The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-11-11
The Visitor in the Dawn.

ed the red embers still visible in the center. Bits of branches charred and fame-eaten, lay scattered about
 Above the tops of the silent trees the stars pa1ed. receding before the spre ading yellow-white of dawn A few birds f1uttered among the foliage twittering s1eepily and Carson awoke. He tossed his blanket back energeu- ical1y, sat up, then 1apsed into yawn- ing languor while he eyed the coals complacently. His firm young mouth twisted into an oblique a his brows contracted. Then he started. Out of the solitude at his stopping back she spoke.
 'I beg your pardon" Carson reached for the corner Of his blanket as he turned. She was smiling apprecia lively at him from her position between two great pines. Callers who are daring enough to appear at dawn are a distinct nuIs- ance I admit" she continued, "but I obey necessity
 we all do,' Carson grinncd. while his eyes eva1uated. She was taller than most women. Her erect grace had an indefinable charm in it. something suggestive Of courage and provocative of romantic
  smiled whimsically. Over her snoui ders mass of black curls dropped in riotous order. Her lips were thin and closed in a straight line over teeth that shone when she chose to smile. Carson was interested.
 At this answer she had advanced a few steps. Her 1.-the body moved with a freedom creative of dreams.
 50 you have learned that al- ready?"
 ''I read it in the stars, perhaps"
 He wondered how old she was, and felt a bit provoked at her superior tone.
 q see. They are delightful tale tellers. but immoraHy untrue''
 "so you have discovered that ai- ready?'
 He attempted her accent and 1n- fiection. Her eyes sparkled but she did not smile. Neither was she dis turbed.
 'I should be delighted to turn my back while you dress. Perhaps you could then listen to my tale of woe" She did not turn away and Carson laughed as she eyed his dead fire.
 ''It looks like coffee might be de- layed, doesn't it?''
 She nodded, her eyes growing child like at his remark.
 
 her voice said musingly. "Pll gather twigs while you put on civilization TT din't quite mean that" he stammered, feeling foolish. Since I am expecting to be your guest at coffee, I prefer to- She vanished behind the trees and Carson hastily dressed, smiling at her term for his clothes. When she re- turned with an armful of wood he was sta rding up. clad in the best of hunting togs.
 My name" she volunteered tossing her load ito the ground, ''is Edith.''
 Mine is Morton. Morton B. Carson. I hate it and propose Jerry as a more human substitute-'' Every we'll. Now for some water" She took up pail and disappeared. Well, I am damned!" Carson as- sured himself calmly. then heaped twigs for the base of his fire. She re- turned swinging her bucket of water carelesSly.
 "It promises to be superp day for fshing''
 Carson ceased blowing his flame to nod agreement. He was searching his rather hay memory for an instance in literature similar to the present unusual experience. Finding none, he shrugged his aggressive shoulders, assuring himself that such luck was l rare and that judgment urged a speedy furth erance of this acquaint- ance.
 Are you camping near here?" He knew no better method of obeying judgment.
 "Yes, relatively near I am above the first falls.''
 Half a mile?' Carson noted aloud.
 Correct Something in her tone made him uncomforba bly, aware ot her understanding his thought.
 Fishing luck good % He hoped that would remove her susoieian of his intention to promote friendship.
 ''I really don't know
 He glanced toward her, not at- tempting to conceal his surprise.
 F'Oh" That was all his mind fur nished just then.
 If you will tell me where your coffee is - s
 She was already scanning n,s equipment.
 You just rummage there in the grub box till you find the can" ''I should have known She began picking over his supplies. 'Order isn't my strong point" He felt that her remark inquired an apology.
 You should see my kit. That's just why I'm here Even disorder sometimes brings pleasures" Her glance made him feel that his com pd inn ent was awkardly youthful. .'There,'' she said. fishing out a can and large spoon, "how many cups do you usually consumer" 1.-TWO or three.' He watched her prepare the water. When she had the coffee on the fire she rose and glanced up at the sky. Above them the hills were already bathed in gold, btu there in the canon shadows still lurked hiding among the pines, as though fearful of the advancing light,
 s-It is certainly quiet" she said softly '-One might imagine the primeval dawn here beside this fire, save for the scent of coffee-and for ourselves ''