Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-04-07

| RAISING from retrospect TO antlclpa-
ton. the girls mind wandered to the
new arrivals, and idle speculations about
Them filed it. Naturally her thoughts
were colored by her wishes, and she
pleased herself with fancying them agree
able people, refined and cultured. with
whom association would be pleasant. He,
fancy was untrammeled, for her facts
were few and the name afforded no clev-
whatever. People named Smith might be
anything-or nothing, regarded socially
| The name was noncommittal, but it sug-
gested possibilities, and its range was in
finite. Wits. felons. clergymen, adven-
turers millionaires and spendthrifts-all
had answered TO the unobtrusiye cog
nomen. 1t was plain and commonplace.
but as battling as a disguise.
With Talbot, Meredith or Percival the
case is different, such nomenclature pre-
supposes gentility. AS the name Per
cival' crossed the girls mind in her
whimsical musings her thoughts seized
upon it and fitted it instantly to the
name which had preceded it, Percival-
and Smith, Percival SMITH That was
| the name signed to the letter they had
rediscovered after its sleep of years
the letter telling them of Temple This
newcomer was, or had been, an army
officer-a general. Suppose it should be
the same person? Nay; it must belt
was! Her mind leaped to the delightful
conclusion impetuously, and before she
had proceeded ten yards further Poca-
hontas was fully convinced of the cor
rectness Of her conclusion and busy with
plans for returning the kindness they
had received.
Filled with pleasure in her thought
her steps quickened, as though her feet
We're trying to keep pace with her bright
imaginings. And so engrossed was she
with castle building. that it was only
when she stopped to climb fence sepa-
rating the road from field through
which lay a short cut to Aunt Violet's
cabin. that she became aware of her
small attendant
"Why, Sawney, who told you to Gomez
she questioned, as she sprang to the
ground on the other side. The little
fellow slowly and carefully mounted the
fence, balancing his fat body ON the top
rail AS he turned circumspectly in order
to scramble down. When the landing
had been safely effected, he peered up at
her with twinkling eyes and announced,
with the air of one imparting gratifying
intelligence: Nobody. tum myself. !
divine longer you"
There are sheep in this field; you'd
better run home. They'll scare You to
death.
''Aint 'feard." was the valiant re-
Spouse.
Pocahontas wrinkled up her brows. 1t !
was almost too far to send him back |
alone, and there was no one passing along |
the road who could escort him to the
home gate even if he would go, which |
was unlikely. 1t would not do to start |
him home with the certainty that he |
would return the instant her eye was off |
him and stand by the fence peeping |
through the cracks until she should get /
back to him. Since he had followed her
so far it would be better to let him goa all |
the way.
Come then. She said donbtfully, II
suppose | must take yon. although you
had no business to follow me IF the
sheep come after MS, Sawney, remember
that you're not afraid You must not
cry or hold on 10 my dress with your dirty
little hands De you herr"
Yam acquiesced Sawuey with sus-
picious readiness, resuming his line of
march behind her.
They pursued their way uneYentfully
until they had reached the middle of the
field when the catastrophe which Poca-
hontas had anticipated occurred A
flock of sheep, peacefully grazing at
little distance. suddenly raised their
heads and advanced with joyful bleat-
ing, evidently regarding the pair as
spirits come to crafty their
saline yearning. Sawney Saw
neyl all unmindful of his promise, no
sooner beheld their advance than he
halted instantly, the muscles of his face
working ominously.
Come on. Sawney." urged the young
lady encouragingly; ''the sheep won't
hurt you; they think we have salt for
them; come on
But Sawney had no confidence in the
explanation. and plainly discredited the
statement OF the ANIMAL lack of hostile
intention. He refused to stir; nay, more,
he dropped himself sslidly to the earth
with an ear splitting howl and grabbed
tight hold of Pocohontas' dress with both
grimy paws: the sheep meanwhile came
up at sharp trOt, pushing
against each other in their haste, and
bleating in glad anticipation of treat.
Some of the boldest ventured near
enough to sniff the girls dress, gazing
up at her expectantly with their soft,
pretty eyes. proceeding which evoked
redoubled yells from Sawney. They
were perfectly harmless; even the rams
were peaceful, which made the child's
conduct the more provoking
In vain Pocahontas coaxed, threatened
md commanded; in vain she assured
him solemnly that the sheep would not