oome in. Ibbie was looking brighter, and one of thef women evidently thought ber well' enough to snswer a few questions. •I can't make out how t' ole bridge oome t' fall, Ibbie,' she said. 'Me an'. Patty's ben er studyin' 'bout hit putty nigh all t' eve'n', an' we oab't make out how yer done it, 'dout yer had 'or fight, or sumun', an' yer s&y t'wa'n't nobody tbar to fight wid.'

Simps stood by the fire, lookln, down at the coais but I, who was standing next him, tbongbt 1 detected a look of quiok attention as Ibbie replied: 'T' bank give way thar 't wuz muddy an'sllp'ry, an' I fell down bard on t' ole bridge, an' fore I knowed bit I wuz in t' I water.' 'Wa'n't nobody nowheree nlgb, tec I yere yer holler?' 'Thar wa'n't nobody nigh me, 1 tell yer,' said Ibbie, feverishly eager 'no body't all, till Jim Kite come 'long nobody 'tall.'

At this moment the doctor returned. I asked him If she were not talking too much. He merely sbook his head bu'f I kaew from his look that the end must* be very near—nearer than we thought, 'Baal,' said Ibbie, 'yer'll take Nance an' learn her, yer say? Simps don't keer.' 'Yes. Ibbie, I promise you.' 'She's er gal, an' I wact her to learn sumun' the yutbers Is boys they'll gib long some way 'pears li-ike 'taint so hard for boys to git 'long.'

There was along alienee, unbroken except by tbe crackle of tho fire, and tbe faint sound of the coals, as they dropped now and then.

Presently Belle began to speak in a low tone to Ibbie. 1 could uow and then catch a word. Sbe was trying to tske tbe place of tbe priest at this bed of death.

The sick womsn appeared to llstet^. All at once, she gave a kind of smothered groan.

My bres',' she cried plteously, 'bit hurts sot Ca-ant some er you do suuithin' for me?'

I ran for tbe bottle of linitnefit, but, tbedollor whispered,'It's uo use.' Belle heard htm, and fell on ber knee beside tbe bed. 'Ibbie, Ibbie,' sbe cried, 'can't you tjby and love God? Can't yon try and listen while I pray to Him for you? Ob, Ibbie, He loves you! Hfe died on tbe cross for you—for you. He let them kill Him because He loved us so. Can't you understand that?' 'Died—'cause—He—loved—us—so,' repeated Ibbie, as if groping for the meaning. Tben ber tone ohanged.

Yes, I know whst yer mean.' A slight pause, then sbe added in a hoarse whisper, 'Taint—so—hard—ter—do—hit, —Baal,—ef—ef yer—ef yer think much —think 'nuff er anybody

When Belle rose, Ibbie was speech less, and the dootor motioned us to leave tbe room. Simps would have gone too, but Ibbie stretched a feeble, detaining band toward him, and we passed out and left bim standing irresolutely In tho middle of the room.

We entered the carriage, and drove home in perfect silence. An hour later, tbe dootor stopped

tell us Ibbie Hicket was dead.

tr

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