The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-07-05
WHEN THE TIDE CAME in.
BY EDGAR wELToN COOLEY.

s1DU<AAs w A<DAoAs SOoANhs
Copyright, 1904. by Daily Story Pub
fishing Coz
Weary, but radiant with happiness,
Clark Morgan walked rapidly up the
street from the modest station build
ms through the gathering twilight. A
combination of fortunate circumstances
had enabled him to conclude his bust
ness affairs twenty-four hours sooner
than he had anticipated, and he had
thus been enabled to reach home on
the evening of his wife's birthday.
This fact added elasticity to his steps
and buoyancy to his spirits. He had a
little pl resent for Gertrude tucked away
III his grip, an inexpensive little bau-
ble but one she had long desired.
He planned to slip in upon her and
take her by surprise. Then he would
present her with the gift. and they
would sit under the naples and watch
the darkness deepen, see the fireffies
arise from the grass and hear the
booming sof the beetles through the
gloom, and the slpashing of the sea
upon the rocks.
Quietly he slipped through the gate
when he reached the summer cottage
crept silently across the lawn, and en-
tered noiselessly at the side door.
last rays of the sun struggled through
the lace curtains and kissed the cell
ing. Shadows lowered in the corners;
a deep silence reigned everywhere
silence perfumed by a vase of lilies
of tn valley on the table.
For a moment he paused in the GEN.
ter of the room. then a slight rustic
from the parlor reached him, and he
smiled.
Softly he stepped to the portiers and.
drawing one of them slightly, peeped
through the narrow opening.
Gertrude stood near the piano. AT
her side was James Bernard. His arm
encircled her waist; his 9rms were
around his reck: her head was slightly
bowed; his lips were pressed against
her forehead.
James Bernard was Clark Morgan's
closest personal friend. The latch
string at the Morgan home had ALWAYS
been out to him.
Silently the portiere slipped from the
husbands fingers and blotted the pic
stood fmmovable. and thousand
thoughts passed through his mind.
Then he turned his head and glanced
out the window. gazing for miles across
the restless sea- On the far horizon
rested a jagged rock-Fisherman S
Point-like a grim monument TO his
dead happiness. From the sea deep
gloom swept toward him. He stretch
ed forth his arms as though to well
come It, If 1t were only everlasting
oblivion!
Again his glance rested upon Fish
erman's Point. 1t was sinking from
sight; the tide was rising. 1t would go
down into the sea and the waves would
sweep over 1t, like the waves were
sweeping over him. But on the NOR
row II would rise again, even as he
would when the great sorrow had
passed.
Thinking thus. he crept out again
into the shadows, and when he re-
TUNED it was with merry whistle
and a radiant smile. His wife met
him at the door and he kissed her and
extended his nand to Bernard.
How nice that we can all spend the
evening together" he said; ut will be
a pleasant ending to Gertrude's birth
day"
He smiled at his wife. but her eyes
dronned before his, and he thought he
saw the suspicion Of blush upon her
cheek. .r
yes" replied Bernard. carelessly. Il
dropped in to congratulate Mrs NOR
gan upon her anniversary
"A KINDNESS we pot' ''''
nreciate. I am sure" Morgan answered.
"and NV dear" he added, smiling
pleasantly at his wife. Il have planned
a little diversion for tomorrow. They
SOW angling is fine off Fisherman
Point. and 1 suggest we three-now
don't saw you can't spare the time Der
rard. old chap-sail out there tomor,
row taking along some luncheon and
enjoy the snort until dusk"
How delightful" exclaimed MIS-.
Morgan. iubilantly. "Of course you
will go, Mr.. Bernardo
OF course" insisted MI MORGAN.
"of course" insisted Mr. bernara'
laughing.
The sunshine fell brilliantly upon
the sea. kissing the waves that lnshed
the base of Fisherman's Point INTO
- ~ diamopds Above. the sky