The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1918-05-07
A RAVINE EPISODE
BY AGNES G. BRoeAN.

ttopyrlBnt, Aslt. western newspaper Union.
The Rev. Archibald owen, turned
from the roadway. to follow a path
down to the ravine. The gate-likc
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 a.
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 riven by
a startled cry. Again ii 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 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 encourag-
ing hand.
"It's all right" said the rector.
Bewilderedly she looked about, then
laughed. 81 don't know what | should
have done without you." she said. 1
was frightened to DEATH" She stopped
to pick up a 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
about?"
1T 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 n sort of Saint Patrick"
she asked, ito charm the snakes
away?'' Her voice ended seriously. II
must have my basket filled before
four o'clock" she said.
"Must?'' Owen questioned.
IF | wish to earn the money" she
responded.
so. this is not just a pastlme,"
lie said kindly, then you will let me
help you. | did not know that money
,ould be earned in this way"
Sin a town like this" she replied.
I'VE 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.
Il live alone with my aunt who Is
n invalid" the girl answered. 'In a
hite house." she went On slowly, near
he bridge"
The Rev. Archibald recalled the
place instantly, u tiny cottage ii was,
weather beaten and out of repair. To
abide the year round, this glowing lit
lie creature, In that tumble-down hut,
with an invalid aunt for sole compan-
ION, cheerfully picking berries in a
iwamp, In order to purchase no doubt
necessary comfort. you are a
brave girl !" he exclaimed.
A smile trembled the girls red lips.
Am II" she questioned. "You could
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?"
stlNhu 4 n tho nnary ranfnr ON trial ~
he replied. "Owen Is my name"
1t was the girls tutn to stare. "And.
and l joked you about st. Patrick"
she said, and 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 dimples dotting the girls pink
cheeks, the fash of her even white
teeth.
"Yes," she nodded. that is what
was sent out to get them for"
Determinedly Owen picked up the
basket. Then your work Is DONE" he |
said, land II you will allow me to
stop and see your aunt upon the way
back-7"
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