The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1874-07-16

The wind blew about his collarless neck
and his bare hands Redeemed, but ne talked
and whistled to the shaggy, ungainly dog
he had brought with him, and gayly led
the way, thoroughly enjoying his walk.
It was a welcome holiday to him, this un
expected release from his round Of COM
mon duties. and the wood was his special
delight, with its knobs, its ravines, and
its winding; uncertain paths its squirrel
haunted stumps and mysterious burrows
A forest in this guiae was new to Ma
rion, very different from summertime
picnic excursion with gayly dressed
throng, and young Fitz Simmons to carry
her parasol and descant on the "beauties
of natuah." She liked it. Her eyes soon
frightened, and her cheeks flushed in the
clear cold air; and as Joe pressed forward
without single gallant thought of offering
his companion any assistance, she clam
bered bravely after him, her hands gradu
ally filing with treasures of cones and
scarlet berries. On and on they rambled.
Joe had not the slightest intention OF being
the first to suggest return, and Marion,
enjoying the novelty of her position and
surroundings, and with nothing to attract
her to the barren little inn, took no note
of how rapidly time was passing. Neither
did she notice that the pale sunshine Of
the early afternoon had vanished and the
sky had grown dull and gray. Joe, keen
eyed country boy, saw it, but he only
chuckled to himself.
~ don't care for few snow-fakes, and
I guess she needn't when she's bundled
up twice as warm. Any way can't go
a-larkin' every day, and amt a-goin' to
say a word about goin' back till she does,
bet you'll
So he travelled along the devious foot
paths, pointing out various favorite hooks
and exhibiting the wild charms of the
place to the best of his ability.
"Consid' able hollor down there, amt
! it 7" lie said, pausing On brink Of ra-
vine whose nearer bank was steep, al
most smooth descent "That brook down
in the bottom is regular creek in the
summertime"
It was but a narrow line then, frozen
white and still, as Marion stood for mo-
ment trying to fancy it a ripping, spark
ling stream. Jnst then the great shaggy
dog, who had been particularly useless
member of the party thus far, was seized
with sudden fit of ecstasy, and bounded
against Marion so violently as to knock
her feet from under her and send her slid
ing down that slippery, snowy hill. Joe
uttered one startled hallo," made a
frantic effort to catch the lady's dress, and
failing in that, lost his own balance and
rolled rapidly after her. On they went
without pause until almost simultaneous
! ly they reached the icy stfeamlet at the
bottom.
"Cculd have showed you an easier path
ma'ain, If I'd known you was so sot or
comiu' down." said Joe, sitting up and
rubbing one ankle vigorously.
''Thank you, presume this route was thu
shortest" responded Marion, with an ode
blending Of fright, vexation and amuse
ment in her voice, as she slowly regaine(
her feet.
"Kind OF s'prise party, wasn't it =? TIL
FIRST fidin' down hill I've done this win
ter" Joe laughed, but knit his brows a
if in pain at the same moment.
"Did you sprain your ankles" Mario
questioned as he sat still.
Seems like it. Queer teller can
, have little fun once in while withor
, such fuss about it,
He made an effort to rise, but sank dow
5 again with a halfgroan that ended in
whistle. Marion suggested his resting
little and rubbing the wounded membe
but she glanced anviously toward the SIX
l whence few fakes of snow were begin
E ming to fail. Joe Strengthened his foe
examined It, and waited, trying vainly
$ fancy that it was growing more comfort
e be. Meanwhile the snow came faster al
g still faster, until the air became thick wi
5 tale falling fakes. The hoy got upon
feet again
1 sits No use staying here; we must {
] home somehow" he said. "I9l try
e find that easier path up the hill, caused
don't s'pese We can go. back the way
k come down."
+ "Must breathe bit. Such an old f
e low can't keep up With young folks Ii
Of you, ma'am."
10 The next time he moved still mere slo
ly, and stopped sooner, though Mari
re was trying to assist him. Her face v
gravely anxious, and the last pre.ence
unconcern had faded from his. It "
clearly impossible for him to walk t
long distance between them and hon
+ and there was little chance that Mari
N could find the way alene, particula