Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1901-11-09

Il
cr to fear the water. and had become
mistress Of n bold stroke or two, she
reyenged herself most thoroughly for
the early splashing the brats had given
her, and dueksd them In deep water
most numerically. until they were
half strangied. which fable teaches
much. There's a meaty kernel IN most
fables, IL 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 a 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 tel
YOU. no. II was in the water that first
ne told her his love, his worship. OF
how he hoped 20 make her his wife
and helpmate. and Of what great prizes
he would aim 81 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 proves, 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. walt 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." Celeste's father had quite
stock Of sense.
One night. under the full moon, FL
mer and Celeste were the center Of a
select party Of belated bsthers. The
vvorksday crowd bad long been home
ward bound. Sportive challenges flew
back and forth among the swimmers
Celeste and together can beat any
one Of you 20 the government brake
= water" cried Elmer, proudly Most OF
those he addressed were his most pro-
fcient pupils, the best swimmers on
the beach.
Done, for supper for all" the chal-
lenred ones retorted. Those who tire
can get in the boat and help row."
There were two capacious yawls al
D hand. and the race was arranged. SIX
= swimmers entered the water. -Four
2 Others pulled the two boats in their
wake. The waters grew cold out In the
lake. To the brskewatcr IL was mile
L and q half from the beach Before il
was reached all but two Of the swim
y mers called 10 be helped into tho
z welcome boats. BY main strength f.
e mer supported the shivering Celeste
J. until they had reached their goal
. Then they climbed up into the warm
J. summer air painting. She was nearly
= exhausted.
I even Elmer's tired out" said one
-e OF the losers. No wonder We eouldnr
IS make IT,"
y pooh" shifted Celeste. It's moth
D. ing. He could swim back again, now.
Y Il shouldn't care TO try, il that ie'
T. water" laughed Elmer
re Il know you could" persisted tn
h. girl. Then, as her lover only Shool
a. his head, her face changed strangely.
n, Never have l asked you any rea
e. favor. before" said the girl ! wan
AZ YOU TO swim back 10 prove that / az
ne right. Won't your You don't love M
I won't marry you. Elmer Armstrong
h unless you swim back. this minute
ny There was no answer but the chu
at a diver from q height makes as b
he body pierces the water. Elmer va
"a swimming strongly for shore, and va
IS rods away before his surprised con
panions could huddls into their boat
ct seize their oars and set after him
he He went on strongly. bravsly, unit
We near shore. Then he sank, without
IA word. When he came up he waved avs
the eager aid into the nearest boz
he which waiting hands held out 10 him.
eh, sect in, get in. Elmer" they erie
ir. "you have done enough. Only Celes
M, was mute.
he The swimmer lay upon his back Re
Jus minutes. CURLY saying he would be {
ke, right In a moment. he wanted no he
ro- Then he slowly swan the short d
ok lance 20 the deserted beach.
,th As ne rose from the water the boa
as grounded beside. Celeste laughed mt
riiy.
md II knew he would do IL. II ask
ess him." she shrilled exultantly.
ow Then she held out her arms 20 hi
eep that he might help her from her Sc
pom 70 shore.
her Elmer bent slowly over the DC
der side, looking keenly at her face. Son
FL thing she never had read in the dept
nee OF his blue eyes made the girl tu
nee pale. As she started back from hi
the the man slowly stopped, filed
as great palm with water. and flung
ven scornfully in her face.