The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1905-07-14

Don't De absurd. shouted Mainly
sit tight and shut your eyes; In
going for holp"
Where 10. Arthur" asked the
choking voice
TO the Vanity"
No. no. Mrs. Mainlys voice be-
came suddenly determined. I'D rath-
or die. come back, Arthur come
backl"
But the lightning showed Mainly
pulling with frantic strokes for the
opposite shore In his haste. how
ever, he miscalculated the distance,
and. a second later, drove the dingy
into the side Of the Vanity with an
impact that shot him from his seat.
/ and brought Laismere on deck, under
the impression that they had been run
down
Now, then, what the devils all
this?' bawled LAismero. in a bullying
voice.
It's me, feebly responded Mainly,
picking himself up from the bottom
Of the dingy
What are you muttering about?"
roared Laismere, and what do you
mean by running us down at this time
Of night, whoever you are7"
I'm the Puck, and haven't run
you down, shouted Mainly, recovering
his breath.
Il don't care who you are; what DO
you mean by it," retorted the owner
Of the Vanity.
Just then a flash Of lightning re-
vealed Mainly's anxious face TO Lais-
mere. Instantly his keen wits
jumped TO the situation, and its po-
tentialities arranged themselves be-
fore him Bending 10 the men at his
side he spoke a word or two. and they
disappeared down the forward hatch.
Then he turned and faced Mainly
as well as the circumstances permit
ted.
Now, then. sir" he began. in
hard voice. perhaps you will explain
what you mean by running me DOWN.
My dear sir" protested Mainly. In
as cOnciliatory a tone as the strain on
his lungs would permit. Il say did
not run you down. Lot me explain;
there's not a moment to lose; we're |
over there. you know. In a desperate |
state, flooded out, and my wife-Mrs.
Mainly"
Here a clap OF thunder Immediate
ly overhead rendered him inaudible.
and he waved his hand toward the
heavens with an explanatory gesture.
Laismere advanced TO the gunwale
of the Vanity
Look here" he commenced, brutal
ly, let us put the thing in a nutshell.
An hour ago you wouldn't have wiped
your boots on the cushions in my
wife's cabin; now you want me to
take your wife into that cabin because
you haven't got a dry one Of your
own. An hour ago"
Here the flaming skies revealed the
terrible fact that the tent which held
Mrs Mainly had collapsed, and
mass Of canvas filled It's
place Laismere regarded the spec
acle with serenity, while Mainly. IN
IFS agony. danced In the bottom Of
he dingy until II rocked wildly.
An hour ago." proceeded Lais-
mere. as calmly as if he was recalling
riyianties. you hated the very sight
# us. and now you1l condescend to
MT up with our company until the
forms over And" he added with a
nap Of his Jaws. good night TO
GU"
Every moment was becoming more
g0nizing 10 Mainly He was SILVER
~ with cold, and the limelight Of the
eavens played horribly upon the
tomb of his wife.
For Gods sake, say you'll take her
/. he pleaded.
Laismere came to the side Of the
berry once more and peered down
. Mainly.
Your wife's kind regards to Mira /
Is that it?" he sug-
ssted, grimly. z
Before Mainly could reply there 3
'ose a wild shrek, and both 1en.
rning. saw a white figure SLIPPING |
'wn the opposite bank toward the Z
alter.
Look" screamed Mainly, and In \
e same breath he shouted. "Marga-
{, for Gods sake don't move-Tm :
ming to youl" Z
A few minutes later the cabin
hts of the Vanity beamed rosily
&c more. and the figure of Mrs.
ismere, sleepy but happy, In the
company of Mrs.
only could be seen within. Ada
ltly, Laismere was ratifying things
tn whisky and cigars. They were :
paraphernalia Of his open sesame. q
-adys Pictorial