The newspaper., 1908-06-05
CHAPTER XXI.

Angie alighted.
I'VE are taking a cross-country drive
for an outing" he explained. after An
gle had kissed Chip tenderly and greet
ings had been exchanged. We have
waited for you. Miss Runaway. to
come and visit u.s." he added. turning
to Chip. until we couldn't wait any
longer and so came to look for you.
We have also some news that may in
terest you. Old Cy has been heard
from at last. He spent year looking
for you. He has now gone into the
woods, to my camp. where Ray located
for the winter. and when spring comes.
| can guess where they will head for"
How welcome this news was to
Chip, her face fully indicated: but
neither Martin nor Angle realized how
much or for what reason 1t interested
this soft-voiced. gracious lady whom
Chip called Aunt Abby. They knew
Uncle Jud was Old Cy's brother and
that they had once been sailors from
Bayport, but the long-ago romance of
Aunt Abby's life was unknown to
them.
And now ensued a welcome to the
callers such as only Uncle Jud and
Aunt Mandy could offer.
We sorter feel we robbed ye o.
Vera Uncle Jud explained. though
'twa'n't any intention on our part. an
so ye must gin us some chance to
make amends. We callate 'twa'n't no
fault o. yourn. either. only one O. them
Happenings that was luck for u.s.
That evening was one long to be re-
membered by all who were present. for
Chips history. as told by Martin and
Angie was the entertaining topic. and
its humorous side was made the most
of by Martin. Chip was In no wise an
noyed by Martins fun.making. either.
Instead. conscious OF the goodwill and
affection of the friends who had res
cued her from the wilderness. she
rather enjoyed II and laughed heartily
at Martins description OF various Incl
dents. especially her first appearance
In their camp. and the language she
used.
Il couldn't help swearing" she ex-
planned. Il never had heard much
except 'cuss' words. l think also now.
as | recall my life at Tins Place.
would never have dared that desperate
mode OF escape had / not been hard
ened by such a life. I wish | could
see Old Tomah once more" she added
musingiy. "and I'D like to send him
some gift. He was the best-hearted
Indian ever saw or heard OF. and his
queer teachings about spites and how
they rewarded us for good deeds and
punished us for evil ones was no harm.
for II set me thinking. The one
thought that encouraged me most dur.
ing those awful days and nights alone
in the woods was the belief that
among the spites which was sure fol-
lowed me was my mothers soul. I've
never changed in my belief. either. and
shall always feel that she guided me
to your camp"
Uncle Jud also obtained his share
OF fun at Chips expense. describing
his finding OF her with humorous addi-
tions.
'She was all beat out that night
found her on top o. Bangall hill. N
yet when / asked her II she'd run
away from some poor farm. she was
ready to claw my eyes out. an dunno's
blame her. I was innocent. too. fer
really s'posed she had
Martins visit at this hospitable
home was not allowed to terminate
for a week. for visitors seldom came
here, and Uncle Jud. as big a boy as
his brother when the chance came.
planned all sorts OF trips and outings
to entertain them. and quite charac-
teristic affairs they were. too.
One day they drove to a wood-bor-
dered pond far up the valley. fished n
few hours for pickerel and perch. and
had fish fry and picnic dinner.
The next day they visited n strange.
romantic grotto up in the mountains.
known as the VOLTS Den. and here a
table was set. broiled chicken. sweet
corn. and such toothsome fare formed
the meal. with nutgathering for
amusement.
Squirrel and partridge shooting also
furnished Martin a little excitement.
When he and Angie insisted that they
must leave. both host and hostess
showed genuine regret few re
marks made by Angle to her former
protege. in private, the last evening
of this visit. may be quoted.
81 must insist. my dear child" she
said, that you make us visit In the
near future. You left us under an en-