José — page 287: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

280 | JOSE. confusion. The hunter cast a glance at the articles, and then pulled the upper mattress upon the floor. “Here’s acamping place as good as any on the plains. Let us forget that we’re crowded in among four walls,” he said, lazily stretching himself on the straw pillow. “Now then to business. Let’s unload our hearts.” “It is time, Uncle Bob,” began Jose, after comply- ing with his invitation, raising her large eyes toa level with his; “it is time that I should be looking for a proper kind of home, and I think I have found it. After making my escape from the Apaches and reaching the fort, and seeing the pale young lady with the kind, beautiful face, I resolved within my- self to tell her what 1 was and ask her to grant me a place of refuge, where I might live in retirement, without being criticised and reproached for the spirit that dwells within my heart, but it was not until to-day—when I suddenly discovered that the young mistress, though apparently rich and con- tent, is in reality deserted among her domestics, a stranger in her own house, and as unhappy as I my- self have been—I say not until. to-day did I muster courage to speak to her. I followed her as she re- tired from the side of her young husband lying there dead—a husband for whom she had, alas, no love in her heart, for I could see it. I have forgotten all I said to her, but I still see her dear eyes resting upon my face as she held out her hand. : “There must be something in the souls of people that links them together when their hearts are alike filled with sorrow. I shall remain here, Uncle Bob; this shall be my home, and it was to tell you this that I asked you to follow me here. Return to Apple Farm. They have been long looking and (E(0) Eomicbooks aa) ¢