Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1871-08-24

however, left the ladies Immediately,
who Joined Jack and his friend on the
piazza
1t was bright moonlight night, and
the silvery light made the lake seem
lovelier than ever; some mad impulse
induced Jack who had already taken
possession of Maggie to propose row
on the water, and 50 no objections were
made, Mrs. Campbell retiring into the
house, aft or charging them to be care
ful, they started for the boats. The
girls were in high glee, and when Jack
proposed they should go in separate
boats and have a race they willingly
consented; so Jack took Maggie in one
boat, while Tom and her sister entered
another, and they pulled from shore to
stake which was racing point, and
then the two young men bent to their
oars with a will They were about
evenly matched, though Tom being the
taller, had the longer reach.
The usual racing distance was a mile,
marked by buoy floating on the wa
ter, and both struggled hard for the
victory, Usually, IN such contests,
Jack had come off couqueror; but this
night he gradually fell behind, and
when about two-thirds of the distance
had been passed the other boat leading
him about three lengths, he stopped
pulling, unshipped his oars, and fold
ing his arms, sat in silence, while Toms
ironical cheer sounded in the dis
lance.
Maggie Campbell sat ut the stern of
the boat, rather surprised at Jacks I'M
usual FaSco; and as he did not speak,
said, in her low, musical voice
"What is the matter, Mr. Savage
Are YOU not well2'
Jack did not move for q moment !;
then he arose, stepped into the stern of
the boat, and seated himself beside
her.
They had drifted in shore-the other
boat was out of sight--and, as Jack
came SO near her, Maggie felt curious
sensation in her lett side and sort of
swelling in her throat, while she won
dercd why Jack acted SO strangely, and
what he was gong TO do next He did
not leave her long in doubt as TO that,
for passing his arm around her waist
a libert- he had never before ventured
to take--he said very quietly, but very
passionately:
Maggie we are going to part pretty
soon and may not have another op.
portuuity to tell you what is in my
heart tonight, and has been there these
many happy hours we have passed to-
gether. | want to tell you that [ love
you, Maggie, better than any one I
have ever seen, and to ask you if | may
not hope that have gained little of
your love, too. ! am sure | need you
oh, ever so much-and | shall want
you TO be my wife if you will--not now,
If you don't like, but whenever you feel
willing to come to me, and let me take
you all to myself, to make-God per
mitting--a happy home for both of us.
The next instant Maggie's face was
slowed away somewhere under Jacks
coat, and then series of curious noises
was heard, after which Jack jumped
back to his seat, took his oars, and ut
once began to propel his boat with the
most incredible swiftness down the lake,
Maggie meanwhile arranging her hair
and collar, which had somehow become
slightly deranged, and then sitting gui
city, with soft smile on her face,
watching Jacks marvellous strength
and dexterity III managing the oars,
Presently they came upon the other
coat with Tom and Susie sitting very
close together in the stern, paying little
attention to anything but to each other
Jack gave shout, and his friend jump
ed back to his oars,
II say, Tom said Savage, "Iu
pull you back for ten dollars. | was
only playing of when we came out"
AN right, sounded from the other
boat, and presently they were along
side.
Then began race that was race
The two girls clapped their hands and
cheered on the competitors, and at last
Maggie cried out:
"A scarf of my favorite color to the
one who wins
After that there was no Use betting
Jack came neatly into the little dock
two boat lengths ahead, and then they
all ran merrlly up to the house.
Jack, said Tom, after they had
said goodnight, to the girls and reach
ed their room, laud if they didn't KISS
them, the little darkie that was skulk-
ing around the back stairs lied cousum-
medly)-" Jack, I've made an awful
idiot of myself tonight.
" So have |. said Jack sententious-
", as he filled his meerschaum.
I've proposed to Susie Campbell, +"
continued Tom
just what I've done to her sister,
replied Jack.
And she's accepted me, " whispered
Tom.
Ditto shouted Jack, at the top
of his ynirn. md thnn seizinc, nnnh 9TH.