The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1903-01-09

pledSeu W ueeL you, MI. MdSOu, Ee-
piled the young woman. Her self pos
session had not been impaired at any
point in the interview, and Rod men-
tally observed that she must be accus-
toned to having young men rain down
on her in this unconventional manner.
Il am Miss Elliot-to be more exact,
Miss Elizabeth Elliot of New York
and am staying with my uncle, Judge
Vantine."
Rod made haste to claim his ac-
quaintance with Judge Vantine. He
was not rewarded with any intimatiOn
that Miss Elliot had ever heard of his
existence, however, and the conversa-
ton drifted into the conventional chan
nels of discussion of the camp, the
lake, the fishing and the scenery.
"Im afraid have spoiled the fishing
here for the day." said Rob apologet-
ically, observing that his fair compan-
ion was gathering up her belongings
with the evident intention of depart
ing. MY sudden appearance must
have sent them all scurrying under the
rocks'
1T really doesn't NATTER" returned
Miss Elliot. Il should have gone in a
few minutes at any rate. I dare say
you know the lakes stormy moods"
You must let me row you home''-
began Rod and stopped abruptly. The
thought of the wager with White had
passed entirely from his mind until
this remark recalled it and made him
feel exceedingly uncomfortable.
Il shall manage very well by my
SELF" said Miss Elliot, trifle coldly as
she noticed the sudden interruption of
his remark; "otherwise l should not
have come out alone. If it gets too
rough, they will send the launch over
for me.
eff you take my advice" she contin-
ued, breaking the silence that ensued,
'you will go straight home, too, or
that cold bath will result in making
pose. You could hardly have come by
balloon"
Rod felt that the cool treatment he
was receiving discounted the effect of
his impression, but he decided that it
was wise to give heed only to the lat
ter part of her remark.
'My canoe is just around the point
here" he said hastily. ITS the place
where usually land. There are fewer
logs there"
After this unblushing falsehood the
conversation Jagged once more, and
Rod went to the rescue of his fish bas-
ket, which had foated some distance
toward the outlet of the stream and
was lodged against an obstructing log.
When he returned, he said, with a note
of genuine anxiety in his voice:
II don't want to offend you, Miss FL
liot, but 1 really wish that you would
let me row you home. It's blowing
half a gale outside. If you will con-
sent to that" he went ON eagerly, II
should like very much to borrow the
boat to row myself back to camp. You
know canoe isn't much good in rough
water"
Miss Elliot mounted high rock and
looked lakeward, where the spray from
the tumbling waves was dashing over
the fallen timber of the flow.
''It does seem to be rather rough"
that came from below. "Is your canoe
small?
every SMALL" said Rod unfinching-
ly-"a mere cookie. l was fool to
come out in it."
Perhaps it would be better for both
of us to wait for the launch" went on
Elizabeth.
Il don't believe that is necessary"
he answered quickly. "They can't tell
from the point how rough it is over
here. Your boat will ride as well as
the launch anyway, and the pull
across is just what l need to warm me
up and keep my muscles from getting
stiff"
Miss Elliot seemed convinced that
his selfish presentation of the case left
no room for argument. She said moth
ing further while the boat was being
made ready, but took her place in the
stern and, paddle in hand, steered it
through the winding course that led to
the lake, while Rod pulled leisurely at
the oars. Arriving inside the final bar
rier of logs that protected them from
the force of the gale, they paused and
looked outside. For miles across its
surface there was nothing to be seen
except long succession of waves, one
hurrying rapidly after another, each
one tipped with flying spray. Stony
point lay directly across one arm Of
the lake, mile distant
Its all right" said Rod cheerily.
''We can take them head ON. You
needn't steer any more. Put up your
paddle and hold on. 1t will toss us a
little at first"
Miss Elliot obeyed this mandate ST.
lently. The commanding tone he used
now was very different from his first
confusion, and she decided that he was
less of boy than she had at first be-
lieved. He did not look boyish as he
prepared to do battle with the gale.
He had removed his coat, and she
could see the play of his muscles be-
meath his cutting shirt as he bent for
ward and with powerful strokes sent
the boat flying to meet the waves.
When they struck the first swell, the
little craft seemed fairly to be thrown
in air. Then it went down, down,
sickening distance, and then up again.
1t seemed as though the storm was
tossing them in watery blanket for
its own amusement, and it was hard to
believe that they were making any
progress, but with each wave the oars