The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1897-11-17
tents.

tents
Mrs. Pixies mind was diverted by
the exigen cies OF labor, and she said no
more: but after the horses had been
put up at neighboring house, and
serene, red-faccd with exertion, had
superiuterded the tent-raising, Hattie
slipped her arm through her fathers
and led him away. Come, pa" she
said. in whisper; les you and me
climb over on them rocks.
Eli went; and when they had picked
their way over sand and pools to
hea dland where the water thundered
below, and salt spray dashed up in
mist to their feet, be turned and looked
at the sea. He faced itas soul might
face Almighty Greatness, only to be
stricken blind thereafter: for his eyes
filed painfully with slow, hot tears.
Hattie did not look at him, but after
awhile she shouted in his ear, above
the outcry of the surf:
Here, pa, take my handkerchief. l
don't know how it is about you, but
Ills pi dS SSo -!
Eli took it obediently, but he did not
speak; he only looked at the sea. The
two sat there. chilled and quite content,
until six o'clock, when Mrs. Pike came
calling to them from the beach, with
dramatic shouts, emphasized by the
waving OF her ample apron.
..Supper's ready. Sereno's built a
burn-frc. an I've made some tea.'
Then they slowly made their way
back to TIE tents, and sat down to the
evening meal. Serene seemed content,
and Mrs. Pike was bustling and tri-
umphant.
We'll, father, what think?" she
asked, smiling exuberantly, as she
passed him his mug of tea. Does it
come up to W hat you expected"
Eli turned upon her his mid, dazed
eyes.
Il guess it does" he said, gently.
That night, they sat upon the shore
while the moon rose and laid IN the
water her majestic pathway OF light {
Eli was the last to leave the rocks,
and he lay down on his hard couch IN
the tent without speaking.
II wouldn't say much to father"
whispered Hattie to her mother, as
they parted for the night. He feels
it nore'n we do
We'll, I s'pose he is some tired"
said Mrs. Pike, acquiescing, after a
brief look OF surprise. Its good.
deal of iaunt, but dunno but feel,
paid Already. Should you take out.
your hairpins, Hattie?'
She slept soundly and vocally, but
her husband did not close his eyes. He:
looked, though he could see nothing.
through the opening in the tent, in the,
direction where lay the sea, solemnly
clamorous, eternally responsive to,
some infinite whisper from without
his world. The tension Of the hour
was almost more than he could bear:
he longed for morning, in sharp sus--
pense, with the faint hope that the:
light might bring relief. Just as the.
stars faded, and one luminous line PEN
ciIed the east, he rose, smoothed his:
hair, and stepped softly out upon the:
beach Here he saw two shadowy fig.
ures, Serene and Hattie. She hurried
forward to meet him.
you goin' to see the sun rise, toe.
father?' she asked. Il made Serene
come. Hes awful mad at bein' walked
up" Eli grasped her arm.
Hattie" he said, in whisper,
don't you tell just come out to see
how twas here before go. I'm goin'
home-I'm goin now
Why, father said Hattie; but she
peered moro closely into his face and
her tone changed. "All right" she
added. Serene II go and harness up"
No; I'm goin' to walk"
But. father"
Il don't mean TO break up your stay
in here, nor your mothers. Tell her
how twas I'm goin' to walk
Hattie turned and took her fathers
haal.
I'll slip into the tent and put up
$omathin' for your breakfast and
2an.:h2oa. si?,: sail.
SO Eli yielded: but before his vile
appeared he had turned HI, back on the
sea, where the rose ot dawn was fast
unfolding. AS he logged homeward
the dusty roadsides bloomed with
flowers OF paradise and the insects
dry chirp thrilled like the song OF
angels. He walked into the yard just
at the turning OF the day, when the
fragrant smoke of many cracking
fire curls cheerily upward, in promise
Of the evening meal.
What's busted?" asked Luke, swing
ing himself down from his load Of fod-
der corn.
.Oh, nothin',' said Eli. 81 guess
I'm too old for such jauntS. hope
YOU didn't forgit them cats. s."-Meadow
Grass.