Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-10-20


as fast as oar or sail could take them.
Halfofthe lake and the farther shore lay
brilliant with sunshine. while the near
er shore was black with shadow. Peter
gave full play to his muscle.
AS they touched the edge of the sun
shine 1t was blotted out and the wind
swept down upon them with a roar Of
triumph. Kissing, the water rose into
a white-eapped sea Up went the stern
and then down into a sickening hol-
low. to be tossed up again in a swirl
Of foam.
Get down on the foor!" Peter
shouted to make himself heard.
Kitty obeyed. her face white. but her
eyes unfinching. The spray cut into
their faces. and with every wave
swapping seemed inevitable. The
cushions were caught and hurled upon
the wind like brilliant flowers sport
Ing with the gale The muscles on
Peters temples and arms stood out like
steel lines. his teeth were elenched. He
had the girl to save. The thought add
ed suppleness 10 his wrist, alertness to
his eye. He was fighting a duel with
an adversary so powerful that wari-
ness and skin could only prevail.
Suddenly. for scarce a second, the
waves dropped TO heel" and the wind
lulled. The next instant both had in
creased with greater volume and a
great billow writhed up and hung
eresting, like a huge destroying hand,
over the yaw's stern. The girl caught
her breath and. turning. hid her face
against Peters knees. Peter knew the
final test had come They were near
ing the home shore and he saw that II
they could escape destruction the same
force might hurl them out Of danger
To choose the right moment steeled his
nerves, his oarsman's skill ready to
avert catastrophe The wayt~crashed
down, but at the crucial moment the
yaWl leaped forward, only the froth
and swirl boiling over the stern, crush
ing the seat and half filling the boat.
but the tremendous rush hurled them
forward onto the shore In a fash
Peter was holding out the anchor rope
and bracing himself against the reced-
ing rush OF water.
Jump he shouted TO Kitty.
She sprang out. the water up to her
knees. Peter dropped the anchor be-
hind rock and caught her hand. we
must run for ii. he said, here comes
the hail"
They rushed breathlessly up the
steep incline 10 the cottage but the
han caught and beat mercnessly down
upon them. Painting. they dashed open
the front door and with difficulty
slammed II to behind them.
Thank God," gasped Peter. still
holding her hand. you are safe"
Yes. thank God. she painted, "and
you. Peter"
As they stood catching their breath
they dripped small lakes Of water on
the polished floor OF the square hall.
Get OF your wet things. right away"
Peter commanded, the physician as
sorting himself
All HEAAAH EAN htAEN - W. $50
speaking with difficulty, and you go 70
Dams room and get a change-he IS
over at the Rogers, so you will have 10
help yourself"
Half an hour later, Peter, dry and
well groomed. In Dams clothes. which
lifted him we'll, stood in the hall gazing
Al the cheerful FIRE blazing on the
hearth. The tonic effect Of the storm
on his spirits was fast evaporating and
the depression OF vanished hope taking
firm grip. Anger no longer strength
ened his pride. although his resolution
was unwavering. Ambition would take
the place OF love in his life. there
would be no more division. lie had
played the foolish role OF answering
constancy. he would now be altogether
man done with play time; there was
no such invigorating tonic for senti-
ment as hard, live work.
With a suppressed sigh he reused
himself as he heard step on the
stair The wind and hail had not yet
exhausted themselves. and beat against
the front door He must perforce face
Kitty as the elements cut OF all es-
cape
And he did face Kitty. She was COM
ling down the stairs in another white
dress. soft. with lace about the neck
and falling In long rufiies from the ell
bow sleeves Her hair shone in fresh
crinkles from its wetting, a brilliant
color stained her cheeks and her eyes
what had happened to her eyes? Pc
ter caught his breath. puzzled, thrilled
She was not coming with her usual
alertness. but slowly, pausing at each
step looking down az him half eagerly
half shyly. And when had he ever seen
Kitty shy before?
He turned his gaze back 10 the fire
his mouth set in pain. overwhelmed
with depression
The steps stopped Peter" she said
softly
Peter turned She was resting against
the railing. a little smile touching the
corners Of her mouth. yet something