The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1890-03-22
THAT GIRL.
She Was Wild and Uncouth, But
Brave and Noble Withal

Brave ana NODl6 W1Unal.
az never in all my life did see the lik,
of that girl! don't believe there's an
other of her sort in all California.
hope not, anyway"
Mrs. Fromer stood in the doorway o
her rude little cabin and looked will
interest and disapproval up the noun
tain road. There was nobody but littl,
four-year-old Jerry for her to talk to
and he was too busy to pay any atten
tion, but with the performances of ''tha'
girl for a subject Mrs. Fromer mus
talk.
There! Did anybody ever see any
thing to equal that? Why, she just got
onto that dogs back and made him jumr
over that rock as if he was horse.
What in the world is she up to nowf
Well, do declare"
Quite overcome by astonishment and
dismay, the woman had to stop talk.
ing for a moment, and stood in breath.
less silence, watching the strange goings
on which had so upset her mind.
And no wonder, for the pranfs she
was witnessing were enough to make
any woman with fixed ideas of propriety
feel little faint and giddy 1t might
be supposed that Mrs. Fromer would
have become used to such pranks by
this time, but she had not. Nobody did
become used to them, it seemed. Con-
sequently Hilo Mountain, although it
was not a volcano, was always in state
of disturbance, because "that girl" was
lo;r ~
dinary.
Just now, without knowing-or car
ing-that she had spectator, she was
rehearsing a sort of Wild West show in
the rocky road little way above the
Fromer house. There were only two
performers-herself and the immense
dog she always had with her-but they
were so active and versatile and made
so much noise that they were more than
satisfactory.
1t was amusing to see the little midget
she was only thirteen and small for
her age--playing Indian and scout and
stage driver and giving really good
imitation of each. And she went at her
fun with such spirit and enthusiasm that
no looker-on could help being excited in
sympathy.
The dog, great st. Bernard, was
quite as enthusiastic as his mistress and
was full of the spirit of the occasion. 1t
was evident that he saw no impropriety
at all in this business. He gave it all
the assistance in his power and was
wonderfully intelligent in his perform
ances.
Suddenly the girl stood upon the dogs
back and balanced herself there with
the skill of monkey while the creature
scampered up and down the road, leaped
over rocks and did many other break
neck things. The girl held stick in
gun. and at short intervals she made
believe" to fire tho weapon, giving at
the same time an Indian whoop.
1t was this feature of the show that
had caused Mrs. Fromer to exclaim and
to hold her breath. 1t had also attract
ed the attention of little Jerry Fromer.
At once the child was filled with admir-
alton, and ran out into the read to join
the fascinating party.
His mother caught aud brought him
back: not without loud protests on his
understood them. She came racing to
the house door in the hope of securing
another playfellow.
''Let me have him just little whilew
She was painting and flushed and
eager; her eyes sparkled and her face
was bright and animated. In spite of
her unkempt black hair and her torn
clothing she looked very pretty and
childish then, and there was certainly
nothing vicious in the straight look of
her pleading eyes
LET me have him." she said again.
fI'll take right good care of him, and
he'll have loads a fun. Ganter'll be
right glad to have him, too"
This last was meant as the highest
compliment that could be paid Any
little boy whom the big dog was willing
to accept as playmate was honored in
deed.
Jerry kicked in his mothers arms and
held out his hands TO the girl and begged
to go with her but his mother held him
close and moved a step further away.
Ii was movement of dislike. The
gil understood it. She drew back rs II
from blow, and she stopped coaxing,
while her face lost all its bright anima-
ton. She was q very sensitive tomboy,
apparently.
"Rilly?"
All turned in startled way to see
that Pete Pelter was standing beside
them, with look in his face that seemed
half sad and half angry.
"Why, dad! ye've got back!"
The girl sprung nimbly up and caught
her father round the neck, where she
clung, kissing his bearded face. The
rough mountaineer kissed hs: N return,
just as better dressed father would
have done, and stroked her hair very
Senderly.
A.AlI right, amt ye, Rilly?" he said.