The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-11-18
A PAIR OF DUCKS.
By W. q. ATKINSON.

Four years ago nv father INDUCED in
the luxury of a summer residence upon
the shores of Lake Erie, and, wind and
weather permitting, it was my daily Gus
tom, soon after breakfast, to swim out to
the waterworks "crib," about n mile
from our house. At the crib-a solid
stone structure encased in stout wooden
piles-I generally rested for a few mo-
ments prior to starting on the return
trip.
One morning, as usual, I was sitting
upon the low, convenient ledge formed
by the ring of wooden piles, dangling
my bare feet into the warm water, which
was as still and smooth as a mill pond.
The lake was so quiet that not 80 much
as a tiny ripple washed the water-worn
crib, and for all there was the harbor of
a great city only three OF four miles dis
tant, the stiffness was perfect.
Suddenly I heard the sound of much
splashing, followed by the previous still
ness, broken only by the trickling of
water.
knew in q moment that some enc had
joined me at the crib, and that on the
other side of the octagonal structure a
swimmer, equally as hardy as myself,
was resting and cooling his heels. I
thought I should like to see the fellow
who could swim a couple of miles alone
just for the fun of it, so I plunged into
the water and propelled myself half way
round the crib.
"How--dY" I said, as I hoisted my
self beside the pair Of bare legs, which I
soused considerably, owing to losing my
hold of the slippery timbers. My mind
was conferred for the moment in the ef-
fort to gain a firm seat, but as 1 received
no reply to my salutation, I thought to
myself that the fellow must be surly, or
shy, or tired.
"Tuckered out are you2" I inquired
in that CHEEKY, free and easy style which
one is apt to adopt when the bounds of
conventionality have been passed, and the
individuality and social status which 60
hand in hand with a suit of clothes and
terra frma have been temporarily aban-
doned.
''Have I the honor of your acquaint-
ance, sir2" came the reply in the form of
a counter question, uttered in a voice as
rich and clear as a silver bell but also as
cold and cutting as a blast from Hudson
Bay.
Great Scott!
By this time I was comfortably and
safely seated, and I turned my head to
behold a girl perhaps nineteen or twenty
years old. I will not attempt to describe
that girl I should only disappoint my
self and weary the reader; but as she sat
there in that fresh summer morning, her
wealth of hair coiled into a knot upon
her uncovered head, her shapely neck
and arms glistening in the sunlight, size
seemed to me more than beautiful.
In the whole urs of my existence I
have never been accused of bashfulness,
but l think I may be pardoned that for
some moments I felt completely 'habber-
gasted.' Gradually, however, my senses
returned, and 1t slowly dawned upon me
that I ought to say something.
Pardon me-" I s%tammered, "I never
expectcd-thatis to say-well, you know,
this is a surprise. I como out here every
day, myself, but this is the first time I
ever met anybody-and a lady, don't you
seer, pardon me, I hope I am not in
-truding?"
"Oh," she said, as she kicked up an
extra large shower of spray with her
foot, :'pray don't burden me with your
apologies. You addressed me so famil-
iarly that I thought we must have been
acquainted, and if that were so I had
forgotten the act"
"No, unfortunately, Icannot lay claim
to a previous acquaintance" said I, but
added, as my normal cheek asserted it.
self, though lido not see why it should
not date from to-day. If you do not OBJ
ject l am certain I shall! not. My name is
Dilwyn John Dilwyn."
"But I do object" she said, quickly.
81 ought not to have come SO far, but
having got here I am a little afraid to
start for the shore without a rest. I saw
you coming, and, at first, thought of
taking to the water. But I argued that
I had as good a right to this side of the
crib as you, and as I had no reason to
leave, / stayed. But I know nothing of
you, sir. and you know nothing of me,
and / object to such informal introduc.
tions-indeed, I shall not introduce N.Y.
self at all. Now if you are a gentleman,
you will return to your side of the crib"
"Thcn you will not allow me to &C.
company you to the shorel"',
Certainly notE"
"You might need assistance-you say
that you are tired"
"Thank you, Ishall do very WELL"
Of course after that I could stay no
longer, so splashed into the water and
padded back to my old perch.
I had certainly received a set back and
been richly snubbed, but I resolved to
follow Miss Propiety, and, if possible,
identify her. So when five minutes later
l heard her dive into the water, I al
lowed her to gain about thirty yards Of
Roadway and then started in pursuit.
The girl was a good swimmer, but I
was q better one.
1t was very easy for me to keep up with