The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1901-11-22

they were engaged-she was = 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 hsv-
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 I 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 would aim at and struggle upward
to, IL she would join him in the dear
battle OF life. And whether then she
loved. or no, or thought she, or liked
his manliness, his prowess, his rare
blue eyes and noble forehead beneath
the 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 little"
said Celeste's father. Both Of you are
very young. Elmer must get on a lit
tie yet. BE happy, but wait, my chill
dren." Ce.este's father had quite
stock Of sense.
One night, under the full moon, FL
mer and Celeste were the center Of
select party Of belated bathers. 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 you 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-
lenged ones retorted. "Those who tire
can get in the boat and help row."
There were two capacious yawls at
hand, and the race was arranged. Six
swimmers entered the water. Four
others pulled the two boats in their
wake. The waters grew cold out in the
lake. To the brakewater il was mile
and a half from the beach. Before it
was reached all but two of the swim
mers called TO be helped into the
welcome boats. BY main strength FL
mer supported the shivering Celeste
until they had reached their goal.
Then they climbed up. into the warm,
summer air painting. She was nearly
exhausted.
even Elmer's tired out" said one
of the losers. No wonder we couldn't
make it,"
POOH" shifted Celeste. Its moth
ing. He could swim back again. now
Il shouldn't care to try, in that ice
water" laughed Elmer.
IL know you could" persisted the
girl. Then, as her lover only shook
his head, her face changed strangely.
Never have i asked you any real
favor, before" said the girl. IL 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 no answer but the chug
diver from height makes as his
body pierces the water. Elmer was
swimming strongly for shore, and was
rods away before his surprised com
panions could huddle into their boats
seize their oars and set after him.
He went on strongly, bravely, unit
near shore. Then he sank, without |
word When he came up he waved away
the eager aid into the nearest boat
which waiting hands 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 few
minutes. CURLY saying he would be al
right in amoment. He wanted no help
Then he slowly swan the short dis
lance TO the deserted beach.
As he rose from the water the boats
grounded beside. Celeste laughed mer
rily.
IL knew he would do ii, IL / asked
him." she shrilled exultantly.
Then she held out her arms to him
that he might help her from her sea-
TO shore.
! Elmer bent slowly over the boat
side. looking keenly at her face. Some
thing she never had read in the depths
OF his blue eyes made the girl turr
pale. As she started back from him
the man slowly stopped, filed his
great palm with water, and flung il
scorn fully in her face.