The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1871-08-05
MiSrellaup.
AsrRANoE ADVENTURE.


colloqulst had accosted me. In truth and in
fact, was engaged in examining the paddock
mooring of a graceful little boat, whose keel
lay out on shore, and menditating to myself
how very agreeable a row would be across the
crystal lake through the silence of the August
breakfast.
''GOOd morning. responded, turning to
meet the inquiring gaze OF a tall gentlemanly
looking parsonage, apparently about thirty
five years of age. He was dark and hand
some, with piercing eyes, forehead slightly
bald, and a jet black moustache, twisted gent
ly away from small nervous mouth; and his
dress was tasteful and faultless in the last de-
gree. He had taken off his light straw hat TO
greet me, and now apparently awaiting some
more definite explanation on my part.
81 beg your pardon, SIR | stammered,
rather confused, "I-I hope am not trespass-
ing on private grounds!'
"Why, sir, you are undeniably on private
grounds" returned the stranger, smiling, "but
think we won't call it 10y the harsh name of
trespasslng You are staying in this neigh
borhood, ="
81 am staying at the Lake House for the
summer | explained; "and | suppose my
morning walk has led me further than | at
first Intended
"You are about six miles from the house,
sir" returned my companion, courteously.
"And judging by your occupation when l
came down to the gate, you would not object
to crossing back by water"
laughed and acknowledged the fact
''To tell the truth, sir, | was Just thinking
how. nice and cool a short row would be. In
fact, it the boat had not been fastened should
most assuredly have braved all consequences
adj var r..l hn
81 think we can overcome the oblectlcn,"
said the stranger, quietly turning to an DID,
ruined tree, whose gnared trunk overhung
the transparent tide, and drawing a key from
Its hollow depth. "Suppose we get up an ap-
petite tor breakfast together ! | am not an
inexperienced oarsman myself, and | suppose
yOu,understand the art of propelling on the
water?
"Just give me an opportunity, and see if
don't indicate my education in aquatic mat
ters,' l said in high good-humor, sprlnging
into the LITTLE fairyshell followed by my new
acquaintance. Really, sir, this is an uneXpect.
ed treat. | scarcely know how to thank you
sufficiently for your courtesy"
"Then do not attempt it, said the gentle
man, inclining his head with a dignfed high.
bred politeness which impressed me more and
more In his favor. 81 assure you the gratiti-
cation is mutual Pull to the right "a little ;
We shall get entanged in yonder sheet of
floating lilies, if we are not careful.
Upon my word this Is a most perfect morning
for the water"
It was, indeed Across the diamond gilt
ter of the lake the golden spendors of an Au.
gust sunrise were just beginning to be re-
Elected: and in the distance q range of dim
misty mountain peaks leaned against the no.
rizon like tar-off sentinels, almost losing their
outline in the blue radiance of the clOudless
heaven.
"I'wlsh were an artist - broke almost in.
voluntarily from my lips.
My companion smiled.
''Need II man be an artist to enjoy the beau.
ties of such scene IA this" he murmured
lszily. 81 suppose there isn't living soul
within mile OF US, always excepting birds
and tishcs'
II suppose not" assented.
But, Nevertheless, the forms and ceremo
MES of society cannot entirely be cast aside
May know whom have had the pleasure Of
helping to an hours pleasure ?"
l drew card from my waistcoat pocket
and handed it across with smile.
"Vernon Cheverly, Ell pretty name sir
I congratulate myself on making your nc
quaintance Will you allow ne to recipro
cate your frankness p
He bowed low as he presented me with .
bit OF brown paper that he extracted from an
old clgar-case. Upon it was inscribed thu
one word ALBERT"
"Albert-who 2" involuntarily question
ed.
"ALBERT, sir" returned my companion
starting into sitting posture, and regarding
me with stern dignity. "Prince Albert, sir
Albert OF England, Scotland and Wales!'
stared at him aghast. Was the man mad
or dreaming?
TO your knees, sir " he said with SHARP
and sudden imperiousness. "Have you nc
reverence for royaItyr'
obeycd his quick sign almost before
knew what Was doing. He smiled compla
Gently, at the same time drawing gaudy TIN
eel star from his pocket, and gravely affixine
1t to the left breast of his coat.
"Yes, my friend" he went on impressively
"You are now in the presence of the Prince
Consort of Great Britain! Men have amused
themselves by disseminating the idle tale thai
was dead; that's ali they know about it.
am not dead and what is more, never shall
die am privileged with the gift of everast
ing existence. As long as wear this Jewel
ed star, death can never come near me-"
felt the cold preparation oozlng from eve
ry pore in my body; could almost teci NV
sell grow pale AS | became fully convince,
that was upon the solitary lake with IL mad
man ! had heard when | first came 10 tb
mountain retreat that there was II large a.y
luth somewhere IN the .icnlty. Ou, I,,
never given the affair a second thouvht
Now | WAS rcaDiny the consequences or m,