The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-08-17

that had passed between himself and | "Cad Maid Bancroft" Its up to you. Dolf." asserted ter ry. emphatically, ito provide the ma terial for our supper. I hope you aren't going to be outwitted by a woman, and a single woman. at that" Not IT. was the firmly uttered re- sponse. Would bread and milk and berries do for this onceT Jerry and Jack agreed that the menu would be satisfactory. Dolf took the water pail and again wended his way woodward. They asked him no ques- | tions. Dolf was not given to revela- tions of plans until after fulfillment. It was not long before he returned with a pailful of warm milk. The cows were in the pasture. and I played the role of the merry milk maid." related Dolf. as they gathered about the festive and knotted board. "One a patient. gentle animal over- stocked with milk and grateful to me for my inexperience but effectual eff forts to relieve her of her load" T wonder what Roanna will think when she comes to milk that partic- ular cow" exclaimed Jack, delight edly.
 "Roanna will not attempt to milk that particular COW. for around the neck of the bovine I wound a wreath of rope studded with field flowers, and to this wreath I fastened a tobacco bag containing the half dollar and a note informing the fair Roanna that her purloin had forced me to help my self to a supply of human kindness. boldly and illegibly signed my own name so as not to incriminate you fellows"
 T wonder what her next move will ber'
 T will stay in ambush tomorrow and find out" said Dolf.
 Early morning. however, disclosed the fact that Roanna had moved quick ly. A note pinned to the fly of the tent informed one Dolf Sewell that the moonlight and man had tempted her to row on the river. AS they wished to avoid pulling up stream they had left the boat three miles below at Crawford's landing. There was a post- script conveying the intelligence that
 the half dollar in payment of boat hire would be found in the bait can. well. Roanna Is not so slow" ob- served Jerry. Wonder if she really
 had a man! She's a scarecrow in ap- pearance." Tt was the hired man. doubtless, |" said Jack. T saw him one day at the post office. He is a meek, bossed- looking individual. But you are going to take the next trick are you, Dolf?' "Of course. I am going to force her hand" he replied.
 Picking up the covered basket he went farther into the woods this time on his way to the farm. He gathered huge handfuls of delicate forest fiow- aF nd nf Fro oerfI "Old maids always go daffy over | stuff." he said to Jerry. whom he passed en route. and I am going to present her with these" He walked boldly up to the austere- looking front door, which was opened to his ring by a brown-eyed. brown | tressed vision of girlhood. TT would like to see Miss Ban- croft" he said in a surprised voice. T am Miss Bancroft" came the as-
 tonishing reply, in a tone vibrating
 with chords of amusement. You are MT. A. Camper?" It was easier now. Yes; likewise Dolf Sewell. Is it you with whom I have been trading? Tt is. Walk in. and we'll settle accounts"
 She led the way into a room that quite harmonized with his original
 ideas of Miss Bancroft White, kal- | somined walls; four chairs-exactly
 alike-in as many corners, each turned politely and obliquely towards its vis- l avis; a marble-top center table and an organ furnished the room in odd contrast to Miss Bancroft's shirt waist suit and fiuffed pompadour. Upon her invitation, he seated him. self in one of the corner chairs. while | she occupied the stool before the or gan.
 Did you find your boat and money?'
 she asked demurely.
 T haven't looked for them yet. The | half dollar belongs to you" T am not sure." she said, ref1ective- ly. You have had one dozen eggs and the milk of one COW, which is not | equal in value to the trout and renta
 of boat. Still. the inconvenience to us hens: that is. laying hens. and we had
 planned to set all the milk to supply
 cream for the Sunday school picnic | T am sure" he said. contritelv | that I owe you the half dollar anG
 apology and-herew he handed her tht
 basket with the flowers and ferns.
 She took 1t hesitatingly; lifted tht
 cover. and then uttered little, word | less cry of pleasure. | come Into the Kltcnen while ar range them," she said, after she nat
 feasted her eyes and nostrils on tho
 delicately odored blossoms. He followed her into the big, sanc.
 secured kitchen adorned with gilt | tering tinware.
 | T am alone today" she announced
 as she filled some glass pitchers witt
 water. The others have gone to thC
 picnic"
 Why didn't you go?" "I have forgotten now the reason
 gave" she replied with little laugh | by myself. and I was just packing { | luncheon to take into the woods wher
 I heard you ring"
 nic-dinner with us." he urged earn
 estly. There will be fish, and" And fish," she finished. II fear it,
 my luncheon instead of my soclet,
 that prompts your hospitality" You needn't bring a thing" he said reckoning.
 ''Oh, but I shall, There's a cold
 roast chicken, some green apple pies
 sugared doVghnuts, pickles and cottag,
 cheese. Do you think they will lik,
 them?'
 A great peace fell upon Dolf. H,
 helped her pack the basket and lock
 up the house. On their way to tho
 river. a dark foreboding suddenly
 seized him. The boat ride of the nigh | before! No! Impossible for her tC have kept company" with the help | Where is your friend who took yor
 boat riding last night?' he asked, ab. l rptly.