The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-16
Our Daily Sbcrt Story

1 wasn't thinking what was doing.
 He held the bow while she stepped Tn but he did not raise his hand to heip her. but when she was safely sattied among the cushions in the stern he got in and took up the oars without any fur ther words. He pulled out into the lake. his white duck hat pushed down over his brows, his lips set in straight line that betokened unalterable resoiu- ton. his eyes gazing over her head at the shore they were leaving behind; neither was there any further loitering or dallying with the oars. they were pl,ed with steady monotony that meant a straight and swift home getting.
 Kitty. too, was silent, but her brain was not idle; she was revolving some means by which he would be compelled to be the first to break the silence. Once broken, Kitty hoped that her pow CT might be regained.. Yet she knew Peters resolutions were concrete-last- ing-and she wondered what life would bs like without Peter.
 She was reused from her meditative contemplation of the water by quick cred jerk forward of the boat and. looking up, found that Peter was put ting greater power into his stroke.
 "There IS a cloud coming up behind, " he explained briefly, but l think we can get across before 1t amounts to any thing
 She glanced back over her shoulder. A black and sinister cloud, with pur- pffsh gray edge of hail, was looming above the mountain It had been noted by the other pleasure-seekers on the as fast as oar or sail could take them. Half of the lake and the farther shore lay brilliant with sunshine, while the near CT shore was black with shadow. Peter gave full play to his muscle.
 As they touched the edge of the sum- shine it was plotted out and the wind swept down upon them with roar Of triumph. Kissing, the water rose into Tn stern and then down into a sickening hol- low. to be tossed up again in swirl or foam.
 "Get down on the foor!" 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 swamp ing seemed inevitable. Tho cushions were caught and hurled upon the wind like brilliant flowers sporting with the gale. The muscles on Peters temples and arms stood out like steel lines. his teeth were clinched. He had the girl to save. The alertness to his eyes. He was hghung duel with an adversary so powerful that wariness and skill could only pre- wall
 waves dropped ito heel' and the wind lulled. The next instant both had in creased with greater volume ana great pillow writhed up and hung, crest
 
 the yawrs stern. The girl caught her breath and. turning, hid her face against Peters knees. Peter knew the final test had come. They were nearing the home shore and he saw that if they could es- cape 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 catastro- phe. The wave crashed down. but at the crucial moment the yawl leaped forward, only the froth and swirl boiling over the stern. crushing 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 receding rush of water.
 Jump he shouted to Kitty.
 She sprang out, the water up to her knees. Peter dropped the anchor behind a rock and caught her hand. We must run for it," he said, "here comes the hall
 rney rushed breathlessly up the steep incline to the cottage. but the hail caught and beat merciessly down upon them. Painting, they dashed open the front door and with difficulty slammed 1t to behind
 '1'hank Godr' gasped Peter, still hold ing her hand. you are safe"
 "Yes. thank God she panted. and you. Peter!"
 AS they stood catching their breath they dripped small lakes of water on the polished floor of the square hall