San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-24
A STRANGE ADVENTURE.

position in which the voice of my unknown
collOquist had accOsted me. In truth and
in fact ! was engaged in examining the
padl0cked mOOringS of a graceiG! little boat
whose keel lay on the shore, and neditat-
ing to myself how very agreeable row
across the crystal lake would be through
the silence of the purple August daybreak
Good mOrning!" | responded, turning to
meet the lnquiring gaze of tall, gentle
manly looking parsonage, apparently about
81 years of age, who stood leaning against
little gate. He was dark and handsome,
with piercing eyes, a forehead slightly bald,
and jet black mustaChe, twste! iauntily
away from small, nervous mouth and his
dress was tasteful and faultless in the last
degree. He had taken off his light straw
hat to greet me, and now stood apparently
awaiting some more definite explanation
on my part.
rather confused; II hope am not tres
passing on private grounds
''Why, sir, you are undcmiably on private
grounds" returned the stranger, smiling,
"but think we won't call it by any such
harsh name as trespassiDg. You are stay
ing in the neighborhOOd:"
Il am staying at the Lake house for the
summer" explained, land suppose my
morui-s walk mas led me farther than at
first intended"
You are about six miles from the house,
SIR" returned my companion cOUrteOusly;
''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.
"To tell the truth, sir, was just think
ing how cool and pleasant a short row
would be. In fact, if the boat had not been
fastened | should most assuredly have
braved all consequences, and boldly ad-
ventured the experiment"
Il think we can overcome that OBJ
lection" said the stranger, quietly turning
to an old ruined tree, whose guarded trunk
overhung the transparent tide, and draw
ing key from its hollow depths. sup
pose we getup an appetite for breakfast
together? am not an inexperienced oars
man myself, and l suppose you under
stand the art of propelling on the water?"
just give me an opportunity, and see if
don't indicate my education in aquatic
matters" | said, in high good humor,
sDringing into the fairylike little shell,
followed by my new acquaintance. "Real-
ly, sir, this is an unexpected treat. scarce
ly know how to thank you sufficiently for
your courtesy"
Then do not attempt" said the gentle
man, inclning his head with dignifed,
high bred politeness which impressed me
more and more in his favor Il assure YOU
the qualification is entirely mutual. Pull
TO the right little; we shall get entangled
Il, e
we are not careful. Upon my word this is
a most perfect morning for the water"
1t was indeed Across the diamond gilt
ter of the lake the golden splendOrs of an
August sunrise were just beginning to be
reflected, and in the distance range of
dim, misty mountain peaks leaned against
the horizon like far Off sentinels, almost
losing their outline in the blue radiance of
the cloudiess heavens.
Il wish were an artist" broke almost
involuntarily from my lips.
My companion smiled.
"Need a man be an artist to enjoy the
beauties of such a scene as this?" he asked
"A little more toward yOnder point, if you
please, sir. Now we are out in the chan
mel, and you cap 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 sunshine.
"One scarcely thinks of civilization in
such secluded spot rs 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 oere-
monies of society cannot entirely be cast
aside. May know whom l have had the
pleasure of helping to an hours enjoy
mentW
| drew my card from my waistcoat
pocket and handed it across with a smile.
vernon Cheveley, eh? A very pretty
name, sir. | congratulate myself on max
ing your acquaintance. Will you allow
NE to reciprocate your frankness'""
He bowed low as he presented me with a
crumpled bit of brown paper that he eX-
tracted from an old cigar case. Upon it
was inscribed, in staring letters of red ink,
the one word ALBERT"
"Albert-who?" l involuntarily ques-
toned.
albert, sir!' returned my companion,
starting into sitting posture and regard
ing me with stern dignity; Prince Albert,
sir Albert of England, Scotland and
Wales"
l stared at him aghast. Was the man
mad or drea ming?
ITO your knees, sirl'' he said, with a
sharp, sudden imperiousness. Have you
no reverence for royalty?"
Iobeyed his quick sign almost before l
knew what 1 was doing He smiled COM
piacentiy, at the same time drawing a
gaudy tfnsel star from his pocket and
gravely affiXing it to the left breast of his
coat.
IIYns my friend Ia r,.O,.. -. s...........