The Wilmington daily Republican., 1901-12-07

OFSk AlsO blayS0 away wuen tney
thought IL was the hour for Celeste.
You see, when she had learned no long,
er to fear the water, and had become
mistress OF bold stroke or two, she
rsvenged herself most thoroughly for
the early splashing the brats had given
her, and ducked them in deep water
most numerically, until they were
half strangled. Which fable teaches.
much. There's meaty kernel in most
fables, if one can crack the shell.
Celeste and Elmer used TO swim TO-
gether a great deal. when the crowds
were gone. or had not come. for often
she sought the shore at sunrise. after
they were engaged-she was a decor
GUS girl, in most ways, and duly reared
and they had glorious long distance
excursions in company, into deep wa
ter. Elmer insisted always upon hav-
ing boat along when she was with
him, out of extra care for his treasure,
he said; one never knew what might
happen in Lake Michigan. Did tell
you, no. 1t was in the water that first
he told her his love. his worship. OF
how he hoped to make her his wife
and helpmate, and Of what great prizes
he wonld aim at and struggle upward
to, if she would join him in the dear
battle of life. And whether then she
loved. or no. or thought she, or liked
his manlipess. his prowess. his rare
blue eyes and noble forehead beneath
he tangled mat Of yellow hair. she said
yes. and put her arm about his neck
and kissed him many times.
After that il was understood. There
were no objections. "Wait a ljtle,'
said Cele>te's father. Both of You are
very young. Elmer must get on a lit
tie yet. BE happy, but wait, my chit
dren.' Celeste's father had quite a
stock of sense.
One night, under the full moon, FL
mer and Celeste were the center of a
select party of bclated balhers. The
workaday crowd had long been home-
ward bound. Sportive challenges flew
back and forth among the swimmers.
Celeste and together can beat any
one of yon to the government brake
water cried Elmer, proudly. Most OF
those he addressed were his most pro-
ficient pupils, the best swimmers on
the beach.
Done, for supper for all the chal-
lcngcd ones re,orted "1hose who tire
can get in the boat and help row.
oyu,1c
hand. and the race was arranged. Six
swimmers entered the water. Four
ot hers pulled the two boats in their
wake. The waters grew cold ont in the
lake. TO the brake water il was mile
and a half from the beach. Before it
was coached all but two of the SWIM
merSN ialcd to be helped into the
welcome boats. BY main strength Ell
ner supported the shiverinr Celeste
until they had reached their goal.
Then they climbed up into the warm,
summer air painting. She was nearly
exhausted.
Even Emers tired out" sad one
Of the losers. No wonder we couldn't
make it."
pooh" shifted Celeste. "lt's moth
ing. lie could swim back again, now"
~ shouldn't, care to try, in that ice
wa,cr," laughed Elmer.
II know YOU could persisted the
girl. Then, az her lover only shook
his head, her face changed strangely.
Never have asked you any real
r,,.. l,,r.,,u bn ui ri 81 want
YOU to swim back to prove that am
right. Won't you? You don't love me.
| won't marry you. Elmer Armstrong,
unless you swim back, this minute.
There was 10 answer but the rhug
a diver from height makes as his
body pierces the wafer Elmer was
swimming strongly for shore, and was
rods away before his surprised COM
panions could hud,,te into their boats,
seize their oars and set after him.
He went Oh strongly, hravcly. until
near shore. Then he sank. without q
word When he came up he waved away
the eager mid into the nearest boat
which waiting hand held out TO him
"Get in. get in, Elmer" they cried.
"you have done enough. Only Celeste
was mute.
The swimmer lay upon his back II few
minu,ce. c,wtl, say ny he would be all
right in moment. He wanted no help.
Then he slowly swan the short dis
tanrc 10 the deserted beach.
as lie rose from the water the boats
grounded beside. Celeste laughed mer-
riiy.
81 knew he would DO it, II asked
him." she shrilled exultantly
Then she held OF; her arms to him,
that he mi pht help her from her seat
to shore.
Elmer bent slowly over the boat
de.looking kee"'y a. her face. Some
thing she never had read in the depths
Of his blue eyes made the girl turn
pale. As she started back from him,
the man slowly stopped, filled his
great palm with water. and flung it
srornfully in her face.
'HrrtrtainIy loI keN cnDa bic Of IL or