The Savannah morning news., 1901-10-04

BILE teaches-much. There's a 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 We're 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 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 1t was understood. There
were no objections. wait a little,
said Celeste's father. Both of you are
very young. Elmer must get on lit
tie yet. Be happy, but wait, my chill
dren." Celestes father had quite a
stock of sense.
One night, under the full moon, Ell
mer and Celeste were the center Of a
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 l together can beat any
of N IA N hral
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 1t was a 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 Ell
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"
81 shouldn't care to try. in that ice
water" laughed Elmer.
II know you could" persisted the
girl. Then, as her lover only shook
his head, her face changed strangely.
Never have l 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.
And mean it."
There was no answer but the chug
a diver from a hight 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, until
near shore. Then he sank, without a
word. When he came up he waved
away the eager aid into the nearest