Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1907-07-18
A Sunday On The Gravois.

region Of Old Gravois. This party con.
sisted of youths and maidcns fair whose
hearts were light with the anticipation
of the pleasures always in store for those
visiting tina, region.
Leaving the city about Z o'clock the
lowering clouds, with their threatening
showers, were forgotten, and the views Of
the rugged hills with their ragged rocks
vanished, and were replaced by fairer
visions. and the golden dreams that open
to tile magic painter Of the youthful mind.
Before they were hardly aware Of the
fact, the rerdant meadows and the ma
;estic hills opener 10 their view-they
were in the land Of gushing springs and
crystal streams-whcre the ripping wa
tiers flow fresh forever. Notwithstanding
an occasional shower, the ardor of these
pleasure seekers was undated and they
entered into the enjoyment with a will.
The clear water, as it wound away in its
wild revcl through the valley, carries an
irresistible charm in its ripping song.
This charm and this song found imincdi-
ale response, and two OF the four couples
began immediate exploration of the sur
rounding beauties. The s~trear1, how.
ever beautiful, was q rebellious one and,
thanks to that nature, no bridge spanned
its crystal current. But the resources of
mankind are unfailing, and to the eyes
Of those youths all the beauties which
they were 80 arden,ly seeking lay on the
farther shore. And with the genius,
which il sometimes born Of emergency,
four Of the party crossed on four feet
and then after the crossing ami the re-
crossing. These deeds of chivalric hero.
ism were performed with utmost salts.
faction to all, and lent a tingc Of romance
t. the journey. But the pleasures in this
beautiful region we're just begun, for
i!en they turned their course up the val
ley 4 the lakes which clustered in en-.
chanting beauty between the surround
ing hills; and here, as the sun had reach
ed high Don those fair mai'lens spread
q suniptous feast, and all ind ulged to
.itII uti1DNt 'Hp'ClIS.
The broad lake, which street chcd ont
Is silvrry cxpansc, proved so inviting
j'tt three Of the youths. immedia tely
after the feast, donncd their fantastic
bathing suits. rowed out into the lake
aud plunged into its silvcry waves. The
swim proved enjoyable for a bit, but the
water had a kind of shaky effect on the
limbs. and n chattcring effect on the
teeth. The swim over the shivcring lads
retired TO the bath house, and there they
Planned, with chnt,ering teeth, that they
would play sick and enjoy the sweet
milistrations Of those fair eyed rnaidens.
SO one hoy with a grave mathematical
loDk), Immediately hurried to a window
and proceeded TO dispose, with little ef-
fort, of tina, sumptuous feast which he
had so thoroughly enjoyed a few mo.
m"lits before. he complained Of bcinG a
l!tt,e sick and lay down, but soon dccid.
rG he didn't care to he i'll even for the
tender care and ~,carful eyes of one who
watched with anxiety.
Another youth unable 10 dispose of
his dinner. also said he was sick and i'm.
mediaiely laid down and tried to chill,
aud after a few determined efforts and "A
few groans he succeeded in accomplishing
his purpose, for a sorrowiul face appear.
ci. trembling with excitement, aud with
almost tears in her voice. she wal ed. II,
he gomez is he gomez This satisfied the
audacious youth. and he Immediately be.
gan to revive under the tender care OF his
lady fair"
The sun sank away behind the golden
clouds leaving a touch of spcndor on the
shimn'eriTg waters OF the lake, the boat
driited into shore and the merry party
started on the homeward journey while
the shadows rnveioped the hills, Enjoy
mcnt ran high and the songs Of the mer.
Iy.nakers rang through hill and valley.
j;ut the maidens, no, to be outdone by
any trick Of the audArious lads. with all
mohssty, decided that they had eaten toe
much at noon. and playeh-'ike they were
reaping the reward of such caprice.
They indeed SAID they were sick, but
darkness and the strong right arms OF
the young men prevented them from be
coming very much 50. But one, whom
wo last saw with tears In her ewes reviv
Ing the pcrishing, was more determined
than the rest, and having to deal with q
lad slow of speech, she determined IA