Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-01-15

resort. Mrs. Bradford drew a long
breath as she descended the hotel
steps. Her physician had certainly
been right when he recommended a
change of climate. Already she began
to feel the influence Of the mild air
aud the long days spent out Of doors.
AS she reached the sidewalk she paused
with a 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 well 20 down on the beach,"
The street was very qulet-an &C.
casional dray with its load Of trunks
and baggage and here and there a
group OF pleasure seekers on their way
to the plaza or the beach: overhead
few buzzards circled about. and from
the direction of the plaza came q
slight breeze which was laden with
perfume OF orange blossoms and the
satincss OF the bay which glistened
beyond the trees.
As they reached the corner a keen
newsboy daried across the street. and
his shrewd face broadened into n grin
when his customer smilingly refused
the change he offered.
Through the openings in 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
penitentiary Mrs. bradford shiyered
little as she saw them. The grim
buildings seemed ont Of place IN this
quiet winter resort.
II was not far 20 the plaza. but when
they reached IL they found that most
of the settees were already occupied.
They walked down ono of the side
paths and came back by the fountain.
As they did so Mildred turned sud
denly.
There's a seat that's most all emp
ty." she whispered eagerly
II was IA little on the path and half
hidden by the low branches OF a live
oak As they approached Mrs. Brad
ford noticed that It's only occupant
was Il tall young man whose face look
ed strangely white and eager He
watched them curiously as they sat
down. and his lips parted in a friendly
smile. Then. as though conscious Of
improperly. he got up and began 10
walk back and forth uneasily. For
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 aud WAS walking back
and forth with bowed head. Every
few seconds he wheeled sharply and
reiraced his steps.
Mrs bradford noticed with curious
wonder that he always wheeled at ex-
actly the same points. Then she saw
that his left foot dragged behind the
other as though 1t carried heavy
weight. At first she thought he was
lame. but even while she was COM
paSSionaiing him he raised his bead
with "A quick. startled movement. and
for time The lameness disappeared
and the walk was extended 10 the
end OF the path.
Then his head once more sank upon
his breast. the short turns were re-
sunied. and the left fOot again began
It's weary. dragging motion. Appar-
emily ne WIS conscious OF his weak
ness. for several times she saw him
recover himself impatiently and glance
sharply around.
Overhead the knocking birds were
calling 10 each other. and something
IN their notes seemed 10 arouse him
from his reverie. i'resev.ly he stop
ped beneath The Tree and glanced up
with rapt expression on his face.
Mrs. Brdford saw IL. aud her eyes
sofiened
"iou like the birds:" she said pleas.
autly.
II used 10" he replied nesitatingly.
Then. noticing the surprise In her
face. he added apologeIically: II
haven't seen any before for most ten
years They seem sort of strange.
lie stood still for moment with the
color deepening on his saIiow cheeks:
then he slou,hcd forward and threw
himself on the grass NJ the foot of the
tree. Mrs. bradford gazed at him curl
ously for moment and then returned
to her book.
out In the path Mildred was play
Ing with her bail. At length It struck
limb and bounded toward the young
man. He picked II mp eagerly and half
rose 10 his feet: but seeing the fright
ened look on her face. he tossed II llnck
and resumed his siouching position on
the grass.
After awhile the ball again rolled TO
his feet This time he did not offer
10 return H. As Mildred approached
he looked up. with smile.
THE eoser's coming on your ball"
he said pleasantly. III yon'll let me
I'll fix II. know how -
"Rut mamma said I'd have To- take
II 10 shoemaker.' SHE answered
donbtfnlly. "l.eather's awful hard 20