Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-11-28


paper Syndicats.>
Pz-z-zzp! B-S.s-ssh! With the sick
ening swish OF escaping air and the
harsh grinding of brakes the gray road
ster came to an abrupt stop. Jack Ray
nor sprang out and glanced sharply at
his front tires. They were unniistak-
cbly flat
"Well. of all the cursed luck !" he cx-
claimed in dismay. Both Of 'cm and
not an extra tube or casing. Nothing
for IT but to vulcanize the holes"
Then unaware that n pair of startled
brown eyes regarded him intently from
behind the roadside tanglc OF bushes, he
proceeded to say other things. uncom-
plimcntary things about the road and
the people who frequentcd it. things
which it is unnecessary to repeat, but
for which he will doubtless be par
doned by the veteran motorist.
For the mercury had already climbed
TO the "ninct y-in-thc- shade" mark. Pres
emily, having exhausted his vocabulary,
he flung off his coat. collar and tie
rolled back his sleeves and fell TO work
jacking up the front wheels.
Meanwhile the owner of the brown
eyes, sensing the gravity of the sit,la-
ton. slipped unobscrvcd from her hid
Ing place and, berry pail in hand. sped
across the adjacent cornfield to the
small brown house beyond.
For moment she fingered hcsita-
ingly In the doorway. Then she disap-
peared within. When she came out
| again She was wearing n crisp brown
linen dress with Il deep white collar. in
place of the faded blue calico. and she
had on the bronze shoes and stockings
ordinarily reserved for Sundays.
II wonder il l dare" she whispered
to herself in suppressed excitement.
But I'm going to, anyhow. It's the
least I can do. He'll never guess how
it happened. And ii is drcadfulTy hot
and dusty out there. Besides" irrele-
vanity, che Is splendid looking even
when he's angry
Ten minutes later, as Jack Raynor
was ruefully contemplating two sharp
tacks TINT explained the fiat tires. his
attention was attracted by .rnStling
In the bushes and. even as he looked. n
slender girl OF nineteen or twenty
emerged. carrying shining lin pail
and basket His swift appraising
glance noted that she was unusually
pretty. with shy brown eyes. an album
dance Of soft brown hair becomingly
arranged. and checks that glowcd pink
beneath their healthy tan.
Il thought you might like fresh
drink" She began timidly, extending
the pail. '1t--it'S so warm this morn
ing-anl we do have good watcr-and
or the way ] picked these DearheS-
they're just ripe enough to eat" she
concluded setting down the basket.
To jack laynor, tired and thirsty
from his strenuous work, the sight of
the sparkling wafer was indeed wei
come. Smiling his thanks. he accepted
the pail and drank eagerly.
Il don't know whether YOU are n
wood nynph or just sort of human
angel il" said returning 1t to ner,
"but WAS longing for drink. and !
more than appreciate" y0ur thoughtful-
ness. ! always felt | should know a
nynph if ] saw hcr--that like you. she
would be all in brown. with hint of
wild roses in her cheeks and sunlight
In her hair. Won't YOU sit down. Wood
Nymph?" he added politely. spreading
out his coat by the roadside.
Il mustn't" she replied, In the
same soft voice. "bccause you see /
don't know you aid
"Oh, II that's all can soon set YOU
right he responded gayIy. "Tm Jack
Rnynor Of the state highway depart
mont. I'm looking up the route for
the new state road, and ] was getting
on pretty well until the Greyhound"
indicating the car with n 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 10 have company while
] repair damages"
The girl seated herself gracefully
and watched him with interest rs he
took out his vulcanizing outfit, affixed
rubber patch, cInmpcd II into place,
and lighted the gasoline in the con-
taincr. While he was whiting for II
10 burn out he sat down beside her.
Now SUPPOSE you tell me about