The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-03-22
THAT GIRL.
She Was Wild and Uncouth, But
Brave and Noble Withal.

81 never in all my life did see the like
of that girl! l don't believe there's an
other of her sort in all California.
hope not, anyway"
Mrs. Fromer stood in the doorway of
her rude little cabin and looked with
interest and disapproval up the noun
tain road. There was nobody but little
four-year-old Jerry for her to talk to,
and he was too busy to pay any atten-
ton, 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 Jump
over that rock as if he was horse
What in the world is she up to now?
Well, do declare"
Quite overcome by establishment and
dismay, the woman had to stop talk
ing for moment, and stood in breath
less 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 q little faint and giddy. 1t might
be supposed that Mrs. Fromer would
have become used to such FRANKS by
this time, but she had not. Nobody did
become used to them, it seemed. Con-
sequently Iilo Mountain. although it
was not volcano, was always in a state
of disturbance, because that girl" was
continually doing something eXtraor-
binary.
just now, without knowing-or car
ing-that she had a spectator, she was
rchcarsing a sort of Wild West show in
the rocky road little way above the
Fromer house. There were only two
performars-herself and the immense
dog sho always had with hcr-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 agc--playing 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 that
no lookeT-on could help being excited in
sympathy.
The dog, q great st. Bernard. was
quite as enthusiastic as his mistress and
was full of tho spirit Of the occasion. 1t
was evident that he saw no improperly
at all in this business. He gave it all
the assistance in his power and was
wonderfully intelligent in his perform
anccs.
Suddenly the girl stood upon the dogs
back and balanced herself there with
the skill OF monkey while the creature
scampcred up and down the road, lcapatt
over rocks and did many other break
neck things The girl held a stick in
her hand, which She pretended was a
gun, and at short intervals she made
believe to fire the weapon, giving at
the same time an Indian whoop.
1t was this feature of the show that
had caused Mrs. Frcmer 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 road to join
the fascinating party.
His mother caught and brought him
btiSh' iOb N1lhouG lOuu pIOJtSGS VI 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 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.
'T'll take right good care of him, and
he'll have loads o. fun. Ranter'll be
right glad to have him, too"
This last was meant as tho hig hest
compliment that could be paid. Any
little boy whom the big dog was willing
to accept as playmate was honored in,
decd.
Jerry kicked III his mothers arms and
he'd out his hands to the girl and begged
to go with her but his mother held him
close and moved step further away.
1t was movement of dislike. The
girl understood it. She drew back as il
from blow, Snd she stopped coaxing,