The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-03-16
A RAvINE EPISODE
BY AGNES G. RRoGAN.

Copyright, 1917, Western Newspaper Union. |
The Rev. Archibald Owen, turned
from the roadway, to follow a patti
down to the ravine. The gate-lik,
opening in the bushes had attracted
his careless attention, but now as TIL,
rocky cliffs doomed low before him, Ii,
Went on in sudden interest
The village itself appeared more dis
couraging to the newly called youn
cufate than the poverty OF the Sums
There, at least work might SatiSf. |
ones ambition. He was grateful a
he strobe along, that the acceptance
Of this call lay with him. Above, til.
trees were tinted with crimson AM |
gold. As far from habitation he seem |
ed as though an ocean lay between |
Then all at once the air was riyen b, |
| a startled cry. Again it echoed as he |
| paused to listen. Ha1loWing back il
answer: This way please called {
| 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 founC
the branch of tree, and the snake
was no more. Still fearfully the. cir.
waited until he put forth an encourag-
ing hand
Its all right" said the rector.
BcWildcredly She looked about, Their
laughed Il don't know what l should
have done without YOU" she said.
was frightened TO DEATH" She stopped
to pick UP basket Or scarlet "squaM
berries" Thank YOU She added.
The Rev. Archibald regarded the cir
with frank pleasure.
You don't suppose, do YOU sh'
asked, there could be more snakes
ahout?"
at is quite possible" owen calml!
answered. just in case, perhaps you'C
like me to stay around"
The mischief in the dark eyes deep
cnci Us sort of Saint Patrick,
she asked, ito charm the snake
uway:" Her voice ended seriously.
must have my basket filled befor,
four o'clock" She said
"Must:" owen questioned.
IF | wish 10 earn the money" Shc
responded.
so, this is not just pastime,'
he said kindly, then YOU will let me
help you. / did not know that money
could be earned il this way"
On a town like this she replied
1--WE lake advantage of many ways"
His gaze Travelled from the bright
face to the girls shabby boots, And
YOU" he asked sympathetically. find
the many ways necessary? Your HON,
is here?" the rector continued.
q live alone with my aunt who is
an Invalid" the girl answered. In {
white house" She went on slowly, "neal
Re the bridge"
y The Rev. Archibald recalled Tho
,,e place insipntiX,. 4 tiny. cottage it was
weather beaten and out Of repair. TX
abide the year round, this glowing lit
tie creature. in that tumblc-down hut
ry with an invalid aunt for sole compan
ny ion. chcerfuIy picking berries in f;
'.i swamp, in order to purchase no doub
- some necessary comfort. You are
;al brave girl !" he exclaimed.
le- A smile tremblcd the girls red lips
ler Am i" she questioned. You coul'
ed hardly have formed that opinion whe
Try you appeared upon the scene" Sudden
ly she turned to look into his fac,
would YOU mind telling me-" she ash
"a ed, Just who you are?"
IN "Why, | am the new rector on trial,
he replied, owen is my name"
. Il was the girls turn to stare. "Ant
!, and l ioked YOU about st. Patrick,
~ She said, and You are here upon you
", knees she broke off softly laughing
,,n n picking squaw berries to decorat
your own study table"
My study table," the Rev. Arch
~ bald repeated stupidity. He was watc
ire ing the dimples dotting the girls pin
checks, the flash of her even viii
of teeth.
ard YES" she nodded, that is what
eh. was sent ont to get them for"
on Dcterminedly Owen picked up Il
basket. Then your work is DONE"
nd, said and if you will allow me
ron stop and see your aunt upon the W,
cen back
cen You are sure you would know Il
placer the girl asked. She studi
him beneath her straight brows.
cry. The little house." he replied, choC
hall ing with difficulty his descriptiC
of with no steps at the front" She &C
less sidered.
ome You may not remain here she sal
~, 70 "The pastorate may not suit you. PC
al, hapS you had better postpone your G.
use upon aunt until you are sure" t
This girls cheeks glowed as scarlet as h
and hat, her hair, was as nut-brown as b
rm WOODEN cloak.
e II am sure" the Rev. Archibald
nm piled. that II shall stay. 1t is {
: cided.''
and Silently up the steep path they we
each then off to a branching one at the Sit
most A small gray-lined car awaited he
for The girl opened its door and motion
OPP him inside.
tner "AIine" she briefly eyDlained