Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1902-03-21
The Kansas Cousins

80 INA, l received a letter from INV
IMi brother. Edgar Nertner, to-day,
SS telling me that his sou and daugh-
ter were coming on to New York for {.
visit, and l telegraphed them to CONF
right down to Long Branch, us we will
be here for the summer.
"Oh, papa, what shall do." exclaim-
ed the beauty and heiress. Nina Vert
ner.
why, receive them most kindly. for
they will he my guests while here"
"They are the children Of that scape
grace brother Of yours. papa, who went
to Kansas, before Twas born, are they
not."
"Yes, he was a little wild, and ran
of to Kansas, aud, it seems, married
there, and writes me lie is i'll comfort
able circumstances, and wishes his
children to see something OF the world. y
And l have to he the unfortunate
being to show these green Kansas
cousins around, for l know they are
lanky, awkward and HORRIBLE" said the
petted belle of society. !
So deeply was Nina impressed with
the au1ictlOn, as she termed it, that was
to visit her. She was not herself that
night in the ballroom OF the hotel. ana
all of her admirers noticed that she had
the "blues," and III vain tried to cheer
her UP, Ill she refused to he comforted.
Well, I'll have one bath in the surf
L yNnf m ss, f1s,,, <.n, AZ. y .,l,., ..;.1 a.
the following day, and ruDlng herself in
her pretty attire. with Il nuilDer OF 9th.
ers she dashed out mo the toalniny
waves.
lle sea was running high. the effects
OF u late storm. and All were warned
not to venture far out: hut u~nheeuing,
Nina Nertner. who WAS Il fair swimmer,
Went beyond her depth. d!sregaru.ny
the calls OF her friends to return.
But, while riding in confidence upon
the rough waters. II huge wave struck
her. and losing heart as she was borne
back upon its bosom, she gave one loud
cry for help.
Many started to her rescue, hut the
rough waves beat them back. excepting
two or three OF her admirers, who would
have kept OH had she not been swept
further and further from the land. bue
Knowing their own powers OF endur-
ance they dared not venture further
out, and Il wall went up from the crowd
OH shore, as they felt the maiden was
doomed.
But suddenly Il tall form dashed down
to theb beach, confess, hatless and shoe
less, and plunging into the mad waters
struck boldly out to her rescue, while
encouraging cries were heard upon all
sides.
With the skill OF an experienced and
untiring swimmer, lie breasted the
waves. and before long was within a
few yards Of the maiden, who was
struggling hard TO hold herself above
the water, though She was almost ex.
hausted.
Cheering her by a word. the swimmer
made a greater effort, and reached her
side. just as all consciousness left her.
1t was u fearful ordeal for him to pass
through. to carry that UNCONSCIOUS
form back to shore; but his presence
of mind never failed him, and with
strong. steady stroke he swan towaryi
the beach. his magnificent pluck and
endurance cheered by those that crowd
ed the sands and cliff.
a few more mighty efforts. and he
staggered out of the sea, refusing the
protrered help of those who had not
dared venture to her aid, and placed her
In the arms of her agonlzed father.
Another moment and he was ron
none knew whittier, nor did any one
XII Nv who be was.
When Nina returned to consciousness
In her own room she asked eagerly for
the n who had saved her life, SAYING
he was so brave and handsome.
But all that could be told her was that
he had been sitting in u carriage ON the
cliff. accompanied by Il very lovely
lady. and. seeing her danger, had gone
to her aid. After her rescue he had re.
turned to the vehicle and been driven
rapidly away.
land have searched everywhere To-.
him. but in vain, Nina; but | am re-
5oiced that you are safe once more. and
the doctor says you will be all right to-
morrow"
II am now; but l am determined to
find the man who saved my life. father.
You say there was a lady with hing"
$50 nm told; but now let me tell you
that your cousins are to arrive to-mor.
row morning. and
"Bless the cousins. papa; but you will
have to look after them. for the shock
will be worse than was my near es-
cape from drowning"
"YOu are unreasonable. Nina. for I do
not believe either Howard or Celeste
are such terrible creatures as you would
make them"
The following morning Nina vertner
was seated alone In q cozy reception
room.
A servant presently entered and hand
ed her a card. upon which was written
In a bold hand:
Miss Celeste vertner.
Mr.. Howard vertner.
.Sh6w them in here. please"
A moment after Nina started back. as
the tall form Of her preseryer stood be-
fore her. md BY Ills side a perfect little
beauty In face and form.
With Joy Nina was about to/aAlcome
them, Tor ,Sls had found her hyave prs
1870, BIT M wssA ~ epel