Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1904-06-16

NA eit'l ne desired TO Sketcl, and
pulling the boat well up behind the
inner point, tying the painter to a
rock and taking the cushions along,
ne found shady spot and sat down.
The sloping rock he selected for a
seat was little damp, but he thought
nothing of it, and lighting his pipe be-
gan sketching.
He worked for an hour putting the
weed draped rocks and long swells
that broke over them into his book.
and then, lulled perhaps by the monot-
onous rhythm of the ocean, lay back
on the cushions and fell asleep. The
next he knew he was awakened by a
cold sensation and found the tide had
risen until it wet his feet Hastily
gettlnS up, he took the cushions and
returned to where he had left the boat,
only to find it had disappeared. The
rising tide had lifted the boat and
painter from the rocks, and it was
nowhere to be seen.
There must be some road back up
on the island" he thought. "that will
lead me near the cove where the
Gypsy is and, still retaining the
cushions, he started to find it. But
he was stranger to Southport island
and the farther away from the sea he
got the thicker grew the tangle of
scrub spruce and briers. 1t was too
thick to see anywhere, and after a
half hour of desperate scrambling the
afternoon sun began to seem about due
east. He had long since dropped the
cushions, and finally, in sheer exhaus-
ton, he sat down on a rock to collect
himself.
1T looks as though I'm billed to stay
here all night" he thought as he noted
the lowering sun, "and nobody knows
how much longer! There must be a
road somewhere, though, and I'm 60
ing to find it if the light lasts long
enough"
He started once more and had not
gone ten rods ere he came to one, and
then he breathed easier. His clothes
were torn. his hands and face scratch
ed by briers, and to save himself he
couldn't make 1t seem but that the sun
was setting in the east. He sat down
to think. All sound Of the ocean was
gone, and stiffness that seemed to
crawl out of the thicket was around
him. He rested few moments more
and then suddenly heard the sound of
wheels and presently saw, coming
around the curve, an old fashioned
carryall, Worn and muddy, ana. driv-
ing the horse at jog trot, man as
dilapidated looking as the vehicle.
Gladdened at the sight, he arose and.
holding up his hand as signal, halted
the team. Excuse me, SIR" he said
to the man, who eyed him curiouslv,
"but will you tell me where amp
WAL" was the answer In slow
drawl, "ye're on Southport island an
bout four miles from the jumpin' off
place. Whar might ye be goin'7 .Ye
looked bushed.'
II am" answered Page, land badly
pushed too. lost my boat over back
here on the shore and have had a
cheerful time among the Mohawk
briers.. 1 belong to yacht that is
anchored in cove Of this island,
can't tell where, and If you will take
me to her I'll pay you WELL"
The man in the wagon laughed.
Say, stranger" he observed with a
chuckle, you mind me O. the Teller
that got full an wandered round for
spell till he fetched up to house
an sed to the man that cum to the
door, If you will tell me who am or
whar am or whar want ter go I'LL
give We dollar"
Page had to laugh in spite of his
plight, for the humorous twinkle In
the old mans eyes as he uttered his
Joke was infectious. 80
I'D like ter 'commodate ye," he add
ed, "but as I'm carryin' Uncle Sans
mail an must git home an tend the
light, an as We don't know whar ye
want ter go, ye best jump in an go
down to Saints Rest. whar live, an
in the mornin' we'll try an hunt up
yer boat"
It seemed the only thing to do, and
Albert awaited himself Of the chance.
Can you tell the spot where you
found me?" he said to the man as they
started on. I'D like to go back there
tomorrow and find my cushions"
'Waal." was the answer, "as I've
druv over this road twice day for
nigh on to thirty year, I'm tolerable
familiar with it. My names Terry,
an I'm keeper O. the light at the Cape
an carry the mail to sorter piece out
on. Who might We be?"
MY names Page, and Pm from Bos-
ton, and lawyer by profession" re-
piled Albert.
Uncle Terry eyed him rather sharply.
Il wouldn't "a took We fer one,' he
said. "Ye look too honest. l amt
much stuck on lawyers" he added with
a chuckle. 'I've had 'sperence with
'em. One Of 'em sold me a hole in the
ground onct. an it cost me the hull O.
twenty years savin's! Yell 'scuse
me fer bein' blunt-it's my natur."
"Oh, don't mind" responded AL
bert laughingly. But you mustn't
Judge us al. by one rascal"
(ro BE Continued
A Strong Heart