Democratic messenger., 1892-07-02
A Merry Beach Party.

FRANKLIN CITY, Va, June "a, 1892.
Never more conspicuous day
dawnei, than that which greeted the anx
ious gaze of merry party on pleasure
bent on last Friday morning, when about
eight couples boarded the Veto under
the guidance Of her courteous command
er, proceeded, 10y the usual acco mpani-
ment of umbrellas, fans, wraps aud last
but not least the generous lunch baskets
provided by thoughtful mothers.
The sails spread and anchor weighed,
we sailed out with flying colors. With
light hearts and smiling faces, each de-
termined that this day should he one to
he held in pleasant memory. AS we
gaily went "over the bounding wave"
merry converse with music and singing
occasionally intersperscd with glass of
well now don't be shocked good peo-
pie nothing more exhileratins than gin
ger pop. to keep up our spirits (?) Pass
ing the pretty little island of Chinco-
league, whose white cottages, brought
into relief by y background OF dark
foliage, forcibly impressed upon the be-
holder, its picturesque restfulness. Thence
on through the inlet, where old ocean be-
gan to force upon our notice its proximity,
by breaking aud dashing its ever restless
waves. over the bow; which elected half
smoihered screams. and suppressed Obs !!
and Abs from our timorOus girls, with
many exc!amations of-"Oh . are We go
ing outside ?" "Oh, don't take us over the
bar " While our captain smiled COM
placently, evidently pitying the weakness
of his guests, and with much condescen-
sion called out hard leev' Such hurry
ing of bowed heads, and be il said, even
to the dcirimcnt of the courage OF this
small party, there were some relieved
faces as she "came about" and soon cast
anchor alongside the pier of Wallop's
Beach. Again on terra firma, our girls
assumed their normal conditions, were
once more ready for whatever OF pleasure
presented itself. which was stroll on
the beach, gathering shells, writing
names and verses on "the sea beat shore"
only to be obliieraied by the next incom-
ing wave.
4 short stop at the club house and
life saving station, thence back to our
vessel. nearing which, We heard the wei
come cry of dinner y thus cheering our
tagging footsteps. There We found our
thoughtful host and his aids had convert
ed the sail into canopy. which proved a
more efiectual covering than that of Chi
cagO's wigwam; for, thus secured from
Old Soils rays, dinner was laid on the
matches. and indeed the board was nObly
spread" and all gathered round did
full justice to the goods the gods pro-
vided." Very disjointed was the conver-
sation now. only catching, between long
pauses, such fragments as. Maud, pass
the chicken" Charlie, one of those Mary
land biscuits, if you please" Now Hen
ry, don't keep all that pie by your plate.''
annie, those pickles, do let them come
this way" Finally replenished. nature
asserted her sway, and the boys after
furnishing u dish pan, and water, went
for IL smoke, while the girls came down
to the very commonplace task of dish
washing.
Things again in "ship-shape" the girls
started for a tramp along the shore,
where the surf kept mournfll ca
dence, to their merry shouts and snatches
of song. Grabbing was now in order. as
they lay in such abundance, snugly en-
scOnced in the sand. the girls waged
merry war upon them, and rnthlessly de-
spoiled OF their weapons of defence. lay
passive in some white apron-this of
course ment crab roast Returning TO
the boat, found our members supplement-
ed by the arrival of u bateau with three
knishts.-Welcomed as ''the more the
merricr" We then RECALLED with ice cold
lemonade, and peanuts. After this games
and cont rs dancing ON the pier, for be il
known, we had musicians along. The
froiic WAS heartily joined by all and the
merry shouts which greetrd "Jim." as he
was continually left in the ring. as Dan
Tucker" not being skillful enough to
hold on To one of the girls, rather gave
the idea Of preconcerted action; let us
hope this does not argue hs future.
Time swiftly sped and about ) y. m. came
sailing orders. all declaring our pleasant
day too short Our knights of the bateau
baniered us To race, and with anxious
hearts we watched them outstrip us. as
we beat up the inlet, but with coming
into the bay. we soon passed them with
cheers of exulta,ion. Taking supper in
the bay, then ran into the pier Amid
good byes and thanks to our kind captain
for so pleasant u day. hoping il would
soon be repeated IL not twill always re-
main green spot in the memory of the
] novitiate.