The Monmouth inquirer., 1905-11-16

down this way I'll think of getting
married. Until then l am very well
content as / am
He snatched up his hat and, whis-
Ting to his dog, strobe across the fields
while his mother stood in the doorway
and watched him until the woods swal-
lowed him up.
Then she turned with a sigh and en-
tered the house. An inyeterate match
maker. it was one of the sorrows of
Mrs. Elders life that her handsome
young son had withstood the persua-
sions of all the girls of his acquaint-
ance. He had even assisted her in the
plans whereby she deputized for Gu
pid. but, perhaps, 1t was this familiar
ity with her methods which enabled
him to escape so easily from the snares
she set for him.
Had he shown an interest in any one
she would have felt some hope, but not
one of the girls she knew had been
able to arouse other than his friendly
interest, and she was in despair.
Had she seen his face as he strobe
through the brush she would have been
surprised. for it was white and drawn
and his teeth were clenched.
It was hard for him to face his moth
er's persuasions with a jest when all
the while his whole soul was bound up
in woman to whom he could not offer
his love.
1t happened ON one of his trips to the
@f noIaf
ing party, and there he had met Clara
Ripley For a time it had seemed to
him that there was the woman for
whom he had been destined, and
through the long summer evenings he
had sat by her side and wondered how
it was that to some men it was per-
mitted to have foretaste of heaven
Then Tom Ripley had Joined the par
ty, and for the first time he had learn
ed that she was married. The blow
had been too much for him, and, feign-
ing illness, he had left the yacht and
come home heartbroken.
That had been a year ago, but the
wound was still fresh, and on those
long strolls through the woods he could
still feel her presence, could smell the
salt air above the fragrance of the
pines. And his mother had declared
that he was confirmed bachelor who
would not marry an angel from heaven
were she suddenly to appear and make
declaration of her love.
He thought bitterly of his mothers
hopes, and tears dimmed his eyes as
he realized how impossible it was to
grant her her hearts desire.
He made his way down to the lake
, where there was little clearing. He
| loved to lie OH the soft grass and look
up at the white clouds trayersing the
summer sky, while he pictured to him
self how different life would be with
Clara by his side to face the world.
So full of his thoughts was he that
he did not notice his dogs agitation
until with a sharp bark he dashed to-
/ ward the waters edge
With a cry he sprang to his feet.
Over the surface of the water came
bounding a huge bulk from which de-
pended a swaying mass of black and
white. Now it struck the water; now it
rose in the air only to fall back again
like some wounded bird.
In fash Jack remembered that
there was to have been a balloon as
cension across the lake that afternoon,
and he knew that this must be it,
though he was at loss to understand
why feminine figure should be cling
ing to the ropes.
Just as he neared the shore the car
dipped again, and as it rose rope
brushed past Jacks shoulder. In
stinctively he grasped it, and with Il
wrench that very nearly tore his hold
loose he was jerked into the air. For
moment he chung, dizzy with excite
ment and the shock, and then with a
rending sound the balloon swept down
ward, and Elder was dragged through
the branches of the trees, the twigs
cutting his face and hands, though
they did not loosen their grip upon the
rope.
There was another upward bound,
and as they rose Jack, regaining his
wits, began to climb the rope, drawing
rose in the air. He had almost reached
the car when they struck the trees
again, and now he had to endure the
weight of the car as it crushed him
against the branches and left him well
nigh breathless. Still he chung to the
rope with grim persistence, and as the
car rose once more clutched the wicker
work of the edge and felt hand under
his shoulder assisting him over the
side
For a moment he lay breathless
while the balloon made another dive,
and then with start he realized that
his companion was Clara Ripley.
One glance into her face as she bent
anxiously over him assured him of her
love, and the knowledge of this fact
stimulated his faculties. The balloon
was diving again. but at each rise the
recovery was less buoyant, and now
they scarcely cleared the tops of the
trees. Just beyond was the clearing,
and as they sank the balloon with a
lurch settled to earth, covering them
beneath its huge bulk. In some way
the valve rope had become entangled
with Jacks arm as he fell into the