Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-12-12
The Road to
Already.
By TEMPLE BAILEY.


by the side of the road.
A girl in smart costume ~ tan
covert climbed down from the front
seat and led the pony out of the
shafts tied him with long tether 50
that lie might crop the juicy sod and
then. returning once more to the cart
helped a somewhat fragile but smiling
lady 10 descend.
"Well. of all things" said Christie
pher helplessly.
But words failed him Us he watched
the further proceedings of the girl in
tan.
From the depths OF the cart she
brought forth little folding table,
which she proceeded 10 set up in 4
place screened from the gaze Of pass
Ing folk by hedge OF wild honey
suckle
On the table the girl set shining
copper kettle. two cups two plates
small teapot and various tin boxes and
little glass jars whose gay labels pro
claimed the deliciousness within.
Its picnic" the young man de-
cided and rs the older lady lighted the
alcohol lame ami ii burned beneath
the copper kettle christopher sighed.
In ten minutes he was due ut the
Sunset inn for his supper He would
eat It with the rest Of the surveying
party Of which he was the head. They
would have fried ham and boiled pota-
toes and pie. and the only woman
would be the girl who wuited on the
table and who was big and frouZy and
stupid
Aud here within stones throw ~
where he lay under the great oak We're
two ladies' making ten as daiufily as II
they were IN their drawing room.
He laid down his book. Its a ro-
mantle situation he reflected, and
far be It from me to evade H. With
that he stepped jauntily into the open.
He saw the girl lift her head and
look at him. and a. he went toward
her she rose and came forward
Il am So glad she said to see
some one who viii tell me If there is 4
place near here where | can get oats
for my pony gave him the last this
morning"
81 was Just coming" Christopher re
piled grayely, to lind II there was
anything | could do for you II is mn
unusual circumstance. ] might say
great treat. to see ladies UP here
felt that must offer you the hospItali-
ty of the mountain road the keys Of
our city. as it We're"
The girl gave him quick glance.
noting the strength of the tall figure
and his air Of good breeding. Il AIM
sure" she said. that you are very
kind. aud now II you will tell me your
name | Will present you to my mother
Mrs. Ames"
The older lady acknowledged the in
PRODUCTION genially
You must stay aud have tea with
us" she said Il am afraid we can't
offer you much but timed things But
they are really good. and Eleanor was
able TO get some eggs and some lettuce
this morning. 50 she Is going to have
a salad and make an omelet ia the
chatting dish"
Then your picnic has been an all
day AFFAIR."" was Christopher's aues-
ton.
"It has been an affair OF two
months" Mrs. Ames said. with smile
I'VE live IN the cart"
You live" Words failed the
young man az he looked at the two
graceful women each With the indie
Unable something that proclalms the
sheltered woman
II seemed Incredible that they should
trust themselves alone in the mountain
wilds with their pony and their fraIl
little cart.
But the daughter was explaining
smilingly. We lost everything" she
said. in the panic last fall. And
mothers health failed al the same
time The doctor said that she must
have the mountain mir. and We had the
pony he was pet from my little sirl
days-so we bought the cart and start
ed on a trip OF adventure
I'VE have been on the road two
months and haven't had single un-
comfortable experience. Mother has
gained ten pounds. and we have had
A0fNts
but isn't 1t bit dangerousf" Kent
asked.
I'VE were a little scared at first
Eleanor admitted. especially mt night
There was always an owl TO boot or a
dog to howl or frog to croak. but
after we got used TO It we slept Ike
babies"
Kent shook his head There's a
pretty tough class among the miners
up here. It's different lower down.
where you come ia touch only with az
rieultural communities. But some II
these men are very ignorant and very
rough"
Please" the girl cautioned. please
don't tell Us about them, We want to
reach the top of the mountain. and |
am not a bit afraid"
She was making the omelet MS she
talked. turning 1t expertly with n thin
knife and taking II up when II was