The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1909-12-08
BY OUNCE UNDERWOOD


The morning was very pleasant, but
SO far all the mornings had been pleas
ant at this delightful out of the way
resort Mrs. Bradford drew long
breath MS she descended the hotel
steps. Her physician had certainly
been right when he recommended
change of climate. Already she began
TO feel the Influence of the mild air
and the long days spent out of doors,
As she reached the sidewalk she paused
with questioning smile.
where to. Mildred?" she asked
The little girl who was skipping
along by her side looked up brightly.
The plaza, of course. mamma. You
can read. and will play. This after
noon We'll go down on the beach,
The street was very quiet-an oc-
casonal dray with its load of trunks
and baggage and here and there n
group of pleasure seekers on their way
TO the plaza or the beach; overhead q
few buzzards circled about. and from
the direction of the plaza came n
slight breeze which was iaden with
perfume of orange blossoms and the
saltincss of the bay which glistened
beyond the trees.
As they reached the corner keen
newsboy darted across the street, and
his shrewd face broadened into grin
when his customer smilingly refused
the change he offered.
Through the openings iii the trees
they could see the white sails OF pleas
ure boats on the bay and beyond these
the green shore OF Promontory point.
Near the extreme end OF the point rose
the tall white buildings of the state
pcnitentiary Mrs. Bradford shlvered
a little as she saw them. The grim
buildings seemed out of place In this
quiet winter resort
II was not far to the PLAIN. but when
they reached II they found that most
of the settccs were already occupied
They walked down one of the side
paths and came back by the fountain.
As they did so Mildred turned sud
denly.
There's IA seat that's most all emp
ty," she whispered eagerly.
II was little Off the path and half
hidden by the low branches OF n live
oak. Az they approached Mrs. 3rad-
ford noticed that its only occupant
was II tall young man whose face look
ed strangely white aud eager. lie
watched them curiously AS they sat
down. and his lips parted In n friendly
smile. Then. as though conscious OF
improperly, he got up and began TO
walk back and forth uneaslly. For Il
time Mrs. Bradford scarcely noticed
him. then something peculiar about
his step caused her to raise her eyes
from the book she was reading The
young man seemed TO have forgotten
their presence and was walking back
and forth with bowed head. Every
few seconds he wheeled sharply and
retraccd his steps.
Mrs Bradford noticed with curious
wonder that he always wheeled nj ex
actly the same points. Then she saw
that his left foot dragged behind tue
other as though II carried II heavy
weight. Al iirst she thought he was
lame, but even while she was COM
passionating him he raised his head
with n quick. startled movement. and
for II time the lameness disappeared
and the walk was extended to the
end OF the path.
Then his head once more sank upon
his breast the short turns were re-
sumed. and the left foot again began
It's weary, dragging motion. Appar
emily lie was conscious OF his weak
hess. for several times she saw him
recover himself impatientiy and glance
sharply around.
Overhead the moeking birds were
calling TO each other, and something
IN their notes seemed 10 arouse him
from his reverie. Presently he stop
ped beneath the tree and glanced up
with n rapt expression on his face.
Mrs. bradford saw II. and her eyes
softened
You like The brds:" she said pleas.
antly.
fused TO-" he replied besitatingy.
Then, noticing the surprise In her
face, he added apologetically: Il
haven't seen any before for most ten
years. They seem sort OF strange"
He stood sill for a moment with the
color deepening on his sallow checks:
hat l,f oil, O.. rI nd