The Van Buren press., 1904-06-04

There is cloud coming up oeuIhu,
he explained briefly, but | think we
can get across before it amounts to
anything"
She glanced back over her shoulder
A black and sinister cloud, with pur-
plish gray edge of hail, was looming
above the mountain. II had been noted
by the other pleasure-seekers on the
lake and boats were scurrying to shore
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 it was blotted out and the wind
swept down upon them with roar OF
triumph. Kissing, the water rose into
a white-capped sea. Up went the stern
and then down into a sickening hol-
low, to be tossed up again in a swift
of foam.
Get down on the foor!" Peter
shouted to make himself heard.
Kitty obeyed, her face white, but her
eyes unflinching. The spray cut into
their faces, and with every wave
swamping seemed inevitable. The
cushions were caught and nurled upon
the wind like brilliant flowers sport
ing with the gale. The muscles on
Peters temples and arms stood out Ike
steel lines, his teeth were clenched. He
had the girl 10 save. The thought add
ed suppleness to his wrist, alertnsss to
his eye. He was fighting a duel with
an adversary so powerful that wari-
ness and skill 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 ana a
great billow writhed up and hung
cresting, like huge destroying hand,
over the yawls 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 10
avert catastrophe. The wave 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 filing the boat,
but the tremendous rush hurled them
| forward onto the shore In fash
Peter was holding out the anchor rope
and bracing hims2lf 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. I'VE
must run for it," he said, here comes
the hail"
They rushed breathlessly up the
steep incline to the cottage, but the
hail caught and beat mercnessly down
upon them. Painting, they dashed open
the front door and with difficulty
slammed It TO behind them.
Thank Cod" gasped Peter, still
holding her hand, you are safe"
Eyes, thank Cod" 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
serting himself,
"All right" she answered, still
speaking with difficulty, "and you 90 to
Dams room and get change--he is
over at the Rogers, so you will have to
help yourself"
Half an hour later, Peter, dry and
well groomed. in Dams clothes, which
fitted him well, stood in the hall gazing
at the cheerful fire blazing on tho
hearth TIE tonic effect Of the storm
on his spiritG was fast evaporatng 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 He had
played the foolish role Of unswerving
cons,ancy, he would now be altogether
man done with play time; there was
no such in'igorating tonic for sentI-
ment as hard live work
With suppressed sigh he reused
himself az he heard a step on tho
stair, The wind and hail had not yet
exhausted themselves, and beat against
the front door. He must perforce face
Kitty as 'he elements cut on all eS-
cape
And he sid face Kitty. She was COM
ing down the stairs in another whIte
dress, soft, with lace about the neck
and falling In long ruiiies from the ell
bow sleeves Her hair shone In fresh
crnkles from It's wettIng, brilliant
color stained her cheeks, and her eyes
what had happened 10 her eyes? Pc
ter caught his breath, puzzled, thrilled,
She was not coming with her usual
alertness, but slowly pausng at each
step, looking down at him hal. eagerly,
half shyly, And when had he ever seen
Kitty shy before?
lie turned his gaze back 10 the Gre,
his mouth set In pain, overwhelmed
with depression,
The steps stopped, peter" she said
softly
Peter turned She was resting against
the railing, little smile touching tho
corners Of her mouth, yet something
that was not smile In her eyes.
Peter" she repeated even more soft
ly, leaning forward and looking direct
ly down into his eyes, Peter, won't
YOU ask me again7"
| AnL l.luu nI.uI An.