The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-10-18
CAUSED BY A KISS.
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tBy Mary Bray.) fl ,(COuyvl1ht 1QOA hv May NIcK ann

,(Copyright. 1906, by May McKeon.) ~.
 Billy kissed her. It had not been entirely unexpected He had threatened and she had laughed and leased him. Then IT happened and she had struck him a sting ing blow in the face-and ran, plunging through tangled vines and bushes, tearing her light dress and scratching her arms on the blackberry thorns. until she broke into an open space where one might stop to breathe. She paused the flung herself upon the ground. pressing hot hands to warm, flushed cheeks.
 Why had Martha run away? Because she hated Billy? Oh no! or she would not have gone blackberrying with him. Because she loved to scramble through brush and brier? Hardly. Why then? Because Cher thoughts rambled confusedly)-just because he kiss ed her. Perhaps Bully would come and find her She waited quite a tme but he did not come; and at last, with sigh. she remembered the blackberry pail and rose to her feet ''
 It was a large pail, holding five gallons and was much less than half filled Not caring to retrace her steps, she crossed the opene and pressed on to a blackberry patch farther away. to which they sell dom came. The day was blistering hot. and when the last glistering berry had heaped the pail. she lifted 1t with tired. purpled fingers. and started home, carry ing in her heart the feeling of a disap- pointing day.
 It was quite a distance to the farm house and the girl hesitated, considering which would be the shortest route. finally decid- ing upon a path not much used at that point. but soon communicating with the country road
 She had gone but short distance on the path when crunching step In the woods startled her. and an Instant later man stepped out from the trees startetd at sec ing her. grinned amiably and walked to her side. She stifled her first impulse to scream. There was no one near to hear. so plucky Martha concealed her alarm and walked quietly her way.
 'Lemme carrr the pail.' he said: "it's too heavy for you" s
 "I can carry it." said Martha.
 Maybe you can; hut win.' he respond ed, and took 1t from her
 Rapidly she tried form a mental plan of action. She could not shake off the instinctive feeling that the man meant -harm: yet she knew the absolute futilty of crying out trying to run from him. If she could keep him from molesting her further until the path joined the country road she would be reasonably safe, as wag- ons and buggies passed there quite con- tinually.
 He began to talk. inquirirg about the principal farmers around the vicinity-who they were the best roads. the distances to towns; and she answered. rever teasing {" be painfully alert. never stacking speed . "Herel Quit the pace he suddenly Nx- claimed roughly putting one arm around her waist in firm grasp You needn't try to away from me, and I'm not go ing to run with you Cut 1t out"
 Her heart almost stood still. Then 1t flashed upon her that. somewhere near, an other path from this one deeper into the woods. toward deserted little cabin. That 1t stood open she know that the door could he closed and barred. she als" knew. having once taken refuge there in 9 rainstorn, with party of picinckers. Her eyes. now strand to unnatural keenness' discerncd the hrcnk In the shrubbery where the second path gan. not far ahead. Just as they approached 1t. with sudden movement she t"ioped him. unguarded. sending him spraw'irg over the pail of blackberries she wrenched herself away and dashed down the turning p7th. tearing along at a speed uner any other circum- stances impossible.
 She had start of several yards before he regained his footing and madiy rushed after her. She ran till pain throbbed in her side and her eyes swan. never fa H. tcring: then it seemed to her that she was lifted to insensibility. and sped on without volition conscious only Of sneAd The csA-