Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1907-01-24
CHAPTER Xxx.

a warm dILSEuOOu WAS uFdWlnS W
a close. Clouds banked the western
sky, dark as with the smoke of bat
tie, while from their crimson lining
bristled spears Of gold.
On the river a skiff shot between
ruf1es of foam. Two men sat in the
boat; one dark as the water he cleft
with feathered oar, the others pale
profile sharply outlined against the
bluffs beyond. Over n shoulder
was flung a cape which the wearer
adjusted from time to time as though
its weight were a burden. But his
name was alert, eager, and he
scanned the shore with earnest eyes.
$50 this is the place, Owatoga," he
said, and scarcely waited for the keel
to scrape the sand before his foot
touched shore.
When Winslow and his guide came
in sight of the cabin, it appeared de-
serted; only a thin curl of smoke
beckoned invltingly, and the weather
vane bobbed a welcome.
At last a familiar figure came from
back Of the cabin. America" and
Winslow darted forward without hest
tation. The old woman's eyes in the
uncertain light glittered like those of
a cat; then, recognizing him, she
smiled, and there was u%nctuous de-
light in her hearty: "You-Mars Wins
low? Fo' Gawd's sake!"
He shook her hand, and the long,
damp fingers responded with the I'M
certain hold of one not accustomed to
the action.
II 'spicioned I heern the gravel
scrunoh; my years is sharp yit. Use
tur'ble glad to see yo', Mars Winslow,
l kin O. feared yo' might O. disremem-
bered us all by dis time"
She had gone forward to meet them
and as they reached the house: lies
be right STILL" she cautioned; ~"'cause
missy done fell to sleep. Sposin' we
set out hyar awhile" and she brought
chairs under the tiny framework ovel
the door, from which a honeysuckle
vine flung ample shade.
"De folks is all gone off somewhars
Mars Creighton, an de young mar
tuk'n went to town to do some tradin'
Missy Lavvy jes' toted off to get some
fresh ar. She'll be back immejit."
Thus the old negress rambled on
including even Owatoga in this gra
cious reception.
Winslow spoke little, fearing tt
break the spell which held him in en-.
chantment all the more alluring, tina
ne knew it could not last. Silently hi
drank in the delicious languor of {
young midsummer night. A breeze
blew from the river, heavy with thu
perfume Of blossoming locust trees
where birds scolded and chaffed il
wide-awake preparation for slumber
Clear, close, comforting hung tn,
sky, where the bold stars cam earl.
out, though light yet glowed in tn,
wake of the sun. 1t soothed Winslov
to think that this was her home--thii
sweetness Of summer, Of bird and ire,
and blossom. 1t was all hers, and shi
the fairy princess Of this enchanted
wood.
And so, indeed, she seemed. whei
from the copse beyond she came, he
arms filed with a pungent weed tina
gave forth a spicy aromatic odoF. o
slender, ethereal beauty, in her ligh
muslin dress against the dark trees
she moved like a will-o'-the wisp, ant
Winslow had wished she might longe
hover there--the real woman OF lesl
and blood had power to wound. Il
crush him; rather would he sit thu
and gaze upon this sprite. this lady 0
the green.
Americas homely exclamation re
called him. well, eff I ain plum gla,
she's got dat STUFF to keep Off d
shelters! Laud knows We need it
Hurry up. Miss Layvy. comp'ny,
come"
AS the girl quickened her pace AM
entered the clearing, Owat~ga ad
vanced to meet her, with stately ma
tive courtesy-sure Of her sweet re
Spouse.
And then-she stopped, and looke'
past the indian with swift foreknowl
edge or whom she should see; Of u
whom belonged the 1.-THE and auopl