The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-08-10

| HoU A"AANH 0A AhIO q 1lSuO NO"O AAO
which he was suddenly awakened by
hearing voices :approaching from the
direction of the house. In an instant
he was on his feet, and peering
through between the trees who
should he see but Jenny and Mr.
Eldridge, the dandifed city cousin
leisurely approaching the tree under
which he stood.
Here was dilemma, indeed, TO be
caught trespassing would be dis
graceful in the extreme, and besides
Jake could not bear the thought OF
facing his lady love in his old, faded,
home-spun trock, especially before
tho critical eyes of Mr.. Eldridge.
What was to be done? For mo-
ment wild thought OF flight took
possession of him, but he Immediate
ly realized that should he adopt that
mode OF escape his discovery would
be certain, inasmuch as they
were already Learly upon him. Poor
Jake was all in a tremble. What
could be done? II he could only
find safe place in which to hide un.
til they should pass byl He glanced
around, nervously, but nothing pre-
sented itself that could afford him a
secreLing place. The voices APP
preached nearer; something must be
done, quick! He cast his eye up
into the tree, and wondered it its
thick branches and dense foliage
would not protect him from the eyes
OF causual observer Yes, he would
try it at any rate; better avail him~
self Of their proffered covert than be
found standing there like trembling
culprit. And without taxing a'sec'
ond thought Jake scrambled up the
tree. and slowed himself away in the
remotest part, amid cluster OF green
boughs.
A moment alter he regretted the
act, for he realized tkAk should be be
discovered in his present position,
his situation would be even more ri
diculous than before.
But it was now 100 late to indulge
in vain regrets-or, rather, IN any
hope OF altering his situation, for Jen'
nv and her escort now advanced to
the tree, and to Jake's intense cha
grin and modification, seated them
selves under the very spot where he
was concealed.
"a pretty pickle you're into, Jake
Muggins," muttered Jacob, as with
flushed face he viewed the couple be
low, and wondered if they couldn't
hear his heart beat; for it was
bouncing away so convulsively thai
he was fearful lest it should knOcA
all the apples from off the limb upor
which he sat.
And then he thought what beau
ty Jenny was as she thus sat there
with her dark hair gathered into 9
graceful coil, her sweet expressive
eyes containing such depth OF ten
derness, and cheeks like pink rose
buds, and wondered If it were posi-
BILE for such fairy creature to ever
think OF loving a great, ungainly
awkward chap like himself.
IN the meantime, Jenny and Mr.
Eldridge were enjoying themselves
beneath, little dreaming of the close
proximity OF third party. Mr.. FL
bridge had opened and commenced
reading from a small volume of Ten
nysoD, which Jacob recognized from
the binding.
After some time bad been con
sumed in this way the two proceeded
to partake OF the fruit with which
the ground was strewn, converslng
meanwhile and amusing themselves
by spelling out the supposed name OF
each ones lover upon the seeds Of
the respective apples of each.
by some strange perchance, Mr.
EI0rl0Ol pQnca1 cnnHS from Inn.