The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1903-12-22

declaration in really favorable sur
roundines.
1--WE went on tin 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 both leaningover our paddles and
throwing good deal of weight 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 moment, | managed
to extricate myself and come up pant
ing, my lady was collecting paddles
ana cushions in the most insouciant
way, meanwhile swimming about as
easily as II 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 | 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 OF
she went, striking out with a long,
easy stroke that looked good for twice
the distance.
Well, | was in a fix | never in
tended to overturn the canoe com
pletely in tipping the girl out, and
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 | rescued, padded. ct
eetera, with the other-indeed. / even
had an idea of towing the canoe by
holding the painter in my teeth as [
mad seen others do. But. alasi the
best laid schemes o. mice and men
gang aft a-gley. So what could | ex-
pect with such clumsy plot as mine?
For though | had seen the girl in
bathing | 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! Well, | 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 1t, 80 heavy was it. | gave up
and made for shore, which my water
witch was fast approaching with I'M
abated energy.
Perhaps l wasn't vexed when. on
looking behind me. spied a sailboat
containing the bank clerk and two
other men from our hotel bearing
down upon the shore Just in front of
my companion in dlstress-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, Ferryboatl Beaten out by a
60 ~-As NAMING me 81 angry Ilat
nearly choked then and there.
We'll, they carried her of and
were kind enough to empty my canoe
for me and push it of In mydirection.
So | clambered in and padded home
by myself, sadder and a permanent.
ly wiser man.
Her engagement to the bank clerk
was announced that evening. so YOU
may suppose | was heartily glad had
intended leaving there the next dav.
for | shouldn't have cared about STAY
ing longer. Naturally was the
laughing stock of the house, for 1t was
impossible for me to explain. No one
would have believed l had done on
purpose thing which made me cut
SO poor figure. So / had TO keen
silent, swallow my rage and wish
the young people JOY into the bar
gain.
But Ill never try any dodge like
that on Canadian girl again. and
don't you, either, my boy. They're
dangerous game" IN. Y. Tribune