Newport weekly independent., 1903-05-22
declaration in really favorable

uecidfatlon III really favorable
 roundings.
 We went on till we had left do point behind us and turned our cofrse so that the waves came directly on our starboard side. The canoe was dlmcuit to keep straight, and as we We're bothleaningover our paddles and throwing 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 iurch and a splash, and over we went.
 But through some stupidity on my part my feet got caught in the thwart. ,sNd when, after moment, managed to tricate myself and come up pant inc was collecting paddles and cushions In 7he most insouciant way, meanwhile swimfn1eus apout as easily as if water were her natural' element
 - Are you all right?' she called out, looking more concerned about me than l thought necessary; and with her bonnet and hair scarcely splashcd, so calmly had she fallen in.
 Yes; I'm all right now Let me help you I answered, striking out in her direction
 Don't bother about me I can easily swim to shore. It's only about a quarter of 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
 Well, l was in a fix. I never in- tended to overturn the canoe com- pletely in tipping the girl out, and I would not have done so if my wretch ed feet had not caught, for I had not the slightest idea how to right it. It looked so simple to have just spilled us out and then supporting her with one arm while I rescued, padded, ct cetera, with the other-indeed. I even had an idea of towing the canoe by holding the painter in my teeth as I had seen others do. But, alas! the best laid schemes O mice and men gang aft a-gley.' So what could ex- pect with such 1umsy plot as mine? For though had seen the girl in bathing 1 had no idea a woman could swim quarter of a mile in her clothes.
 But don't you be surprised at any, thing Canadian girls do! We'll, I had my hands full, trying to turn that canoe over without filling it with water-try it yourself some tlnle- and after vainly struggling with it for ten minutes and being unable to move 1t. so heavy was it, l gave up and made for shore, which my water witch was fast approaching with un- abated energy.
 Perhaps l wasn't vexed when, on looking behind me, spied sailboat containing the bank clerk and two other men from our hotel bearing 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 deign to notice me till they rushed past. and then one insulting creature called out: Hello, Ferryboat! Beaten out by a girl, eh?' making me so angry that l nearly choked then and there
 Well, they carried her off. and were kind enough to empty my canoe for me and push it off in my direction. So 1 clambered in and padded homo by myself, sadder and a permanent ly wiser man.
 Her engagement to the bank clerk was announced that evening, so VOL may suppose I was heartily glad I had intended leaving there the next day. for 1 shouldn't have cared about stay ing longer. Naturally I was the laughing stock Of the house, for it was impossible for me to explain. No one would have believed I had done on purpose thing which made me cut so poor figure. So I had to keen silent, swallow my rage and wish the young people joy into the bar gain.
 But I'll never try any dodge like that on Canadian girl again. and do.- you. either, my boy. They're dangerous game"-N V T,.;funa