The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1908-02-01


haIf-breed. She runs away and reaches
the camp of Martin Frisbie. occupied by
Martin. his wife, nephew, Raymond Stet-
son. and guides. She tells her story and
u cared for by Mrs. Frisbie.
CHAPTER lI.-continued.
Angie smiled, while Martin stared at
the girl with increased establishment.
He knew who this Mcclure was, and
something of his history, and that
Tins Place was hillside clearing far
up the river, inhabited by an Irish
family devoted to the raising Of pota-
toes. He had halted there once, long
enough to observe its somewhat sloth-
full condition. and to buy pork and POI
tatoes; but this tale was a revelation.
and the girl herself greater one.
This oasis in the wilderness was
fully 40 miles above here, its only con-
0ection with civilization was seldom
used log road which only an expert
enced woodsman could follow, and
how this mere child had dared it, was
Q marvel.
But there she was, squat on the
ground and watching them with big
black. pleading eyes. There was but
one thing to do, to care for her now,
as humanity insisted, and Angie made
the first move. 1t was In the direction
of cleanliness; for entering the tent,
she soon appeared with some of her
own extra clothing, soap, and towels.
and babe the girl follow her up the
river a few rods.
The moon was shining clearly above
the treetops, the campfire burned
brightly. and Martin, Ray and Levi
were lounging near it when the two
returned. and in one an astonishing
transformation had taken place.
Angie had gone away with girl of
ten in respect to clothing, her skirt
evidently made Of gunny cloth and
reaching but little below her knees,
and for a waist, what was once a
mans red flannel shirt, and both in
rags. Soiled with black mud, and
bleeding, she was an object pitiable
beyond words; she returned young
lady. almost, in stature. her face shin
ing and rosy, and her eyes so tender
with gratitude that they were pathetic.
Another change had also come with
cleanliness and clothing-a sudden
bashfulness. 1t was some time ere
she could be made to talk again, but
finally that wore away and then her
story came. What a tale It was
scarce credible.
II was fantastic, weird, almost
spookish tale,-the spectres she had
seen were so real to her that the tell
ing made them seem almost so to the
rest. and beyond that. the girl herself.
90 like young witch, with her shad-
owy eyes and furtive glances, added to
the Illusion.
But now came diversion, for Levi
the fire, and at nod from
Angie. Ray brought forth his banjo
It was his one pet foible, and 1t went
with him everywhere, and now. with
time and place so in accord, he was
glad to exhibit his talent. He was not
an expert,-a few jigs and plantation
composed his repertory,-but|
with the moonlight glinting through
the spruce boughs, the river murmur-
Ing near. somehow one could not fail
to catch the quaint humor of "Old
Uncle Ned" "Jim Crack Corn" and
the like, and see the two duslzy lovers
rs they foated down the "Tombigbee !
River" and feel the pathos of Nellie |
Grey" and "Old Kentucky Home"
Ray sang fairly well and in sympa-
thy with each theme. To Angie and |
the rest it was but ordinary; but to |
this waif, who never before had heard |
y banjo or darby song, it was mar
velous. Her face lit up with keen In
terest, her eyes grew misty at times, |
and once two tears stole down her |
cheeks.
For an hour Ray was the center of |
and then Angie arose.
Come. Chip" she said pleasantly,
It's time to go to bed, and you are
TO share my tent"
I'D rather not" the girl replied ]
Il amt fit. l kin jist ez we'll |
curl 'longside o. the fire."
ooI hu6io luSlotcu duu Tue girl lOl-
lowed her into the tent.
Here occurred another incident that |
must be related. Angie, always de-
rUut, and somewhat puritanical, was
one who never forgot her nightly
prayer, and now, when ready for slum-
Der, she knelt on the bed of fir twigs,
and by the light of one small candle
,ffered her usual petition, while Chip
her with wide and wondering
ayes. AS might be expected, that waif
was mentioned, and with deep feeling.
do We s'pose God heard ye?" she
lueried with evident candor, when
Angie ceased.
why, certainly" came the earnest
answer; God hears all prayers"
"And do the spites hear emf"
There are no such creatures as
spites.'" answered Angie, severely;