Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1921-07-29
A Souvenir of the
Amazon
BY LATlMER J. WILSON

rs, l92l, Wy Mcclure Newspaper Syndieste-'
The dawn drew aside her gray cur
tain and a necklace of pearly clouds
hung across the sky dazzling the
eyes of Miss Liberty standing on her |
little island in the bay. Dark trans |
ports and coast-plying ships were an
chored in the harbor when u long spic-
and-span fabricated steel vessel, fresh
ly arrived from South American
ports, slid past and locked at her
pier.
A short, bow-legged sailor, carrying
an oblong box, came ashore. His hair
was long,, his eyes looked criss-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 in cor
ner Of the room that was assigned to
him by the red-faced landlady, went
to barber shop In the neighbOrhood
and then took subway train to
Harlem.
Later he advanced up the long
flights that led to the top floor of
| tenement in a crosstown street. 1t
| was certainly an unconventional hour
| for calling upon a lady, but Dave
| knew his business.
"It's me, Liz--can | come in?" 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.
81 was expectin' you, Dave. l knew
it must be about time for your boat
to dock" Then presently, after other
| fond greetings, she asked if he want
ed something to eat. 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 cor
kerr" beamed the sailor with antici-
pated pleasure.
For 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
up at Huber's didn't make near the
salary she pretended found out
But, anyway, the stage will suit bet
ter than workin' forever in laun
dry. Where's your pet-got I'm In
your pocket?" she added with a broat
grin.
/ II left i'm over In my room, but
i I'll fetch i'm along tonight. Now Tn
: thinkin that we'll make good thins
d out Of this here snake. It's one Of
|. them piethongs or anacondas, and
he's young enough to manage
s I'm still thinkin' of maxim my day
e boo in theatricals on the night tina
: amateurs goes on. they let's anybod.
J. what's got a stunt to take chance
: at gettin' the hook" said the girl. 9
). amt got time to talk any more nov
about it, but you bring your frien'
/. over here tonight and I'll rehears
with i'm"
In few minutes the two wer
walking with the rush hour crow
toward the subway. The mornin
sun was beginning to cast warm ray
upon the pavement and the girl kne'
= that she would be late fer work
!, "Fll tell you" suggested her par
: ner, tonight you call in the GROVE
- Get 'em all here and Wen have
regular dress rehearsal. Put on you
fiimseys and Wen see how the az
:" takes. Cool air makes that snak
dopy. You can do anything with II
when he's cold. Wrap i'm aroun
your neck, put your head in his moutl
Just do anything" said Dave wit
70 conviction. "WeIl make enoug
=. money to set us up In style. You
~ give up your Job and I'll quit mir
and we'll both 60 on the stage"
That evening Dave was back
RI Harlem before the appointed hou
g He opened the box and permitted II
q girl to look at the gift. the living so1
81 venir of the swampy jungle, NJ
q long ago he had basked hanging Iii
q the moss from the low limbs abo,
3 the muddy stream Of the hot cou
q try.
8 ~ had a time gettin' i'm" cor
81 mented Dave. zone Of the nativ
u brought I'm down the river and / pa
81 few bits and some tobacco
3 change his owners"
& "What do you feed it," ask
q Lizzie.
a. "Why, amt thought Of that" 50
X Dave. "Piethongs Is as economical
& goldfish. amt given i'm a bite sin
3 got 'im."
81 Dave" said Lizzie calmly, II all
B goin' to act with any hungry snal
q II he's hungry, like as not he'll try
q eat me-"
&cn q,