The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1903-09-11

roundings.
I'VE went on till we had left the
point behind us and turned our course
SO that the waves came directly on
our starboard side. The canoe was
difficult to keep straight, and as we
were bothleaningo over our paddles and
throwing a good deal ofweight on our
own sides of the craft it was scarcely
necessary for me to do anything A
stroke too long, as the poet says, was
all that was needed, and there was a
lurch and splash, and over we went.
But through some stupidity on my
part my feet got caught in the thwart,
and when, after a moment, l managed
to extricate myself and come up pant
ing, my lady was collecting paddles
and cushions in the most insouciant
way, meanwhile swimming about as
easily as if water were her natural
element
Are you all right she called out,
| looking more concerned about me
than thought necessary; and with
her bonnet and hair scarcely splashed,
SO calmly had she fallen in
Yes; I'm all right now Let me
| help you,' 1 answered, striking out in
her direction.
| Don't bother about me. can
easily swim to shore. It's only about
quarter of a mile. You had better
right your canoe and put the things
in before the cushions sink and off
she went, striking out with a long,
easy stroke that looked good for twice
the distance.
We'll, l was in fix. I never in
tended to overturn the canoe COM
pletely in tipping the girl out, and l
would not have done so if my wretch
ed feet had not caught, for had not
the slightest idea how to right it. 1t
looked so simple to have just spilled
us out and then supporting her with
one arm while l rescued, padded, ct
cetera, with the other-indeed, l even
had an idea of towing the canoe by
holding the painter in my teeth as
had seen others do. But, alas! the
best laid schemes O. mice and men
gang aft a-gley.' So what could l ex-
pect with such clumsy plot as mine
For though l had seen the girl in
bathing 1 had no idea a woman could
swim a quarter of mile in her
clothes.
But don't you be surprised at any
thing Canadian girls do! Well, l had
my hands full, trying to turn that
canoe over without filling it with
water-try it yourself some time
and after vainly struggling with it for
ten minutes and being unable to
move it, SO heavy was it, l gave UP
and made for shore, which my water
witch was fast approaching with un-
abated energy.
Perhaps 1 wasn't vexed when, on
looking behind me, l spied sailboat
containing the bank clerk and two
other men from our hotel b&arine
down upon the shore just in front OF
my companion in distress-or rather
my late companion, for she seemed
perfectly at ease. They did not deigr
to notice me till they rushed past, and
then one insulting creature called out:
Hello, Ferryboat! Beaten out by g
girl, eh?' making me so angry that
nearly choked then and there.
well, they carried her off, an6
were kind enough to empty my canoe
for me and push it off in my direction
So l clambered in and padded home
by myself, a sadder and a permanent.
ly wiser man.
Her engagement to the bank clerl
was announced that evening, so yor
may suppose 1 was heartily glad hac
intended leaving there the next day
for l shouldn't have cared about stay.
ing longer. Naturally was the
laughing stock of the house, for it was
impossible for me to explain. No one
would have believed l had done or
purpose a thing which made me cu
so poor figure. So 1 had to keeI
silent, swallow my rage and wish
the young people joy into the bar
gain.
But I'll never try any dodge like
that on a Canadian girl again, anG
don't you, either, my boy. They're
, dangerous game'-N Y. Tribune