The Falls City tribune., 1909-02-19


pigeons. When he sought TO creep M
on the latter, they flew into the neNt
tree. In following them. he came
upon a contcal mound of hard clay.
nearly four feet high,
Hello; this must be enc of those
white ant-hills.a he said. and he gave
the mound a kick.
Instantly a tiny object whirrtd ~
and struck him in The face.
"Whee," he exclaimed. s~priugiue
back and striking out. 4 hornet, Ne.
it's a bee"
Did it sting your" cried Miss Les
lie.
Sting? Keep back; there's a lot
more OF 'sm. Sting? Oh, no; he only
hypodermicRe1 ne with a red hot
darning needle, Shy around here.
There's a whole swarm of the little
devils, and they're hopping mad. Hear
'em buzz
But where is their hiye?" asked
Winthrope, as all three drew back be
hiud the neares bushes.
Guess they've borrowed that ant
hill replied Blake. gingerly lingering
the white lump which marked the spot
where the bee had struck him.
wouldn't it be delightful if WI had
some honey" exclaimed Miss Leslie.
BY Jove, that really wouldn't be
half bad chimed in WINTHROP,
Maybe we can. Miss Jenny; only
we'll need a fire TO tackle those buzz
zers. Guess it'll be as we'll to let them
cool off a bit also. The %eocoanuts are
only a little way ahead now. Here;
give me the pot
They soon came 10 a small grove of
cocoanut palms, where Blake threw
down his club and bow and handed
his b~urning-glass to Miss Leslie.
Here he said; you and Win start
a fire. It's early Vet, but I'm think
ing well all be ready enough for
oyster stew
How about the meat" asked Miss
Leslie.
Keep that till later. Here goes for
our dessert
Selecting one of the smaller palms,
Blake spat ON his hands, and began
to climb the slender trunk. Aided by
previous experiences. he mounted
steadily to the top. The descent was
made with ven more care and steadi-
ness, for he did not wish to tear the
skin from his hands again.
Now. VIM he said, as he neared
the bottom and sprang down, leave
the cooking to Miss Leslie, and husk
some of those nuts. You wont more'n
have time to do it before the stew
is ready"
Winthrope's response was to draw
out his %penknife. Blake stretched
himself at ease in the shade, but kept
a critical eye on his companions. Al
though Winthrope's fingers trembled
with weakness, he worked with a pre-
cision and rapidity that drew a grunt
of approval from Blake. Presently
Miss Leslie, who had been stirring the
stew with a twig. threw in a little
salt, and drew the pot from the fire.
En- avant, gentlemen, Dinner is
served" she called gayly.
Whats that demanded Blake.
ooh; sure. Hold on, Miss Jenny.
You'll dump it all"
lie wrapped a wisp of grass about
the pot, and filled the three cocoanut
bowls. The stew was boiling hot;
but they fished up the oysters with
the bamboo forks that Blake had
carved some days since. BY the time
the oysters were eaten, the liquor in
the bowl was cool enough to drink.
The process was repeated until the
pot had been emptied of its contents.
Say, but that was something like, -
murmured Blake. IF only we'd had
pret2els and beer to go with it! But
these nuts won't be bad"
When they finished the c~ocoanuts.
Winthrope asked for a drink of Wa
ter.
Would it not be best to keep it IN
I'll latcr?" replied Miss Leslie,
Sure" put in Blake. We've had
enough liquid refreshments to do any
one. If don't look out, you'll both be
drinking river water. Just bear in
mind the work Id have to carve a
pair of grayestones. Ne; that flask
has got 10 do you tin We get home. l
don't shin mp any nor telegraph
poles today
Would it not be best for Mr.. Win
thrope TO rest during the Dol hours 30
Fraid not. Miss Jenny. We're not
on tother side of Jordan yet, and
4Ig4aH-f 80 -l-a F. 80. 4a-E-