The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1892-06-01
CALL IT SQUARE. .

pable of producing under favorable con-
ditions. Though containing but six or
eight acres, Rattlesnake island forms
the scene of quite an interesting episode
along this line. The island lies about
two miles to the northeast of Putin Bay.
From its peculiar formation the island
is generally supposed to have derived its
name, though some assert that the APP
pellation was bestowed in consequence
of the illimitable quantities of the rattle
tailed species which rendezvoused in and
among the creyiced and governed rocks.
From these Businesses they were wont to
wriggle forth into aggressive proni-
hence, kissing and clicking their spite
and whipping the surrounding vegeta-
ton until everything looked blue.
An able accessory in the dispersion Of
this reptile host was undoubtedly vested
in the Drawn and muscle Of old Hank
Hammond, who, with his family, locat-
ed on the island. Old Hank wasn't
afraid of rattlesnakes, evidently, and
prided himself manifestly upon owning
and occupying with his household gods
whole island, which, if not very big,
was at least far enough removed from
adjacent isles to afford ample seclusion
So at least he imagined, and so in reali-
tyit might have proven but for the single
obtrusive fact that the old codger was
possessed of several comedy daughters,
and since sslove laughs at locksmiths,"
scales heights inaccessible, traverses dis
tances unreasonable and achieves inn
possibilities of all sorts, this blind but
active imp was not long in finding his
way to Rattlesnake island
Sadie, the Oldest, was an attractive
maiden of twenty years. with eyes that
matched the color of sea and sky and
hair fluff of golden brown. She was
1.-the and active, free and fearless, and
reveling in adventure, too, on the water
like duck. She was an expert at fish
ing ana rowling could manipulate apafr
of oars with admirable skill, and with
light skiff was accustomed to cross fire.
qnently, sometimes alone, the two mile
stretch of water which interviewed be-
tween Rattlesnake and Put-in-Bay.
At the latter place she speedily be-
came the attraction of a youthful fish
erman, who inadvertently crossed her
path--one Tom Taylor. After this de-
velopment there was no more peace for
Rattlesnake. From time to time its
vicinity was haunted by a spectral sail
which circled about the island, edging
nearer and nearer at each cruise; until
one day it lay beached close by the
.sgrout" house of Hank Hammond. At
beck OF the little winged god Tom Tay-
Tor and his boat had followed the charm
er to her rocky retreat. This being his
first experience in courtship, however,
Tom proved bit fresh, and his bashful-
ness was excruciating. His feeble ad-
vances were regarded with apparent dis
favor, the coy maiden turning o deaf
ear to his opportunities, until In blank
despair he shook the dust of Rattle
snake from his feet.
One early spring day, some months
following the collapse of Toms love af-
fair, a terrific squall, such as sometimes
swoops down upon the islands unan-
nounced, struck Putin Bay with a force
that wrenched limbs from trees and sent
the troubled seas sporting up the rocks
in binding showers. Looking from her
window an old woman who occupied
cottage on East Point thought she espied
small boat far out on the lake driving
eastward before the gale. From shelf
she snatched pair of field glasses,
through Which she took second obser-
vation Yes, the boat was evidently
drifting at the mercy of the wind and
current. Not an oar was In motion.
Only single occupant could be dis
cerned, and that female. With breath
less haste the old woman rushed along
the shore to little cove, where among
the trees stood fish shanty. Within
an angle Of the L-shaped dock several
boats lay moored, and two fishermen
dressed In yellow oilers and souwesters
were coal tarring Irvine over smoking
kettle on the shore. One of these indi-
viduals proved TO be our friend, Tom
Taylor. Tom took the field glasses prof
fered by the scared old lady, and through
them examined the drifting boat.
"Blast my buttons If 1t amt wom-
anl'' he exclaimed. With two or three
long strides he reached the dock and be-
gan unfastening boat.
"What you goin to DOR demanded his
companion.
.'Goin to pick up that skiff. Come on,
JIM
jim demurred, urging that no boat
could live long in such sea and that it
was just foolhardy to venture.
Tom, however, would take no denials,
and with serious misgivings Jim was