The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1897-09-10

which made his heart beat rapidly
with hope.
A few days later, Jessie had the
chance to test the courage OF both
her lovers. About FIVE miles from
Springdale there was wild, beauti.
ful spot known as Fern Glen, where
picnic parties often resorted; and here
Jessie and her two suitOrs with a
merry party had gathered.
They had enjoyed an abundant din.
Iner, spread upon the fresh green
grass. and we're rambling about in
groups, upon the rocky clifls around
the glen, gathering wild flowers aud
rare specimens OF beautiful ferns,
from which the glen derived It's name,
when Jcssie's chance came.
She was gathering a splendid fern,
which grew very near the edge Of a
high, rough cliff, when, CHANGING to
look over the gorge, she spied a mag.
niilcent scarlet flower growing below,
"Oh, how beautiful!" she cried. II
never saw one like 1t. must and
will have that flower"
The rest of the group gathered near
to look over. II don't think you'll
get it, Jess" said Molly Freeman,
coolly. "NO one would be likely to go
down there for the sake Of mere
flower"
"But they will for my sake" cried
Jessie. A willful spirit seemed to
take possession Of her, as she thought:
"Now Is the chance to test them" :"
And then aloud she added: "There,
gentlemen. is a challenge for you.
Who Is brave enough to 20 down the
gorge and bring me that tlowers"
Two or three young men looked
over the cliff and shook their heads.
The risk was too great; they would
not dare it. But Jessie was deter
mined. Turning 10 Will Enderly, she
said:
"Come, Mr.. Enderly, you will do my
bidding, l know! Get me the scarlet
flower"
Will looked grave, as he answered:
"NO, Miss Jessie, cannot risk my
life for such a tribe. Surely you do
not wish it?"
But do wish it," cried Jessie, do.
cidedly. Nay command It,"
II cannot obey" was the firm an.
swer.
What? Are you afraid to 20 down"
asked Jessie, tauntingly, her pretty
checks all aflame.
viii turned paler, but he SAID
quietly:
"Yes, for so small cause, I am"
what? You are a c0ward?" And
Jesse's voice rang out loud and clear.
"Go this moment, or l will never
speak to you again, viii Enderly"
'Then, farewell. l will not co."
was the answer. And deadly white.
with folded arms, Will walked away.
Tom Marshall stepped forward, and
began to throw of his coat. "Miss
Jessie, I'll 20 down and get the flow.
err" he sait.
"Oh, Jessie, don't let hint" cried
two or three OF the girls. ut Is too
dangerous! Don't let him! 1t would
be cruel!"
Jessie drew herself up proudly.
Don't be alarmed; l am not an
ogress,' she said. II do not want
the flower. l would not have it now
II it grew at my feet. l wanted to
find out who was the brave man, and
who the coward. And l have found
out. Mr. Marshall, put on your coat.
It is enough that you were willing to
dare the danger for my sake"
Will was not too far off to hear
every word Jessie had spoken. She
had raised her voice on purpose that
he might hear, and she knew her
taunts had stung deeply, as she meant
they should. She walked away on
Toms arm, and he was proud Of his
victory now. Indeed, he had guessed
her intention all the time. He never
really meant to descend that danger.
Gus cliff. But he knew Jessie Lin.
coin, and felt sure II he offered to go
she would forbid 1t, as she did, and he
would have the hOnOrs Of bl0Odless
battle.
Tie little incident was soon forgot.
ten, except by the three concerned.
Win wandered moodily around alone,
and, whenever Jessie and Tom passed
him. she would not glance Ut him,
much less speak TO him.
The hour for going home had nearly
arrived. Some Of the party were al.
ready descending the cliffs by the
long path to the glen, others were yet
upon the plateau at the top, when q
wild shrek was heard by those below
followed by cries Of ''Ilelp! help
help"
"What is II? What's the matter?'
was the eager question. And til,
thrilling answer came: "John Free
. man has fallen over. He Is caught OF
y limb half way down. What shal
, we do? Who can save him? He can
, hold on long, and he'll be killed"
Cautiously holding each other back
, they all peeped over the fearful clifl
There, indeed, hung poor John, caugh
I upon a jagged limb, to which h
} chung, midway down the fearful gorge
And his cries OF s'I1elp! help!n wer