The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-12-15
WHERE WAS MOSES?
BY ELLIOT WALKER.

~ ANA<4AAOL w N1AGASs
1t was a simple thing-the light go
ing out that evening-but it led to
quite a complication.
Perhaps Eff1e Winship's advice was
too near-sighted when she told Moses
to lose no opportunity of being at
tentive to Cousin Seraph, but there
was absolutely no danger of her lovers
fealty being disturbed by the attrac-
ton of Miss Dillway, and she would
make powerful ally if her sympathy
and purse strings could be interested.
I'VE need her, Noses" said Effie,
I'VE must have some one to fall back
on. I'm frightened to death when /
think of what pa will say when he
! finds out-ma, too. They will be wild
when they learn of our engagement.
Cousin SeraDh is still young and very
full of sentiment. Now you just pitch
in and make a good friend of her first,
then we will tell her all and she will
do everything for us, know she will"
But Effie," protested Moses Brown
ing, disconsolately, have got to take
her around?"
Eyes, you have. Leave me out for
few days-she won't be here long and
we must lose no time. Pa was ask
ing only Sunday what you were here
so much for"
Mr.. Browning shuddered. The silver
lining of his cloud had been turned in
side out and folded away, and love
without light was but dismal expert
ence. The thought of general parental
displeasure oppressed him sorely, and
with reason, for they were very young,
and entirely dependent.
hn oh d,
my time or this old maid-but as Eff
fie says, we need some one. Goodnessi
l should say we did! Love is all right
until You begin to think of getting mar
ried and people commence to figure.
Well, we have each other, anyway"
But he only said, Don't mind, darl-
ing" and embraced little Miss Win
ship with ardor as they parted in the
dark hall.
Moses, nerved by necessity, began
promptly to undermine the approaches
to the citadel of Miss Dillways friend
ship. This was no light task. Seraph
regarded young men-in fact, all men
with a suspicious eye.
In her earlier years she had expert
enced a rending of the heart-strings
from the Vaccinations of an ingratiat-
ing boarder on the old Maine farm, be-
fore she had come into possession OF
her property. This idol mad departed
one night, having gained Possession Of
her affections and the key to a chest
wherein the Dlllway treasures repnsed.
With him went much silverware of
great price ara association, together
with Seraph's faith i'm man. Yet, as
Eff1e had said, she was of a sentiment
al nature and powerful ally in thor
oughly responsible affairs of the heart.
Painfully aware of the lack OF per-
sonal charms, and saddened by the re-
membrance of her thieving admirer,
she guardedly refrained from mani
Testing interest in the opposite sex,
until they should be proved worthy.
The bloom of youth, never particularly
her cheek, but like all maidens, an
ideal dwelt in her soul.
Her annual visit was now on, and
the Fates were at work. In week
she perceptibly thawed. The delicate
attentions of Moses, egged on by the
enterprising Fife, were certainly meet
ing with success, and she warmed to-
ward the good-looking boy and his con-
slant regard.
He is really a charming young man,
and we'll favored" she confided to her
cousin. Seems to me he is here a good
deal, Effie."
"Oh, he's an old friend" was the re-
ply, always running in and doing
nice little things. He has quite taken
to YOU, Seraph. Sc says you are just
the sort of a girl he likes-thinks you
have such a loyal nature. He's a very
sensible fellow-Im, quite fond of him"
"How--how old is he" queried Miss
Dillway.
only twenty-one." said Efie. but
he is advanced in thought. / know
.,,fI - nh
Her cousin sighed softly. She was
twenty eight and looked older. Il do
like him." she answered. Il thought
he might be a little more than that.
"Mr Browning is coming in this
evening for whist-well have a game
in the library" said Effie; you shall
be his partner. He says you play a
strong hand"
Moses and Seraph were very FORUM
ate in their game, and made sad
wreck of their adversaries' hopes.
Its all luck" said Miss Winship in
disgust; what ails the lights, l Won
der"
The incandescent snapped and faded,
then burned up brightly. The players
rose from the table and gathered in
group as Effie began to propose the
alter party for the next evening. There
was a sudden snap and they were In
darkness.
Miss winship gave a little. scream:
"Oh. where are you, Moses? Where Is
everybody" she cried.
Wait" said Browning. "I'll strike a
match"
He made a feint OF scratching one,
and CROPPED diligently in the dark for
Effie's hand. found II and squeezed It
fondly He had seen very little of her
for several days, and the responsive
pressure thrilled him.
'Ill try IT," he thought; ITS risky,
but I'll take the chance"
Bother the match" he exclaimed;
"I'll try another"
Hooking out with his arm he reached
around the slender figure and bent his
head, pressing his lips In long salts