Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1904-12-20
SPIRIT OF JEFF ERSON.

II Copyright, 1904. by Troy Allison
The dog beside her growled, and the
woman, looking up from her novel.
saw the man coming down the path,
fishing tackle in hand.
The path was overgrown with weeds,
and there were few indications that
1t was used except by the cattle com
Ing to the creek for water.
The dog arose, alertly pugnacious,
and the fisherman suddenly became
conscious of the fact that his favorite
spot was pre-empted.
Il fear | must crave your protec-
tion." He took off his tweed cap with
humorous gravity and smiled, first at
the woman, then with conciliatory
air into the face of the bristling dog.
She took the dog by the collar and
drew him toward her
Il can at least offer you a reprieve
from sudden DEATH" She held the ami
NAL with firm. white hand, and Fer
roll loosened his grip on the fishing
rods he had intended. using as a club
should the necessity arise.
Perhaps he is stickler for eti-
quette," he suggested, "and might re-
gard my ciyilities with less -er-ani-
mostly If / offered him my card"
IL must admit he shows more ami
ability toward people to whom he has
been introduced"
He took a cigar case from his pocket
and offered it to her, his name printed
in gilt letters on the side.
Kindly introduce me to him prop
erly," he implored. Il wouldn't fur
Their offend his sense of propriety for
worlds
She patted the dog on the head and,
pointing toward the newcomer, made
the introduction with exaggerated po-
likeness.
billie. most able bodyguard of an
unprotected spinster, allow me to
make you acquainted with one DIR.
James Ferroll"
quite charmed, old fellow, | assure
you.'' Ferroll bowed extrayagantly.
You'll excuse my not shaking hands?
You will? That's exceedingly kind, for
l would be slightly nervous about try
ing ii on first sight"
'.Ife viii behave properly now" She
paused, evidently expecting Ferroll to
continue upstream.
IF you wouldn't mind.' he spoke
hesitatingly, Il will ask permission to
fish here. In fact, have been dream
ing about this very spot since my va
cation last summer. BY Jove, ! caught
some beauties here"
In less than an hour she had dropped
her novel on the grass by the side Of
the now placidly sleeping Billie and
was taking her first lesson in the art
of bass fishing.
sYou did that Just right" Ferroll
whooped when she triumphantly land
ed her first fish. You let him take it
under like an experienced hand. I'm
proud of youp And he beamed on his
pupil with an approval that caused her
to feel more enthusiasm than whole
bushel of german favors had ever in
duced.
When she finally took up her novel
and hat preparatory to leaving he look
ed at her with frank friendliness.
I'm going to be here month. hope
l will have the pleasure of seeing you
again"
billie and l spend hours in this spot
every day. If you do much fishing
you will probably meet up with us oc-
casionally."
She smiled goodby, and the big dog
followed her into the woods.
After a half mile walk she reached
log hut that was built in so small a
clearing that the break it made in the
foliage was scarcely noticeable.
I'VE are suffering from an outrageous
hunger, Sally" she said to the buxom
negro woman that met her at the cab
in door. IF you will cook some of
that funny corn bread you make so
beautifully and fry this fish | have
brought / will experience the novelty
OF eating a dinner | worked for"
When Miss Winchester had first an
4
summers at Newport and had told her
married brother that he might use her
cottage for the season her people had
wondered why she should desire any
thing different from the lovely cottage
where she had spent her summers for
the last ten years.
When she had told them she was go
ing to spend three months in little
Virginia country place that they could
not find on the map they shrugged
their shoulders and congratulated them
selves that Julia was the only one In
the family who had ever shown symp-
toms of eecentricity.
With the help of the farmer who
owned the cabin she had fitted it up
| for rough camping fife The negress,
Sally. had been recommended as a
good cook and an able protector from,
ordinary calamities. The farmer had
added an old fashioned dinner horn
| to the establishment, and Miss Win
chester felt content that If the neees-
sity arose Sally and Billie could hold
the camp until the men from the near
est farmhouse could answer the sum
mons OF the horn.
Next day Ferroll had been in luck
and half filed his basket when she
reached the creek.
Good morning. Billie" he called
/ out. Il hope we are on friendly terms
todays'
The dog shifted at the basket Of
fish. then lay down on the coat Fer
roll had discarded