The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-09-05
A BACKWOODS HERO.


hills, is n small village known best for
its numbering and shipping industries.
A long neck of narrow land forms
natural breakwator and thus guards and
protects the small town from Ncptunes
wrath. The harbor is scarcely moro than
two miles wide and four long, but is
celebrated for it's uncomfortable cur
rents, Jagged hidden rocks and Aprilish
moods.
On this neck of land arc scattered
few houses, all inhabited by lovers of
the sea and natures work and surround
ed by dense groves Of swaying pines.
One day n few years ago there came
from one of these houses dark eyed
young woman whose skin was rough
ened from tho fierce lake winds and
whose hands showed only too plainly
that hard, coarse work befell her lot.
Her boots were heavy, like those of q
man. Her gown was not only i'll fitting,
but sadly behind tho times as regards
style and lacking by several inches its
proper length, and Oh her head was
drawn down closely over her ears
mans felt hat Yet, notwithstanding
these proofs Of tho uncouth woman,
there was certain Understandable some
thing about her gypsylilc face that be-
told tho possession of Il fine mind and
strong, unbonding character 1t was
neither the soft brown eyes nor tho
smiling mouth, for her features woro OK
tremoly plain, and the straight fringe
OF hair that tendrilcd out now and then
from under tho curved hat brim gave tho
round checks aghastliness that remind
ed one shlvcringly of witches and COB
Inns and evil spirits. III her arms she
carried pair of oars, wrapped in
small sail. Around her feet frolickod
several kittens. and q hugo black and
white dog bounded along beside her.
She walked slowly toward small
dock that floated unsteadily out into tho
bay. flat bottomed boat, with splin-
terlike mast and no bowsprit, bumped
against tho dock now and then with Il
soft rubbing and nudging that was as
soothing as mothers evening lullaby.
1t looks pretty threatening, seems to
me, F." the girl murmurcd to herself.
This here bay is always ready to cut
up its monkey shines just when folks
wants it to behave itself If it wasn't
for daddy coming home tonight, and
mother sick, and nothing much to cat in
the house, believe I'd give up going
across for tho groceries Then, MOTTO
ing parting of the thick bushes that
bordered the pathway and catching q
passing glimpse of q faded yellow hat,
sho called out, Hello, Jiml'
The next moment she was Joined by
n stalwart young man, with the whole
90
er and sailor.
Going to sail over to the point,
Meg?" he asked
Eyes. You can go if you want to, "
sho replied with mischievous eyes and
twitching lips. 81 guess 'twon't be the
first time that tho little dory has carried
two passengers. "
We'd better hurry, reckon" re-
joined Jim. "Tho old lalo is a-raging,
and the bay looks bit Fill tempered
now. Well have a laundering old storm
before next sunrise, and 1 shouldn't be
surprised if it arrived before midnight "
Together they hoisted the sail, adjust
ed the rudder and unfastened tho lines
Jim seated himself i'll the stern, Meg
dropped down on tho seat In the center
oenterboard, rs Captain Jim ordered,
and off they sailed like bird lot loose
from captivity. Both were good sailors,
and the simple fact that huge wave
deluged them now and then added zest
to the sport
II say, Meg" began Jim as they
plunged through towers of foam and
rocked and swayed in the pillows,
don't you think you re mighty hard OH
n fellow? Three years is long time,
and time does change folks and things
SO. Anyhow | don't see what you re
driving Mt. I've known yon since You
wero knee high to grasshopper, and
don't like the idea Of losing you after
all these years Of work and waiting.
Your dad and your mother are willing,
you say you don't dislike me. and you
know what think of You. Come, now,
tell me your reasons for this three years
waiting business -
II suppose my reasons are silly"
Meg answered slowly and with irritating
deliberation. but, you see, that year
at Miss Bankers spoiled me- Even if
was nothing but parlor maid, I got
some ideas in my head that stick like so
many burs. I don't always want to
live this way. I've spent every cent I've
had on the books, and Miss Banker has
helped me lots 1 want to be educated
and know how to talk. long to be able
to be like the town girls, not so far rs
dress goes, but it's the schooling that l
want When read about those clever
women who paint and write and teach.
1t makes me think that my world is too
small and cramped to ever grow any