Payette enterprise. (Payette, Canyon Co., Idaho) 1909-1935, 1910-06-16
THE OLD MILL POND.
BY Lois M. Moore.

7ONINSih tO"H - a large mill pond,
nestled between two large wooded
hills. Weeping willows and long
leafed pines oyerhang the ponds edge
and rank "hurrah-bushes" shoot their
ieafy branches out over the water
as II exchanging friendly greetings.
In spring the wild flowers bloom
on the banks and the water lilies
spread a green cover intermlngled
with the beautiful pink and white
lilies over part of its smooth sur
face. About hundred yards from
the pond are two fountains Of fresh
flowing water, where often the weary
traveller stops 10 quench his thirst
and cool his brow before entering
the crowded city.
1 wish | could tell you of the
many happy hours have spent there
myself Of the many lovely boat
rides. picnics, and other summer
outings but | must tell of more
tragical event.
One lovely summer evening, just
at the hour Of sunset, Amy Rams
dale was roaming about In the
large grove which surrounded her
fathers beautiful southern home,
near the pond She was every inch
a southern girl, from the soles Of
her dainty feet to her beautiful soft
blue eyes and abundant dark hair
which hung around her fair fore
head in bewitching little curls. But
today the usually happy, sunny face
was clouded with a look of deep
sadness. She winded In and out
among the trees purposelessly with
a far away look in her tear dimmed
eyes. Sometimes she clasped her
hands and raised her face heaven
ward as if in fervent supplication;
but more often there was that look
of hopeless longing and utter lone
someness.
Presently she started. There were
sounds of approaching footsteps up
on the granite walk. Not wishing
to see anyone she was going TO
escape. but scarcely had she turned
towards the house when she heard
her name called, Amy, Amy. Quick
ly she stopped but was irresolute
whether to turn back or not. amy, 4"
came the. voice again, Dearest, come
with me for just a little while, this
last evening feel that / cannot
90 away without seeing you once
more and | am going west tomor-
row. Out there l shall strive to
make fortune for myself and you;
and then when l return for you,
your father will be glad to claim me
for a son-in-law, Amy, come, let's
row awhile on the pond, and there
can tell you all"
"Oh Roland, how can T." sighed
the poor girl. You know that faith
er forbade my seeing you again
How can dlsobey him!"
But, dear Amy, II you love me,
yon I'VE this much to me. Come,
dearest do" he said, pleadingly.
Who could resist the pleadings OF
love? Not tender hearted Amy; so
timidly and almost tremblingly she
took his offered arm, and in a.
short time they had reached the .
pond Here the old miller unlocked .
a boat for them, and giving them
the oars, said. IT is rather late
to so out now, because you cannot
see how to keep away from the
snags, and you know they are rather
dangerous in some places Neither
Of YOU can swim, can you?"
No, but | know where every snas
in the pond is and can keep away
from them alright, replied Roland .
And the old man was
gone
Now they were all alone. The
green hills poked themselves high
above their surroundings as if wish
Ing to screen the two lovers from
III mortal view The gentle breezes
played among the long leafed pines
keeping time to the splashing Of
The oars, Silently the moon appear
cd over the hilltop. unwilling for
any love scene to take place with /
out his being there to smile upon
it.
No sound disturbed the lovers as
they lived over happy by-goue days
and made plans for the future. So
angrossed with each other were
hey that neither noticed that they
we're making their way toward the
most dangerous part of the pond.
On they went with no other thought
han of each other. The playful
breeze brushed back the soft ring
cts which encircled the girls pretty
orehead, and showed to a better