Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1888-08-30
CHAPTER XXI.
Palette softly whistled.

SHOWING HOW OUR HERO ESCAPED
DROWNING.
The boat lay at the wharf, pretty little
craft of six or eight tons, with mainsail
and lib. 1t was delightful afternoons;
gentle westerly wind swept over placid sea,
and the sky was as clear as the mirror that
reflected its exquisite blue. Oakhurst and
Miss Norcross took their seats amidship,
leaving the stern for the boatman. Tie
ropes were cast off, and the sailor was about
stepping aboard when it was discovered
that the fishing lines had been left behind.
Old Larry was dispatched to bring them, and
he rolled off as fast as his habtual gait al
lowed Linn When he was fairly up the hill,
Miss Norcross said:
"You know how to sail boat, don't your
"Yes," said Oakhurst 81 have frequently
been out alone; but | thought l would not
take the responsibility of a more precious
freight"
at would be delightful to have sail by
ourselves"
"Charming, truly! Our saltwater friend
may be very estmable person, but we
should be freer to talk in his absence"
Suppose you try it. l will sit here, and
you take his place"
tempting one, but he had no great confidence
IN his own skill.
"The sea is like a pond" continued his
companion. ave can sail out a short dis
lance and then return for our pilot, if we
like
OaklsTst allowed himself to be persuaded.
He showed Off the boat, hoisted sail, and they
were soon lightly skimming the waters of the
bay. They rounded the rocky point and
stood for the eastward. Their boatman soon
appeared on the shore and made frantic ges-
lures to no purpose; they looked back and
rather enjoyed his discontinue
Never did the sea have such a fascination
for Oakhurst. He held the rudder and drew
the sheets with proud mastery, deeper and
more exciting than the horseman feels on the
back of his steed. These first emotions
however, gradually lost their intensity, and
he resigned himself to the measureless con-
tent which the gentle motion, the bland air,
and the sunny sky inspired.
| What had been the character of Miss Nor
cross regard for Oakhurst hitherto would be
! difficult question to answer; it is doubtful
I whether she knew herself. She had been
pleased with his conversation and manners
fattered by his graceful and not too obsequi-
Gus attentions, and proud Of his success in
his art. Living upon the pleasures of the
day, without thought of the future she
had never seriously reflected upon the conse-
quences of her Irritation, supposing that,
as in every former case, there would come a
time of ennui and coolness Besides, she had
felt the force of her prudent sister-in-law's
suggestion, that a man without an estate
would never be able to supply the necessities
Of q woman Of fashion. With all her quasi
advances degree of reserve was mingled,
and she persuaded herself that she should
never become entangled beyond the power of
retreat. But Oakhurst was not an easy con-
quest She was aware of her influence over
him, and employed ell her arts to win and
secure his devotion; as long as the least in
difference on his part remained, she was UNI
satisfied. But in this protracted effort she
had drifted unconsciously from her own
firm anchorage. Day by day his society
hal grown more and more necessary to her,
and her habitual caution was more and more
neglected The conduct of Oakhurst, with
out any design on his part, had been such as
to draw her on irresistibly, until their posi-
lions had become reversed; she was now
facinated beyond self-control, and without a
thought of the future, while he was merely