Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-10-09
Jack, Max and the
~ Pretty Priscilla.
BY FRANKLIN TRUESDELL.
copyright. Iso7.1

WV WeIl-ureSSeQ men, DOUn sui
young, though one was few years
the senior of his friend, stood near a
steamboat landing on the Sound one
summer morning, watching the roust-
abouts transferring freight from the
shore to the deck of the craft on which
they were about to take passage.
The elder of the two, who had been
continually looking about in an expect
ant manner, suddenly called out: Here
you are at last, old fellow. What in
the world has kept your
Then came running toward him, skill
fully and yet politely, eluding all play
full attempts to impede his progress,
a little boy infant five years of age,
who was a perfect picture of rugged
health and childish beauty. His hat,
perched carelessly on his head, formed
the background for a mass of golden
hair, blown hither and thither as his
sturdy little legs sped down the gravel
slope. His round, happy face glowed
in the morning air, and his eyes spark
led with Unsurpassed excitement.
"Oh, papa!" he began, before he had
quite recovered his breath. Il have had
such time with Maxi"
Il was beginning to fear he had made
breakfast of you," was the fathers
answer, as the child slipped one little
hand in his.
HE might try, if he could get at me
now rejoined the little fellow. '.But
he's safe enough in one of the store
rooms, if some one don't let him OUT
But at that moment the steamboat
gave a shrill whistle, and Jack, walking
between his father and his fathers
friend, turned to go on board the boat.
Among the passengers assembled on
the upper deck stood little girl of more
than ordinary attractiveness. She was
just passing that line of life on one
side of which people write girl and
on the other young lady" She at
tracted not little attention as she
stood there, leaning lightly over the
rail. When Jack and his guardians
reached the deck she was saying good
by to n sun-bonneted friend ON the
landing, and Towle, the younger of the
two men, caught the full beauty of
the fresh face as she laughed out some
pert reply to her friends earnest eau
ton: Now, do be careful, PRISCILLA
Already the time for casting off the
moorings had passed. The captain was
vigorously ordering about the deck
hands and confusion reigned. The
pretty girl stood up Il seat to get
clear of line that was being hauled in,
still talking with her friend on shore.
Pretty as a picture" thought Towle,
as he watched the Hssome figure sway
ing with the motion of the boat. Pris-
ella waved her last adieu, and then her
friend, mingling with those left on the
landing, turned away.
The young girl still stood on the rail
seat; Towle lowered in her immediate
vicinity; Jack was watching the reced-
ing shore. Presently the child's voice
rose in cry that was almost scream:
Look, papa! There comes Maxi"
Down the slope toward the water
bounded the big Newfoundland. Rush
ing through the little party that had
just left the landing, the dog brought
up with mighty effort on the very
edge of the wharf.
Jack, jumping up on the rail seat
waved both hands and shouted: Good
by, old fellow! Good-by, MAXI
But Max misinterpreted the gesture
Prompt in obedience to the supposed
signal, he jumped into the water and
struck out in the wake of the boat
1t was not under much Roadway yet
but Max could make but a poor show
ing in the race Jack became very
nervous. He scarcely knew whether
Max was swimming or drowning.
Cant we stop the boat?" he asked
"Oh, no." said his father. MAX viii
get tired in minute and make for tn,
shore"
Towle leaned over the stern and callet