Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1907-05-31

BY NORMAN DUNCAN.

O -& &S~ -& A4 ~ 4A4(AJo n
9 BY NORMAN DUNCAN. o
0oesssssessseeeeeossessees
G"The Cruise of the Shining
Light grips and holds the attention
as the old-time novels grip and hold.
The story begins with faithful, inim-
liable old Nick Top and his care for
Dannie Galloway, whom the old man
strives tn bring up according to the
rules Of Lord Chesterfield. And there
is pretty Judith, of Whisper Cove, al
ways winsome in her tantalizing un-
expectedness. Together, Dannie and
Judith grow into young manhood
and womanhood, and there is the
checkered course of their love-affair
and wide sweep of varied and fas-
cinating interest. Here is the charm
ing description of the first kiss of
Dannie and Judith, both being then
in their early, teens:1
Nov the afternoon was near
spent. My hands were dizzy eyes
and heart far astray from the labor
of the time. 1t was very still and
dreamful in the cabin. The chinks
were red with the outer glow, and a
stream of mote-laden sunlight, aslant,
came in at the companionw ay.
1T fell upon Judith.
Judith, 1 whispered, bending
close, low 1 might as we'll have
might as we'll
She looked up in alright.
Have a kiss said ].
oh, no. she gasped.
Why not? Sure, I'm able for it,
Ay,' she answered, in her wis
fom yielding this; but, Dannie, child,
'tisn't lowed
why not?'
"Her eyes turned round with re-
ligious awe. God said she, with
solemn wag, wouldn't like it,
I'd never stop for that
May be, she chided; but l low.
lad, we ought t. 'blige I'm once in
while. IT'S no more than kind. An
what's kiss t. lack? Pooh!'
Il was baf1ed.
'Ah, well then' said she; AN
your hearts set on it, Dannie, I've no
mind t. stop you. But
Il moved forward, abashed, but
determined.
But she continued, with an en-
phasis that brought me to a stop. 4
low better ask God, t. make sure.
Twas the way she had in emery
encles.
Do said I, dolefully.
She spread her feet, shut her
eyes, set her teeth, clenched her
hands, and thus silently began to
wrestle for the answer, her face all
screwed, as by taste of lemon.
What news?' / inquired.
Hist she whispered. He's
lookin' at me through His glasses
Il waited an interval.
What now, Judy?'
Hist!' says she. He's wonderful
busy maxim up His mind. Leave I'm
be, Dannie!'
Twas trying. indeed 1 craved
the kiss. Nor by watching the child's
puckered lips could l win a hint to
ease the suspense that rode me.
Judy, maid,' implored, will He
never have done?'
You'll be maxim I'm mad, Dan
ME- she warned.
I can wait no longer
He's scowlin'.'
II wished l had not INTERRUPTED.
low she reported, He'll
shake His head in minute
Twas tender way to break ill
news.
Ay,' she sighed, opening her
eyes. 'He've gone an done it. /
knowed it. He've said hadn't bet
ter not. I'm wonderful sorry you We
t lack the kiss, Dannie. I'm wonder
full sorry, Dannie,' she repeated. in
little culver of pity, for you.
She was pitiful; there's no for
getting that compassionate fearful
concern and wistfulness. | was be-
wildered by the fantasy of weeping
and nonsense. For the little break
in her voice and the veil of tears upon
her eyes I cannot account. Twas the
way she had as a maid; and concern
ing this / have found it folly to spec
ulate.
'Dannie, she ventured, softly,
you're able t. take it.
'Ay-but will not
You're wonderful strong, Dan
ME, an I'm but a maid
I'll wrest no kisses, said /, with
witch of scorn, from maids
She smiled. Twas a passing
burst of rapture, which, vanishing,
left her wan and aged beyond her
years.
No., she whispered, but not to
me; he'd not do that. He'd not-do
that! An I'd care little enough for
the Dannie Galloway that would.
You cares little enough as It's
said I. You cares nothing at all.
You cares not jot.'
She smiled again; but now as a
wilful. flirting maid.
AS for carin' for you, Dannie,'
she unused, assembling candor, L do
an / don't
THE unholy spell that maid may
weave! The shameless trickery of
this.
I'll tell yor, she added. to-mor-
row.
There'Il be no tomorrow for we,
flashed, in passion. You care
nothing for Dannie Galloway.