The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-03-18
OUT Of THE
DEPTHS
~ BY MARTHA ~
MCULLOCH-WILLIAMS
Copyright, 1903, by t. G. Mcclure

V"V"v~V"~*V*V%V
Cause and effect are your true endless
chain. Thus because young Alanson
brought good letters, the very best, to
the rector and Squire Clark Mrs Brown
gave the garden party where so much
else happened. Mrs. Brown had three
girls to establish, and, as beaus were
none too plenty, naturally it was rul-
Ing principle with her to let no eligible
young man get away from Eastbridge
without proper experience Of their
destinations
The destinations were all very we'll
until Amy Peters came. Amy was nev-
er accounted beauty, but somehow
she put oil the set beauties out of court
and countenance. Behold her at the
party tripping airily about the lawn,
with young Alanson at one side, Jock
Hilman ut the other and Billy Corliss
tagging after like the faithful watch
dog he was. This while the other
young women had less than a beau
apiece. You will admit it was aggra-
yating. Kate Martin, Amy's best
friend, spelled upon her fingers "P-I-G"
as the train went past her. But Kate
was not in the least angry or jealous
She had Bobby Shepherd all to her
self, although Essie Brown had done
her best to lure the gentleman away.
"Let me tell you about Miss Amy"
Jock said to the stranger when pres
entity Amy was safely enthroned in a
garden chair, with her court still about
her. "She's nearly the only girl in
Eastbridge you don't have to court,
whether or no you want to-
"But you know you always want to,
Jocky, DEAR; Amy said saucily. Billy
Corltss laughed with; the srest but
somehow the laugh did not get into his
eyes. Young Alanson kept up the
game bravely. Can you imagine a
live man not wanting to?" he asked Of
the world in general and Billy in par
ticular. Billy put OH his most refiec-
tive look: .erhere might be extenuat-
ing circumstances" he said diplomat
icaly. Amy gave him a reproachful
glance and said loftily: "I suppose,
Billy, your extenuating circumstances
wear frocks. Pray, does it happen by
any chance that the most extenuating
OF them is named Clarissa Brown?'
NO" Billy said sturdily, shaking bis
head. "But that reminds me that neither
Mr.. Alanson nor have more than said
'howdy' to Miss Clarissa. Jock, you
stay here and keep this quicksilver
young person out Of mischief while we
scramble through the decent thing"
"Y0u may find us engaged unless you
hurry back" Amy flung after them.
Jock laughed aloud. Lets hide" he
saids' ~ know the wa place. Won't
It give Billy a jolt to come back and
ind us missingT
"He needs one, good and hard" Amy
Baid, tossing her head the least bit. 81
have not told anybody else, Jock, but
Tn going to marry Billy If can ever
make him show himself properly and
humanity foolish. He's so abnormaIly
steady going and sensible and settled ]
should not dare try to live up to him
, unless knew he had nice silly streak
somewhere"
{ II suppose you wouldn't any way
consider me. I'm pretty near all silly
! streaks," Jock said dolefully. Amy
laughed and patted his arm, saying
:But you have good sense streal1s, too
Jock, else why should you like me Sc
well? Well always be the best OF
: friends, know"
"Bet your bottom dollar on itv' Jock
said, hurrying her along. He was max
ing for tumbledown summer house
thfckIy overgrown with vines, that
nestled in the very farthest corner OF
the lawn. 1t had plank floor, rotten
and crumbly, and dilapidated rustic
bench along one side-a cool, deeply
shaded nook, sweet with roses and hon
eysuckle. Amy sprang joyously inside
IT, with Jock at her heels. AS they
made to sit down low, hollow reverbera
tons came up from below their feet
There was a dull crushing, giving
away. then before they could cry out 9
sliding down, down to dark, dank, un
known perilous depths.