Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1892-09-15
THE FIRST STRAWBERRY.
What Brought Two Naughty Girls Back to
Mamma and supper.

What Brought Two Naughty Girls Back te
Mamma and supper.
Winnie and Marion were running
away. They had good reason they
thought. Had they not been called in
from an archery match with the boys
to mind the baby. And then, had they
not been scolded for being cross to him:
A few nuttered whisperings while the
little fellow was falling asleep had de
cided it all.
Il wish we had thought to put some
crackers in our pockets before we
started" said Marion. before they were
out of sight OF the house, 81 begin tt
feel hungry already"
80, we'll find berries and things il
the woods said Winnie brightly. The
day was beautiful and she began t.
think running away good fun.
Berries. Winrie?" queried Marion
the doubter. Il looked all over the
strawberry patch yesterday. and not
one was ripe. And what other things
are there in the woods that are good to
eat?"
"Well, there's" Winnie had to pause
there's birch bark for one thing
Chewing birch. you know
ooh. yes, So there is assented Ma.
rion. treasured. She was fond of chew.
ing-birch.
and sour sorrel," Winnie proceeded
''and grape tendrils and young rasp
berry shoots. Why, if it comes to the
are dandelion leaves
They had reached the foot of the hill
now, and a swampy piece of ground
had to be crossed. This gave al oppor.
tunity for what they called 'navi-
eating" pastine OF which they
were fond, but one which always
resulted in wet feet a little
shrek soon announced that in jumping
from one island to another-the small
cluDlps of grass We're islands" to these
young INSTRUMENTATION had niscaI-
culated her distance, and was standing
ankle deep in water. Winnie had to
change her course and so to the rescue,
and in reaching out to help Winnie to
dr. land she also got one foot into the
water. Such adventures made the
delight and excitement of navigating.
In the pasture was a high and dry
ridge of land, and when they'gct this
far they sat down, took off their boots
and stocking and spread them out in
the sun to dry.
cit seems long time since we left
home" said Marion. Il suppose it's
a about lunch time.
''They won't be thinking much of
lunch," said Winnie. note of triumph
in her voice. ''They will be searching
everywhere for us by this time. and
they will almost have given up hope of
ever seeing us again. They'll wish they
had been better to u.s.
Il shouldn't wonder if Jack was
sorry for calling me a crybaby, yester-
day" reflected Marion.
Il wish I had written will" said
Winnie, turning the stockings, land
LETT my Robinson Crusoe to Maurice
He always said that Aunt Eleanor
should have given it to him, because il
wasn't a book for girl
Are they nearly dry yet?" asked
Marion. I'D like to go on and find
some chewing birch. ! wish we had
put some crackers in our pockets. I'll
never run away again without some
thing to eat
''Are you very hungry, dear?' asked
Winnie. pityingly. 'Well, these are as
dry and warm as toast, now. Put
them on and we'll go and look for ber-
ries. ! know the earliest spot in the
whole place for them. never told any
one before, because / like to get the
first one for mamma myself. You
shall have all that we find: SO cheer up
Boots and stockings on, Winnie led
the way to little knoll around an old
stump. Here diligent search began,
and for ten minutes not a word was
said.
I'm afraid there are none," Marion
said at last. but next minute gave
little cry of delight. 30. here's great.
great big one, as red as fire. Look.
Winnie. Let Us hurry and bring it to
mamma"
''What beauty" exclaimed Winnie.
Come on"
The first strawberry was the great
event of each season, and in the excite
ment Of the moment they forgot that it
was not to seek it they had started out
that mornin-. They were half way
across the sw--tnp before their original
purpose came tn mind again. Winnie
was selecting n island for her next
jump when Marion called oat:
But, Winnie, we didn't mean to go
back at a H.
She stood still
Neither we did Now that we are
this far, though, perhaps we had better
go the rest of the way
Eyes. for how would mamma get the
first strawb berry if we didn't bring il to
her?''
When they came near the house, a
feeling of guilt caused their steps to lag.
They watched anxiously for the first
signs of the disturbance caused by their
absence. Surely, they said that could
MT be Maurice and Jack still at their
bows and arrows Winnie siezed Ma
rion's hand firmly and hurried her into
the house. Their mother met them in
the halt with ner usual smile.
slave you been out for walk" she
asked. Marion ran and kissed her.