Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1883-02-01

1 N>- O%-~AS
her. Lifting her head with one
arm out of the water he endeavored
to regain the shore, but the strong
current was too swift and the effort
vain. He looked ahead to the place
where the wheel was turning, and
setting his lips firm together. made
one more desperate effort-tried to
catch the boughs overhead, but it was
useless, and they were swept resist
lessly onward.
"Put your arms about my neck
so" he ordered, and weak and nearly
exhausted ly the long struggle, she
obeyed.
Can you hold there2"
Yes" her pale lips only dared re-
ply. Straight ahead Of them was a
turn, and there the current swept
closer to the shore-it was the only
hope now, and he worked for it !;
worked for it as a man will work for
life, doubly dear to him. Closer,
closer, inch by inch, it draws nearer
terribly swift-every nerve is strained
to the utmost, and now just below
they hear the horrible "clank,"
" clank" Of the revolving wheel. One
moment. with every sinew braced,
every muscle in full play, they draw
closer in; the hanging bushes are al
most in reach; but still they are borne
onward Lost-no, not yeti One mighty
effort, and, fairly lifting his burden
from the water, he grasps a branch
it snaps under the weight, but he has
caught another, and now, hand over
hand, he draws the double burden up.
With hands tightly clasped about him,
Leslie is pale and almost unconscious,
and he presses his warm kisses upon
her face.
Saved -savedl oh, Leslie, my dar-
lingl' he cried, passionately.
As her heavy eyes opened dlooke |
up, she saw his face and rememue. !, d 1t
all.
"Oh, John, forgive me, I was so
foolishr'
And he could only answer: al have
nothing to forgive"
"He loves me and he kissed me-
Leslie kept repeating over, as in her
own room she exchanged her wet
clothes for drier ones; !" he loves me
and L Oh, I won't!' and she mid
her flushed face in her hands. Unjust
go away, yes, | will go tomorrow
now, that's settled" and firm in the
determination, she fled down the stairs.
Sitting alone in the little parlor an
hour later, she heard slight, nervous
knock at the front door, and without
disturbing Mrs. Metler, she went her
self to answer it. A little, shock
headed country boy stood outside, who
opened his hlue eyes wide iu astonish-
ment.
"Bey you the boarder?" he asked.
i have that honor, 1 believe" she
smiled. What is it, my little man ?"
"Nothin' much l was down to
town, and a feller thar gave me this
fer Mr.. Metler-will you give it ter
him?"
"Yes," taking letter from his hand
eve thank you very much"
1t was irresistible, the temptation to
glance at the address, temptation
which Leslie did not attempt to COM
bat. The next instant she stood erect.
with red cheeks and dancing eyes. 1t
read: John Metler, Esq. editor of Bea-
con. Forward to Barnville, VT"
"Heis not farmer, only playing
one,p she cried. "Oh, John, John r.
and buried her face deep in the soft
cushions of the great, old fashioned
sofa.
Mother tells me-" John Metler said.
gravely, as he found her out in the
porch alone after supper. "that you
must go away tomorrow"
"Yes," she answered, twisting a
spray Of honeysuckle in her hand, ''my
visit is very nearly over now"
"And you are not very sorry, fear.
1t has been dull for YOU He spoke
perhaps more earnestly than he in
tended.
"Oh, but [ am very, very sorry, in
deed | have had such grand sum
mer, and shall miss the old farm so
much" and stray CLEAN of light fell
through the open door and quiYered
an instant upon her dark hair.
"And is that regret all for the farm
none for the dwellers therein?" he
questioned eagerly.
"Oh, yes, OF course. | shall dislike
very much having to leave Mrs. Met
Ter and Mr.. Metler-and .Nibs'-
$50 you feel it necessary to name
the cat first" he cried. hctly, rising to
his feet. VERY well, wish you good
night"
"John r He turned quickly at his
name being spoken in that earnest
tone, and as he did so she arose and
faced him. / did not suppose needed
to say how much | should miss you,'
and he saw there were tears in the
eyes looking straight into his own so
loyalty. Sometimes think 1 shall
miss you more than all"
TTnmaidenlv was n tl,ie avaxuaIo