Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-05-30
CHAPTER ".

was tulTStluH IOr Talu, you cOulQ nuNe
imagined that the pendulous leaves of the
lime-trees. hardly moving in the light air
Of the morning, were whispering among
themselves, and listening for the first soft
patterings of the longed-for shower. They
were likely to get it, too. The swifts
and swallows were flying low over the
river, the sky was a uniform pale white,
without any definite trace of cloud; there
was a feeling Of moisture in the faint
stirring wind. 1t was when we were
passing Holme Park that it began-a few
touches ON hand or cheek, almost imper-
ceptible, then heavier drops striking on
the CLASSY surface of the stream, each
with its little bell of air and widening
circle around it. The four Of us were
now together in the stern-Murdoch be
ing engaged in the pantry. On this occa-
sion Jack Duncombe was entertaining
us with lively account Of certain gaye-
ties and festivities that had taken place
Just before he left town. incidentally. he
mentioned the banjo craze, and made
merry over the number Of people, among
his own acquaintance, who, with light
heart, had set about learning to play,
and who had suddenly been brought up
short, through want of ear or some other
cause.
81 had a try myself" he said, modest
ly; ''but l soon got to the end Of my
tether."
But you play HttleT' said Miss
Peggy.
"Oh. YES, a Iittle-in a mechanical sort
Of way. 1t isn't everybody has the extra
ordinary lightness Of touch that you
have
Il am not a player at all, she said, Il
am only a strummer. Anyhow, my banjo
wants a thorough tuning some time or
other. and 1 should be so much obliged
to you il you would help me; if you would
screw up the pegs while l tune the
strings; it is much easier sO.'
Not in the rain." he protested; for a
much less ready-witted young man than
he. could not have failed to perceive the
chance before him. mo; we will so into
the saloon, and have a thorough over
hauling of the strings. 1t will be cap
ital way of passing the time, for l don't
see much prospect of the weather clear
ing at present
She was quite obedient. She rose. and
shook the rain drops from her sleeves
and skirts, and passed through the door
that he had courteously opened for her.
he Immediately following. When they
had thus disappeared. Queen Tita was
left alone with the steersman.
That young man had better take
care" She remarked. significantly.
why, what have you to say AGAINST
her pow? Did you ever see anybody be-
have better-more simply and frankly
and straightforwnrdly?'
.If you only knew, it was when fesgy
,s best behaved that she is most danger
ous." was the dark answer. she doesh
take all that trouble for nothing, you may
be sure" ,...,,,
"You are always inventing sp'eiu'
things about women. ;.
"Perhaps you can tell me now long II
takes to tune up a banjoT'
They certainly were an unconscionaDie
,,me about it. The rain had almost ceas-
ed: different lights were appearns ~
the sky-warm grays that had a cheer
tul look about them; and the birds mao
resumed their singing, filling all tne al,
With a harmonious MUSIC. We crossed
the mouth of the River Kennel mus pe.
a;nn;ne the long loop which we hoped 10
complete by means Of the Inames' Ses-
ern Avon and Kennel. with the inter
.,ediate canals. until We should return 10
this very spot. .. .y,.s
Nearing Purley, the towpath twice
.-ro.ses the river: and now JACK Dun-