The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-04-15

Wnere was his niece! ana Where, In
the name of all the fates and furies
combined, was that young scoundrel.
Barton?
Uncle Percy sprang to his feet in an
instant-but to his horror and dismay,
he found himself modern Robinson
Crusoe, rather advanced in years, on
an extremely limited desert island-in
other words, the tide advancing with
a sullen, rushing sound, that BODIED all
manner of evil in his ears, had liter
ally surrounded him, and was momen-
tarily circumscribing the limits of his
safe-abiding.
The cold perspiration broke out in
globules on his face, hot as was the
afternoon.
Heavens and earth!" groaned Uncle
Percy, wildly clasping both hands over
his eyes, Jam l to perish here all
alone? / can't swim, and there's no
boat in sight How came / to be so
rash as to fall asleep? Why didn't |
stay at home, when was well OFF,"
And he broke into a groan, low and
hollow as the reverberating echo of
the thunderous mass of water that
circled him around.
"Hallo-o-o- !" came back a faint
sound-faint, but still something more
tangible that the echoes sent back by
the rocky cliffs beyond-and in a min
ute or two, as Uncle Percy strained his
eyes and ears in wild, breathless ex-
around the headland.
A little boat with Pennie in the
prov, and Hugh Barton propelling it
by long, vigorous strokes.
1--WE are just coming after you, SIR"
said Hugh, as Uncle Percy bawled
forth an incomprehensible medley of
welcome, reproach, and vituperation
Just coming after me! | think it
was high time," roared the irate old
gentleman. Row up nearer. / am
not the Colossus of Rhodes, to span
half the Atlantic Ocean. Quick-I can
feel the water splashing against me"
Hugh leaned lazily on his oars. Pen
ME sat there, serene and lovely as a
sea-nymph.
do you want to get off, sir?" ques-
toned Mr.. Barton
"Of course | do
Il shall be most happy to assist
YOU" observed Mr.. Barton, with the
utmost courtesy, ''but I've little bar
gain to make first"
"a bargain, sir!" jerked forth Uncle
Percy. What do you mean, sir?''
81 mean that you have had your turn
all along, sir, and that mine has come
now. Before l row up foot nearer,
must have your unconditional prom
Use that you are willing for me to
marry your niece"
Il will never grant any such per-
mission!" cried Uncle Percy, growing
scarlet in his indignation.
Hugh turned the head of the boat
around,
ooh, very we'll, sir, if you prefer to
be drowned haven't a word to say"
Drowned" faltered Uncle Percy.
stop a moment! Hold on! You would
never allow me to-Halo-o-o-o /
say!"
For the boat was slowly moving off,
while sudden wave higher and
stronger than it's brothers, sprinkled
Uncle Percys feet with it's salt spray.
Come back" roared Uncle Percy.
eyes or no-have your permission?
l am determined to marry Pennie,
and she will not consent without"
"Yes-yes-yes!" shouted Uncle
Percy, each affirmative monosyllable
louder than the last, jerked from him
in mortal terror of his life.
Il am much obliged to you, SIR"
said Hugh, politely. Hold on, l will
be alongside directly"
He skillfully guided the boat close
up to the lower point of rock, and
Uncle Percy stumbled rather than
stepped into it, dropping like huge
rag doll upon the seat.
Il hope you're not very wet, uncle
DEAR" said Pennie, sweetly. 1--WE |
hadn't the least idea the tide was ris-
ing SO fast when we went to get some !
of those beautiful starfsh for my
Pennie might have spoken the truth
so far as regarded herself, but Uncle
Percy knew from the twinkle in Hugh
Barton's eye the he at least had not
been so very innocent of all cogniz-
ance of the affair
The homeward voyage was very ST.
lent. Pennie and Hugh were too hap
py to talk-Uncle Percy too misera-
BILE, what with wet feet, acute twinges
Of rheumatism, and sharp conscious
ness of defeat