Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-06-11

Al leaSt l can get n drink OF water,
mused Scott as he hid his camera
among some vines and slid down the
pine needles into the orchard.
The way through the orchard led
among tall grasses and a wild tangle
OF strawberry wines. At last he came
TO a small and thriving kitchen garden
and walking between rows OF sweet
corn he came TO a t~umble-down de-
tached kitchen,
A glance within showed that II was
untenanted and simply served as a
storehouse for firewood and for garden
tools. Now there appeared the fine old
house, disnitied even in its splendid
ruin.
Smoke was curli1g upward from a
tottering chimney. Expecting to find
some good natured nanny within.
presiding over the frying bacon whose
redolence assailed his nostrils, Scott
I! rust his head among the vines that
half covered the open window.
Quickly spoken words. uttered in the
contralto voice Of his huntresS Of the
woods, fell on his ears before he real.
ICED that he was an eavesdropper, and
lie withdrew and fastened around to
the formal entrance OF the old man.
sion,
But the words would not be forgot.
ten.
Uncle Dick, | wish I had never
heard Of the Grinnel museum!" cried
the passionate young voice. II used to
love the b-birds-and | have hardened
NY heart against the sweet wild things
and killed them for the sake Of earn
ing bread and butter. You remember,
urcle. that | would V wear
feathers Of a wing in my hats"
Certainly, l remember, my dear"
had sounded the voice of an old a
q weak voice.
III there was any other way II earn
ing money for us. I'd" the brave
voice faltered and it vas then that
Scott fed.
He sounded the big brass knocker
and he heard it echo through empty
halls. While he waited he could ina.
CINE the disaster that had betallen the
inmates of the old house, once the
nucleus of a great estate employing
many black people TO serve in field and
garden and house.
There came q shutting step beyond
the closed door and locks and chains
clanked within. The door creaked
slowly open as II lamenting the unac.
customed disturbance and disclosed
the figure OF an ancient negro CARRIED
in shabby raiment, although his cloth
ing was clean and his linen immacu-
late. He bobbed a white head and
peered at Scott from dim eyes.
Good manning. sah." he said, court
e>usly.
Coed morning, uncle; is your a
ter at home?" Gueried Scott.
"Marse Blair? iassah, ole marse is
always home. Jes' walk dis away.
sab"
Scott followed him into a cold, dim
sitting room. furnished with fine old
mahogany. Uncle George eft him to
return presently with a cooling drink
or which tloated sprigs OF fragrant
mint.
Then Colonel Blair tottered in, an
ancient relic of the C~onfederacy.
Sir, I am honored.' he said holding
out a hand.
Il must apologize fo- this intrusion"
began Scott when they were seated.
My name is Clayton. Scott Clayton;
In an ornithologist in a way. am
writing a book about birds and | find
that | need some help. Some n has
suggested that your niece"
My grand-niece," corrected Colonel
Blair.
Your gr~and-niece might be able to
assist me, as she is thoroughly versed
in bird lore. You see | shall be sewers
months longer in preparation and II
she could help me the remuneration
would be no object SCOTS voice
away suggestively.
MIR. Clayton. | am "ery grateful.
Circumstances make it necessary Tor
little grand.niece TO support both
, US and her present employment Is
ITOsl ulSLattsliu! " Htl "cuiu W
10 any woman's delicate instincts, but
Amy is a gallant soldier and she has
not fiinched in the face of-of-actual
and disagreeable duty. will
venture TO say that she will be delight
ed to take up congenial work. II
you will excuse me, ! will call her to
take part In our conference"
He hobbled from the OOH and Scott
found himself waiting impatiently for
the coming Of his huntress of the pine
Presently she came, CARRIED In
a soft white gown, and her dark eyes
were shining like twin stars and her
soft lips were parted In a smile.
The conference was a short one and
when Scott left the house he had en-
gagged Amy Blair as his assistant at
the muniticent salary of SIS a week
more than twice the amunt she had
earned with the museum.
Their acquaintance began over the
dead body OF a scarlet tanager which
the girl had killed. Many a scarlet tan
ager and his sober mate-many a
knocking bird. meadow lark and booo-
link did they shoot after that but II
was with the harmless camera, and
the book was completed and
ready for publication Scott asked Amy
Blair's permission to dedicate the vol
m TO his dear wife and co-worker,
1914. by the Mcclure Sewspa-
per Syndicate.)
in step with her husband, real
,zing that one must either advance
- AhoEn In m Qfnnd-