Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1918-01-25
BY WARREN DALE

Roland Barnes, young, inexperienced,
shy, but oh, such a perfect gentleman
I encouraged him and his state Of
perfect bliss was a study. Then one
day in the garden, my cousin Roy
coming home greeted me with the
usual kiss of relationship. I saw Mr..
Barnes in the distance. Wicked me
Some spirit Of cruel mischief inf1u-
enced me to gush over Roy. Mr..
Barnes did not know that he was a
relative. He at once Jumped to the
conclusion that Roy was lover and
disappeared"
"Disappeared?"
"Actually and absolutely"
"And now?"
II am sorry I did it, said Lillian
In subdued tone.
For several years Lillian and other
girl friends of Meta Lee had come to
Silver Lake to enjoy q months vaca-
ton.
'Wake up, Lillian" rallied May
Rolfe the day ensuing. 'There's a
mystery afloat, at least rare novelty.
They say genuine, dyed-in-the-woO1
old hermit, long, white hair, Robinson
Crusoe cap, tottering staff and all that,
has taken possession of the old de-
serted hut on Bear Island"
"How picturesque!'' commented Lii
liam. II would like to sketch this new
character on the Scene."
"You won't dare to-" defed May.
''They say he is furtive, quite wild,
maybe a woman hater."
"You dare me, do youY" said Lillian,
some of the old fire of adventure and
daring in her eye.
~ "Call it a dare" retorted May
'What then?"
"Why," replied Lillian, II will not
only hunt down this romantic nomad
of the lake, but will bring back a
faithful sketch Of him."
"Suppose he should mediate carry
ing one Of us off like a knight Of old
to his baronial half" suggested May
''Baronial nonsense!" cried Lillian
"Where's Lillian?" inquired Meta
the next morning.
'T saw her put off down the lake in
the canoe with her sketching outfit, y
said May.
Lillian had, indeed, taken the ''dare.
She reached Bear Island, and resolute
ly and unafraid made her way through
the brambly bushes towards the old
dismantled hut that had been a ia
miliar landmark for years. Its doo1
stood open, Lillian peered in. There
were signs Of recent occupancy, but
no one was just now in sight. LilHar
looked around curiously. She was sur
prised to observe a white wig and {
great pair of whiskers, long coat ani
the conventional hermit hat on table
"Our hermit is a sham," decided Lii
liam. ooh, my!'
She might we'll start and thrill. Sci
over the rude fireplace was a care
photograph Of herself. Lillian re
treated, fluttering over tangible mys
terry. She passed through the door
way to come face to face with-th'
hermit!
He was bringing in some wood. A
the sight Of Lillian down went tn
! arnful in laundering way, and Their
stared up at the unexpected Lillian
Roland Barnes! It. was almost com
! ical, only Roland looked so distressed
! Lillian figured out the complication
readily. She adopted her most sooth
| ing and charming smile. =.
"So:you are the mysterious hermit?
she said.
"-I-yes, that is"
"And why did you leave us all s.
strangely that day at Brighton whe1
my cousin came?'
"Your cousin?'' wildly shouted Re
land-with hope.
"And why did you come here?' aske'
Lillian.
ITO feast my eyes on a sight Of
why, you, of course-before wen
away" +. --...-.- = .-.
care you going away now?" -
':Not-not if you say not. You dom
say not, though, do your concludes
Roland dismally.
II do, and I hope you will abandon
your foolish role and help my friend
enjoy themselves for week or two.
"A week or two!" gasped Roland /!
quivering delight.
eyes," nodded Lillian, at the end o
that delightful, Acknowledgements
vacation, II will marry you next Jun
provided"
eyes, yes?" murmured Roland raj
turously.
provided we make honeymoo
| visit to the hermit island, where 20
found yourself e."