Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1890-03-28
THAT GIRL.

hope not, anyway
Mrs. Fromer STOOD in the doorway of
her rude little cabin and looked with in
tercst and disapproval up the mountain
road. There was nobody but little four
year old Jerry for her to talk to, and he
was too busy to pay any attention, but
with the performances of "that girl" for
a subject Mrs. Fromer must talk.
There? Did anybody ever see any
thing to equal that. Why, she just got
onto that dogs back and made him
lump over that rock as if he was a horse.
What in the world is she up to now?
Well, do declare"
Quite overcome by establishment and
dsmay, the woman had to stop talking
for moment, and stood in breathless
silence watching the strange goings on
which had so upset her mind.
And no wonder, for the pranks she
was witnessing were enough to make any
woman with fixed ideas of propriety feel
little faint and giddy. It might be sup
posed that Mrs. Froman would have be-
come used to such pranks by this time,
but she had not. Nobody did become
used 10 them, it seemed. Consequently
HiiO Mountain, although it was not -
cano, was always in a state Of disturb
ancc, because that girl" was continually
doing something extraordinary.
Just now, without knowing-Or caring
that she had a spectator, she was re-
hcarsing a sort of Wild West show in the
rocky road a little way above the Fromer
house There were only two performers
herself and the immense dog she al
ways had with her-but they were SO
active and versatile and made so much
noise that they were more than salts
factory.
1t was amusing to see the little midget
she was only thirteen and small for
her age-p!aying Indian and scout and
stage driver and giving a really good
imitation of each. And she went at her
fun with such spirit and enthusiasm tnat
no locker on could help being excited in
sympathy.
The dog, a great ST. Bernard, was
quite as enthusiastic as his mistress and
was full of the spirit of the occasion. 1t
at all 81 this business. He gave it all the
assistance in his power and was wonder
fully Intelligent in his performances.
Suddenly the girl stood upon the dogs
back and balanced herself there with the
skill Of a monkey while the creature
scampcrcd up and down the road, leaped
over rocks and did many other breakneck
things. The girl held stick in her
hand, which she pretended was a gun,
OF ohor int Ic cIo L. lDol;
to fire the weapon, giving at the same
time an Indian whoop.
II was this feature Of the show that
had caused Mrs. F1omcr to exclaim and
to hold her breath. 1t had also attracted
the attention of little Jerry Fromer. At
once the child was filled with admira-
ton, and ran out into the road to Join
the fascinating party.
His mother caught and brought him
bacN, not without loud protests on his
part. The girl heard his Outcries and
understood them. She came racing to
the house door in the hope of securing
another -playfellow.
Let me have him Just a little while! !"
She was painting and flushed and eager:
her eyes sparkled and her face was
bright and animated. In spite of her
unkompt black hair and her torn clothing
she looked very pretty and childish then,
anG there was certainly nothing vicious
in the straight look of her pleading
eyes.
Let me have him, she said again.
'I'lI take right good care of him, and
he'll have loads of fun. Ranterll be
right glad 10 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 ont his hands to the girl and begged
to g. with her, but his mother held him
close and moved a step further away.
L was movement of dislike. The
gil. understood it. She drew back as if
from blow, and she stopped coaxing,
while her face lost all its bright ANNA
ton. She was very sensitive tomboy,
apparently.
"2iIly,"
All turned in a 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. we've got backr'
The girl sprung nimbly up and caught
her father round the neck, where she
clur-. kissing his bearded face. The
rouoh Inountaineer kissed her in return.
just - 4 better dressed father would have
done, and stroked her hair very tenderly.
Al! right, amt We, Rlily?" he said.
"Ranter took good care on yc while 1
was away? Got to be off again, but I'll