Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1873-04-26
said Floy, returning.

, groan. Ii That butterfly is anywheI
about. Pm sure had my hands on 1t.
. only hope It isn't crushed to pieces"
The ruling passion 7" muttered Flo,
as sne turned away. "Lying there ha
dead, with broken ankle, and he ca
still think Of that miserable insect.''
Here he is" she said aloud, comm
round to Johns side. Horrid littl
thing!" she could not help adding, wit
vlndictlve look at the innocent insect sh
paced in Johns open palm.
John gave her slight surprised look
put smiled with pleasure as ne surveyet
tne treasure in his hand. "It is very lit
tie INJURED" he exclaimed, in almos
enlid-like delight. And so, after m,
long search, have Obtained it at last.n
And broken ankle into the bargain, ,
thought Floy turning away, in mingled
vexation and amusement. "Now INNS
CO." " 40
Hilloa ~ cried shrill voice abov,
them. Floy looked up, and saw A mar
standing on the bank opposite the m.
from which John had fallen. He was
evidently farmers tall wiry-lOokino
specimen-dressed in coarse, blue clothes
and an immense straw hat. "What on
airth's the matter r' shouted he.
20, sir" cried Floy, springing joyful.y
forward, "do-do bring some help, ana
take this gentleman away from here !''
The light-blue eyes stared blankly
down into the ravine moment. "How
In thunder did he get down tharr' was
his next question, In tone of the utmost
astonishment.
HE fell down, Of course" said Floy.
impatiently.
Lost the use of his eyesight, hain't
heT responded the farmer.
No ~ said Floy, grinding her little
teeth with rage and anxiety. "How
many more questions are you going TO
ask, you inhuman man, before coming to
broken"
swell, 1 swan!' said the farmer. turn.
ing slowly away. "Tll be back In mo-
ment."
I've sent little Dan," said he, return
ing, Ito bring some help. He won't be
gone long; he's got the wagon, and the
doctor lives only a couple o. miles from
here"
Floy groaned in spirit, but, resolving
to be patient for Johns sake, mildly en-
treated the farmer to seek out "their
friends"
Friends? Yes, marin; so soon as
examine this here leg. IT'S broke fist
above the ankle, marm.'
. Knew that before you told u.s." snap
ped Floy.
You seem kind o. riled, marin. Yes,
as | was sayin', it's broken .jist above the
ankle-bad job, marmi"
Well, l must try and make him lit
tie more comfortable; this hot sun shines
right in his face" said Floy, with CON-
passionate look at the poor tortured fel
low. Pressing Farmer Stokes into the
service, she made him strip several arm
fuls of green branches from the adjoining
trees. Sticking her parasol in the ground,
she disposed the branches over and around
lt, In such manner that it formed shady
bower above her patients head.
"Ah, how refreshing that is ~ gasped
poor John. "And now, do go under the
shade of the trees, Miss Floy; your poor
little face will be burned to COAL"
~, no; l have on my broad-brimmed
hat" said Floy. Seating herself near the
entrance OF the green tent. she waved a
ong bOugh to keep away the flies. John
nalfclosed eyes. What darling she was,
after all, with her round, child's face. and
sweet, wOmanly ways
You are too kind to the cross old bear.
n Miss s Floy," he said, suddenly; 'tOO good
80, don't speak So" said Floy, color
ng violently. 81 wanted to ask yo,lr for
yiveness for all my impertinence the last
;wo weeks"
Johns answer was prevented by the re- |
urn of Farmer Stokes, who, after a verv
'hort and Intellectual attempt to find 'stheir |
riends," again Obtruded upon them his |
unwelcome presence.
Cant find 'em, nowhar," he said. |
Keep that ankle well kivered up, miss
md here's drop o. somethin' ii put q |
eetle life into him, maybe"
John drank from the farmers flask, and |
eemed somewhat revived by the draught. |
eloy resumed her ministratiOns. The |
armer, lying back upon the grass, watch |
d them both with speculative ewes, |
Darn 1t ALL he suddenly burst out,
how did you git down here, mister I'm |
langed If ken MAKE It out at all.o
"Well, If you must know" said Floy,
,etulantly, "he was looking for some
hing"
"Pocketbook, eh9'
ssNo."
ld-headed canep'
"No, No /; q specimen" said Floy, Inn
atiently producing it. "This gentleman
a naturalist, and, IN trying to secure
his, he lost his footing and fell" |
She held the specimen out on her lit
le, soft palm. The farmer surveyed It in
lank amazement.
"1Aat?" he asked, incredulously. Floy
odded. Mr.. Stokes sat silent moment,
.hile a broad grin slowly overspread
Is leathery countenance. "A miller =,
e exclaimed, at last, with q long, low
thistle.
"It's a butterfly" said Floy, indig-
antly.
g. $50 | perceive, marm," sadd the farmer.
Wal, swami"
After this brief ejaculation, he bent for
ard. and, pointing to John, whose eye
ds had again closed, he said, in. q low
hisper, "How long sence he lost the use
his wits, marm?"
"He hasn't lost them at all" said Floy.
airing. "You do ask me the queerest
nestions."
Why, You jist said he was q nat'ral,
dn't you ?' |,
"No; I said q naturalist said Floy. |,
loking down little laugh, as she an
vered him.
"Wal," responded the farmer, after a
luse, 81 don't 'zactly take your meapin,.