The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1900-11-01

useless A strange, hoarse rumbling
filled the atmosphere, which was
strangely quiet. Not a leaf stirred,
not a bough trembled. The birds had
hidden themselves, and all nature
seemed crouched in sudden terror be-
fore the leap Of the awful monster.
Straight along 1t came, growing
larger and blacker and more funnel
shaped every instant. In my mad rum
ming I struck my foot against a stone
and sprained my ankle. Then faint
ed from pain and terror, falling into
sheltered spot beside q split rock.
When 1 came to myself, rocks and
sticks and stones were flying in every
direction. A dreadful sickening roar
rang through and through me; /
thought the end of the world had
come.
"My God, my God" cried, forgive
me! Let me see Tom once more, and
die in his arms"
1 could not expect this prayer to be
answered.; but strange enough at that
moment something came crashing and
rafting down the rayine. Two horses,
frantic with terror, with a wagon
our wagon-fell at the bottom, and
scrambled to their feet, while Tom him
self was thrown directly at my feet,
as If in direct answer to my prayer.
But he did not stir; his face was pale
as death, and his eyes closed.
In that moment all my petty jealI-
ousy vanished. and threw my arms
about him. trying to lift him from the
ground. He was like log, and be-
lieved him dead. Then 1 tainted again.
When I returned to consciousness once
more the storm had passed, leaving
the skies as blue as ever; but desola-
ton was on every side. Tom was
bending over me, his face full Of love
and grief and anxiety. He had been
stunned and bruised, but not severely
hurt.
1 need not undertake to tell you
our conversation. I remember 1t per-
fectly, but it is sacred to both Of ns,
even now, old and staid as we are.
But when we finally were ready to
disentangle ourselves from the debris
in the ravine, Tom and I stood nearer
to each other than ever before. Near
er because of our terrible proximity
to death, and because my foolish and
unwarrantable behavior had well-nigh
separated US forever.
The horses were unhurt, though un-
able to extricate themselves, and 1t
was some time before Tom could re-
pair the wagon so that we could go
on. 1t had been blown up against a
tree and broken; but Tom followed the
good old fashion Of those days, Of car
rying plenty Of stout string in his pock-
cts, and so was able to mend up the
broken places where It was necessary.
Me he actually carried up the ravine
where he could place me in the wagon;
my ankle had swollen frightfully, and
panied me exceedingly, besides.
Now" he said, getting into the
wagon himself, "we must hurry. I've
got to meet Teenie. though the heavens
fall" and he gave me comical glance.
He hadn't explained who "Teenie"
was, nor did l care to ask. After the
experiences of the last twenty min
utes my jealousy looked to me mex
pressibly contemplate. 1--WE meant
it for a surprise to you, DEAR" Tom
said presently, "but perhaps I'd better
tell you. You don't guess who Tee
ME- is, foolish little girl?"
shook my head. "Tom, / don't
care! 1 trust you now, utterly"
"Then 1 must tell you that 1t was the
old pet name by which called Ade-
laide Saunderson. 1 hadn't thought of
it for years before, nor, do l suppose,
had she; but she resurrected the name
for the occasion. She Is coming for a
two months stay and was especially
anxious that you should not be told,
as she waited to surprise sQq., I guess
she has. Anyway, you snEErfsed me"
Don't, Tom," sobbedfom drew
me closer.
Under the circumstances, I didn't
want to let it 60 SO; but she was very
strenuous, and Adelaide is so intense
that 1 had to let her have her way.
When 1 read your note I could have
killed myself for allowing 1t. Forgive
me, JOSIE" and Toms voice grew very
tender
Forgive you? Oh, Tomr' sobbed,
when 1 was so dreadful"
"There, therew he said, soothingly.
Lets call it square. Besides, we're
almost there; and can't drive up to
the station with your eyes in that con-