The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-12-15
Chapter IA
Picnic At CIintOn's Mill

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Picnic At CIintOn's Mill
NUTWARDLY it was a gay party
" that left for Clinton's Mill in
Terry's old car that sultry Sunday
afternoon. Clinton's Mill had been q
favorite picnicking spot before Crys-
tai Lake was developed, further UP
the river. Now the place was almost
deserted. The mill itself had not been
used for years, and had fallen into
picturesque decay. The mill pond
was still deep enough for swimming
and an old bath house, built in more
prosperous days, was still useful.
BEAT you inn Sally cried, as they
piled out of the car and raced for the
bath house.
Tip was first in the water, after all
because Sally's fair hair was thick
and long, and had to be crowded into
a cap. Terry was next, looking amaZ-
ingly tall and broad in bathing suit
Tip and Terry played at ducking
each other, and dived from an old
spring board. Sally forgot all of them
in the pure JOY of being in the water
She began to swim lazily toward the
dam. She did not notice Philip Page
till he was abreast of her.
'This is great" called Philip. "Pve
shed years since l jumped into this
old mud hole"
He did look younger, Sally thought
He was well built and surprisingly
athletic for one who appeared so tall
and slender.
They swan with long, untiring
strokes. At the dam. they climbed
out and lay on the bank, resting in the
sun.
Young Terry Maynard will hate
me-" said Philip, for taking you SO
far away"
HE won't miss me-" laughed Sally.
'He likes to play with Tip in the
water"
81 don't like that. He should be
jealous of you"
That's silly. We've always played
around together-Tip, and Terry and
]. He's been especially nice to Tip
lately because I've asked him. She
needs looking AFTER
isn't that little dangerous? He
doesn't seem exactly cut out for a
nurse-maid."
The idea made them both laugh.
Tip Offers A Toast
a CLAP of thunder startled them.
"A They had not noticed the dark
clouds behind the mill. Now the sun
vanished suddenly, and wind sprang
up and whipped the willows into fury.
Tips frightened of storms" said
Sally. I'D better get her under
cover"
Better look after yourself for
once" said Philip. She's nearer the
bath house"
Terry and Tip were waving TO
them and running for the bath house.
Philip and Sally were a good distance
from the bath house. but short swim
would take them to the mill. A jagged
streak of lightning split the clouds.
Lets try for the MILL" said Philip.
ats our best bet"
The water was calm, but the rain
broke quickly. Just as they got to
the mill, clap of thunder sounded
close to them, and lightning struck
a large tree on the bank.
mot so good-but l like the rain, y
shouted Sally, breathlessly, as they
clambered over some broken timberS
to the solid part of the mill.
Inside the mill was dry and dusty,
haunted by the smell of grain. Sally
leaned against a post and Philip
shook the rain from his curly hair.
Suddenly brilliant flash lit the whole
interior of the mill, and a thunder
clap made the timbers rattle.
Sally jumped nervously. THAT
struck close"
''Sit. down here" Philip urged. TAX
ing her hand and pulling her toward
some. steps. "Afraid?" he teSSed.
No" answered Sally. but / don't
like storms"
The lightning struck again. and
seemed TO hit the mill itself. The
whole structure trembled. Philip
flung an arm about Sally.
Are you hurt. Sally?"
"It-almost got us that time" said
Sally family.
ats over now, think" said Philip.
Lean against me for a moment
The storm died away as rapidly as
it had come. retreating with distant
mutters and rumbleS.
Sally drew away from Philip and
stood up. She was very conscious OF
having touched him, and vaguely dis
turbed.
The suns coming out already. -
she said. WED better go and get
dressed"
Eyes" said Philip slowly, wed
better co." But he did not move for
several moments.
Terry and Tip met them half way
down the road. They were dressed
and had the picnic basket. Tip hailed
them mockingly.
''Everybody's gone but US! Hurry
and dress and let's have supper here
on the mill porch." She won't M &c