River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1904-06-02

"There is cloud coming up behind
he explained briefly, but l 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. 1t 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.
Half the lake and the farther shore lay
brilliant with sunshine, while the near
er shore was black with shadow. Pet er
gave full play to his muscle.
AS they touched the edge of the sum
shine it was blotted out and the wind
swept down upon them with a roar OF
triumph. Kissing, the water rose into
white-capped sea. Up went the stern
and then down into sickening hol-
low, to be tossed up again in swirl
of foam.
"Get down on the fioor!" Peter
shouted to make himself heard.
Kitty obeyed, her face white, but her
eyes unfiinching 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 clenched. He
had the girl to save. The thought add
ed suppleness to his wrist, alertness to
his eye. He was fighting a duel with
an adversary so powerful that warl-
ness and skill could only prevail.
Suddenly, for scarce a second, the
waves dropped ito heel' and the wind
lulled. The next instant both had in
creased with greater volume and a
great billow writhed up and hung
cresting, like a 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 if
they could escape destruction the same
force might hurI them out of danger
To choose the right moment steeled his
nerves, his oarsman's skill ready to
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 filling the boat
but the tremendous rush hurled them
forward onto the shore. In a flash
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. eve
must run for It," he said, there comes
the hail.
They rushed breathlessly up the
steep incline to the cottage, but the
hail caught and beat merclIessly 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, land
you, Peter!"
they dripped small lakes of water on
the polished floor of the square hall
Get off your wet things, right away
Peter commanded, the physician as
sorting himself.
"All right" she answered, still
speaking with difficulty "and you go to
Dams room and get a change-he is
over at the Rogers, so you will have to
help yourself"
Half an hour later, Peter, dry and
we'll groomed, in Dams clothes, which
fitted him well, stood in the hall, gazing
at 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. He had
played the foolish role of answering
constancy, he would now be altogether
a man done with play time; there was
no such invigorating tonic for senti-
N.
With suppressed sigh he reused
himself as he heard a step on the
stair. The wind and hail had not vet
exhausted themselves, and beat against
the front door. He must perforce face
Kitty as the elements cut off all es-
cape.
And he did face Kitty. She was COM
ing down the stairs in another white
dress, soft, with lace about the neck
and falling in long ruffies from the eI-
bow sleeves Her hair shone in fresh
crinkles from its wetting, a brilliant
color stained her cheeks, and her ewes
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 at him half eagerly.
half shyly. And when had he ever seen
Kitty shy before?
He turned his gaze back to the fire.
his mouth set in pain, overwhelmed
with depression.
softly
Peter turned. She was resting against
the railing, a little smile touching the
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 again?"
And Peter asked her.