The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1908-02-22
Out Of the Race.
BY HILDA JAMES.

VVVVOVOVVVOVOVO
OF course it was a boat race, FOR
the Powells were summering on the
picturesque edge of a lake. A race
meant . bright day and smooth wa
tiers, and a score Of excited girls and
boys, al eager for the fun; the docks
gay with flags and bunting, and the
slender rowboats manned by singles
or doubles" as the race called Tor.
Nita Powell's boat was conspicuous
among them all, principally because
Nita's had been the champion record
holder Of the season. 1t was called
The Brownie" because OF its color,
and the girl loved it as any one else
might love a dog or cat.
She sat in it now as it lay rocking
at its moorings, and looked at her
mother with an anxious face.
DO you think she'll come?' she
asked.
'Of course, dear! Adelaide is tired
Of the seashore and when Adelaide is
tired there is no delay"
which means that she'll come in
time to enter for the race, and | will
have to lend The Brownie because
she's company. That will leave me
out entirely: it's too bad! Adelaide is
always such an uncomfortable per-
SON."
perhaps the train may be delayed.
said Lester, hopefully. He was rock
ing in the boat beside his sister.
mo such luck!" groaned Mia.
Look through the trees; there she
comes! Oh. nanny, don't make me
give mp the boat; do want this race
SO badly" and Nita clasped her hands.
We'll trust to Adelaide's generos-
ity," and Mrs. Powell turned to well
come the pretty girl in boating fan
nels who came running across the
lawn, both hands outstretched.
so glad to see you, auntie; heard
Of the race on the way from the sta
ton, so l got ready the minute l
reached the house. do hope I'm not
not late. hear it's ladies' single
Jump out, Nita, you fairy, and let
your big cousin bring the Brownie to
glory"
Il am entered for that race said
Nita doggedly.
''Oh, that's all right, so long as the
Brownie wins. I'll pull her through.
have NO fear. Hurry up, dear, l see
the signal boat making its way to the
Judges stand"
But, Adelaide" interposed Mrs.
Powell.
"Oh, l know. auntie. I'm not bit
overheated, I'll be careful Of catching
cold. Now then, youngster-" and
taking Nita's hand in her own firm
grip, she pulled her in playful fash
ion out of the boat, while she herself
stepped lightly in and seized the oars.
I'm going over to headquarters to
enter my name among the contest
ants" she said, christening the paint
er. Thanks, N;ta, for the boat I'm
SO glad I got here in time" and she
pulled away with long. beautiful
strokes, leaving poor Nita half cry
ing on the dock.
Lester turned away with sympathy
too deep for words; he hated to see
his little sister imposed upon. Mrs
Powell bent over her fancy work. Nj
ia was a great Pet, and her sorrows
were family affairs.
Nita stood in silence for moment,
fighting her tears. then she turned
abruptly from the dock and made
straight for the woods where she could
fight It out alone" on a favorite
grass-grown rock she knew of. Here
she threw herself down, and buried
her face in her hands, not needing the
swish OF oars In the water below.
Steps behind her made her raise
her tear-stained face to encounter the
glance Of shy, awkward boy, who
stood looking at her in amazement
This was Jim Evans, who was called
by the young people the deaf and
dumb boy" from the fact that he had
never been known to make a remark
and never seemed to heed what was
going on about him. Even friendly Nj
IA had failed to drag from him more
than q monosyllable at a time. Now,
she sat and stared at him and for once
her tongue was tied.
Hello" said Jim, what's the mat
ter? Did you walk here? Where's your
boat?" He fred the questions as il
they were gunshot, but the mention Of
her boat sent poor Nita of again.
The Brownies g-gone!" she sobbed.
Broke loose? Whereabouts? It's
dime you were at the starting point"