Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1918-07-09
A RAvINE EPISODE.
By AGNES c. BRoeAN.


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 Sums
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 far from habitation he seem
ed as though an ocean lay between.
Then all at once the air was riyen by
a startled cry. Again it echoed as he
paused to listen. Hallowing back in
answer: "This way please" called a
girls voice, "come quickl" And Owen
came.
Upon a broad stone the girl stood,
while just before her coiled a huge
snake. In an instant Owen had found
the branch of a tree, and the snake
was no more. Still fearfully the girl
waited until he put forth an encourage
Ing hand.
"It's all right" said the rector.
BewiIderedly she looked about, then
laughed Il don't know what / should
have done without you," she said. I
was frightened to DEATH" She stopped
to pick up basket OF 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
aboutw
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 a sort of Saint Patrick, P"
she asked, ito charm the snakes
awayY Her voice ended seriously. II
must have my basket filled before
four o'clock" she said.
"Must?" Owen questioned.
"f 1 wish to earn the money" she
responded.
$50, this is not just pastime, +"
he said kindly, "then you will let me
help you. / did not know that money
could be earned in this way"
sIn a town like this" she replied,
1--WE take 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 home
is here?" the rector continued.
II live alone with my aunt who is
an invalid" the girl answered. In a
white house." she went on slowly, NEAR
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-
ion, cheerfully picking berries in a
swamp, in order to purchase no doubt
some necessary comfort. "You are q
brave girl |" 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, I am the new rector on trial,
he replied. "Owen is my name"
1t was the girls turn to stare. "And
and I joked you about st. Patrick,
she said, "and you are here upon youi
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 dimples dotting the girls pinl
cheeks, the flash of her even white
| teeth.
eyes," she nodded, shat is what
was sent out to get them for"
Determinedly Owen picked up thu
basket. "ThenI your work is DONE" h'
said, "and if you will allow me t
stop and sea your aunt upon the wa!
| 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
s'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 cal
upon aunt until you are sure" TIL
girls cheeks glowed as scarlet as he
hat, her hair, was as nut-brown as he
wooden cloak.
81 am sure" the Rev. Archibald re
piled, that II shall stay. It is de
cided."
| Silently up the steep path they went
then off to a branching one at the side
A small gray-lined car awaited here
The girl opened its door and motione'
him inside.
"Mine," she briefly explained.
"But-" murmured Owen perplex
edly.
IT was picking the berries to accom-
modate Aunt" the girl told him, "an
had to be bribed with price. This,
she waved her hands In an envelopin
gesture, sis my picking costume. Gu
home is the large white house on tn
opposite side of the bridge"
The man hesitated, disappointment
was visible upon his features. "Yo
will then have no need of me" he sal
stifly.
The girls face grew sweetly seriou:
"Please come" she begged softly. The
through a gold and crimson world the
rode away together
- n ~ 80 "A