Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1891-05-15
AN EXCITING BOAT RIDE.
Thrilling Experience on Shadow
Lake with Raving Maniac.

"Good morning, sir-a lovely day."
Istarted rather guilty from the stoop-
ing position in which the voice of my
unknown colloquist had accosted me.
In truth and in fact l was engaged in
examining the paddock mooriDgs 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 morningr" responded. turn
ing to meet the inquiring gaze of tall,
gentlemanly-looking parsonage, ap-
parently about thirty-five years of age,
who stood leaning against little gate.
He was dark and handsome, with pierre
ing eyes, forehead slightly bald, and q
jet-black mustache, twisted jauntily
away from a 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
II beg your pardon, sir" l stam-
mered, rather confused; IL hope !
am not trespassing on private grounds?"
"Why, sir, you are undeniably on
private grounds" returned the
stranger, smiling, "but 1 think we
won't call it by any such harsh name
as trespassing. You are staying in the
neighborhood?"
II am staying at the Lake house for
the summer" explained; land sup
pose my morning walk has led me fur
ther than l at first intended?"
"You are about six miles from the
house, SIR" returned my companion,
courteously. "And judging from your
occupation when I came down to the
gate, you would not object to crossing
back by water9"
laughed and acknowledged the fact
ITO tell the truth, sir I was just
thinking how cool and pleasant q
short row would be. In fact, il the
boat had not been fastened 1 should
most assuredly have braved all conse-
quences and boldly adventured the ex-
pertinent
81 think we can overcome that objec-
tion," said the stranger, quietly turning
to an old ruined tree, whose gnarled
trunk overhung the transparent tide,
and drawing a key from it's hollow
depths. Suppose we get up an appe-
tite for breakfast together? I am not
an inexperienced oarsman myself, and
l suppose you understand the art Of
propelling on the water?"
Just give me an opportunity, and
see If don't indicate my education in
aquatic matters" l said, in high good
humor, springing into the fairy-Gke lit
tie shell, followed by my new ac-
quaintance. Really, sir, this Is an un-
expected treat I scarcely know how
to thank you sufficiently for your
courtesy"
Then do not attempt it." said the
gentleman, inclining his head with q
dignifed, high-bred politeness which
impressed me more and more in his
favor. 81 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 moxning 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 dis
tance a range Of dim, misty mountain
peaks leaned against the horizon like
far-off sentinels, almost losing their
outline in the blue radiance of the
cloudless heavens.
''I wish were an artist" broke III
My companion smiled
Need man be an artist to enjoy
the beauties of such scene as this?"
he asked. "a ittlemore toward yonder
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 sunshine.
''One scarcely thinks of civilization in
such secluded spot as this" he muir
INJURED, lazily. Il suppose there isn't a
living soul within a mile ofcus, always
excepting birds and fishes"
'I suppose not" assented.
But, nevertheless, the forms and
ceremonies of society cannot entirely
be cast aside. May I know whom
have had the pleasure of helping to an
hours pleasure?"
drew my card from my waistcoat
pocket, and handed it across, with q
smile.
vernon Cheveley, eh? A very pref
ty name. sir. ! congratulate mYsek on