Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-02-27
A FEUD and
ITS FINISH.
By CLARISSA MACKlE.
Copyrighted 1903. by Associated
Literary Press.
By CLARlSsA MAcKIE.

Amciiu NcFuet ShI out ou tue Suuu
spit waiting for the turn of the tide
She had become absorbed In her sketch
ing, and time had passed unnoticed
until the curling swish OF water told
her that the sand spit had become q
temporary island.
II was midday now, and she could
not hope to reach the mainland before
8 o'clock-unless she wadcd. Amelia
looked down at her pretty tan shoes
and then turned and pecred over the
sand dunes toward the town.
A narrow channel OF choppy water
cut off escape for the present. Out IN
the bay few sails flashed In the sun.
light. but none was within mailing dis
! lance.
Amelia picked up her pencil and re
turned TO her sketch book Aunt Ton
Will he worried" she thought. IF
don't return 10 luncheon. and yet
she will have the satisfaction of know,
| Ing that her predictions have been full
fllcd-at last the tide has caught INC
on the sand spit.''
a shadow fell across the open book
Amelia lifted a startled face TO meet
the astonished glance OF n tall young
man.
IL beg your pardon" he STAN
/ mercd. lifting his white canvas hat
II Thought had the island to myself
II wish you had" said Amelia plain
tt.a f,n 81
sponsiblc for my presence here
milne too. I became Interested in
this COMPOUNDED book. and was doz
Ing comfortably when the water crcpi
around my ankles and woke me up
He thumped vlciously upon the offend
ing volume and cast It from him. 81
suppose there Is no escape until OF
4 o'clock"
"None." sighed Amelia. "and nothing
| 10 eat"
"Walt: Wen see about that" The
stranger disappeared behind the dune
and Melia saw him making haste to
ward the narrow inlet.
Glow shocked Aunt Tom would be
II she could see me talking to per
| feet stranger. butt am quite sure he
In gentleman. and he must be staying
at one of the plantations near by. His
face Is familiar and yet
He came around the dune and SAT
down on the sand beside her. II hope
you will share my luncheon" he said
courteously "A thoughtful aunt pre-
pared ii for me against possible star.
walton between an g o'clock breakfast
and 1890 luncheon" He opened the
good sized basket which he had
brought and removed n snowy fringed
napkin.
you're awfully kind" murmurcd
Amelia hungrily. II hope I'm not rob.
bing YOU
Not IN the least. We are casta.
ways and must make the best of the
food we have saved" he said gayly.
"Therc should he Il cask of water
and some timed things"
Here are flask of lemonade and a
cup. chicken salad sandwiches. pound.
cake and grapes-a very ladylike re-
past
The young man spread II napkin In
Amclia's lap'and helped her generous
ly. You were skctching:" he ven
turcd, glancing down nj her drawing
materials.
Yes. little-the marsh and the
sloping hill beyond. with It's masses OF
cedar and pine. Would you like To see
IT." asked Amelia frankly.
"Ycs." he replied taking the book
and opening at the page she indicated.
signature in bold black characters.
amelia Vernet" He glanced ut the
name. and his eyes shot Il peculiar
look nj the girl.
Amelia was looking at his strong
brown fingers clasping the sketch book.
Very capable. fine musclcd digits they
were too.
Your sketch is good" he said sin
ccrely, putting the book aside.
When the last crumb of poundcake
had disappeared Amelia sighed con-
| tentedly. "rhat was the most deli
cious meal ] ever ate" she said CRATE
fully.
AUNT AOih 10 ~ tpoh, ut tC-
| piled carelcssly as he returned the nap
klns 10 the basket.
Aunt Tom repeated Amelia. She
seemed To stiffen under his look of
mild surprise.
"Why not? A man may have an
Aunt Thomasina, may he not!' Anne
lin flushed at the mischievous look In
his gray eyes.
"Of course" she said, with reserve.
"Only, you see. have an Aunt Thorn
aslna too
mot an Aunt Tom Forrest, I'll be
bound" said her companion.
mo, but an Aunt Tom Vcrnet." an
nounced Amelia haughtily.
"Oh, by Jove! a great-auntT
Eyes"
SOS mine. Then l went to school
with You. You remember Douald For
rest?" he asked eagerly.
Amelia arose to her feet ana shook
the sand from Der white skirt. She
looked very young and lovely standing
tho.a Ia tl,a lrflfta M n.fnlar c..,ct,tn,