The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-11-19

we WenI lahlly on, just dipping the
oars in and out; smoking, watching the
smoke circling through the clear air.
All thoughts of the doctor and his part
ing words had gone from our minds.
We talked little, and that little was of
Lillian and the chances of our meeting.
We had gone some two OF three hundred
yards; we were close to the shore. Alf
could almost reach it by stretching out
his oar. We were dreaming and lazing,
when suddenly some one stepped out
from among the trees. He was close to
us-not dozen feet away.
He was u tall man, rather over than
under six feet. He was dressed in q
dark brown suit of Oxford mixture; he
had a stick IN his hand, wore a billy
cock hat, and his coat was buttoned
right up to his throat. He had light
whiskers, heavy dropping mustache,
hair unusually long, iron-gray in color
He might be soldier retired from his
profession, or an artist out painting; he
certainly looked gentleman.
We were passing on, when he raised
his stick and shouted out, "Stopp
1t was regular shout, as though we
were half mile from him. We stopped,
although it was an unusual method of
calling attention.
Gentlemen" he said, still at the top
of his voice, " should be obliged if you
could give me seat. Ihave long way
to go, and l am tired"
We looked at him and at each other.
1t was free-and-easv style of asking q
favor; but he seemed gentleman, and
an elderly one too. Common politeness
dictated civility.
~ am afraid" said All, " we have
hardly ro ON /; she's only built for three"
"Oh, that doesn't matter" he said !;
you can put me anywhere, or I'll take
an oar for one of you"
was on the point OF advising point
blank refusal, not appreciating his off
hand manner; but Alf thought diff
ferently.
"All right" !" said he; eve don't mind
if you don't. Steer her in, Jack"
steered her in. No sooner were we
near the shore than, quite Unexpectedly,
he stepped almost on my toes, rocking
the boat from side to side,
"Hang il !" l said "take care, or
you'll have us over"
what if doP" he returned. "It'll
only be n swim; and who minds swim
in weather like this?"
We stared at him; the GOODNESS, not to
say impertinence, of the remark was
amazing Begging seat in our boat,
knowing it was full. and then telling us
he didn't care if he spilled us into the
river! He seated himself by me. setting
the boat seesawing again, crushing me
into corner; and without asking with
your leave or by your leave, took the
steering lines from my hands, and slipped
them over his shoulder.
Excuse me-" said, making snatch
at them, "but if you will allow me-"
mot at ALL" he said; 81 always like
something to do: and l expect you've
had enough oft"
His GOODNESS was amusing; he was
impenetrable. ! know l for one re-
gretted we were such mules as to have
had anything to do with him. We
waited in silence second or two.
Come" he said, "when are you
going to startp"
Perhaps, said ALI, bit nettled, "as
you're in our boat self-invited guest,
you'll let us choose our own time"
The stranger said nothing; he sat
stolid and silent. Tom and Alf set off
rowing; the stranger steered light across
the stream.
Where are you goingP" said Alf.
keep us in"
Pm going into the shade; the SUMS
too strong"
He had the lines; we could hardly in
sist on his keeping one side if he pre-.
ferred the other. He took us right to
the opposite bank, under the shadow of
the willow trees. For some minutes
neither of us spoke. With him cram
ming me on my seat, and ramming his
elbows into my side, my position was
not pleasant. AT last l let him know it.
{
are occupying all my seat"
He turned on me short and sharp. All
at once | noticed his left eye going up
and downllik blinking owl; his mouth
was wide open, disclosing as ugly set
of teeth as | should care to see. Like a
flash DR.. Rawle's words crossed my
mind; tall, strong, about forty-fve,
iron-gray hair, a habit of showing his
teeth, and winking his left eye. Gracious
powers was il possible we had lunatic
with us unawaresP | know the posi-
bility, nay, the probability. of such n
thing made me feel more than queer.
If there is anything in the world in
stinctively fear. it is mad persons. l
know little of them; have never been in
their company. Possibly my ignorance
explains my dread but the idea of sit
ting in the same boat and on the same
seat with man who
DR.. Rawle's warning, Don't let him
lose his temper, or murder will ensue, :"
made me bound from my seat like Jack
in-the-box. The boat tipped right out
of the water, but l didn't care. The
man was glarin0 at me with cruel eyes /;
my muscles were strung, my fists
clinched; every moment | expected him
at any throat.
"What the dickens are you up TOP"
said Alf. Whats the matter with
youP"
Excitable temperament, hot blooded
youth, " said the stranger.
could have said something had l
chosen, but l preferred discretion;
! didn't like his eyes.
IN o-nothing," l said. Think III
sit in the bow" l didn't wait to learn
if any one had an objection, but swing
ing round. l scrambled past ALI, and