The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-06-23

spirit of mischief, begin to pull
away from him.
why, that is Reede, the cornetist "
says Lizzie in some excitement
''Oh. NJ" I reply. very decidedly.
'ft's our ledger. Mr.. Shafter.
We have no time for discussion. for
Immediately Robert Shafter throws up
his arms with cry of pain and goes
under.
know, of course that he is attacked
by swimmer s cramp. and my heart
leaps to my throat put my oar into
Llzzie's hand and go over board after
him. This feat requires no heriosm
on my part, as about one third of my
life has been spent either in or on the
water. When he comes to the surface
clench my fingers in his curly hair
and draw his head up to the level OF
the boats gunwale. and with the help
of Lizzie. who is strong and robust. get
him into the boat.
In the meantime another boat has
been sent out from the shore which
follows us as We row swiftly back to
the little wooden pier at the foot of our
garden.
The boat contains two men, who
carry Mr.. Shafter up to the house.
leave Lizzie to fasten my boat, and
hasten into the house and up to my
chamber to take off my wet clothing
1 am trembling from head to foot
with strange, new excitement.
Robert Shafter. in danger of his life.
seems suddenly dear to me.
When, at last, regain some com.
mand of myself, slowly descend 10
the sitting-room. They have put
Shafter into the little bedroom, open.
ing from the sitting-room. and have
brought him back to consciousness.
There is very handsome young
lady sitting by the bed.
He holds her hand in his. and they
are talking very earnestly together.
l am terribly, jealous right away;
and grow more so when the young
lady comes out to me and introduces
herself as Miss Bradford, and thanks
me warmly for what she calls my
brave conduct.
"Mr. Reede is my very dear friend"
she says, gracefully, land there are
others who will be proud to make the
acquaintance of the noble girl who has
saved his life"
"'Twas nothing" return. bluntly,
almost rudely. 'Did understand you
to say that the gentleman's name is
Reede?"
She laughs softly.
Eyes, your ledger is Robert Shafter
Reede the cornetist. He desires me to
say that he will explain the little de-
ception about his name satisfactorily
She bids me good-day and goes
away.
glanced Indignantly into the bed
room, but Mr.. Robert Shafter Reede
is either asleep or doesn't want to see
me. for his face is turned to the wall.
and he lies quite still.
1t would seem that in saving his life
l had built great barrier between
us. for our pleasant friendship is at an
end
True, ne thanks me with apparent
feeling for the service l have render
ed him.
He explains that he attempted to
give his full name to Aunt Jane; that
he did eventually tell father. but beg
ged him to keep the secret for while,
it was SO novel and pleasant to be just
Robert Shafter with no particlar &C
complishment.
1t is very evident to me that he has
been oourted half to death and is con
ceited in proportion.
In the meantime, he and Mss Brad.
ford seem to be getting on finely.
They walk, and ride and sail to,
gether; true, they sometimes invite me
to accompany them, but l am too
proud and too miserable to accept.
At LAST the long. bright summer end
ed. City guests pack their trunks
and turn homoward. Miss Bradford
goes with the first party. Mr..
Reede is gracious enough to inform
me that she returns early in order to
make arrangements for her wed.
ding, which is to take place early in
October.
do not know what he reads in my
face. fight hard enough for compos-
ure and Indifference. but he Pushes |
deeply and looks at me in curious,
half-laughing, half tender way that
makes me have very unladylike de-
sire to box his ears.
I do not think I ever met with so
impudent a man as Robert Shafter
Reede.
When, at last, he comes to me one
evening in September, and says that he
is going home to morrow. I reply with
a careless laugh which tlatter myself |
is perfectly natural:
ITO make arrangements for your
wedding presumed"
He does not answer directly; there is
only the faint swish of the incoming
hide as we lean over the piazza railing
in the white moonlight.
Presently he lays one smooth. strong,
hand over mine and says boldly:
"That is for you to say. Add;e."
"For mep'
I try to laugh again, but fail most
miserably. Tears blind my eyes and
cob 10 II, INV throat