Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-04-08

brook all day. Maybe the water would soak in. She started back to the house. Obviously the first thing to do was to get pair of scissors and some 1 soap.
 Aggie May crept softly into her mothers room. It was empty, with her work-basket lying just within Az, gie Mays reach. She turned back to the orchard triumphantly. By night her soul should be clean. Through the orchard. over the meadow. into the cool darkness of the woods. Aggie May sped. The brook was deep in the heart of the forest, and she had never been there alone before, but she knew the way. Un- der the dim aisles of quiet trees the child ran swiftly, now one direc- l, tion, now another until in a maze of bark and trunk she stood, great fear arising in her heart. Where was she? But she went on determinedly. The brook must be found. Mrs. Sangster stood at the door. shading her eyes with her hand. What can make the child so late?" she said. Her sister glanced up from her work. Perhaps she has gone to meet her father" she suggested.
 But the mother caught sight of a figure moving across the meadow. ''No," she said; there comes Abe alone. Mag, something has happened to Aggie May"
 She started down the path, and her sister rose. and reluctantly followed. She wanted to finish her sewing.
 T last saw her under the apple tree about three, should say" answered Mag.
 The three hurried to the spot, half expecting to find her at play. It was Aggie Mays favorite spot to play. to think or to pout All the great crises | of her life had been enacted here. But her swing hung limp and motion l less.
 Mr. Sangster turned to go, but his wife suddenly called him back with . piercing cry.
 Look" she said. At her feet lay a heap of golden curls, and beside them, thrown upon the ground, lay . pair of scissors-her scissors.
 Indians" gasped Mag, turning white.
 "Gipsies, ventured the mother. "Oh, Aggie May, Aggie May, where are you?" she called, wildly.
 l Mr. Sangster said nothing. He stopped and gathered up the handful of golden hair, and crammed it in his pocket.
 Then he crossed the meadow. In the open space it was still broad daylight. but in the forest beyond the shadows were always black.
 Mag" said Mrs. Sangster, sudden. ly turning to her siste--in-law, run and rouse the men, and get lanterns. We'll search the woods"
 Meanwhile Aggie Mays little feet sped fast and faster. The shadows thickened. How thickly they fell amid the dense growth of the forest. Ghosts and goblins loomed fantas. tically behind each tree. A sharp cracking sound overhead made her crouch and hold her breath in terror. It was a dead branch falling at her feet. With nameless fear that choked her, she hastened on.
 Suddenly the trees became less dense, and the light grew brighter, as she neared the open space. She stood in wonder. It was not the fairies, after all. She had reached the brook. | She knelt down beside it. She took from her pocket the soap. and rubbed it carefully on the spot Just behind her forehead. Her mamma would be glad to see her without that black word on her brow. The little shorn head bent low over the swiftly nov. ing stream, and she caught the reflec. tion of earth and sky in it's dancing ripples. Suddenly she reeled, the earth slipped away, she felt the cold water grip her. and then with a cry she plunged head foremost into the current. .E . Some instinct of motherhood guided Mrs. Sangster's footsteps. The sound of Aggie Mays voice reached her faint ly at first. then louder, until it re- sounded through the stiffness in fran tic echoes. Following the sound, she plunged ahead, and arrived just in time to sec small hand flung out wildly from the middle of the brook, then sped onward.
 It was not a heroic task to step in and rescue the fallen child. Mir. Sangster waded to the middle of the stream. and in a moment Aggie May was in her mcther's arms.
 Behind them, iL the forest, lights were gleaming like firefiies, and the arched dome of the forest rang with shouts of Aggie Mays name. She lay very white and scared, while the water trickled down in little rivulets from her limp arms and legs. Aggie May flung a dripping arm about her mothers neck. Tt was very cold" she said. nestling closed in the pro- tecting arms. and the water getted in my froat. but I fink it must have comed of. They ain't no sugar on my soul now. is they. mammal" And Mrs. Sangster. with choking voice. answered.: No. dear; your soul is very white now"
 Aggie May clapped her hands joy- asr A..