The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-03-23

tOBC - lIOlh A1i-eO OutI. dS Sue-S6U
rightly, as a first clearing of the
ground. She is used to horses" be
added ''and l think they like her.
Let's see bow she takes hold of her
work He quit forulating comments.
ahd dropped into passive observation.
his quick hands all the while passing
lightly over the bright oranges and
herding them evenly forward.
1t were useless 10 deny that the
straight and graceful back Of the girl
from Missouri grew cramped and tired
as the noon hour approached, and her
nervous endeavor at speed, while it did
not relax, seemed to be costing her
something. She understood that, how
ever being familiar with the breaking
IN process in many kinds of work, and
such fatigue gave her not the least dis
cOurageuent. 1t was rather illogical
in the graderman. who observed all
this, and VINO saw that her quality was
quite superior to such an incident, to
allow himself an agreeable sentiment
of comparison, which centered in the
red signal Of WEAKNESS on her cheek.
II through feebleness ofspirit, she had
needed his sympathy. he would have
left no such pleasure IA giving it,
Ia two or three days the girl had
got hardened to her work, and was al
ready falling into the swing of al ex-
pert. Her special observer had noted
the exceptional quickness Of her ac-
qurement, and the decided approval
Of practical Judgment reinforced his
sentimental esteem. 1T is often so
with youDg men of his sagacious turn
and successful habit of life. The heav-
en- of sentiment invites With steadier
allurement when it rests on substan-
tial ground of availability The heart
is indeed entitled to defy the jndg-
ment, but 1t beats no less gayly when
such defiance Is not called for.
Such assuring observations FASTENED
the period of conscious acknowledge
ment that the brakes were Off Our
elevated friend flushed little as he
confessed to himself that he was lin
the chutesF and that he liked it. 1t
was not his habit He neyer handled
horses that way. and he could not now
quit free himself, from reproach for
having dropped the lines. But be
laughed. nevertheless, and enjoyed the
Joke on himself, along with some other
enjoyment.
His craft, however. did not wholly
forsake him He did forthwith be
come the object of general suspicion.
The girl herself may have caught
look, once or twice, that seemed to
bring him rather forcibiy under her
serious attention, but he rolled his or
anges with as light hand as ever, and
exchanged about the usual run of
chatting with the men who dumped
into his hopDer the manager and all
CnanC9 CUTneTS,
All the while the fingers of the new
packer were dancing under his eye.
and every orange tnat was wrapped
and slowed away by their deft pres
sure was brighter by the reflection of
hIs sentiment, and he felt every time
as if be himself were being taken pos
session Of and laid away IN the treas
ury that her strong. sweet life was
gathering.
1t was getting to be time for astute
70 sanction some casual ad-
vauces. 1t was observed at the noon
hour that the graderman addressed a
number of remarks to the Missouri
girl. and that he found several occa-
sions for happening within talking
distance. There was no shamefaced
ness in these approaches. He easily
maintained his ofihand, smiling man
ners, as If be were rather melting to
good humored indulgence toward a
stranger than failing under the spell
Of her attraction, No one ever got q
chance to make jim ridiculous.
As for the girl her reception of this
nascent Acquaintance was IN perfect
form. Quite without show of embar-
rassment, she made no sign or pretence
Of offishness. Why should she not be
glad to learn something of the ways
of this spirited young fellow, who had
looked at her perhaps rather vigorous
~, bnt not Ia a way TO call for any
other defence than she always had
about her?
When things are managed in this
mastery way, the malice Of onlookers
is stifled at birth 1t is weakness that
invites troublesome comment. The
strong may lead their affairs through
the croud without molestatioD. The
smiles that followed this progressive
pair were rather of approval than of
derision There may have been jokes,
but the mean and bitter ones are saved
for feebler victims.
Some days later the new girl hap
pened to reach the packing-house a
few minutes earlier than the general
arrival. The doors were all open aud
the place was freshly Eept, but no one
was in sight as she reached the door
way Then she heard quick steps,
and the graderman stood before her,
He was ready for his opportunity,
for signs had been in his favor in the
days just passed.
Your cloca's fast?" he said, sweep
ing his eyes over the several approach
as. and finding that the nearest comers
" StS St}4f Z tlliitltSS UISidlt
Il don't know-I didn't look at it
| jnst came when felt ready. May
be twas the splendid morning that
hurried me-"
1T is a splendid morning, isn't it q
said he; and there was something in
his smile that seemed somehow less
careless than usual. Il feel little In
a hurry myself" he went on, noting
the freshness Of the morning light on
her iDquiring face. and astonjshed 6
little at his own audacity. How
much can | say before those girls gel
here2"
Il don't know" laughed the girl
but her cheeks flushed little:'' L have
never heard you try
l can say this anyway want yor
to say you like me ard that can wall
home with you sometimes, and tha
you'ii go to church with NE next Sun
/ day"
| Sbelooked none the worse to him a
I nprSoiar,SuaSs took 1nuppta6 V,xsoS