The herald., 1894-02-15

leapeu out al me. well InrOWul ln6
embroidered fringe fell across the
branches and over my wrist. Quick as
thought had quilted my useless clutch
on the yielding twigs, and with con-
vulsive leap IN. the water had got dou-
BILE turn of.tfle scarf about my wrist.
OF course 1 went under, but with
mind fully made up upon two points
that nothing but death should tear me
from my hold upon that scarf = of
course not!-and that If ever was to be
pulled out alive Tyncker should come
too.
1 don't know how long I held my
breath-an age, l fancy, and then a
rush of fire swept across my vision.
was gone--it struck me forcibly-a
burning, celebrating sensation in my
throat, and the sound of atIPice speak
ing, as it seemed, many ms away.
The voice drew close to me at
bound, and opening my eyes I saw
some one STOPPING over me, brandy flask
in hand and an expression of horror on
his face. That expression instantly van
ished as he caught my gaze.
''This one is all right, Kitty; he is
coming round fast. Here, take the flask
and give Tyncker some more brandy
Cheer up; he will be all right in min
ute"
Some suspicious sounds in my i'm
mediate neighborhood caused me to turn
my head feebly in the direction whence
they were proceeding, and then l knew
everything.
OF course! We had been in the river
and had been pulled out again! For
there, on his back, even as I lay on
mine, lay Mr.. Bob Tyncker, and on her
knees beside him, bending low over his
face, was Miss Kitty Dobson. And the
golden scarf-sadly changed for the
worse-lay midway between us.
One glance was sufficient to assure
me that Mr.. Bob Tyncker was nearly as
far advanced ON the road to recovery as
was myself, and that Miss Kitty held
a most exalted opinion of his late ex-
plot. They made pretty picture.
But the old gentleman's face grew
cloudy as he looked at it. He leaned
over me in irritated silence, brandy
flask in hand, and thought it was time
to speak.
How are you, Dobson?" 1 said, with
faint smile. II am afraid you don t
recognize me in this draggled condition,
but
"Why, so it isl' exclaimed the old
gentleman. Its Mildenhalll Why,
how do you come to be down here? l
say" he continued in sort of stage
whisper, and with troubled look at
the others, Il am very glad you have
come. I'm half afraid, as it is, you are
too late"
TOO late for what?" asked, trying
to sit up and presently succeeding.
why, that!' he whispered testify,
and nodding his head in disturbed
way in the direction of the young peo-
pie. MAN, don't you recollect that
you were to have the first say in that
sort of thing?"
80 | was, rejoined, land I will
speak to Kitty at once"
"Goodv' said Mr.. Dobson, looking
much relieved at my alacrity and call
ing the young lady. Come here, Kit
ty; this gentleman here wants to speak
to you. Mr.. Mildenhall, Kitty" he
explained grimly.
1t was a very limp hand that man
aged to get hold of and shake as heart
lily as could.
''You see that / have lost no time in
coming down to see you, Kitty" said,
holding her hand the while, and think
ing it best to plunge at once in medals
res. You reach the age of 90 today,
don't you?'
YES" said poor Kitty family, and
trying feebly to get her hand away, but
still held on. There is something in
a certain will which concerns you and
me. / want to talk to you about it.
'Yes?" whispered poor Miss Kitty,
still more family and with another fee
BILE and futile attempt to draw her hand
from mine. Would not some other
time-when you are dry?"
mo, my DEAR" l said. Il would
rather do it now. You are very pref
ty girl and very brave and clever one,
and you have just saved my life with
your scarf, as 1 realize very plainly, SO
that you will always hold a very dear
place in. my heart.
And so / came to the conclusion
l couldn't help pausing moment to
enjoy her consternation-''t that l will
have nothing more to do with you or
your hand, however earnestly you may
offer it to me- letting it go at last Il
reject you entirely and hand you over
to that young villain-whom l hope to
call my friend for the rest of my life
Mr.. Bob Tyncker. Temple Bar.