The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1895-04-19

4
! haversack carried. saw, with salts
faction, that the slender figure, re-
! lieved of its burden, drew Itself more
erect, and moved forward with greater
ease.
The two girls, tramping Unprotected
along that lonely road which winds
down from the summit of the pass to
Italy, seemed quite free from any fear
of danger. The discomfort of rain
soaked clothing, boots heavy with
mud, and the fatigue consequent on
the long tramp, seemed to be the only
cause of complaint they had.
You see, when one is on a walking
tour one can't stop for weather" re-
marked Betty, with a comprehensive
glance round at the mist-shrouded
mountains, the rain-lashed rocks show
ing their rich brown in vivid contrast
to the gray sky and patches of vivid
green moss; lone must take the good
and the bad just as they come, like the
rough and the smooth places on the
road. Ny friend and are good walk
ers, and we enjoy tramp like this, in
spite of the weather"
had got the idea that the girls were
sisters, although they were quite I'M
like in personal appearance. Bit by
bit got to know more about my dam
sels-errant. They had walked most of
the way from Innsbruck, through the
Bremen pass to Botzen; there they
had taken the train to Meran, and from
thence had pursued their tramp, stop
ping several days on the road at Spon-
delak. Traioi and Franzenhohe.
I'VE shall stay at Bormio q few days
and rest, and then we shall meet our
bags again. You can't think how glad
we are to see those bags; we quite love
the very straps and buckles. Do you
know BorInio at ALP"
avowed my ignorance.
Nor do we. There was an American
lady we met at Innsbruck who recon-
mendcd the Nuovi Bagni to us. Think
she thought us quite mad, but she was
extremely kind.
dressing her companion, do look down
there at that leaping water; that must
be the AIDA"
''Oh. our first Italian river, Betty
How jolly" cried the enthusiastic
Kate, her gray eyes beaming out from
under her dripping hat brim.
Then she looked down 20 the valley
and tried, think, to realize that this
rain-beaten scene really was Italy.
Cheer up, Kittie; it will be fine to-
morrow, and won't we revel in the sun
shine when it comes?"
1t was Betty who spoke. The
manner of the girls toward each other
amused me; they seemed to take the
role of guide and consider in turns. Just
as l have no doubt they had taken it in
turns to carry the ruck-sack which !
had now in my care.
The next morning was sumptuous
one. was soon dressed and out of
doors Icaught the sound of a wom-
ans voice trilling out the refrain of an
Italian volkslied.
The lark-like joyousness of the song
seemed in harmony with the glorious
morning. In dreamy mood | listened.
The singing voice hoated nearer. I
caught sight of white straw sailor
hat and pink cotton blouse.
Italian peasant girls do not attire
themselves thus l am a trifle short
sighted, but, in very few moments, l
was aware that the early-rising song
stress was Miss Kate Morrison. A glance
at the hotel register had informed me
of the names of my fellow pedestrians.
She looked very pretty and fresh;
the mass OF light-brown hair was
twisted up neatly at the back of her
head. Clearly the luggage of the two
girls had turned up, for there were no
signs OF travel stain about the trim blue
serge skirt and the crisply starched
pink blouse.
wished her good morning and in
ouired for her absent friend.
''Oh. Betty is all right, thanks, only
rather sleepy 1 thought it a pity 10
waste one single hour of this heavenly
morning, and wanted to make a little
sketch from the bridge"
An artist as well as singer" in
quired. smiling.
''Oh, you heard me chirruping, 1 sup
pose. One must sing when one feels
so utterly happy. Isn't the air ex-
hilarating? But l must make my
sketch. l can sit on the parapet-so-
and get just the view L want"
Her busy pencil did its work with
great rapidity, and, when asked per-
mission to look at the sketch, was
really surprised at the masterliness OF
her touch. and her knowledge of per
spective.
She closed her sketch book, and we
walked back together to the hotel. In
the garden we met Miss Betty. She,
too, looked dainty and fresh after her
nights rest. The same source OF in
formation that had made me acquainted
with Miss Kittie's name had told me
her's-Blount.
At breakfast happened to mention
her by name, and fancied a look of
surprise crossed her face at the glib
ness with which l uttered it. But her
manner showed no displeasure, and /
was encouraged to offer my escort for
an expedition to the town of Bormio.
The quaint, old-world place, with its
rough pavements and narrow streets,
so Italian in its aspect, with the yell
low-washed houses and curious log
gias. and musty. silent church, de-
lighted Miss Kittie, and gave much Oc-
cupation 20 her pencil. But Miss Blount,
whose artistic superiority her friend
had proclaimed, did not make any
sketches, although, no doubt, she stored
up impressions for future use.
Nothing but violent wrench would
have enabled me TO leave Bormio. l
fingered ON, hugging my chains; and
the two girls, for what reason l know