Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-03-11

Now, Win" he said, as he neared
the bottom and sorang down, leave
the cooking to Miss Leslie, and husk
some Of those nuts You won't 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
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 twig, threw in a little
salt, and drew the pot from the fire.
EN- avant, gentlemen. Dinner is
served" she called gayly.
What's that" demanded Blake.
"Oh; sure Hold on, Miss Jenny.
You'll dump 1t ALL"
He wrapped wisp of grass about
the pot, and filed the three cocoanut
bowls The stew was boiling hot;
but they fshed 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
pretzels and beer to go with It! But
these nuts won't be bad"
When they finished the cocoanuts,
WINTHROP asked for drink of wa
ter.
Would it not be best to keep It I'M
til lator?" 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 I'd have to carve a
pair of gravestones. No; that flask
has got to do you till we get home. |
don't shin up any more telegraph
poles to-day"
Would 1t not be best for Mr.. Win
thrope to rest during the noon hours?"
anu uOt, hion JtHlly. we re not
on t'other side of Jordan yet, and
there's no rest for the weary this
side"
What odd expressions you use, Mr..
Blake"
"Just giving you the reverse applica-
ton of one of those songs they jolly
us with in the mission churches"
I'm sure Mr.. Blake"
me, too, Miss Jenny! So, as that's
settled, we'll be moving. Chuck some
live Goals in the pot, and come on"
He started off, weapons in hand.
WINTHROP made a languid effort to
take possession of the pot. But Miss
Leslie pushed him aside, and wrap
ping all in the antelope skin, slung it
upon her back
THE brute" exclaimed Winthrope
ITO leave such load for you, when
he knew that | can do so little,"
The girl met his outburst with
brave attempt at smile. please try
to look at the bright side, Mr.. Win
thrope. Really, | believe he thinks it
is best for us to exert ourselves"
He has other opinions with which
we of,the cultured class would hardly
agree, Miss Leslie. Consider his COM
mand that we shall go thirsty until
he permits us to return to the cliffs.
Ike mans impertinence is intoler-
able l shall go to the river and drink
when | choose"
"Oh, but the danger of malaria!"
Nonsense. Malaria, like yellow
fever. comes only from the bite of
certain species of mosquitoes. If we
have the fever, it will be entirely his
fault We have been bitten repeated
ly this morning, and all because he
must compel us to come with him to
this infected lowland."
Still, l think we should do what
Mr.. Blake says"
My dear Miss Genevieve, for your
sake | will endeavor not to break with
the fellow. Only. you know, it is
deuced hard to keep ones temper
when one considers what a bounder-
what an unmitigated cad"
Stop. | will not listen to another
verdi exclaimed the girl, and she
hurried after Blake, leaving Win
thrope staring in establishment.
My world" he muttered; can 1t
be, after all I've done-and him, of all
the low fellows"
He stood for several moments in
deep thought The look on his sallow
face was far from pleasant.
CHAPTER XVII.