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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 22, 1912)
THE WAY OF A MAN By Emerson Hough Copyright, 1)7( by the Outlnj PubUhln Company PROLOGUE. A young man and a beautiful young woman, lost and alone in a wilderness for months, half starved and in daily peril of death from wild beasts and still mors savage Indtansr-thts is the central theme of the most fasci nating romance that has come from Emerson Hough's pen. Head and you will learn how love came to them; how they conducted themselves in this try ing, unconventional situation; how the man's chivalry and the woman's purity held them stead fast to the ideals of civilisation, and how the strange episode brought tragedies, estrangements and happiness. ' CHAPTER XXV. Ellen. BY autumn I was one of the young est colonels In the Federal , army. Thus It was easy for me to find a brief furlough when we passed near Leesburg on our way to the Blue Ridge Gap, and I then ran down for a look at our valley. I found Dr. Bond In his little brick oQco at the top of the hill overlook ing the village. It was he who first showed me the Richmond popcrs with lists of the Confederate dead. Colo nel Sheraton's nnnie was among the first I saw. He had been with Cuni mlng's forces, closely opposed to my own position at Bull Bun. Ills son Harry, print icnlly at his side, was se riously, possibly fatally, wounded and was now In hospital at Richmond. I showed Dr. Bond the last writing of Gordon Ornie and put before hlra the Bank of England notes that I bad found ou Oruie's person, and which, by the terms of his testament, 1 thought might perhaps belong to me. "Could I use any of this money with clean conscience?" I asked. "Could It honorably be employed in the discharg ing of the debt Ortne left on my fam ily r "A part of that debt you have al ready caused him to discharge," the old doctor answered slowly. "You would be doing a wrong If you did no, oblige him to discharge the rest." I counted out and laid on the desk before him the amount of the funds which my father's memoranda showed had been taken from him by Orme that fatal night more than a year ago. The balance of the notes I tossed Into the little grate, and with no more ado we burned them there. Wo concluded our conference In re gard to my business matters. I learn ed that the coal lands had been re deemed from foreclosure. Colonel Meri wether having advanced the necessary funds; and as this now left our debt running to him, I Instructed Dr. Bond to take steps to cancel It Immediately and to have the property partitioned as Colonel Meriwether Bhould deter mine. "And now, Jack," Bald my wire hair ed old friend, "here'a something yon ought to see. I saved It for you over there the morning yon threw it Into the .fireplace." . . lie spread' out on the top of the desk a folded bit of hide. Familiar enough It was to me. '"You saved but half." I said. "The other half Is gone." lie pushed a flake of snuff far up his long nose. "Yes." said he quietly. "I sent it to her some three months ago." "What did she say?" "Nothing, you fool. What did you eipeet? "Now, my son," he concluded sav agely, "If you ever dreamed of marry ing any other woman dash me If I wouldn't come Into court and make this Indenture witness for you both for her as well as you! Go on away now, and don't bother me any more." Our forces passed up the valley of Virginia and rolled through the old Rocfcflsh gap. We overspread all the Piedmont valley and passed down to the old town of Charlottesville. It was nearly deserted now. The gay southern boys who In the past rode there, with their ierro sen,fi"f, nv 1 set at naught good Thomas Jefferson's Intent of simplicity In the narrow lit tle chancers of the old University of Virginia now were gone with their horses and their servants. Today you may sec their names In bronze on the tablets at the university doors. I had quartered my men about the quiet old place when I heard the voice of my sentry challenge and caught an answering word of indignation In a woman'R voice. A low, single seated cart was halted near the curb, and one of its occupants was apparently much angered. I saw her clutch the long brown rifle barrel which extended out at the renr over the top of the seat "You git out'n the road, man." repeated she, "or I'll take a shot at you for luck. We done come this fur, and I reckon we c'n go the rest the way." That could be no one but old Mandy McGovern. For the sako of amuse ment I should have loft her to make her own argument with the guard had I not in the same glance caught sight of her companion, a trim Ggure In close fitting corduroy of golden brown, a wide hat of russet straw shading he face. It was Ellen! Her face went rosy red as I has tened to the side of the cart and put down Mandy's arm. She stammered, unable to speak more connectedly than I myself. Mandy could not forget her anger and Insisted that she wanted to see the "boss." "I am the colonel In command tight here, Aunt Mandy," 1 said. "Won't I do?" "You a kunnel?" she retorted. "Looks to me like kunnels Is mighty easy made If you'll do. No; we're otter Gtnral Meriwether, who's comln' here to be the real boss of all you folks. Say, man, you taken away my man and my boy. Where they at?" "With me here." I was glad to an swer, "safe and somewhere not far away. The boy Is wounded, but bis arm la nearly well." "Ain't got 'nuff flghtln ylt?" "No; both he and Auberry seem to be Just beginning." "Ilumph! Reckon they're happy, then. If a man's glttln' three squares a day and plenty o' flghtln', don't see whut more he kin ask." "Corporal," I called to my sentry, who was now pacing back and forth before the door, hiding his mouth be hind his hand, "put this woman un der arrest and bold her until 1 return. She's looking for Privates Auberry and McGovern, O company, First Vir ginia volunteers. Keep her In my of fice while they're sent for. Bring me my bag from the table." It was really a pretty fight, that be tween Mandy and the corporal. The latter was obliged to call out the guard for aid. "Sick 'em, Bete!" cried Mandy when she .found ber arms pin ioned, and at once there darted out from under the cart a hairy little demon of a dog, mute, mongrel Ish, pink eared, which began silent bavoe with the corporal's legs. I looked again at that dog. I was ready to take It In my arms and cry out that It was my friend. It was the little Indian dog that Ellen and I bad tamed. Why, then, had she kept It? Why had she brought it home with her? I doubt which way tho contest would have gono had not Mandy seen me climb into her vacated scat and take up tho reins. Pete then stolidly took up his place under tho cart. We turned and drove back up tho shady street, Ellen and I. I saw her fingers twisting together In her lap, but as yet she had not spoken. The flush on her cheek was deeper now. She beat her hands together softly, confused, half frightened, but she did not beg me to leave her. "If you could get away," she began at last, "I would ask you to drive me back home. Aunt Mandy and I ore living there together. Kitty Steven son's visiting me you'll you'll want to call on Kitty. My father has been In east Kentucky, but I understand he's ordered here this week. Major Stevenson Is with him. We thought we might get word and so came on through the lines." "You had no right to do so. The pickets should have stopped you," I said. "At the same time, I am very glad they didn't" "So you are a colonel," she said sfter a time, with an army girl's nice read ing of insignia. "Yes," I answered. "I am an officer. Now If I could only be a gentleman!" "Don't!" she whispered. "Don't talk In that way, please." "Do you think I could be?" "I think you have been," the whis pered, all ber face rosy now. Then she pointed to a mansion bouse on a far off hill such a bouse as can be found nowhere In America but In this very tAlley an old, family at, lying r served and full of dignity at a hilltop shielded with greHt oaks. "That Is our home," she said. "We have not often been here since grand father died, and then my mother. But this Is the place that we Meriwethers all call home." As we approached the gate I heard behind us the sound of galloping horses. There came up the road a mounted of ficer, with his personal escort, nn or derly, several troopers unJ a grinning body servant. "Look, there he comes! It is my fa ther!" exclaimed Ellen. And in a mo ment she was out of the cart and run ning down tho road to meet him, tak ing his baud, resting her cheek against his duaU- Uili. ;rx .tSTsut lu saddle. The oflVjer. iitiiicit i-c Aiiruij. Tivu are outside the lines," said he. "Have you leave V" I salt'.ted also und caught the twinkle In his eye. "Ou detached service this morning, general." 1 said. "If you please, I slnll report to you within the hour." He wheeled his horse and spurred on up along tils own grounds, fit mas ter for their statoUuess. A wldu seat lay beneath one of the oaks. We wandered thither. Ellen and I. The little doir, mute, wutchful, kept close at her side. "El'eu." sai l I to ber, "the time has come now. I am not going to wait any lonrer. Road this." I put Into Iter hand Gordon Orme's confession. She read. v.Ph horror starring on her faiv. "What a scoundrel what a criminal!" she said. "The man was a demon. He killed your father!" "Yes, and In turn I killed him." I said slowly. Her eyes flashed. She was savage ngalu us 1 had seen her. My soul leaped out to see her fierce, relentless, exulting that I had fought and won. careless that I had slain. "Orme did all he could to ruin me In every way," I ndded. "Read on." Then I saw her face change to pity as she came to the next clause. So now she knew the truth about Grace Sher aton and. I hoped, the truth about John Cowles. "Can you forgive me?" she said brokenly, her dark eyes swimming In tears as she tvrned toward me. "That is not the question." I an swered slowly. "It Is. Can you for give me?" Her hand fell on my arm Imploringly. "1 have no doubt that I was much to blame for that poor girl's act" I continued: "The question only la, Has my punishment been enough or can It be enough? Do you forgive me? We all make mistakes. Am I good enough for you, Ellen? Answer me." But she would not yet answer. So I went on. "1 killed Gordon Orme myself in fair fight, but be wrote this of hla own free will. He himself told me It would be proof. Is It proof?" She put the paper gently to one side of her on the long seat "1 do not need it." she said. "If it came to question of proof we have learned much of these matters, my father and I, since we last met you. But I have never needed It; not even that night we said goodby. Ah, how 1 wanted you back after you had gone!" "And your fnther?" I asked her, my hand falling on hers. "He knows as muoh as I. Lately he has heard from your friend. Dr. Bond. We have both learned a great many things. We are sorry. I am sorry. I have always been sorry." "But what more?" I asked. "Ellen!" She put out her bands In a sort of terror. "Don't," she said. "I have put all this away for so long that now I can't begin again. I can't! I can't! I am afraid. Do not ask me. Do not No, no!" She started from the seat as though she would have fled In a swift panic. But now I caught her. "Stop!" I exclaimed, rage In all my heart "I've been a fool long enough, and now I will have no more of fool ishness. I will try no more to figure niceties. I'll not try to understand a WoUiuu. Hut. gentleman" oT not, I swear that If we wero alone again, we two out there, you should do as I said, as I desired. And I say now you must you shall." She sank bnck against the rail with a little sigh as of content, a little smile as of a child cnught in mischief and barred from escape. Oh, though I lived a thousand years, never would I say I understood a woman! "Now we will end all this." I said, frowning. I caught her by tho arm and led her to the gallery, where I picked up the bag I bad left at the driveway. I myself rang at tho door, not allowing ber to load me In. Tho orderly came. "My compliments to General Meri wether," I said, "and" Colonel Cowlea would llko to speak with him." lie enme, that tall man, master of the mansion, dusty with bis travel, stern of face, innned llko a gray bear of the bills. But he smiled and reach ed out his band. "Come In, sir," he said. And now we entered.. "It seems you have brought back my girl again. I hope my welcome will be warmer than It was at Lara mie." lie looked at us, from one to tho other, the brown skin about hla keen eyes wrinkling. "I have certain things to say, gen eral," I began. We were walking Into the ball. As soon as I might I band ed to him the confession of Gordon Orme. Ho read It wltli shut Hps. "Part of this I know already," he said finally, "but not this as to your father. You have my sympathy, and, sir, my congratulations on your ac counting for such a fiend. There at least Justice bos been served. " n hesitated before continuing. "As to some details, I regret that my daughter has been brought into SllLffifiitoaJie. said slowly, ri re gret i dlso'tfi.iVl ha'v'e maae"uT.iny 'oili er matters worse, but I am very clad that they have now been made plal.i Dr. Samuel Bond of Walllnsfonl. your father's frleud. has cleared up much of nil this. I Infer that he has n,t Used you of the condition of our Joint business matters?" "Our estnte Is In your deb, general." I Kaid. "lmt I ran now adjust that. We shall pay our share. After that the laails sIiMl diviiW or held Jointly, as yourself shall s;y." "Why co'iM they "no? remain as th"y ore?" He Hniiied at tue. "Let i:ie hope so " I turned to El Ten. "Please." I said, "bring me th other half of tnls." I ftun? open my bag and spread upon the nearest table my half of the record of cur covenant, dune, as It hid seem ed to me. long years nirn. Colonel Mer iwether ami I bent over the Inilf Held parchment. I saw that Ellen had gone, but presently she caine asatn. hesitating, flushing red. and put Into my hands the other half of our Inden ture. She carried Pete, the little dog. under ber arm. 1 placed the pieces tdge to edge upon the table. The old familiar words looked up at me again solemnly. Again I felt my heart choke my throat as I read; "I. John Cowles 1, Ellen Meriwether take thee take thee uu til death do us part." I handed her a pencil. She wrote slowly, freakishly, having her maiden will; and it seemed to me still a week to a letter as Bbe signed. But at last her name stood in full E-l-l-e-n M-e-r-i-w-e-t-h-e-r. "General." I said, "this indenture wit nesseth! We two are bound by it. We have.,.'consentfid toccther in holy wed luck.' We have 'witnessed tho same before fiotl.' We have 'pledg ed our faith, either to oilier.' " He dashed 'A hand across his eyes then, with a swift motion, he placed our hands together. "My boy," said he, "I've always wanted my girl to be taken by an army man an officer und a gentleman. Dash It, sir! I beg your pardon, Ellen give me that pencil. I'll sign my own name. I'll witness this myself. There's a regimental chaplain with our command If we can't flud a preacher left In Charlottesville." "Orderly!" I called, with a gesture asking permission of my superior. "Yes. orderly," he finished for me, "get ready to ride to town. We have an errand there." He turned to us and motioned us as though to owner ship, bowing with grave courtesy as he himself left the room. I heard the chutter of Mrs. Kitty greet him. I was conscious of a grinning black face peer ing In at a window Annie, perhaps. They all loved Ellen. Rut F.llen and I, as though hv instinct, stepped toward I he open door, so that we might again see the mountain tops. . I admit I kissed tierl ' THE END. ENTERTAIN THE Ell- TERPEAN GLEE CLUB From Wuilnesilnv'ii ltnllv Misses Zelma, Alice and Hazel Tuey entertained the Euterpean (.ilee club and a few of their friends, to t tie number of about thirty, yesterday afternoon in honor of Miss Etna Crahiil, at a sewing circle for Miss Crahiil The young ladies plied the busj needle and enjoyed each other's society from 2:30 to 5 o'clock During the afternoon the party iiemniod a dozen towels and i dozen dishcloths for Miss Crahiil adding the proper initials. He. freshments were served, consist ing of ice cream and cake. Piano selections were furnished by Miss Violet Freese and Miss Crahiil, and Miss Ferris York sang a pretty solo. The out-of-town guests who were present were: Misses (irace and Hulh Smith of Kansas City and Mrs. II. 0. Killers of Omaha. Entertained at. Wohlfarth Home. From Wc.lneHday's lially. Miss Mallie Larson and her class of hoys of the Sunday school of the Presbyterian church held n most enjoyable class parly last evening, at. which time they were entertained at the home of one of I lie members of the class, Carl Wohlfarth. The hoys had come prepared to have a good time and we are reliably informed that they sure did. They played all sorts of games and indulged in various pranks and amusements until a late hour. At that time light re freshments, consisting of ico cream and wafers, was served. "I was cured of diarrhoea by one dose of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoe Remedy," writes M. E. Oebhardt, Oriole, Pa. There is nothing better. For sale by I'. O. Fricke & Co. Fop Sale. Team of 4-year-old "Coach Horse" colts, broken, fine lookers. Will make a splendid driving team. T. II. Pollock, Plattsmouth, Neb. 80 Acres for Sale. Extra fine laying land, 2 Mi miles from Murray. Priced right for quick sale. C. F. Harris, Union,' Neb. Local News From Tuesday1! Dally. W. T. Hk-hard sou of Mynard was called to Omaha on business for his store this morning. J. C. H. Todd of Murrav was a Plattsmouth visitor last, evening ami registered at the Riley. H. I. Clements of Elmwood was in the city today transacting busi ness with the county court. Attorney C. L. (leaves, editor of Hie Union Ledger, was a PlaUs mouth visitor this morning. Oeorge Kaffenberger drove in from his farm today and looked after business in the county seat. Marriage license was issued yesterday for Ted Cordner and Miss Lucy Minford. both of (ilen- wood. Mrs. Luke Wiles and Miss Elizabeth Spangler were Omaha passengers on the morning train today. Fred Wagner of near Louisville was a Plattsmouth visitor today, looking after business matters in the county seat. H. A. Schneider returned from Cedar Creek on No. I this morn ing, where he had been on busi ness for a short time. Mrs. Charles Mcduire and sons. Tom and Con, left this morning for (iretna. where Ihey will visit relatives for a few davs. Mrs. Cromwell and children, who have been visiting friends at La Platte for a short time, return ed last evening on No. 2. S. F. (iiraitlel and Thomas Murtey, two of Weeping Water's leading business men, were in the city with the Boosters yesterday. C. T. Kydd, the state deputy for the W. O. W., who has been look ing afler the interests of the order hero, left for his home this morning. H. D. Goldsberry of Waverly, Neb., arrived today and will talk real estate in the 1 Horn basin. He will be a guest of J. V, Davis while in the city. J. M. Meisinger and wife of near Cedar Creek drove in from the farm this morning and boarded the early train for Omaha on business of importance. , Hen Beckman and two grand sons were in the city today. Mr. Beckman to look after business matters for a short time, while the boys took in the sights. Mrs. Rose Kendall and children of Union changed cars here this morning, en route home from Monmouth, Illinois, where they have been visiting relatives for a time. 0. II. Olive, postmaster nt Weeping Water; I. W. Teegarden, E. E. Day, John W. Colbert and Harry D. Reed were among the chautauqua boosters that dined nt the Riley yesterday. Mrs. W. F. Chalfant nnd her sister, Miss Maude McCulloch, of near Union, were Omaha pas sengers on the morning train to day, where Ihey looked after busi ness mailers for the day. In the county court this morn ing a dual hearing was had in I he estate of Peter Van Huron, de ceased. C. S. AM rich of Elmwood was in the city looking after the legal mailers in the case, ing held at those poinls this week. m y ri u r& iruiruu D U LTUUUU yipaiLJKi I 9m 9m 9 t Mm m mm ww frontier Days wsjdnacfurdni $13,000 VAflRTMAM fi E- m m 'msr JSyutt YGfrAACS Fibevvorks Plac? Cards, Score and Tally Cards of eery description at the Journal office. J. W. Holmes and wife and V". Smith and wife and A. M. Holmes motored to Plattsmouth from their home at Murray last veiling and visited the C. A. Rawls home for a time. Mrs. Fred Howland and daugh ters, Marguerite, Catherine and Virginia, who have been guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Howland for a week, returned to their homes Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Fred Rezner of Edgmont, S. I)., and Mrs. Carson of Wall Lake, Iowa, arrived last night to visit their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. If. Tarns. Mrs. Tarns is verv sick and her daughters came on this account. R. D. Sline, one of the leading fanners of Liberty precinct, was in tlie city this morning and ad ded his name to the Journal list of subscribers. Mr. Stine was born in Cass county and could not be otherwise than a good citizen. From Wednesday's Pally. Walter Scott returned last night from near Union, where ho has been doing some work for the M. P., J. A. Watson of Louisville was in the city between trains today, looking after important business matters. J. H. Ynllery and wife, who have been spending a few weeks in Den ver and Salt Lake City, returned on the morning train today. Mrs. John McNtirlin returned from Cedar Creek on the morning I l ain today, where she has been visiting friends for a few days. Mrs. Ray Heaver ami children returned from Louisville on the morning train today, where they have been guests of tier parents. Mrs. Dr. T. J. Todd and chil. dren, who have been visiting hep parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mauzy, for a few days, left for their home at Wahoo yesterday. Dr. Brendcl of Murray came up this afternoon and boarded the fast mail for Omaha, where he was called on professional busi ness. W. A. Sturtz of South Dakota, was a guest of his mother-in-law. Mrs. Handley. yesterday, but left for Omaha on the afternoon train.. Tonight Mr. Sturtz and wife will go to Kansas City to spend Sunday with his parents. - ij ; ''t Frank Smith was up from Union this morning and the doctor re moved the cast from his arm,, which is now almost recovered from the break received four weeks ago. His stepfather, Claude Everett, drove up with him this morning. .. . ., v Rennet I Criswisser left for Ne hawka Ibis morning, whero he will visit his son, Dick, for a few days while the threshing is going" on. Dennett has gotten I he idea that he always gets more lo eat when I he threshers are there. Mrs. Criswisser is different nnd she will not go until about the last of the week. VACANT LOTS FOR SALE Lots 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, in Block ii, Duke's Addition; 5) and 10, Rloclc 7; 5 and fi, block 12; 1 and 2, Rlock 13; 1, 2, 3 and , in Block 7, Townsend's Addition. We have other nice laying lots. As lots are advancing in value, now is the time to purchase. Brick house, two lots, monthly payments, $325.00. Windham Investment & Loan Co. 0 00 Nam w mm w w t Show IN PACES Al I FN .SHOWS w mem mm stw m 9 mmw w w -mmw Bights V OiVMILI II vx. U
