The Press., 1905-01-04
IN RETREAT
 By TROY ALLISON Copyright, 1904, by Troy Allison

The dog beside Der 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.
 T fear l must crave your protec-
 tion." He took off his tweed cap with
 humorous gravity and smiled, first at
 the woman, then with a conciliatory
 air into the face of the bristling dog. She took the dog by the collar and
 drew him toward her.
 "I 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 club
 should the necessity arise.
 Perhaps he is a stickler for eti-
 quette," he suggested "and might re-
 gard my civilities with -er-ani-
 mostly if offered him my card"
 "I 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. "I wouldn't fur ther 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- | liteness.
 "Billie, most able bodyguard of an unprotected spinster, allow me to make you acquainted with one Dr. James Ferroll."
 Quite charmed, old fellow, assure you" Ferroll bowed extravagantly. You'll excuse my not shaking hands? You will? That's exceedingly kind, for would be slightly nervous about try ing it on first sight"
 "He will behave properly now" She paused, evidently expecting Ferroll to continue upstream.
 eff you wouldn't mind," he spoke hesitatingIy, "I will ask permission to fish here. In fact, have been dream ing about this very spot since my va cation last summer. By love, 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.
 "You did that just right" Ferroll whooped when she triumphantly lanl- ed her first fish. You let him take it under like an experienced hand. Pm proud of you" And he beamed on his pupil with an approval that caused her to feel more enthusiasm than a whole bushel of german favors had ever in- duced. .. -
 When she finally took up her novel and hat preparatory to'leaving he look l ed at her with frank friendliness.
 "Pm going to be here a month. hope | I will have the pleasure of seeing you ! again"
 Billie and I 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 a log hut that was built ill so small clearing that the break it made in the foliage was scarcely noticeable.
 "We 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 l have brought l will experience the novelty of eating a dinner 1 worked for"
 When Miss Winchester had first an that she was tired of her usual summers at Newport and had told her married brother that he might use her cottage for the season her people had 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 heir shoulders and congratulated them selves that Julia was the only one in ,he family who had ever shown symp- ,oms of eccentricity.
 With the help of the farmer who owned the cabin she mad fitted it up for rough camping life. The negress, Sally, had been recommended as a good cook and an able protector from calam:ties. The farmer had ldded an old fashioned dinner horn o the establishment, and Miss Win chester felt content that if the neces- ,ity arose Sally and Billie could hold he camp until the men from the near .st farmhouse could answer the sum- mons of the horn. Next day Ferroll had been in luck nd half filed his basket when she !. cached the creek. Good morning, Billie,'' he called . ut. T hope we are on friendly terms oday?" The dog sn:ffed at the basket of :, ish. then lay down on the coat Fer i, oil had discarded. i, '"That's right, old fellow, make your . elf at home. hope he doesn't ob- . ect to srnoke?" He looked at Miss : inquirinply. carefully : laced his rod in the forks of con enient bush and lit cigar prepara- ory to few minutes chat.
 "He never has shown any special , ondness for tobacco" = her smile [ truck Ferroll as possessing qualities ' f unconventionality and good con- ' adeship really think he likes t he smell of it out here ill the woods Ve like anything that offers a change. hats the reason we are rusticating." he f0ld EprrOll ahni1t fhn Ioor sno f,i,, | N