Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-01-07
IN RETREAT
By TROY ALLISON
Copyright. 1904. by Troy Allison
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.
ana there wese few Indications that
II was used except by the cattle com.
ing 10 the creek for water.
The dog arose. alertiy pugnacious.
and the fisherman suddenly became
conscious of the fact that his favorite
spot was pre-empted.
Il fear | must crave your protec-
ton 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
ron loosened his grip OH the fishing
rods he had intended using as a club
should the necessity arise
Perhaps he is stickler for Ell
auette." he suggested. land might re-
gard my civilities with less-er-ani-
mostly IL / offered him my card
II must admit he shows more ami
ability toward people to whom he has
been introduced"
He took n 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 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.
IF you wouldn't mind" he spoke
hesitatingly, II will ask permission to
fish here In fact, have been dream
ing about this very spot since my va
cation last summer. BY Joye. l 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 land
ed her first fish. You let him take 1t
under like an experienced hand. I'm
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
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 spend hours In this spot
every day. II you do much fishing
you will probably meet up with us oc-
easionally.'
She smiled goodby. and the big dog
followed her into the woods.
After half mile walk she reached
log hut that was built in so small a
clearing that the break 1t 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 l have
brought ! will experience the novelty
OF eating dinner | worked for
When Miss winchester had first an
nounced that she was tired of her usual
summers at Newport and had told her
AAA1AAicu utOlueT lust He AiiShS uSS ASA
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 60
ing to spend three months in a 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 eccentricity.
With the help of the farmer who
owned the cabin she had fitted 1t up
Tor rough camping life. 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
10 the establishment. and Miss VIM
chester felt content that IL the neces-
si'y arose Sally and Billie could hold
the camp until the men from the near
est farmhouse could answer the sum-
mons Of the horn.