The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-12-29
Written TOR the Free Trader.
MARRIED TO PLEASE ANOTHER
BY CHARLES EVANS.

"What detained you so long?' spoke Clara
in a rather petulent voice. "Wc had about
concluded to play alone"
go, Clara! you see he met so many friends
and was obliged to speak to each one" inter
rupted Allie before Edward could reply, "As
for myself, could have kept him talking yet
i was SO surprised to see him here, for We
had not even heard Of his arrival"
ayes, Miss Allie has explained my seeming
negligence, for met with more friends than
anticipated. SO hope you will excuse me"
Certainly" was her frank reply.
The wickets were soon arranged, and the
ground freed from any distractions that might
chance to change the course of the balls. AT
ter half hours game Edward and Miss Den
ION came oil victorious, during which Allie
enjoyed the game splcndidly. But Capt
Brooks showed decided preference for con
versation over mallet and ball, while his fair
partner played with n reluctant hand.
The announcement of dinner prevented a
second trial, which was an agreeable change
for the exercise had sharpened their appcitcs
As the four started in the direction of the table,
with young Aston and his late partner in adj
vance, ladies and gentlemen issued from every
shady nook, all in eager haste to join the dinner
party. The long narrow table, though rude
and primitive in construction, was loaded with
the best Of viands, and there beneath n natural
shade, never did gay company more enjoy Il
rural rcpast.
After dinner Capt. Brooks proposed Il fish
Ing excursion on the lake. As he had proved
such an indifferent croquct player, he thought
Il change of tactics would DC better. agreed, u
cried Allie, with that mischievous expression
in her eye which made him stare and wonder
if she did not have some fun in store at his ex
pensc.
Soon the four were comfortably seated in Il
small boat that lay anchored for that purpose
As they weighed anchor, and gently floated on
the lakes placid bosom, Allie cast a knowing
look at Clara, telling in palmer language than
word. that fun was on the programme, while
she in turn, by Il solemn glance signaled hel
disapproval. Allie Denton was a joyous girl
with mischief sparkling in her eyes. With
dark eyes and fair skin, she could be neither
called blonde or brunette, nor either homely
or beautiful; but her merry temperament won
many admirers, and let come what would, SHE
was certain to have her fun. Being Clara's
senior by three years, and always associated
with her at school, she felt tree to have her own
way. On either bank might be seen long rows
of water lilies dropping their heads AS if tc
welcome the merry cxcursionists. Ever and
anon flock of ducks, startled by the sudden
appearance of intruders, would fly away 10 q
more retired spot.
Listen to that rumbling, uncarthly sound
said Capt. Brooks, in nervous tones while his
face depicted signs Of fear
"Oh yes" returned young Aston, sand quite
familiar it is too; for il is only water coming
through Devils Cave. The place is so called
from the Indians, who gave il that name. They
regarded il as the abode of the damned ant
when passing by, always invoked the Grea
Spirits blessing"
As they neared the spot from which tn
sounds proceeded, Allie gave Clara the wink
AT the same time asking Mr. Brooks how h
would relish visit to the cave. She gave tn
boat, as il by accident, a lurch that thew hin
overheard. In grasping wildly TO save hin
self from ducking, Clara was also throw
out and the swift current carried her under
With one headlong leap Edward Aston spran
after her but ere she rose the current had born
her beyond his reach, and he had to swim se'
eral rods before reaching her. Moments seen
cd hours to Allie while watching in fearful sui
pense the result Of her thoughtlessncss. ii
reached her just as she rose the last time, an
with dlflicultyiregained the boat by swimmin
with one arm and holding her up by the othe
Merciful heaven, does she liye:' he eagerl
inquired, while gazins upon the pallld fori
now before him in all IFS terror.
~Yes, there is hope" returned Miss Dentol