Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-05-12

thence TO stop at the store" for some
yarn, which Aunt Sallie's busy fingers
were to convert into substantial hose
for Uncle Johns No. 8 feet.
As for Eleanor, since she had been
out here the heiress had entirely dis
appeared and in her place had come a
blooming country girl.
On the day of which | am writing
she was as pretty a specimen Of the
village lassie as one would wish to see
with her fresh, buff lawn, just short
enough TO reveal the first two buttons
of her dainty boots, her little poke bon
net, with its blue ribbons. coquettishly
tied to the left of her dimpled chin,
while all around her lovely face, with
Its dimples and roses, strayed the soft
rings Of her golden hair.
As she sauntered leisurely along
Aunt Sallie, in the doorwav, watched
the retreating form of her pet until it
disappeared from the view of her kind
gray eyes.
The errand at the post Office and
store were soon completed, and then
Eleanor, turning homeward, noticed
that the sky was rapidly becoming over
cast with dark clouds, which threaten
ed heavy shower.
She had brought no umbrella, and
the fear of being caught in the rain
lent speed to her steps. Nearly half
of the distance through the woods was
passed, and Eleanor was Just beginning
to congratulate herself as being almost
safe, when, patter, patter. she heard
the big drops falling on the leaves
above her
Faster went the flying feet and faster
came the falling drops. Out of breath,
Eleanor stopped beneath a widespread
ing oak, which reared It's towering
height little off from the roadside and
trembling with exhaustion, stood be-
meath It's protecting shelter
The rain was now pouring in tor
rents, and in a few minutes a little
stream came oozing through the leaves,
splashing on her dress and trickling
down her back, sending cold shivers
all over her body.
Harder harder poured the rain;
closer, closer crouched the dripping
form to the trunk Of the giant tree;
the pretty little bonnet was soaked
the fresh beauty Of its ribbons departed
forever.
Eleanor was now thoroughly fright
ened, as well as almost saturated, for it
was nearly sunset, and almost dark.
Suppose the rain should continue, as
seemed more than probable, for an
hour or two mOre9
The house couldn't be very far now.
If only she could make Uncle John, or
somebody at the farm, hear! Anyway,
she would try, and summoning all her
strength she shouted, at the loudest
her lungs wer capable of
"Uncle John Uncle John Do,
somebody, come here"
But no answer came to the pathetic
appeal.
cone more effort" faid Eleanor, des-
pairlngly; and then, cob, Uncle
John Somebody Help,
After a second or two of expectation
there came a response.
"Who calls?" was shouted, in a
mas stentorian voice.
"I-Nellie ~ exclaimed Eleanor,
thinking it was Uncle John Over
here by the oak Do hurry, for I'm
nearly soaked"
There was no reply; but, in mo-
moment or two, Eleanor's strained Wis
ion beheld an umbrella looming not
far away, under which two long legs
were making gigantic strides i'll her di-
rection. The face and upper part Of
the body were entirely hidden from
view by the umbrella, but in a moment
it flashed on Eleanor that those lower
limbs could never be Uncle Johns.
His could never spring along in such
an elastic fashion as did these; besides,
he was not coming from the farm side
and, at the thought, Eleanor nearly
tainted, as she looked down at her
dripping figure and realized what
sight she was to meet strangers eyes.
Meanwhile the knight of the umbrel-
Ia had reached the blushing girl and
was offering his arm.
ALLOW me, he said, in low, courte-
Gus zones, not seeming to notice the
condition of the pdle figure
Eleanor placed her hand within his
arm, and, not daring to raise her eyes.
murmured a soft Thank you"
ooh, not NJ all. exclaimed a CHEEKY
voice, as its owner safely piloted his
charge to the roadside. Il was passing
along the road which leads to Datevilie,
when | thought heard cries. | stop
ped moment, heard them repeated,
and then went to your assistance. Now,
which way shall we go?"
Eleanor directed him, and explained
how it was she had been caught in the
rain; then, as her wet garments swish
ed around She could not restrain q