The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-06-08

rescued from Il watery grave by her
lariat, and again they fought out the
possibilities of drowning and of escape
till Gwen almost lost her temper and
was appcnscd only by the most pro-
fuse expressions of gratitude OH the
part of the Pilot for her timely assist
ancc. The Old Timer was p%erplexed.
lie was afraid to offend Gwen and
yet unwilling to be cordial to her guest.
The Pilot was quick to feel this, and,
soon after tea, rose to go. Gwon's
disappointment showed i'm her face.
ASK him TO stay, dad" she said In
n whisper. But the half hearted invita-
ton acted like II spur and the Pilot was
determined to set off.
There's Il bad storm coming" she
said, and, BESIDES" she added tri-
~umphantly, "you can't cross the Swan"
This settled 1t, and the most earnest
prayers of the Old Timer could not
have held him back.
We all went down to see him cross,
Gwen leading her pinto. The Swan
was far over Its banks and in the mid
die running swift and strong. Louis
snortcd, refused md finally plunged.
Bravely he swan tNl the swift run
ming water struck him, and over he
went on his side, throwing his rider
into the water. But the Pilot kept his
head and, holding by the stirrups,
padded along by Louis side. When
they were half way across Louis saw
that he had no chance Of making the
landing, so, like q sensible horse, he
turned and made for the shore. Hero,
too, the banks were high, and Tie pony
began to grow discouraged.
Let him float down fQrther!' shrek
cd Gwen In anxious excitement, and,
urging her pinto down the bank, she
coaxcd the struggling pony down the
stream till opposite a shelf Of rock
level with the high water. Then che
threw her lariat, and, catching Louis
about the neck and the horn OF his
saddle, she held taut, till, half drown
ed, he scrambled up the bank, drag
ging the Pilot with him.
ION, L am so glad!" she said, almost
tearfully. "You see, you couldn't get
across"
The Pilot staggered to his feet, took
a step toward her and gasped out:
Il cant" and pitched headlong.
With n little cry she flew to him and
turned him over on his back. IN q
few moments he revived, sat up and
looked about stupidity.
where's LOUISE" he said, with his
face toward the swollen stream.
Safe enough" she answered. "But
you must com in; the rain Is just go
ing to pour"
But the Pilot seemed possessed.
mo; Pm going to cross" he said,
rising.
Gwen was greatly distressed.
but your poor horse,' she said,
%clevcrly changing her ground. "He is
quite tired out"
h Old Timer nov Joined earnestly
In urging hin to stay till the storm
was past. So, with n fnal look ut the
stream, the Pilot turned toward the
house.
or course I knew what would hap
pen. Before the evening was over he
had captured the household. The mo-
ment he appeared with dry things OH
he ran to the organ, that had stood for
ten years closed and silent, opened 1t
and began to play. AS he played and
sang song after o the Old Timers
eye began TO glistcn under his shaggy
brows. But when he dropped into the
exquisite Irish melody, "Oft In the
Silly Night" the old man drew n hard
breath and groancd out to me:
ut was her mothers song and from
that time the Pilot had him fast. 1t
was easy TO pass to the old hymn,
"Ncarcr, My God, to Thee" and then
the Pilot said simply, "AIay we have
prayers!" lie looked at Gwen, but she
gaZcd blankly at him and then at her
father.
"What does he say, dadf"
1t was pitiful to see the old mans
face grow slowly red under the deep
tan as he said:
"You may, sir. There's been none
here for'many years, and the worse for
u.s." He rose slowly, went into the in
ncr room and returned with a Bible.
"Its her mothcr's," he said IN a voice
deep with emotion. ~ put 1t In her
trunk the day | laid hcr out yondcr un-
der the pines" The Pilot, without look
ing at him. rose and rcvcrcntly took the
book In both his hands and said gently:
ut was II sad day for YOU, but for
her He paused. you did not
grudgo IL TO herr"
mot now. but then, yes! ! wanted
her, VIC needed her." The Old Timers
tears were flowing.
The Pilot put his hand caressingly
upon the old mans shoulder as if he
had been his father and said In his
clear, sweet voice, "Some day you will
go to her"
Upon this scene poor Gwen gazed with
eyes wide open with amazement and a
kind Of fear. She had never seen her
father weep since the awful day that
sho could never forget, when he had
knclt In dumb agony beside the bed on
which her mother lay white and still;
nor would he need her till, climbing up,
she tried to make her mother wakep
and hear her cries. Then he had caught
her up I'm his arms, pressing her with
tears and great sobs to his heart. To
night she seemed to feel hat some
thing was wrong. She went and stood
by her father, and, strokjng his gray
hair fondly, she said:
What is he saying, daddy2 Is he
making you cryf" She looked at the
Pilot defiantly.
mo, no, child,' said the old man
hastily, "sit here and listen"
And while the storm raved outside
we three sat listening to that ancient
story Of love ineffable. And. as the