Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-08-21
TALE OF THE REDPIKE.

II thought should find you out with the
girls, Mr. Goodwin. You should have been
with us. We've had such scramble over
Honster Crag, and brought back no end ,oi
flowers for Gertrude But one thing must
say, that fellow Losford is jolly muff,
though he doesn't look it. Just a funk, girls.
and nothing else. Win you give me some
tea Mrs. Godwin?' @@
"What nonsense you talk, Bobn cried his
sister, conscious by some feminine instinct
that her friends face was hotter than mo
ment before: "You are perfect mauvais
enfant bursting in like that. wish Mr.. Log
ford would teach you manners"
sd like to see him try. It would take
Iluckier man than he is. Why, he wouldrr
come within yards of the edge, Mrs. Coed.
win" ...... .t. .,.ft
He showed his usual good sense, Master
Robert" was that lady's tart reply. She had
her reasons for looking favorably upon Wal
ter Losford. of Losford court Monmouth.
shire, by no means the least honored guest
at Mr. Goodwins lake villa. And they were
a very CHEEKY and pleasant party, the pleas
antest set Gertrude thought, that her mother
had ever got together, and Gertrude was a
young lady of decided tastes and somewhat
difficult to please. Even Bob Marston, when
he was not saying malapropos thing and ap-
pearing where he was not wanted at inoppor-
time moments, was as amusing as any other
Eton boy. Nevertheless, at this moment two
people at least were ardently longing to make
his ears tingle
And What is the programme for to-mor-
row, Mr.. Godwin" resumed the young gen
tleman, not whit daunted by the unfavor-
able reception of his last remark. "Can we
picnic on the Red Pike2 1t would be Jolly
fun," .r !
The host hummed and hawsd; he rather
preferred an open air entertainment at
place accessible in an open carriage But if
you have house among the mountains, up
them you must 60. Tho climbing disease is
infectious, and there is no evading it until
by permanent residence you become proof
against its attacks Mr. Goodwin would have
to succumb sooner OF later
"Yes, Bob" said Gertrude, suddenly Law.
ing down the fan with which she was play
ing, I'VE will go to the Red Pike tomorrow"
And Bob, who thought that, in his own
language, he had rather sput his foot in it, Y
was comforted, and knew that to the Red
Pike he would go. l
Gertrude's face, as she went up to dress for
dinner, was thoughtful. "He showed his
usual good sense" Mrs Goodwin had said, !,
and the words kept singing in her daughters
ears until her lip began to curl with scorn
1t there was one thing which Gertrude
admired it was courage. Was she beginning,
n hon 10 .Iro
who could be called coward, even by boy?
1t made her cheeks tingle with shame and
anger. Proud and high-spirited herself,
good sense of the kind Mrs. Goodwin meant
was not in high esteem with her. And, alas!
the insinuation chimed in with other things.
Walter Losford was hardly one to please a
romantic girl at first sight Cold, sem
sible, and wanting in enthusiasm even in his
ambition, trying nearly everything by the
arguments of reason with impartial severity,
he would have made just and not too merci-
full judge. Living by rule of thumb, no won
der that he looked older than his 30 years,
or that he repelled chance acquaintance,
who called him prig. Generally reticent,
he would sometimes tell the truth with rude
abruptness Altogether, his friends said,
little wanting in charity; too practical, too
matter -of-fact And yet, poor Gertrude!
when she met him at dinner the hauteur she
assumed melted away, and she blushed and
smiled at his glance; for what is SO fascinat-
ing as the homage of one who seems utterly,
almost contemptuously, careless of all beside!
II Walter had spoken that evening he would
have assuredly gained his object, and Mrs.
Goodwin been made happy woman. "C
The Red Pike was red indeed in the even
ing sunlight, every cliff that buttressed its
rugged top FURNISHED to ruddiness, and yet
the party fingered reluctant to abandon the
view of sea and land from Forth to Winder-
mere that held them entranced. Tea
was over ami the servants had started down.
wards with the baggage, yet the party, which
all day hal wandered separately or in pairs
at their several wills, still sat together on
the top. Bob only was on the move,
skirmishing hither and thither untiringly.
II say, Gertrude, here's specimen for
you! Here's a blue gentian growing on this
cliff, and a rare good climb it will be to it,"
ygs Tbs party hastened to the edge of the cliff,
In a Granny Of the rock about twelve feet
down grew the flower Gertrude had been
long seeking to obtain. A slight opening in
somewhat dangerous, to reach it.
"Robert, don't go too near!' cried Mrs.
Goodwin.
GeriIud turned with her face little
flushed to Losford. "Can you get it for me-
Mr.. Losfordl" she said, gently, and with
something of appeal in her voice.
"Not without rope" he answered, calmly.
"We will bring one up tomorrow"
Tomorrow" cried Gertrude, with sudden
heat. II want it now Bob would get it for
mo in a moment, if I asked him, Mr. Los
ford"
"Bob's head is, perhaps, steadier than
mine,' answered the. other, keeping at a safe
distance from the edge. He was in no way
discomposed, until, as he finished, his eyes
met the girls full of contempt and anger.
Stung by the look he took hasty step to-
wards the edge of the cliff and bent down to
make the attempt. For moment he re-
mained in thai position as if entraneed,
scanning the depth below, sheer 300 feet,
and then a green ledge, and then, far be-
meath, pale-blue Crummock Water. With
quick shudder he passed his hands across his
eyes and recoiled, white to the lips
II tan't get it for you," he said hoarsely,
falling back, while the others looked at one
another in astonishment.
y aAnd quite right, too, Mr. Losf0d; don't
try any such foolhardines5, | beg, cried Mrs,
Goodwin. loudly. Loudly. but r:::.t,.So that be