Then and Now

408 IMPROVEMENT ERA, small eyes. His hand went to his hip. A chill crept down my back into my legs, making them tremulously weak, and I drew back into the night. Had he, pistol in hand, flung open the door, I think I should have died of paralysis. I supported myself against the logs, emitting only half breaths, in dreadful expectation of a crisis. When again I hazarded a glance, Burley was less agitated, though his eye was alert, and the pinnae of his ears seemed ijuick- ened by apprehension. The muscles of his mouth twitched ner- vously, and his long, bony fingers kept up a thrumming on the t^ble. His temples were narrow, his forehead high and swept by thin, brown hair. His small eyes, deep-set, his long, pointed nose pinched at the base, the pursed mouth, contracted upper lip, heavy chin and under jaw, and angular frame, made up a personality not inviting to friendly intercourse. I concluded not to ask for hospitality, and left the window to seek other accommodations. (To be continued.) THEN AND NOW. A song I heard in days agone. By other voices now was sung; And in my soul it thrilled a chord That like the wildest music rung: We mingle here just for a day. Then separate each to his own; Our lives are parted each his way, And ere we know, our days are flown. Then grasp my hand, you are my friend; Let us so act that when we part, The passing dream shall beauty lend To cheer your way and soothe my heart. —Edward H. Anderson.