The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1921-04-14
A Souvenir OF the
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3, LATlmER } WILSON

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The dawn drcW aside her gray eur
tain and HelsiaCe 81 peally clouds
huns across Use say dakzlins the
eyes 80 Bliss Liberty standing wa her
little island ia the bas DARK trans
ports and euas, I,ly lis llPs we've an
chorea Ia the barbor when . long sple-
and span fabricated steel vessel fresh
u arrived from South American
ports. sind past and doeked al her
pier
A short. bow legged sallg, carrying
an Obioug box. came ashore. Ills hair
was long. his eyes looked erlss cross
over the bridge Of his sharp nose and
his chin wore a jungle underbrush OF
beard As straight as his seaworthy
legs would convey him he went to one
OF those small lodging houses near the
waterfront deposited his box Ia cor
ner Of the room that was assigned 70
him by the red faced laudIady went
TO barber shop In the neighborhood
anu Ahth Nt9h ehHNH At"iH "
Harlem.
Later he advanced up the long
flights that led to the top iioor of a
tenement in a crosstown street, II
was certainly an unconventional hour
for calling upon lady, but Dave
knew his business
Its me Liz-can | come inY he
shouted In response to the Inquiry
that followed his knocking upon the
door Instantly the door flung open
and two warm arms were around his
neck
Il was expectin' you, Dave. knew
il must be about time for your boat
TO dock Then presently, after other
fond greetings, she asked II he want
ed something to eat A table was
spread and the two sat down TO
breakfast.
The girl was not unattractive in
appearance Her hair was long and
dark. and her eyes were blue enough
TO proclaim her descent from the
kings of the Emerald Isle.
what dye think, Liz" broke forth
her fiance with the energy that comes
with sudden idea. Have you still
got the bug about acting on the stage?
I've brought what you asked for when
was here last trip, and it's a cor
ker" beamed the sailor with antici-
pated pleasure
For a moment the girl seemed puz-
zled. then she grinned with pleased
surprise
You don't mean to say you've
brought me one of them big snakes
from monkey land? I'd most changed
my mind since we talked about the
snake-charming business That girl
mp at Huber's didn't make near the
salary she pretended | found out.
But. anyway. the stage will suit bet
ter than workin' forever I'm laun-
dry. Where's your pet-gnt I'm in
your pocketY" she added with broad
grin.
~ left I'm over In my room, but
I'll fetch I'm along tonight Now I'm
thnkin that wen make good thing
out Of this here snake It's one Of
them piethongs or anacondas. and
he's young enough to manage"
I'm sim thinkin' Of maxim my day
boo In theatrlcals on the night that
amateurs goes on. they lets anybody
what's got stunt TO take chance
at gettln' the hook said the girl. II
amt got time TO talk any more now
about II. but you bring your friend
over here tonight and ri rehearse
with i'm"
In few minutes the two we're
walking with the rush hour crowd
toward the subway. The morning
sun was beginning 10 cast warm rays
upon the pavement and the girl knew
that she would be late for work.
an tell you" suggested her part
ner. tonight YOU call In the crowd.
Get 'em an here and Wen have a
regular dress rehearsal Put on your
aimseys and wen see how the act
takes. Cool air makes that snake
dopy You Gun do anything with i'm
when he's cold Wrap i'm around
your neck. put your head in his mouth,
just do anything" said Dave with
conviction. wen make enough
money 10 SET ms up IN style You'n
give up your Job and til quit mine
and wen both 20 on the stage
That evening Dave was back In
Harlem before the appointed hour.
lie opened the box and permitted the
girl 10 look al the gift. the living SOU
venir Of the swampy jungle. Not
long ago he had basked hanging like
the moss from the. low limbs above
The muddy stream n the hot coun-
try.
Il had q time gettin' i'm" com
mented Dave ~One Of the natives
brought i'm down the river and I paid
few bits and some tobacco to
change his owners"
~what do You feed ItT' asked
Lizzie.
~Why. ] amt thought o. that" said
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