The Prescott daily news., 1909-07-03

Inere was the path StretCnlnS out al- luringly into the woods beyond. There were the birch trees, tall and slender and beautiful, and there, just beyond them. peering out between two mass i've oak tree trunks that boriered the path, was a girl or witch or dry ad, with laughing lips, flying hair and an extraordinary eighteenth century gown.
 How the dickensr' puzzled Andrew It's something on the film. There couldn't have been a real girl there, alone Lord. there ain't one within twenty miles! She surely wouldn't walk that far, and there was no team in sight, and anyway, what would a girl of Revolutionary days be doing here?'
 He washed the film carefully and put it through the hypo bath. Then he washed 1t again and, hanging 1t up to dry, went down to supper.
 There he talked at random, his mind being full of the mysterious picture His remarks were so rambling that they confirmed every suspicion that Mother Merriwether had formed that afternoon.
 Hes offv' she whispered sharply to Lemue outside the kitchen door. Its the heat He's way off. Just see how funny he talks If he ain't better in the morniag we'll have pr. Snow come over We'll have to watch him with out his knowing 1t. We must be mighty careful not to excite him. Oh goodness. ain't it awful, that poor boy! My. but typhoid's a fearful disease"
 Lemuel, vastly alarmed. was in- stantly lon to his job" For watch dog he proved Al. Andrew had diff- culty in shaking him of long enough to go to the dark room at bedtime The film was almost dry. and he could scarcely wait until the next day to make print of it.
 When morning came, however, he found Lemuel sticking closer than brother. Wherever he went Lemuel went also. and when Lemuel had to live stock mother obediently took up the trail just where he left 1t, until Andrew, impatient and totally uncon. scious of their anxieties in his behalf bluntly locked his door in her very face and, getting out his printing frame, settled down to business.
 The sunshine was bright in his south window. and he had a print complet- ed in quick time. He held it to the light excitedly. the water dripping from it.
 christmas, it's Goddess!'' he ejac- ulated.
 She peered out at him. her laughing face round and mischievous. Her dress was of olden style. with huge panniers at the side and trim, laced bodice with q low French neck and little puff sleeves One tiny foot stuck out saucily in high heeled French boot
 Andrew stared at her amazed. The grched eyebrows and delicate face were patrician. She might have just stepped out of some old French paint ing Why had he not noticed her as A4N niistl lflftb iAit I'htuits It NaH 'l4l mysterious Then he heard Mir. Merri- wether's step outside and called to him.
 Any little French court ladies around here?" he inquired
 Andrew opened the door, and Lemuel came in, puzzled expression on his honest old face.
 I ,e,, l..
 Well, then, I'm seeing things" laughed Andrew, because I saw one in the woods yesterday, puffs and ruff fles and high heeled shoes"
 You didf" exclaimed Lemuel slow ly. You did, eh?"
 Then. to Andrews surprise, Lemuel quickly took the key from the lock and, putting 1t in again on the outside of the door, went out. locking it behind him.
 Andrew pounded and yelled in rage and surprise, but all to no purpose. 4 half hour went by; then a carriage drew up to the door, and q second lat CT Lemuel unlocked Andrews door and entered, strange gentleman with him.
 Not feeling well, l hear?' the strange gentleman remarked.
 First l knew of it." spluttered An drew
 Hes got a relapse exclaimed Lem uel. Gone crazy like. Seeing things Saw n French court lady ill the woods yesterday" But he got no further.
 Dr. Snow broke out into mighty roar.
 80 you are the young gentlemanY