Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-11-23

The next morning broke bright and
sunny. A brisk wind that afterward
became boisterous was blowing from
the sea. With baskets Of provisions
and long sticks-which they called
their alpenstocks--the party started
for the love rock.
They took their lunch in the shelter
OF the cliffs. The tide was out, and
the love rock stood up gaunt and
| tagged in full view. They intended
to explore it that afternoon.
The tide had turned before the party
reached the rock, and now the wind
was SO strong that few less daring
spirits turned back. Ted Kept close to
! Millie, who refused to give up the OBJ
ject of the picnic, though Mr.. Field
ing advised and almost commanded
her to desist.
The rest were too intent upon the
difficulties of their way to notice that
Ted and Mile had struggled round
to the other side, and the return party
were already we'll on their way home.
Clouds were gathering in the horizon.
and every moment the wind was ris-
ing.
Ted was right in thinking that the
further side was more sheltered; in
fact. so well sheltered was it that he
and Millie We're easily able to ascend,
| though it was much sleeper here.
Half way up they stopped, and as
/ they sat in a nook to rest they heard
how fierce the wind was now.
How the wind is blowing!" said
Mile. And what is that boom?
Don't you hear it,"
Il expect it's the breakers some
where further along the shore
TT makes me nervous. Are you
certain that we shall get off all right
before the tide surrounds us?"
IF we don't" answered Ted, I'VE
shall all have rather interesting ad-
| venture. AT least ten of us are on
this rock The sea never covers 1t.
1T would be rather good fun, said
the girl. little doubtfully.
When she was rested they started
once more on the ascent. Ted did not
want to get to the top. He had not
vet told her his secret and he was de-
termined to speak before they left.
But a fellow does not like to shout
that sort of thing at the top of his
voice. Moment by moment he put off
the sentence and as so often happens.
reached the top before he had said the
| words.
Mile had to cover down, because
she could not stand against the wind,
and it was all he could do to keep his
footing. His hat blew off and was
carried he knew not where in a mo-
ment. Miles distress amused him
until she lost her hat, too, when his
distress amused her.
How splendidly stupid we are"
cried Mile, laughing gayly. Cant
you see the others. Mr.. Rivers?"
mo, they're not up yet" Ted
shaded his eyes with his hand. 1t
seemed to be raining in gusts, for he
was quite wet. There's a shower
coming on" he shouted, I'VE must
find shelter"
He found a nook for her and they
crouched down just as furious show
err of rain drove down upon them.
Ted got wet, for there was room to
shelter only one.
When the shower was over he went
to look for the rest again, entreating
Mile not to follow, as the rock was
so slippery it was hardly safe for her.
But she insisted on following, and the
result was that she slipped and fell
with cry of anguish.
NO. no. it's nothing" painted Mil
lie, ''and it serves me right"
But when she tried to stand she
found it impossible, and then she
looked up at Ted in terror.
How am l to get down this
wretched rock?" she asked, on the
verge of tears.
when the others come We'll man
age somehow" he answered, reassur-
ingly, and in his distress about her he
actually forgot the object that had
drawn him here.
Il wonder why they aren't here
now?" he added. He stood upon a
bowlder and looked shoreward, and
then he gasped.
Putting his hands to his mouth he
uttered a loud and piercing CALL and
then he whistled shrilly. but the noise
of the wind was louder than his voice,
and the sea gulls shrieking drowned
his whistle.
What is it?" asked Mile. taking
fright. why are you calling?"
|, ITS no good, I'm afraid he ans
wered; they've given it UP, and it
| ism likely lNey III ITOuDIe ABOUT us.
, Most likely they think we went home
With the others"
THAT means" exclaimed Miiiie.
THAT we must manage to get down
. as best we can alone, Miss Lloyd
Millie grew pale, but she set her lips
resolutely and said she was ready.
With Ted's help she managed to stand.
but shoot of pain brought an invol-
untary cry from her lips and when she
attempted to take a step forward
. though he supported her. she could
not bear it, and she sank down with
, a short sob.
Il must go for help" said Ted.
What. And leave me! Oh, I dare
, not stay here alone"
Now you must let be your DOCTOR"
he said, taking her foot in his hand
, and cutting the shoe laces. He made
! bandage with his handkerchief,
soaked it in pool and bandaged the
| injured ankle capitally.