Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-19

b0nL4AS %SA1Ny AAA p1A1lECO AAl0 LnG S0ll together; they had sat on the piazza for hours. And after each one of these tete- a-tetes Funston found himself alone, discomforted, uncertain.
 Hang it, old chap!' he said to him. self, T wish could keep away from that girl. I'm gone on her, sure, and the worst of 1t is she doesn't care hang for me; I know it. If told her loved her, she'd guy the life out of me-"
 One morning, after one of these in- terviews, when the wind blew fresh from the southwest, Miss Merlin ap- preached him on she bathing beach.
 Don't. you want to go for sail? ?'' she said. ''The boat is at the end of the wharf now"
 Funston submitted. Tn a few moments they were sitting in a boat
 Make fast those halliards," ordered Miss Merlin, as she grasped the tiller. "Now cast off"
 The breeze caught the sail, and they were away.
 It was strange sensation for Tun- ston. For the first time in his life hefelt thoroughly cowed. This frail cockle-
  his body he could overturn, was not to his liking.
 'tI wouldn't go too far out" he said.
 ">Io, Pm not," smiled Miss Merlin, as
 7ed off the sheet. I'm going to
 :ng the shore. Sit more in the
 ,. please"
 ming before the wind, the boat lighted itself, and they bowled along merrily.
 How do you like it?" asked Miss Merlin. "T'l be the captain and you'll be the first mate.'
 Pretty good" said Funston ''But suppose ought to be the captain and you the first mate. don't like to have anyone else do the york;
 Tn the distance was steam launch that had grown nearer and nearer
 Miss Merlin, with her eye upon 1t, now suddenly hauled in the main sheet and brought the boat up into the wind. The effect was apparent, for the wind, which had been increasing, was now quite strong.
 And then something happened-so suddenly. to Funston, that it was all over before he had 3 chance to move. A puff came over the water, the boat went lower and lower and in an instant she capsized, leaving them both Tloundering in the ocean.
 Funston dove, and, coming up on the other side, put one arm around the cap- tain, while with his other he reached out and grabbed the centerboard.
 In another moment he had worked his way toward the bow. The steam launch seemed miles away
 Are you all right?" he said, as they recovered their breath.
 She clung to him desperately.
 Don't let me go!' she cried.
 Don't be afraid" ".he replied.
 He kept his arm around her, with the roar of water in his ears, and, conscious of his superb strength, he felt sense of exultation
 Somehow, as he saw her look Into his eyes, he realized the truth 'I love you" he said "If we get out of this all right, will you-will you-?''
 Yes" she replied, and chung to him closer than ever
 And then the steam launch rescued them.
 The next night they sat together on the piazza. Her head was on his shoul- der Her hand was in his. He looked off into the dark, distant waters.
 I'm glad that thing happened" he said. Why. if it hadn't happened l might have gone away without know ing. never should have had the cour- age to ask you. because, somehow while you said nice things to me. ! thought you were only playing with me It was only when saw that look in your eyes that felt, after all. you might love me- Dearest little one, what a lucky accident that wasi''
 She looked up suddenly.
 Peter, dear" she replied, twill you l forgive me?'
 Forgive you!" he repeated. "For what?"
 1 She smiled
 Didn't you know she said. "that wasn't an accident? capsized the boat on purpose. Town Topics. |