Having written so much to let my readers know how Julius was advancing, I pass to describe a character{163} who has something to do with my story. Though no tribe of Indians was settled near Brookville, single representatives of the race, from time to time, visited the village—occasionally with baskets of beadwork to sell, occasionally in the less honorable character of mendicant. Most were subject to the curse which civilization brought with it to these children of the forest, namely, the love of strong drink; and a large portion of whatever money they received was spent for what the Indian appropriately calls fire water.
It was on a day in the following summer that a tall Indian, wrapped in a dirty blanket, presented himself at the back door of Mr. Taylor’s house. His features were bloated, and clearly indicated his habits. His expression otherwise was far from prepossessing, and the servant, who answered his call, looked at him rather uneasily, knowing that her mistress, herself and little Carrie were alone in the house. Mr. Taylor had gone to a neighboring town and taken Julius with him, while Abner was in the fields.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“Money,” said the Indian, laconically.
“I have no money,” she answered. “I will give you something to eat.”
“Want money,” repeated the Indian.
“I’ll go and ask my mistress,” said Jane.
Mrs. Taylor, on being informed of the matter, went{164} herself to the door. Little Carrie’s curiosity had been aroused, and she asked if she might go too. As there seemed to be no objection, Mrs. Taylor took the little girl by the hand, and presented herself at the door.
“Are you hungry?” she asked, of her dusky visitor.
“No; want money,” was the reply.