Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1874-05-07
KYLE GRIFFITHS-A TALE OF THE
WELSH COAST.

nadine arch of sunset sky ABOVE; to the
westward strip of land running out into
the harbor, and showing black as ink
against the lower line Of living gold,
where, far beyond, the sun has just
dipped bis flaming orb to rest behind the
waves Over the point the topsail rigging
of three-masted vessel. Nearer, in the
foreground, girl seated on heap Of dry
sea-weed, her pretty, brown, dimpled
arms clasped about her knees, her head
uncovered save by a mass Of black, silky
curls, thrown back and resting against an
old boat, moss-grown and broken, and
long disused, which had found its last
haven in this quiet nook. Ii was all very
quiet at first, but by and by step came
trampltng over the hard, smooth sands
The young girls cheek glowed with a
deeper red and her breast began 80 heave
and her hands to tremble, as though she
was a bird on the eve offying to its mate.
Not being a bird, but woman, however,
she conquetted-sat still, staring at the
sunset she did not see, and started and
almost screamed when big man, brown
and bearded and muscular, came suddenly
round the stern OF the ruined boat and
with short exclamation, half chokcd as
in great gladness, took her straight into
his arms and Rugged her till she screamed
in right earnest:
"Kyle, put me down. put me down !
How dare you be 80 rude, sirf Let me
Not till you've given me kiss,
Faithie," said the other, keeping his hold,
good .humoredly, yet with something OF
reproach in its grave blue eyes. "What /!
not one, after three months waiting ?
Why, lassie, thought you cared for me a
hit better nor that. An bungering for
this minute every day and hour since l
left you"
The tone of the eminder-perhaps
even the slacKening of his arms-toucbed
her. Faith Morgan had warm little
heat, albeit five years younger and
smaller than the one against which il was
beating now. Inconsistent as a true
woman, the moment he let go she began
10 cling, and put up her lips.
81 do care for you, Kyle" she said
"only-only you startled me So" and
forthwith she began 10 sob like a baby.
lie made no answer at first, only kissing
her with close, tender kisses on lips and
eyes, TIL the tears were driven back and
the lips poutcd.
"Now, Kyle, do let me go. You're so
rough, and--and some one might be pass
ing" .
And what If some one wasf" asked
the sailor, loosening his hold, however,
and letting her resume her former seat,
while he took up position on the boats
keel beside her who has better right
10 kiss you than j? can tell you, Sam
Jones' lassie didn't wait for him TO begin,
for we walked up from the pier together,
and she had the house door opeE and her
arms round his neck while he was still
peering up Mt the window on the chance
Of her looking out"
Nancy Evans is a bold girl" quoth
Faith, Rrtly. "If those are the manners
you Ike, Kyle, wonder you didn't try to
cut Jones out when you first came here"
g come between another man and his
lass!' cried the sailor, staring; but
there, you're joking, sweetheart; ard be-
sides, you know there's never girl in
Wales, or England either, that could meet
my fancy save your little self alone"
"You don't mention America" said
Faith, saucily.
America" repeated her lover why,
in The name Of all that's comely, you
wouldn't have me compare you to Yam
kee girl, would your"
The honest indignation In his tone,
however ludicrous In itself, had soften
ing influence on Faith. Her big, brown
eyes grew suddenly wet, and her voice
sank TO half-shame- faced whisper
Only told you ! wouldn't wonder ii
you took to a foreign girl, Kyle. Some
say they're preitier than we are"
You would ha' wondered, though"
retorted Kyle, promptly. " Prettier than
you! I'd like to see the woman. Faith,
give me your hand, and turn your face
this way. Do you think I'll be content
with the back Of your head to.nightY"
He took her hand MS he spoke, and she
let him keep II; but her face was still
turned away, and there was faint CULVER
about the ruddy lips. Perhaps her mex,
words explained IL.
Father says you're going away again
almost ut once, Kyle"
ave; when he came aboard 10 meet us
he gave me the offer. II did seem hard,
almost too hard, when I'D hoped to have
little rest aside of you afore went away
again. But, after all, II will shorten the
time of waiting one way, lassie."
How, Kyle~
"Didn't your father say l was to wait
for you till was captainY Pm going
as captain this time, and only for six
weeks trips; leastways, that's what they
calculate it ut. Some business with the
New York agents, think; but suppose
you've heard about itp"
"That the Olinda was to be fitted on;
for sale, and that you were to take her
over, an charter another vessel to bring
you backs Yes; but won't 1t take you
longerr'
~ doubt not. They're to have the
boat and cargo ready. Mr.. Denbigh's ar
ranged all that. Did you know his son
the new junior partner--is to ship with
usS"
"Yes," she said. Good heaven! how
rosy her face was now; and yet the Grim.
son sky was fading into blue and viole's,
He was looking at her, and the brows
suddenly darkened over his eyes, giving
them an odd, fierce expression. His
voice, however, was quieter than before.
/" can't say care about sailing with
the owners son. I'd liefer take any other
passenger. They're apt to fancy that be-
cause they're boss ashore they need be
boss aboard, an I'm masterful man my
self, an don't hold with no Co.'s in salt
water. Hows'ever, / shouldn't mind SO
much if liked the man."