The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1930-11-07
CHAPTERR II-Continued


He heard then. although il was one
of the most beautiful spots in justly
famous county, thar il was in Roberta's
opinion dead end" Her opinion of
her fathers financial shrewdness and
ability seemed 70 have suffered blow
since he had sunk SO much of his
money in the island.
He looked about him. His island
was mile long and from a quarter TO
half a mile wide. 1t held all a man
might want. long stretch of garden.
a farm and woodland, beach and
fishing rights. II rose 70 a consider
able height above the water level
lovely green and fair. with rho re-
modelled old PENNSYLVANIA farmhouse
standing on the southwestern end
There was long terraced sweep down
TO a little beach where his boats were
mOored and a tiny suspension bridge
connected with the mainland
He had first seen this island some
years ago, and had longed 70 share II
with Roberta then. but there were
difficulties in the way of acquiring ii.
and he had decided if he could buy it.
IL would be delightful surprise 70
bring her there when she left school.
This was his rewardl
With a tremendous effort, Robert
Macbeth had controlled his temper.
He had kept back the profane words
that rose TO his lips. and said decidedly:
81 didn't know you smoked ar that
rate and don't like it, Clear ont now
and let me think. I'll tell you this
much. have wanted this island for
a long time and now that I've got 1t.
I'm going TO keep it,"
"You won't keep me here long"
Roberta declared-surprised and an
CRY. 81 give you fair warning that
can't stand the place and don't
intend 70. II bores me-"
Does il sO?" her father said. with.
out looking at her. "Then maybe
you'll get from between me and nv
view of the Delaware. I'm an III man
and | need the air and Ia little peace :"
Then he had done the most effective
thing he could do though il will never
be known whether he did il ny design
or accident He leaned back in his
chair and closed his eyes
"Weli. I'm off where the company's
more congenial." Roberta announced
and abruptly she had left him. al
though that meant leaving unlicensed
and unsettled all those domestic prob
lens about which she had come TO
consult with him.
Life Roberta felt at that moment.
was an extremely turbulent and diff
cult thing al eighteen plus. despite the
fact that ones elders and the poets
constantly acclaim il the only perfect
time, the springtide of youth There
was so much 70 he met for the first
time. however sophisticated one might
strive TO appear. Other people. espe-
ciaIly older people. were so difficult
TO understand, and failed so signally
10 understand one. They insisted on
begin reckoned with. on thrusting their
standards and wishes upon youth in
stead of stepping gracefully and quiet
ly into the background. and acting as
Greek chorus only when needed.
AS soon as Roberta had taken her
problems. two robust black women
without consulting the owner of the
island. left also and in the station car
with the coffee-cOlQred chauffeur.
They giggled great deal. when the
island and Mr.. Macbeth were safe
distance behind them.
"'At high-fyin' Miss Roberta's gon-
ma git quite some surprise. quite some, 7"
the cook told the waitress. "W'eD at
baby comes back. and see no one
round 'cepting the OIL man. setting re-
proachful in his chair, whit she
saying nen?"
They laughed gaily.
"Ma weeks up today, and hears
her telling e oil man she getting rid
of us for some white pussons today
or tomorrow | makes it today" the
waitress added.
"Ahm leavin' this neah station cab
at e station" the chauffeur assured
them. . AT red-headed baby used terms
to me this mawning. Terms %
They laughed all the way TO the
next roadside refreshment stand. where
they all alighted to fortify themselves
with sausages and rolls and ice cream
In cones.
While they ate, Roberta slackened
the speed of her car, and knowing
nothing of their departure. looked back
from the highway at her fathers
island What a placel Lovely enough.
she had 10 admit. lying long and green
high above the river. its tree tops
showing a little below the road that
we'll above both canal and river, ran
along the foot of rocky slope that
walled il in on the land side.
u was charming road. and every
where Roberta stopped to look II
seemed to grow more beautiful. At
one side of the read rIodOcendrOn
laurel and tall trees climbed high above
on the rocky slope. On the other
side. the white painted posts marking
the highway protected one from a
sheer drop of thirty or forty feet to
the canal Between the canal and
river was a broad fiat space green
and sunny. and then fhe Delaware.
rushing swiftly along, broad an !
shallow