The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-05-09
SHADOW LAKE.

GOOD morning. sir--a lovely day.
I started rather guilty from the stoop-
ing position in which the voice OF my
unknown colloquist had accosted me.
/ was engaged In examining the pad
locked mornings OF graceful little
boat. and meditating 10 myself how
very agreeable row across the crystal
lake would be.
Good morning. responded, turn
ing 10 meet the inquiring gaze OF a tall.
gcntlemanly-looking parsonage. APP
pareptly about thlrty-five years OF age
who stood leaning against n little gate.
II beg your pardon. SIR" STAN
mered. rather confused; IL hope l
am not trespassing on private
grounds?"
why sir. you are undeniably on
private grounds returned the stranger
smiling. but think we won't call IL
by any such harsh name IA tresspass-
ing. You are staying In the neighbor-
hood?m
IL am staying at the Lake house for
the summer" | explained. TO tell
the truth. sir, I was just thinking how
cool and pleasant "a short row would
be. In fact II 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 10 an old ruined tree whose gnarled
trunk overhung the transparent tide
and drawing a key from its hollow
depths. Suppose We get up an appe-
tite for breakfast togetherP"
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
dignified high-bred politeness which
impressed me more and more in his
favor. IL assure you the qualification
In entirely mutual. Pull 10 the right n
little; we shall get entanglcd in yonder
floating sheet OF water lilies. IL we are
not careful. Upon my word this Is a
most perfect morning for the water.
III wish | were an artistlh broke al
most involuntarily from my lips.
Ny companion smiled
Need a man be an artist 20 enjoy
the beauties OF such IA scene "a this?"
he asked. "A little more toward yon-
der point. II 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 20 shield his eyes from the
too vivid glare OF the morning sun
shine.
''One scarcely thinks OF civilization
In such 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 and
ceremonies OF society can not entirely
be- cast aside. May / know whom
have had the pleasure of helping to an
hours pleasureP"
drew my card from my waist-coat
pocket and handed IL across. with a
smile
Vernon Cheveley. ehP A very
pretty name. sir. | congratulate my
self ON making your acquaintance.
WIN you allow me 10 reciprocate your
irankness?"
He bowed low as he presented me
with crumpled bit OF brown paper
that he extracted from an old cigar
case. Upon IL was inscribed. In star
ing letters OF rcd ink. tho one word.
ALBERT"
whoP" Iinvoluntarily ques-
toned
Albert sir returned my compan-
ion. starting 10 n sitting posture. aud
regarding me with stern entity
Prince Albert. sirl Albert OF Eng
land. Scotland and Walesr'
stared at him. aghast. Was The
man mad or dreamingP
TO your knees. sirl" he said. with
aeharp sudden imperiousness. Have
you no reverence for royalty"
obeycd his quick sign almost be-
fore knew what | was doing He
smiled complaccntly. at the same time
drawing gaudy tinsel star from his
pocket and gravely afiixing Il 10 tho
left breast OF his coat.
''Yes. 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 I
was dead; that's all they know about
II. arm not dead. and what Is more.
] never shall die. am privileged