Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-11-21
Gales and Sketehes.
THE LONG FELLOW OF ii.

Colman put down his book and looked
about the parlors and piazzas OF the hotel,
and went and spoke to the barkeeper
"lIave YOU seen Mr.. Field lately?'
NO; he hasn't been in here since sup
per-"
Colman went out and walked down
toward the head OF the lake. Passing out
OF the shadow Of the trees, the open shore
was before him, and the wharf at some
distance, with the tiny steamer the Wani-
Ia, lying by it in the moonlight. There
WAS some one coming along the sandy
road and Colman leaned against Il tree
and waited for him. The dark side of the
boat was toward him. and though it was
quite late, Il light showed in one of her
came near Colman, he turned and stood
then came on. Colman stepped out, and
the conner said. 'llalloa, Phil is that you? /?
You startled ME. Going in?'
Philip only nodded, and they walked
back to the house together, Field whis-
Ting absently. They went up to their
room, and Field sat by the window while
Colman struck light.
Dan, said Philip abruptly. Il want
you to come on with me tomorrow"
Field was looking out through the trees
toward the wharf and boats at the head of
the lake. He turned sharply and an
swercd: phil, you're pig. I'll do
nothing of the kind
We've been here long enough, Dan,"
Philip went on, taking no notice of the
rudeness except in his manner. Il shall
go north in the morning. | wish you
would come with me-"
The deuce you do!' Field retorted.
You may do as you please. We came
to stay as long as we enjoyed it here, and
there's nothing to go for. that know Of"
No more was said. Colman went to
bed, and Field sat smoking by the win
dow. After a while he forgot his cigar,
and it went out. He heard the wind whis-
pering among the trees that almost brush
ed his face Through the branches he
got glimpses of the lake placid under the
moon, and the black breadths of shadow
below the opposite hills. He sat long
while. and the house became still He
seemed alone with the night, and the hush
and awe of it touched him and moulded
his thought. 1t was very late when he
got up at last. The lamp was still burn
ing. and field had not taken of his hat
He went over and sat down on the edge
of the bed. and looked at his sleeping
friend until the latter opened his eyes.
Phil" said Field "youre not pig,
but I'm IL fool. I'm coming with you in
the morning.
"All right, Dan," Philip answered.
Tin glad you are coming. Goodnight" +"
They went on north next day with no
Jafnita ,,lan oap,o fo tho loyuar Go and
the old fort on the cliff, and, taking a
great liking to the place, fingered in the
neighborhood from day to day. They
happened one evening upon queer, Sc
cluded pubic-house across the lake, where
they fell in with a long. lean, leathery
Young native. who appeared to be a guide
and waterman. and told them stories Of
the hunting aad fishing among the lakes
and mountains in vein of unconscious
humor and low, even husky voice which
the friends found very agreeable. They
met him again at a fair and horse-race at
Scalp Point, and found their liking for
him increased. Finally, they We're to go
south at noon on Friday, and then put it
of till the night boat. Alter supper they
took out the skitf from the rocky landing
for last row. They pulled round under
the dark cliffs that rose sheer from the
water and Were crowned with the wall of
the old fort, the cliffs themselves scanned
across with strata of white. like mortar
lines of some Titanic masonry They
gave chase to Il tug putting northward half
a mile to the right, towing two or three
canal-boats through the still water and the
stiller night. Then sail came ghostily
out of the shadow astern, and stole on
them as they drew away and waited for
it. BY and by the boat crept up, dropped
away Il little from the light wind, and
passed close to leeward. There was one
man in her sitting in the stern. and the
whole made hardly sound. They knew
the man at the tiller; it was the long fell
low again. He took them in, and they
talked As they driited on. The lights be-
hind the locusts fell tar astern.
Come, conner said Colman at last :;
"this won't do. We have long pull now
and were to be of at two in the morn
ing
Field turned and asked the young fell
low ii he was engaged for IL week or two
No, not especially he had been running
parties IA good deal off and on, but they
were getting pretty thin now, and there
was not much call for boats
"Will You 90 with me on cunning
and fishing cruise through the lakes?
asked Field; and the long fellow said he d
90 with him as soon as any othel man,
and when should they start "To-rlorrow
morning. answered Field, "any time you
like"
They got into the skitf. threw off the
line, and pulled back to the Fort House
that is, Field pulled and Colman lay in the
stern and listened TO the water gurgling
under the boat. They landed and climbed
up the rocks.
$50 you're going back ?' said Colman.
"Dan, | wish you'd come home
Field flushed and turned sharply. "Oh.
hang your preaching. Phil ~ he snapped
out. You re too internally flat. Who said
anything about going back? p
The steamer was due in three or four
hours. They Went straight to bed, and it
seemed about ten minutes atterward when
Coman woke with II start and saw Field
striking a light; it was twenty minutes ot
two They waited AN hour Tor the boat,
walking about or sitting by the fire. Then
the landlord came i'll with u lantern and
laid the boat was coming, and they went
down to the wharf and waited for her.