The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-10-01


composedly as possible under the cir
cumstances what became of the
trout -
He's up there" responded the lady,
pointing to the limb from which the
red-spotted captive was still swinging.
The head turned slowly in the direction
indicated, and the expression of the face
frightened visibly as the proportions Of
the fish were observed. The pleased
look was succeeded Immediately by one
of anxiety as the trout made an unusual
ly lively flop that threatened to release
him.
DO you think you could get him
DOWN." inquired the Immersed one as he
prepared to resume his shoreward
course. 1T would be a shame to lose
him."
20, yes, certainly" replied Elizabeth
from the bank. If you are quite sure
that you can get out alone
1t must have required heroic effort to
decline aid so charmingly proffered, but
the occupant of the pool replied man
fully that he would be on shore in a
jiffy Thereupon Miss Elliot turned her
attention to the trout, and by dint of
standing ON tiptoe and using crotched
stick, finally succeeded in drawing inn
from above the stream and depositing
him safely in her basket.
He must weigh nearly three pounds, !"
she called out. However did he"
The question died on her lips as she
turned toward the pool and saw that
the person to whom it was addressed was
not only still in the water, but having
difficulty in keeping afioat. The bank
was steep, and being of smooth rock, aft
fcrded no hold to the man struggling in
the water who slipped back as often as
he attempted to climb out. The chill OF
the pool, fed by mountain springs, evil
IDENTIFY was exhausting him for his move
ments We're becoming weaker. Miss Ei-
lot took in the situation at a glance and
acted upon it instantly.
Keep up. Ill help you,' she called.
and ran swiftly down the bank to the
point where the young man was deS-
perately treading water to keep himself
on the surface. Casting about in search
OF something with which to aid alinl.
her eye fell upon small dry branch
lying on the ground. She caught it up.
and, after testing its strength to make
sure that it world bear his weight, ex-
tended one end to HIM, crying:
Now catch hold and hang on
The swimmer obeyed silently; he had
no breath left for words. Elizabeth
braced her feet behind projecting rock
and threw her whole weight backward.
1t was no easy matter to move the It's
pounds at the other end of the pole, but
Elizabeth was a remarkably strong girl,
and with the aid of such efforts as her
companion was able to make i'm his own
bchaII he was brought to a resting place
oh the bank He lay there silently
for a few minutes to recover his breach
and strength.
Thanks, awfully.' he said presently,
laundering up and shaking the waite.
from his dripping person like big
dog. You saved me from watery
grave"
Miss Elizabeth smiled syanpathetically.
My service was hardly SO great as
that" she answered, ..but such as it
was You are very welcome to it. How
IN the world did it happen?"
guilty color came into the young
mans face, but apparently Miss Elliot
was not noticing him.
'Oh, | was rather too anxious for that
big fellow" he said. and indifferenty
as he could, land / came a caopper or
the wet moss at the top of the slide.
But III I'm not mistaken that trout was
worth the experience
The conversation was tlMs diverted to
a new channel. and some moments were
occupied in adnGring the trout, estiGnat-
ing his weight and wondering how SO
fine a specimen had strayed up the
brook --matters IN which both of them
csinced sgportsman2ike interest The
diversion gave Mason an opportunity to
regain the presence of mind which had
deserted him during his recent exciting
experience
I'm afraid that / have forgotten the
fcfnnality of making myself KNOWN he
said at the first lull in the discussion If
the fish. II am Roderick Mason of New
York, ard 1 am staying at the Witch
bay camp"
Under the circumstances it would be
siperfluous for me to say that | arm
pleased to meet You, Mr.. Mason" re-
Piled the young woman. Her self-pos-
session had not been impaired at any
point in the interview, and Rod men
tally observed that she must be accus-
tened TO having young men rain down on
her in this unconventional manner. Il
am Miss Elliot, to be more exact. Miss
Elizabeth Elliot of New York, and | an
staying with my uncle, Judge Vantine.
Rod made haste to claim his acquaint-
ance with Judge Vantine. He was not
rewarded with any illtimation that Miss
Elicit had ever heard of his existence.
however, and the conversation drifte1
into the conventional channels of dis
c,lssion of the camp, the lake, the fish
ing and the scenery.
I'm afraid / have spoiled the fishing
here for the day." Said Rod apraogeri-
cally. observing that his fair companion
was gathering up her belongings with
the evident intention OF departing. My
sudden appearance MUST have sent
them all scurrying under the rocks
1T really doesn't matter" returned
Miss Elliot. Il should have left in Il
few minutes at amy rate. | dare say
you know the lakes stormy moods
You must let me row YOU home
began Rod and stepped abruptly. The
thought Of the wager with White had
passed entirely from his mind until
this remark recalled if and made him