Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1903-11-10
The Girl Of the Orchard
BY HOWARD FIELDING

y HOW ARD FIELDIN


1t seemed as if l might put the last
query in such form as to gain informa-
ton from the answer, though if this
young lady were the singer of the
shore l could not expect her to con-
slider herself under any moral obliga-
ton to tell the truth to me. While |
was turning the matter over in my
mind l suddenly became aware that l
was whstling softly. 1t is bad habit
of mine, somewhat less reprehensible
on this occasion because my compan-
ion seemed in no mood for converse
ton and thus lett me to my own de-
vices. But the essential point is that |
found myself whistling the little Swiss
song, and in an instant there leaped
into my field of consciousness perfect
recollection of having done precisely
the same thing before when Miss Jones
and l had fallen into one of those deep
silences in which she seemed to find a
melancholy pleasure.
The miracle of the lake stood explain
ed, and by the knowledge of that fact
I was so startled that | got upon my
feet. Miss Jones raised her eyes to
me with a question.
"Mr. Trask is coming" said l, motto
ing that fact for the first time. II
thought 1 heard footsteps"
The man was walking on turf at
distance of 100 yards, but Miss Jones
did not consider it necessary to cross
examine me on the subject of my audi
tory apparatus.
When Trask came up l talked with
him a few minutes and then walked
back to the house. In my room | sat
down by the window to think the thing
out, and was making some small prog
ress when became aware of a gentle
humming sound which resolved itself
into a scarcely audible, grossly inaccu-
rate yet recognizable performance of
that fated song. 1t was Jimmy La
moline who was guilty of this dire atroc-
ity. He was standing on the strip of
grass between the window and the
driveway, and his attitude and express
sion were studiously designed to give
the impression that his music was
purely involuntary, mere bodily act
uncontrolled by any purpose.
But Jimmy was marked card to
me. l knew his back as well as his
face This is a figure of speech.
really refer to the back of his mind.
for in his habit of seeming to give his
attention elsewhere, to be looking
away, so to speak, there lay the com
plete explanation of his manner of
mystery. 1t Is the same with all
tricksterS.
Jimmy" said 1, 'where did you get
that tuner"
''Tune?" he echoed. WAS 1 sing
ingY
This sort of question requires no
answer. Silence saves time.
'It seems to me-" said Jimmy slowly,
''that l heard a hand organ playing it
in st. Jo."
"You fatter me-" 1 replied, and,
though he did not fully understand, he
went through all the motions appro'
pirate to complete comprehension.
This was all the business that Jimmy
had in hand, and lie Immediately with
drew. He had performed his mystery.
and it was sufficient.
/ sat down to write letter to my
father, but had made no more than a
fair beginning by lunchtime. Mrs.
Witherspoon's proyender and good
cigar afterward, seemed to make the
matter easier:, and was able to ex,
press a part of what was on my mind
I told hin how had discovered SibyPs
secret and added that it was now OBJ
vious 20 me that it had been meant
that I should know the truth Shy
had shown amazing tact in this affair
for nothing could have been better
than that l should meet her in the
midst of this pretty mystery and learn
without embarrassment upon either
side that her heart was already won.
$50 far as can judge" l wrote
"she has chosen a good man. Indeed
1 assume that you know him and have
not condemned him, for If you haC
done 30 either Mr.. Trask or SHY
would not be here. 1t seems, however
that the poor little girl knows your
wish and is trying to act accordingly
Yet she would gladly escape the neces