The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-01-05
A RAvINE EPISODE
---.----..--...
BY AGNES G. BRoeAN.
tcopyright, lgl7. wester.n Newspaper unIon.l

Copyright, 1877. Western Newspaper union.)
The Rev. Archibald Owen, turned
from the roadway, to follow q path
down to the ravine. The gate-like
opening in the bushes had attracted
his careless attention, but now as the
rocky, cliffs doomed low before him, he
went on In sudden interest.
The village itself appeared more dis
couraging to the newly called young
curate than the poverty of the slums,
There, at least, work might satisfy
ones ambition. He was grateful as
he strobe along, that the acceptance
Of this call lay with him. Above, the
trees were tinted with crimson and
gold. AS fur from habitation he SEEM
ed as though an ocean lay between,
Then all at once the mir was riven by
a startled-cry Again 1t echoed as he
paused to listen. Hallowing back in
answer: "This way please" called a
girls voice, ''come quick!" And Owen
came.
Upon a broad stone the girl stood,
while just before her coiled huge
snake. In an instant Owen had found
the branch ola tree, and the snake
was no more. Still fearfully the girl
waited until he put forth an encourag.
Ing hand.
"It's all right" said the rector.
/ rA< Oh
laughed. II don't know what should
have done without you," she said. !
was frightened to DEATH" She stopped
to pick up basket vi scarlet "squaw
berries" "Thank YOU" she added.
The Rev. Archibald regarded the girl
with frank pleasure.
"You don't suppose, do you," she
asked, "there could be more snakes
about?"
at is quite possible" Owen calmly
answered, "just in case, perhaps you'd
like me to stay around"
The mischief In the dark eyes deep
ened. "As sort of Saint Patrick,"
she asked, "to charm the snakes
away?" Her voice ended seriously. u
must have my basket filed before
four O'clock" she said.
"Must?" Owen questioned.
eff I wish to earn the money" she
responded.
$50. this is not just a pastime,"
he said kindly, "then you will let me
help you. / did not know that money
could be earned in this way"
SIN town like this" she replied,
1--WE take advantage of many ways"
His gaze Travelled from the bright
face to the girls shabby boots. sand
you" he asked alphabetically, find
the many ways necessary? Your home
Is here?' the rector continued.
II live alone with my aunt who is
an invalid" the girl answered. '.In q
white house," she went on Slows. smear
the bridge"
The Rev. Archibald recalled the
place instantly, tiny cottage 1t was,
weather beaten and out Of repair. To
abide the year round, this glowing lit
tie creature, In that tumble-down hut,
with an invalid aunt for sole compan-
lon, cheerfully picking berries in
swamp. In order to purchase no doubt
some necessary comfort. you are q
brave grill" he exclaimed.
A smile trembled the girls red lips.
sam II" she questioned. "You could
hardly have formed that opinion when
You appeared upon the scene" Sudden
ly she turned to look into his face.
'Would you mind telling me-" she ask
ed, "just who you are?'
"Why, am the new rector on trial."
he replied. "Owen is my name."
1t was the girls turn to stare. "And,
and joked you about st. Patrick"
she said. land You are here upon your
knees" she broke off softly laughing,
picking squaw berries to decorate
your own study table,
"My study table," the Rev. Archi-
bald repeated stupidity. He was watch.
ing the dlmples dotting the girls pink
cheeks, the fash of her even white
teeth.
"Yes,' she nodded, shat is what
was sent out to get them for"
Determinedly Owen picked up the
basket. '"rhen your work is done," he
said, sand If you will allow me to
stop and see your aunt upon the way
back-?"
"You are sure you would know the
placer" the girl asked. She studied
him beneath her straight brows
"The little house." he replied, choos.
ing with difficulty his description,
with no steps at the front" She con.
sidered.
"You may not remain here" she said.
"The pastorate may not suit you. Per.
haps you had better postpone your call
upon aunt until you are sure" The
girls cheeks glowed as scarlet as her
hat. her hair, was as nut-brown as her
wooden cloak.
II am sure" the Rev. Archibald re.
piled, that II shall stay. 1t Is de-
cided."
Silently up the steep path they went
then off to branching one at the side.
a \