The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-03-01

.no wafer heard the despalrinS cry Of
KITTY from tho bank, and letting go my
own hold with one hand thrust down
and caught tho poor fellows collar and
turned remarkably wild eye to tho on
lockers.
The old gentleman was helplessly
shouting and running to and fro, but 1
saw his niece rapidly unknotting from
her waist that heavy scarf of gold which
she had worn all day. Then, like a
flash of fire in the sunlight, one end
leaped out at me. Well thrown! The
embroidered fringe fell across tho
branches and over my wrist. Quick as
thought | had quilted my useless clutch
ON the yielding twigs, and with a con-
vulslve leap III the water had got dou-
bic turn of the scarf about my wrist.
OF course went under, but with a
mind fully made up upon two points
that nothing but death should tear mo
from my hold upon that scarf = of
course not!-and that if ever 1 was to be
pulled out alive Tyncker should come
too.
L don't know how long 1 held my
breath-an age, L fancy, and then a
rush of fire swept across my vision. 1
was gone-it struck me forcibly-a
burning, exhllarating sensation in my
throat, and the sound of voice speak
ing, as it seemed, many miles away.
The voice drew close to me at a
bound, and opening my eyes 1 saw
some ono STOPPING over me, brandy flask
in hand and an expression of horror on
his face. That expression instantly van
lshed as he caught my gaze.
This one is all right, Kitty; he is
coming round fast. Here, take the flask
and give Tyncker some moro brandy!
Cheer up; he will be all right in min
Ute
Some suspicious sounds in my i'm
mediate neighborhood caused mo to turn
my head fecbly i'll the direction whence
they were proceeding, and then knew
everything
OF course. Wo had been in the river
and had been pulled ont again! For
there, on his back, even as l 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
worsc--lay midway between us.
One glance was sufficient to assure
me that Mr.. Bob Tyncker was nearly as
far advanced on tho road to recovery as
was myself, and that Miss Kitty held
most exalted opinion of his late ex-
plot. They made pretty picture.
But the old gentleman faco 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?' l said, with
faint smile. Il am afraid you don t
recognize me in this draggled condition.
butt
why, so it isl" exclaimed the old
gentleman. Its Mildenhall! Whv.
how do you come to be down here? |
say, he continued in sort of stage
whisper, and with a 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?" I asked, trying
to sit up and presently succeeding.
why, that" he whispered testify.
and nodding his head in disturbed
way i'll the direction of the young peo-
pie. Man, don't you recollect that
you We're to have the first say in that
sort of thing?''
So was, l rejoined, land | will
speak to Kitty at once"
Good said Mr.. Dobson. looking
much relieved at my alacrity and call
ing the young lady. Come here, Kit
ty; this gentleman here wants to speal,
to you. Mr.. Mildenhall, Kitty he
explained grimly.
1t was very limp hand that [ man
aged to get hold of and shake ms heart
lily us | could
You see that l have lost 10 time in
coming down to see You, Kitty" said.
holding her hand the while, and think
ing it best 10 plunge mt once in medals
res. You reach tho 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
certain will which concerns you and
me. l want to talk to You about it,"
"4es:' Whispered poor Miss Kitty,
still more family and with another fec
bic and futile attempt to draw her hand
from mine. Would not some Other
time-when you are dry?''
No, my dear" said. Il would
rather do it now. You arc very pref
ty girl and very brave and clever one,
and you have just saved my life with
your scarf, as ! realize very plainly, so
that you will always hold very dear
place in my heart.
And so l came to the conclusion''-
couldn't help pausing moment to
enjoy her consternation-' that | will
have nothing more to do with you or
ynnl. hnnl ho,ro,.o,. onr,anstl.. -. .......