Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-05-07
SHADOW LAKE.

''NOOu IuorNlnB, Slf-A lovely day.
I started rather guilty from the stoop-
ing position in which the voice of my
unknown colloquist had accosted me.
l was engaged in examining the pad
locked moorings of a graceful little
boat. and meditating to myself how
very agreeable row across the crystal
lake would be.
Good morning!" l responded, turn
ing to meet the inquiring gaze of tall,
gentlemanly-looking parsonage, APP
parently about thirty-five years of age,
who stood leaning against a little gate.
II beg your pardon, SIR" l stam-
mered, rather confused; IL hope l
am not trespassing on private
grounds?H
why, sir, you are undeniably on
private grounds, returned the stranger
smiling, but think we won't call it
by any such harsh name as tresspass-
ing. You are staying in the neighbour
hoodo"
IL am staying at the Lake house for
the summer | explained. TO tell
the truth, sir, | was just thinking how
cool ana pleasant a short row would
be. In fact, if the boat had not been
fastened ! should most assuredly have
braved all consequences and boldly
adventured the experiment.
II think we can overcome that OBJ
lection said the stranger quietly turn
ing to an old ruined tree, whose gnarled
trunk oyerhung the transparent tide
and drawing key from its hollow
depths. suppose we get up an appe-
lite for breakfast together?"
Really, sir, this is an unexpected
treat | scarcely know how to thank
you sufficiently for your courtesy, step
ping into the fairy-like shell and TAX
ing an oar.
Then do not attempt'' said the
gentleman inclining his head with a
digniiied, high-bred politeness which
impressed me more and more in his
favor Il assure you the qualification
is entirely mutual. Pull to the right a
little; we shall get entangled in yonder
floating sheet of water lilies. if we are
not careful. Upon my word this is a
most perfect morning for the water"
II wish We're an artist" broke al
most involuntarily from my lips.
My companion smiled.
Need a man be an artist to enjoy
the beauties of such scene as this?"
he asked. "A little more toward yon-
der point, if you please, sir. Now we
are out in the channel, and you can
pull as hard or as easy as you choose.
The boat will almost move of herself,
in fact"
He threw down his oars and leaned
back in the stern, adjusting his straw
hat so as to shield his eyes from the
too vivid glare of the morning sum
shine.
Zone scarcely thinks of civilization
in such a secluded spot as this" he
murmured lazily, Il suppose there
isn't living soul within mile of us,
always excepting birds and fishes"
IL suppose not assented.
''But. nevertheless, the forms and
ceremonies of society can not entirely
be cast aside. May l know whom
have had the pleasure of helping to an
hours pleasure?"
drew my card from my waist-coat
pocket, and handed it across, with a
smile.
Vernon Cheveley. Ell? A very
pretty name, sir. 1 congratulate my
self on making your acquaintance.
Will you allow me to reciprOcate your
frankness9"
He bowed low as he presented me
with a crumpled bit of brown paper
that he extracted from an old cigar
case. Upon it was inscribed, in STAR
ing letters of red ink, the one word,
albert
"Albert-who?" Unfortunately ques-
toned.
ALBERT, sir" returned my compan-
ion, starting to sitting posture, and
regarding me with stern dignity.
"Prince Albert sir! Albert of Eng
land, Scotland and Wales!'
l stared at him. aghast. Was the
man mad or dreaming?
ITO your knees, sir" he said, with
asharp. sudden imperiousness. Have
you no reverence for royalty?"
obeyed his quick sign almost be-
fore l knew what l was doing. He
smiled complacently. at the same time
drawing gaudy tinsel star from his
pocket and gravely affixing it to the
left breast of his coat.
Eyes, my friend" he went on i'm
pressively, you are now in the pres
ence OF the prince consort OF Great
Britain! Men have amused themselves
by disseminating the idle tale that
was dead; that's all they know about
it. am not dead, and what is more,
never shall die. / am privileged
with the gift of everlasting existence
As long as wear this ieweled Star,
death can never come near mel"
l felt the cold perspiration oozing
from every pore in my body. could
almost feel myself grow pale as be-
came fully convinced that I was out
upon the solitary lake alone with q
mailman! I had heard when first I