The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-10-14
CHAPTER VII.


full way, so wrapped up in thoughts OF
more important things, that they entire
ly forgot about time and distance
Lovers never did have any conscious
ness Of time, and it always seems that
when a couple become deeply en-
crossed in each others society and grow
oblirious to time, the little sprite
plays them a trick and goes skirmine
along running hours into minutes and
minutes into seconds. Such was the
way he treated Paul and Louise that
day, and when eventually they did come
back 10 their surroundings they found
that it was almost night, with the sun
hanging like great red ball low down
in the sky, but g few feet from the
earth. seemingly.
Louise was greatly surprised and
shocked when she saw how late it had
grown, and expressed wish to return
home with al possible speed.
"Ah. Paul" said she, how could you
treat INC 80? Why didn't you turn back
before this?"
WHY didn't you call my attention to
the fact that it was getting so late?'
Pau! said III reply.
II didn't know it. wasn't motto
ing"
Neither did know it. But it don't
matter. Louise. for the moon will shine
out bright tonight and we are in no
danger Of getting lost
Are YOU sure Of that, Paul?"
Sure Of which, Leuise?"
why, that the moon will shine out" F."
why. think it does 1t ought to,
anyhow. and reckon it will.
Louisc had some doubts on the point,
and ulisgivings took possession Of her.
What il i: became quite dark, and they
so far from home with no road the
greater part Of the way to guide them
back. She began to worry and fret,
and Paul began to console and comfort.
Thus they went along for a mile or so,
and Louise began to feel more cheerful.
But directly She espied dark cloud
stealing up in the south. Only the edge
of it was visible as yet, but it was stead
llN IJi)ISUCItii!r StAilk ooN1S 2.iA- w AA@A
the heavens within an hour.
Paul" she said, what shall we do?
There will be no moon, and the night
will be cloudy. Ah, we shall get lost
and not get home till morning. What
will pa and mamma thinE?"
Don't. Louise" Paul replied. "Be
calm, and don't fret. I'm sorry that we
came so far, but we shall get back all
right. Are you tired?ss
NO, not a bit"
"Then let's walk fast while it is light
and Get as far towards home as possible.
There will be light in the window at
Your house, and If we get near enough
to see that we will have no trouble in
finding the way, even if it is dark"
They hurried on as fast as they could,
and before the night came on they had
trarcrscd several miles of the way.
They were hurryinS on thus, when just
as the twilight began to fall they heard
the fall OF 4 horses feet behind them,
and soon thereafter man on horseback
came Gathering up. They thought he
was going to pass without speaking,
but When he had got in front OF them
he checked mis- horse, and turning in the
saddle So as to face them, lifted his hat,
saying:
Excuse me, but could you inform me
whether am on the road leading to
Paradise Parl"'
"Eou are, replied Paul
Thanks, can you give me the dis.
tance?"
a matter Of dozen miles, I pre-
.ulne."
The stranger asked no more ques-
tions. an,l, evidently having gained all
the Information he desired, Paul ex-
pectad him to ride on. But he did not.
lie went along slowly for several yards.
retaining the same position in the
saddle and keeping his eyes fixed on the
couple. Louise had not dared to look
at him after the first glance she gave
him when he came up, for somehow she
felt that his eyes were fixed on her,
an,! she felt an undefnablc dread OF
him, and lonred 10 be rid Of his pres
ence After awhile the stranger broke
the silence, saying:
~ dozen miles. That is long ride,
and this is going to be bad night. too.
1t will Ike terribly dark, and think it
will rain, don't you?"