The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-06-28
TIE DAILY
SHORT STORY
Punctured.
BY ANDERSON HALEY.
Copyright, 1913, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.)

NoWbpapeE oyuuiCdteJ
rN.z-z.ZzPi B.s-s-ssH! With the
sickening swish OF escaping afr
and the harsh grinding OF brakes
the gray roadster came at an abrupt
stop. Jack Raynor sprang out and
elaxced sharply at his front tires.
They we're unrnistakabiy flat.
well OF all the cursed 1ucki" he
exclaimed In dismay. Both of 'em
and not an extra tube or casing. Moth
ing for II but to vulcanlze the holes!"
Then. unaware that a pair of star
tied brown eyes regarded him intent.
~ from behind the roadside. tangle OF
bushes, he proceeded to say other
things, uncomplimentary things about
the road and the people who FREQUENT.
ed It, things which II Is unnecessary
TO repeat. but for which he will doubt.
less be pardoned by the veteran mo-
torist.
For the mercury had already climb.
ed to the 'ninety-in-the-shade' mark.
Presently, having exhausted his yo-
cabulary. he flung of his coat, collar
and tie. rolled back his sleeves and fell
70 work lacking up the front wheels.
Meanwhile the owner of the brown
eyes, sensing the gravity of the situa.
ton, slipped unobserved from her hid.
ing place and, berry pail in hand, sped
across the adjacent cornfield to the
small brown house beyond.
For a moment she fingered hesitat.
fngly in the doorway. Then she dis
appeared within. When she came out
again she was wearing q crisp brown
ffytfh
In place OF the faded blue calico, and
she had on the bronze shoes and
stockings ordinarily reserved for Sun
days.
u wonder If dare" she whispered
to herself in suppressed excitement.
But I'm going to, anyhow. It's the
least l can do. He'll never guess how
It happened. And 1t is dreadfully hot
and dusty out there. Besides" ifreve.
lantly, .he is splendid looking even
when he's angry"
Ten minutes later, as Jack Raynor
WIS ruefully contemplating two sharp
tacks that explained the flat tires, his
attention was attracted by rustling
In the bushes, and, even as he looked.
slender girl Of nineteen or twenty
emerged. carrying shining tin pail
and q basket. His swift appraising
glance noted that she was unusually
pretty, with shy brown eyes. an abund.
ance of soft brown hair becomingly
arranged, and cheeks that glowed
pink beneath their healthy tan.
Il thought you might like fresh
drink" she began timidly, extending
theSpatl. "It-it's SO warm this morn
ing-fand we do have good water-and
on{the way picked these peaches
,taey're Just ripe enough to eat" she
concluded setting down the basket.
To Jack Raynor. tired and thirsty
from his. strenuous work, the sight Of
the sparkling water was indeed vel.
come. Smiling his thanks, he accept
ed the pail and drank eagerly.
= ~ don't know whether you are a
wood nymph or Just sort of human
angel" he said returning it to her,
but was longing for drink, and 1
more than appreciate your thoughtful
ness. l always felt / should know a
nynnph If I saw her-that like you, she
would be all in brown, with hint of
Wild roses in her cheeks and sunlight
Ia her hair. Won't you sit down, Wood
Nymph?" he added politely, spreading
out his coat by the roadside.
81 mustn't" she replied. in the
same soft voice, because you see I
don't know you and"
soh, II that's all 1 can soon set you
right, he responded gayly. Pm Jack
Raynor, of the state highway depart
ment. I'm looking up the route for the
new state road and was getting on
pretty well until the Greyhound" indi-
eating the car with nod of his head,
picked up couple of tacks. | was
Just cursing my luck when you came
along to prove the truth of the old
adage about the silver lining And
I'd much prefer to have company
while i repair damages"
The girl seated herself gracefully
and watched him with interest as he
took out his vulcanizing outfit, affixed
q rubber patch, clamped it into place,
and lighted the gasoline in the con.
tainer. While he was waiting for it to
burn out he sat down beside her.
Now suppose you tell me about
yourself. OF course know you are
wood nymph, but even they must have
names-otherwise there would be no
end Of confusion"
There's nothing very interesting to
tell she replied quietly, her eyes
fixed on the flame. I'm Rose Carey.
and father and / live in the browz
house over there. He carries the mail.
50 I'm alone all day He used to be
school principal, an1 then be de-
velcped tuberculosis and was ordered
to stay nat CO doors, so we bought this
little plRcs and came ho-e to live
With the rsfl route and the garden
....A -. -.