The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-04-22
Tripping The Nnchor
By FRANK H. SWEET

Copyright, 1902. by Daily Story Pub. Co.
A small, sloop-rigged yacht was lying
at anchor near the north end of Prudence
Island. Her sails were lowered, but not
furled, and she had only a light boat
anchor out. Apparently she was trying
the bass grounds, and would be ready
to sheer off into the wind again at a
moments notice. Several persons were
leaning over her gunWale, eagerly watch
ing the points where their lines entered
the water. A small boy of nine or ten
was playing with rope near the forward
end of the boat
Although there were no signs Of a
storm, an already stiff breeze was fresh
ening down the river and the yacht was
rocked and tossed under the counter in
fuence of the winds and currents which
swept round the end of the island
1t was stil early, but occasional pleas
ufe boats could be seen coming down the
river and creeping out from East Green
witch and Apponang, and from around the
point toward Bristol. Now and then ex-
cursion steamers appeared in the dis
lance, and presently one came near
enough to rock the yacht violently.
The persons leaning over the gunwales
looked up hastily, but the steamer was
too far away to occasion alarm, and
they once more became intent on their
sport. Their casts were being met freely
now, and they were too excited to notice
that the boy had climbed out on the
boWsprit, and that a sudden lurch of the
vessel had sent him overheard.
1t was only when they heard smoth-
cred cry, and saw a sudden commotion
on the deck of the steamer, that they be-
came aware of the accident. But they
had little time for alarm. 1.-THE form
shot from the steamers rail, and al
most before they realized the danger, it
was past. A few powerful strokes and
the swimmer was beside the child; a few
moments later and they were both on
board the yacht.
The stranger proved TO be an athletic
young man Of six feet or more, with
easy manner, and frank, smiling face
II am afraid L shall have to intrude
on your hospitality for a few hours. he
said, with a significant motion toward
the vanishing steamer, my boat doesn'
seem to think it worth while to wait for
me. Fishing good. I take it?" glancing
at the bass lying in the cockpit.
Yes, yes, excellent! Of course you
must accept our hospitality! Why, God
bless me. sir, everything on board is
yours. Didn't you save Bobby?" and a
portly, red-faced man of fifty or more
BUSTED forward and caught him ELUSIVE
" by. the hand. Dear, dear, to think OF
our being so careless! The boy might
have been drowned! Of course you must
stay with US; just as long as you possibly
can. Here, let me introduce my daughter,
Maud-our chief sailor and fisherman
and my daughters May and Ellen and
Louise-enthusiastic sailors and fishermen,
every one Of them. God bless me, sir,
the boy might have been drowned and
before the young man could separate the
last three named daughters from one
another he found himself shaking hands
Unfortunately with all of them.
Wouldn't you better take the gentle
man below and give him change of
elothing?" suggested Maud
'1Of Counsel OF counsel was just about
to propose it-and a glass of strong today
as we'll Come this way, sir
THANK you, but it isn't worth while, :
replied the young man, laughing I'm
accustomed to the water, and a wetting
is almost a daily occurrence. This suit IS
designed for just such accidents and will
be dry in a short time. And 1 seldom
drink anything stronger than water.
However, | am just as much obliged"
well, if you thing So" with evident