Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-12-13

on for some hours, until recalled to q
sense Of the present state of his affairs by
the sudden appearance Of little church on
theopposite bank ofthe river. BE must have
passed the foot-bridge unheeded. He
looked at his watch; it was nearly two
O'Clock. The little church, the river, a
distant mountain, foreground tree. we're
irresistible. He took out his book and be-
gan to sketch, and was soon absorbed in
his drawing.
He was aroused by the bark of dog.
Looking up. he saw at little distance a
girl christening rope from tree. while
large retriever was jumping around her.
He discovered small boat at the foot OF
the tree. into which the girl Stepped light
IL. II was actually coracle; a thing he
had read of when he used to pore over his
tories of ancient Britons a wicker-work
boat, covered with hide. as he had
learned in his childhood. The girl sat
down in the center. FLASHED two oars IN
the water, and began to paddle herself
across the river. The dog leaped in after
and swan gloriously. or course Captain
Stanton dotted them into his sk"tch as
swiftly as he could The girl had on a
picturesque broad straw hat trimmed with
blue ribbon. and some sort OF scarlet
cloak or shawl. the very bit Of color he
wanted TO enliven the greys and blues Of
his river scene He was not likely to for
get it when he got home. He looked and
sketched until the coracle was safe across,
and the girl jumped out and began to
fa,ten il 10 the tree. She was certainly
not "A D. asant. for she wore wel!-fttlng
balmorals. and had neatly tucked-up
dress, displaying blue petticoat. She,
at least, might speak English. and he
made some sort of polite sound to attract
her attention. She turned round, and her
dripping retriever began to bark.
Would you be so kind as to tell me
where the bridge s?'' he asked.
about half a mile down. was the re-
ply, in very pure Saxon.
THANK you; have missed it, he
said, de>pondngly.
lyon can come across in the coracle,"
said the young lady. Here. Buan,
hold"'
She took up the rope-end, put it into
Buan's mouth, laid the oars carefully in
the center of the coracle, and pointed
across the water. The dog jumped in.
and tagged the light boat across. leaped
ashore, and presented the rope to the ad-
miring captain.
The captain got in doubtfully. lie could
not hesitate to do what a girl had done.
The thing felt rickety, the oars short and
unnatural but he struck out. There was
evidently IL strong current in the river.
and the passage was not so easy as it
looked Nevertheless. the captain mas
tered it. and reached the opposite bank;
but just rs he was going to spring to
land, he stepped too much on one side of
the cOracle, turned it over. and fell into
the water. He was soon out again, drip
ping like Buan.
II am sorry" said the girl. in voice
in which merriment predominated. IL am
afraid you are very wet she continued.
and apparently becoming conscious that
he was II stranger. her manner slightly
changed She hesitated as she added.
Perhaps you will come to the vicarage
and dry yourself"
Buan had found the rope of the coracle,
and was standing by. His mistress took
it, and the captain fastened it to the tree,
righted the boat, and followed the young
lady to the little vicarage. which stood
near the church. almost concealed by
shrubs. She opened the door and entered.
4 rough-looking servant girl. in Welsh
costume, appeared. and Il conversation in
Welsh followed.
The Wears daughter" thought the
pleasing Manner ~
"Will YOU come in said the young
lady. turning to Captain Stanton, and
opening door in the narrow passage.
Continued to morrow