The San Francisco call., 1908-09-20
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cony, gazed wistfully on the
muddy waters of the great
West river 1t was the season
Of blossoms, and fits glasslike sur
face was dotted with high proved
3unks heavily laden with rare and
costly silks. crawling southwark to the
emporium Of the Orient. The htful
breezes played idly with their yellow
sails. while here and there steam
boat the pioneer of progress, phed on
ward. passing her ancient sisters and
leaving behind a contemptuous curl
Of black smoke lowering long on the
morning air.
The Chinese maiden,s thoughts were
not upon the shifting scenes before
her, but harked back through count
less ages, ii seemed, though scarcely
e moon had passed, to that day on
which she had set sail up this end
less river from the mission school at
Hongkong. She had lived during
many seasons within its high walls
with its gardens of fruits and flowers,
but at IS summers one soon tires of
even these delights if fortune has
made her fair, with skin as pink Is
the blossoms in her fathers gardens.
She dreamed Of a noble youth. Tall.
dark. fearless, he had thrown himself
on the deck under the shade of the
rneager awning near the helmsman.
Tall would have modestly retired to
another spot. but her aunt, not under
standing the shrinking nature Of the
convent child. saw tnat the resting
place was good. and there they would
abide during the long days of the trip
UP the Chinese waterway
After the midday meal had been eaten
Tall allowed her dark eyes TO rest
upon the stranger reclining on his mats
in the picturesque abandon Of perfect
health. The day was warm and he had
discarded the long robe of the Chinese
gentleman. The girl gazed timidIy at
his strong. fun throat and the supple
muscles OF his arms playing gracefully
while he moved restlessly. scanning
with eager interest the shores past
which with well filled sails, the huge
upon the slight figure beside him, on
the upturned oval Of her face. the half
hidden luster Of her dark eyes and the
bewitching crimson OF her lips; but
when their eyes met the youths were
lowered hastily. as if ashamed to have
feasted so long.
She lay awake long into the moonilt
night her romantic soul thrilled by the
close presence Of the young Mars. Once
he stirred and raised himself on one
arm. seeming to listen intently out into
the night Her aunt had long since
been wrapped in slumber. She saw the
man al the wheel, silently watchful, his
eyes ever divided between the dark
ness ahead and the tautening canvas
above him.
Thou seemest as sleepless as l." she
murmured in a sweet trembling voice
as the youth dropped back slowly TO
his pillow.
He started and leaned toward her
menacingly. In the moonlight she
caught a fierce CLEAN IN his eyes and
felt his hot breath on her cheek. while
his hand grasped roughly her soft
round arm.
why sayest thou thisT" he whis-
pered hoarsely. Then, seeing her ter
ror. he fain would have retrieved him
self In her eyes.
The wolf has frightened the little
fawn2" he questioned anxiously. His
thoughts were far away. But, little
one. whittier goest thou?"
To the house Of my father" she an
swered in a voice from which all fear
had not fed. viii the wolf forgive the
fawn for annoying him while his mind
dwelt on happier surroundings"
The wolf could not have more happy
surroundings" he replied earnestly
But when the moon is high his
thoughts dwell ever on pleasant tasks
which need to be accomplished"
The fawn is lily versed in worldly
lore to harken to the mysterious words
OF the wolf" she answered, a feal
creeping into her heart at having
broken silence with this strange being
He was silent for the space OF a min.
ute. while she. blushing for her bold
ness. felt the directness of his gaze.
Fear nothing, little one, thou shall
be as safe as in thy fathers house OF
the West river" he said softly.
How knowest I live on the riverT
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