Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-07-25
TALE OF THE RED PIKE

- - 9ss.AE.4s. $50
ST thought should find you with the
girls, Mr.. Goodwin. You should have
been with us. We've had such scramble
over Honister Crag, and brought back no
end OF flowers for Gertrude. But one
thing I must say--that fellow Losford is
jolly muff, though he doesn't look it,
just . funk. pirls. and nothing else.
Will you give me some tea, Mrs. God
win 2"
"What nonsense you talk. Bob !" cried
his sister, conscious of some feminine in
stinct that her friends face was hotter
than moment before "You are per-
feet maauuais enfant, bursting in like that.
I wish Mr.. Losford would teach you
Manners
I'D like to see him try. 1t would take
pluckier man than he is. Why he
wouldn't come within yards of the edge.
Mrs. Goodwin p
HE showed his usual good sense. Mas
ter Robert" was that lady's tart reply.
She had her reasons for looking favora-
ably on Walter Losford, of Losford Court.
Monmouthshire, by no means the least
honored guest at Mr.. Godwin's lake vii
la. And they were very CHEEKY and pleas
ant party, the pleasantest 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 mslapropos things and ap'
pearing where he was not wanted at in
opportune moments. was as amusing as
any Elton boy. Nevertheless, at this mo-
ment two people at least were ardently
longing to make his ears Jingle.
'.And what is the programme for to-
morrow, Mr.. Goodwin 7" resumed the
young gentleman. not whit daunted by
the unfavorable reception of his last re-
mark. Scan we picnic on the Red Pike ?
1t would be jolly fun"
The host hnmmed and hawed he
rather preferred an open air entertain
ment at place accessible in an open car
rage. But if you have house among
the mountains, up there you must go. The
climbing disease is infectious. and there is
no evading it until by permanent resi-
dence you become proof against its at
tacks. Mr.. Goodwin would have to sue
cumb sooner or later.
"Yes. Bob,' said Gertrude, suddenly
laying down the fan with which she was
playing, 1--WE will 60 to che Red Pike to-
morrow"
And Bob, who felt that in his own
language he had rather put his foot in it.
was comforted, and knew that to the Red
Pike he would 60.
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 ringing in her
daughters ears until her lip began to curl
with scorn. II there was one thing which
Gertrude admired it was courage; was
she beginning, almost more than begin
ming, to like man who could be called a
| coward even by boy 1t made bel
| cheeks Jingle 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 ethez
things. Walter Losford was hardly one
to please romantic girl at first sight
Cold, sensible and wanting in enthusiasm
even in his ambition, trying nearly every
| .hiHs Ey the argument of reason with i'm
partial severity, he would have made
lust and not too merciful Judge. Living
by rule of thumb, no wonder that he
looked older than his thirty years, or that
he repealed chance acquaintance who
called him prig. Generally reticent. he
| would sometimes tell the truGh with rude
abruptness. Altogether, his friends said
little wanting in charity; too practical
too matter-of fact. And, yet, poor Ger
trude when she met him at dinner, the
hauteur she assumed melted away and SHE
blushed and smiled at his glance; fol
what is 80 fascinating Gs the homage Of
one who seems utterly. almost contempt
uously, careless of all beside? If Walter
had spoken that evening, he would have
assuredly gained his object, and Mrs. God
win been made happy woman.
The Red Pike was red indeed In the
evening sunlight, every cliff that but
tressed its rugged top FURNISHED to ruddi'
ness, and yet the party fingered. reluctant
| to abandon the view of sea and land from
Forth to Windermere that held them en-
tranced. Tea was over and the servants
had started downward with the baggage
| vet the party, which all day had 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.
81 say Gertrude. here's a specimen fol
you! Here's blue gentian growing or
this cliff, and q rare good climb it will bt
| to it,"
The party fastened to the edge of thu
cliff: in q Granny of the rock about twelve
feet down grew the flower Gertrude ha(
long been seeking to obtain. A Sigh
/ opening In the wall of the cliff made il
1 lust feasible, if some what dangerous tt
reach it. 4
| Gertrudge turned with her face littl'
flushed to Losford. ''Can you get it fo
me. Mr.. Losford ?" she said gently, and
with something of appeal In her voice.
i mot without rope" he answered
calmly; 1--WE will bring one up to-mor
row."
tTo morrow ~ cried Gertrude, will
sudden heat. 81 want it now. Bob "oul'
get il for me in moment if I asked him
INT. Losford."
ba "a rophona ataa iliar than