The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1891-05-07
A STORY OF SHADOW LAKE,


! started rather guilty from the
STOPPING position in which the voice of
my unknown coiloquist had accosted
me. IN truth and in fact, | was en-
gagged in examining the paddock, moor
ings Of graceful little boat. whose
keel lay on the shore, and meditating
to myself how very agreeable a row
across the crystal lake would be
through the silence of the purple
August daybreak.
Good DIorning!' | responded turn
ing to meet the lnquiring gaze of q
tall, gentlemanly-looking parsonage,
apparently about 50 years of age, who
stood leaning against little gate. He
was dark and handsome. with piercing
eyes, a forehead slightly bal.l, and a
jet-bIack mustachc. twisted jauntily
away from Il small. nervous mouth;
and his dress was tasteful and fault
less in the last degree. He had taken
off his light straw hat to greet me, and
now stood apparently awaiting some
more diiinite explanation on my part.
Il beg your pardon. SIR | stammer-
ed, rather confused: IL hope | am
not trespassing on private grounds?'
why, sir, YOU are undeniabiy on
private grounds, returned the strang-
er smiling but | think we won't call
it by any such harsh name as trespass-
ing. You are staying in the neighbor-
hood?'
ii am staying ut the Lake House for
the summer, | explained; land | sup
pose my morning walk has led me
further than ut first intcnded?n
You are about six miles from the
house, SIR returned my companion,
courteousIy. And, judging from your
occupation when came down to the
gate, YOU would not object to crossing
back by water?"
| laughed and acknowledged the
fact.
10 tell the truth, sir, l was just
thinking how cool and pleasant short
row would be. In fact. if the boat had
not been fastened, should most as
suredIy have bravcd all consequences.
and boldly adventured the experiment.
Il think we can overcome that OBJ
lection" said the stranger quietly
turning to M old ruined tree. whose
gnared trunk ovcrhung tie trtnspar-
eut tide, and drawing Il key from its
hollow depths, Suppose we get up
an appetite fur breakfast together? |
am not an inexperienced oarsman my
self, and | suppose You understand the
art of propeling on the watcr?'
just give me an opportunity and
see if-I don't Indicate my education in
aquatic matters. ! said. in high good
humor. springing into the fairylike
little shell, followed by my new ac-
quaintancc Really, sir, this is an un
expected treat. | scarcely know how
to thank you sufficiently for your
courlcsv?n
Then do not attempt" said the
gentleman incining his head with n
digniticd. hi@h-brcd politeness which
impressed me more and more in his
favor II assure you the qualification
is entirely mutual. Pail to the right a
little; we shall ret entangled in yonder
floating sheet OF water lilies, if we are
not careful. Upon my word this is II
most perfect morning for the water" "
1t was. indeed, Across the diamond
glitter of the lake the golden splendors
of an August sunrise were just begin
ming to be reflected and in the distance,
n range OF dim, misty mountain peaks
leaned against the horizon like far-otf
sentinels. almost losing their outline
in the blue radiance of the cloudless
heavens.
Il wish were an artistr' broke al
most involuntarily from my lips.
Ny companion smiled.
Need a man be an artist TO enjoy
the beauties of such n scene as this?h
he asked. "A little more toward
yonder point if you please sir, Now
we are out in the channel and you can
pull rs hard or rs easy rs you choose.
The boat will almost move of herself, in
fact
He threw down his oars and leaned
back in the stern. adjusting his staw
hat so as To shield his eyes from the
too vivid glare OF the morning sun
shine.
',One scarcely thinks of civilization
in such a secluded spot as this" he
murmured lazily. II suppose there
isn't living soul within mile of US,
always excepting birds and fishes"
Il suppose not" | asSented.
But. nevertheless, the forms aud
ceremonies of society can not entirely
be east aside. May l know whom |
have had the pleasure of helping to an
hours pleasure?a
drew my card from my waist-coat
pocket, and handed it across, with a
smile.
Vernon Cheveley. eh? A very pref
" name, sir. | congratulate myself
on making Your acquaintance. VIII
you allow me TO reciprocate your
frankneSs?"
He bowed low as he presented me
with crumpled bit of brown paper
that he extracted from an old cigar
ease. Upon it was inscribed, in star
ing letters OF red ink. the one word