The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1904-04-20
Nance Hooper was staad

L.
thc mountain. There was
low rail fence across the head of the
ravine few yards from the mountain
highway. and against this fence Nance
was leaning A great mass of flowing
brown hair reached far down below
her waist, about which her homespun
Ecock was tucked into large roll.
ihus shortening her skirts. in order
Nat she might move about more Il cely.
Up to the right Of the ravine was u
little log cabin where she lived.
1t was late in the afternoon. and as
Nance called the hogs great crowd Of
them came galloping IN the hill to
scramble over the apronful of vege-
tables which Nance threw over the
fence. From far down the raylne came
the roar of the Tuc6asiegs River as its
waters tumblcd over the ragged
powders that marked its bed. With
her elbows on the fence and her chin
resting in her hands. Nance fingered to
listen to the roar of the river while she
dreamed. Small clouds were gathering
In the sky all around. and the young
girls eye watched them slowly change
from one shape to another. forming TO
her mind the outlines of various ami
mails and birds.
While Nance was thus lost in her
dreaming and p.cture.making she sud
denly felt an arm placed about her
WhirlinG around she found herself in
the embrace of tall young noun
taineer. who held her firmly about the
waist and was looking a world of ten
uerness down into her eyes.
'Oh. Zeb. how you scared me. Turn
me loose this minute cried Nance
struggling to free herself At the
same time two bright tears came into
her eyes.
Won't you kiss me, Nanca?" asked
The young man, eagerly.
NO, | won't You didn't have any
business to scare me, that's what you
didn't"
Zeb released her .nd stood back.
For moment neither Of them spoke
Nance again stood holding the top
rail of the fence, and was gazing 6 way
down the ravine. Ieb stood a few feet
away, with his eyes turned toward the
ground. At last he spoke:
Nance, I'm powerful sorry scared
Eou."
The girl did not reply There was
mother long pause, after which Zeb
spoke again:
Did big days work yesterday and
another one to-day, Nance. Put forty
i've logs into the river, nearly all big
Ines."
lie waited a moment, during which
be cautiously raised his eyes to level
with the back of Nance's head.
II got that strip of land paid for
ast Saturday; and-and Eve got
enough left TO build house on it.,
Nance"
Still no reply.
Wages are better than they have
been" he went on, "and | thought we
might as well get married now. That's
what I've come to see about, Nance.
think we've waited about long
enough"
Silence still. Zeb sat down on an old
stump near by and waited a long while.
Finally he rose again and gazed up AT
the sky all around.
From the looks Of the sky the rlverll
oe high enough to float logs in the
morning. he said. thrusting his hands
'own into the pockets Of his pantaloons
and striving hard to clear a strange
GHsklness from his voice
They're putting in machinery down
al Dillsboro to start up locust pin
factory, Nance. Reckon | could get a
good many locust blocks OF of that
piece OF land I've bought"
Again Ieb's vision wandered toward
Nance, but she still stood motionless
by the fence. her long hair waving
gently in the light breeze that was stir.
ring And the longer Zeb Gazed upon
the woman he loved the fuller grew his
BOSOM until he could no longer with
Nand the pressure; and his words were
ilmost In the tone of wall 40 he saul,
back upon the old stump:
"Oh. Nance. amt you ever a'goiu 10
say anythingf"
Nance continued as lmmoyable AS ne.
'ore. At last Zeb replaced his big hat
opon his head and arose.
KNOW WHAT'S the matter. Nance" "
ne said. II can see 1t all now. Pole
Dorsey's been a-cOmin' to see YOU of
ate; and-yes-I can see it now. Nance
fol don't love me any more
Zeb paused to steady his voice. which
lad grown little husky
Nance" he continued. "Id a -diet
Tor you any time, and | thought you
would have loved me right on. Nance
tight on. But now--I--I can't say any
more. Good-by. Nance"
ii, turned and walked toward th,
toad. But he had only gone few
steps when he turned ana came bacl
again. going close up to Nance, where
be stopped a moment. Then he spoke
Before ! go. Nance. won't you tel
me. fair and square, is II me or Pole 2
There was no answer.
Never mind. then; know that 20,
Just hate to tell me that you don't Low,
me any more. and | won't make you
Once more. Nance. good-by."
He stealthily lifted wisp OF her lon
hair and feryently pressed 1t TO hi
Ups. then walked rapidly away. Marc
heard the sound OF his footsteps grow
ing fainter and fainter as he sscende
the hard roadbed which turned owe
ns hill Just sboye The cabin. rtsalI.