The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-07-27
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I carriage stood ct the door,
-A-t and l was to 60 back to
N9N GsiII school for the spring term.
My mother gave innu-
merable instructions. SmootEed my col
lar. and adjusted NY cap on my head
properly, then gave me a kiss ana
stood looking wistfully at me as l went
down the walk and got into the car
riage.
A month or two late--it was in June,
I think-after hard struggle one af-
ternoon Will some figures, all about a
ship anG~a cargo and the profit and
all-that, 1 went out to join the other
boys.
When 1 reached the play ground they
We're gone. and there was nothing for
me to do but amuse myself as best l
could
I strolled about the house with my
hands in my pockets-which my moth
er had told me distinctly not to do
and, suddenly remembering her in
structions, took them out again; then,
for want of better amusement, be-
gan to whistle.
Next to/the school there was pref
ty cottage separated from the school
house by board fence. The two
houses were not hundrer feet tpart
and could look right through under
the trees, and there on the tennis
ground stood girl trifeyounger than
myself, looking straight at me.
Now, when boy suddenly finds
himself observed by a girl, he feels
somewhat queer. remember that very
well. My hands went right into my
pockets, but remembering that that
was not the correct thing to do in the
presence of a girl, I took them direct
" out again.
Then 1 concluded that it would be
good way to show how little I was
embarrassed by turning around up
my heel. movement on which I
greatly prided myself. After that, 1
don't remember-it was so long ago
what new capers cut. But one thing
is very certain. I was soon hunting
for something pretended to have lost
in the grass beside the fence.
IF it's your knife you've lost" I
heard q musical voice say. ''it isn't
there. I picked up a knife there
week ago, but it was ali rusty and no
good"
"Oh, never mind" said. looking up
into two eyes peeping out from a sun
bonnet; ''it wasn't much of knife,
and I've got another
care you one of the boys at the
school?'
Yes
what class are you in?''
The fourth"
''Do you study geography"
yes
whats the capital Of Austrian"
scratched my head.
Il don't remember that" admitted.
reluctantly. "I'm first rate on capitals,
but I can't recollect that one.'
why didn't you so off with the
boys?"
Il was behind with my sums. sup
pose they've gone to the river. I like
the woods pretty we'll; they're full Of
SQUIRRELS
And lizards" she added. I'm not
afraid of lizards. I suppose you're
afraid to so there
''No, I'm not"
"If YOU want to 50 there now, and
are afraid. I don't mind going with
you, just to keep off the lizards and
things"
She looked wistfully out at the wood.
I can see her now leaning Oh her
wicket deliberating-if such pro-
cess can be called deliberation where
the conclusion was determined-the
straight. 1.-the figure poised between
the racket and one foot, one little leg
crossed on the other-peering out at
the forest.
Suddenly, without any warning. she
dropped the racket and started for the
wood.
We ws.e not long in crossing the
field. and were walking in the dense
shade when she stopped, and looking
at me with her expressive, eyes, said:
How still it is in here! 1t seems
to me can almost hear the silence"
Yes. it is pretty solemn" l replied.
t'Let's go on; the river winds about
down there, and We can see the water
go over the dam
I heard Il distant voice calling
Julia 1t was very faint: she die
not hear it. l stood moment hesitat
ing.
Come. let's go" I said, starting
forward.
Julia l heard again, more family
than before.
1 hurried on. fearing sic would heal
the voice and turn back.
Presently we emerged from the WOO
and stood by the river. l was familiar
with tie ground. and led my little
friend directly to the dam.
Most of the boys are afraid t
walk out on that dam" I said.