The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1905-11-24
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The Blow That
Recoiled 1
BY CHARLES A. JOHNSON


Observation-Disclosures
There was small, margin Of difference
between the two men. so far as eyes
could sec, as they threw off their coats
and spraug each TO his own canoe.
Their paddles flashed into and out of
the water. sending the frail crafts over
tie smooth surface of the lake ut re
markable speed. Neither one gained
appreciuhly on the other, though they
were racing with intense rivalry.
AS they had sat in front, of their tent
awaiting the arrival OF the merry
launching party f1om across the lake.
they had witnessed an accident which.
even without the added incentive OF
rivalry. made each man strain his
every nerve to reach the goal. The
launch had struck on n rock beside the
narrow channel and, careening sud
denly on her side, had filed and gone
down.
Harry Morton and Jim Carruthers
We're not mcH who could see women
drown without drowning with them
But, as they padded, each mans heart
grew chill with the awful thought that
the woman he loved was one Of the
struggling group, and they loved the
same woman.
This love was born, as love some
times is, in the idle time of summer
holiday. They had gone to the lake
for rest. each man fancy free Sworn
comrades, they had even laughed at
love and planned to live as they were,
fond of the same things and looking
for no deeper interest than they found
in each other and in mutual pleasures.
But before the first week in camp
was over Morton had developed nth
erto undiscovered fondness for walk
ing, and for hours at Il time he was ADJ
sent from camp Carruthers had about
the same time found himself to be de-
voted to canoeing, but neither of the
men said much TO the other about bis
newly discovered pastime. In truth,
Morton sought dryud whom he had
seen in the woods as he padded along
tile shore one morning; Carruthers puf
sued a vision of loneliness that had
flashed past him in canoe while he
lay on the bank smoking his pipe.
Their quest continued for days, each
man thinking TO achieve an encounter
by seeking his enehaptress where he
had seen her once. But they did not
Ind her until together they met her at
All informal hop at the big hotel on the
hill.
Fror.s that moment they were rivals,
and each one knew it instinctively,
though not word was spoken. The
old comradcshIp was as if it never had
been. \ woman had come between
chem, and neither man realized how
bitter his jealousy was till they had
lcapcd into their canoes to paddle to
the rescuc of that woman.
Mrs. Starlight did not care which one
should win Irene Campbell when she
had undertaken to chaperon that young
woman for the summer. She had vowed
secretly, however, being born match
maker. to see her fair charge matri-
mouially disposed of before the season
should end. Either one Of the young
men seemed desirable in her eyes, and
she was willing TO encourage both in
size hope that one would succeed.
When, therefore, both men entreated
her 10 bring 4 party Of girls over to
their camp for picnic she understood
ana made the engagement readily.
The day had proved to be a perfect
one. and the party started in the high
est spirits. They We're already waving
Salutes to their hosts when the crash
came.
As the two men approached the spot
Morton said: we have our work cut
out Cor us, Jim. The skipper seems to
be able TO take care of himself, though
he's too frightened to help much. There
are six women. You take the three to
the right. I'll take the others. Better
help them to the canoe and swim
ashore with them separately. 1t isn't
much Of swim If we can get to them
III time. That point of land reaches out
on the left within 200 yards" He In
dicated the narrow neck not far off.
Carruthers nodded with satisfied
look in his eyes. He had noted that
Miss Campbell was among those ON
the right Morton had seen it. too, but
as his own canoe was on Carruthers'
left he would not risk the few mo-
ments it would have taken to make q
different arrangement.
Make a Jest of It." was all he said
after outlining the plan. "If we laugh
about it we may keep them from too
great panic" And again Carruthers
nodded
The two athletes plunged into the
water with merry Whoop. When they
neared the frightened women they
We're padding feebly while they
screamed. helping one another as best
they could None of them had disap-
pearcd, but they We're perilously near
sinking.
1t was the work of few moments to
help four girls to the sides Of the two
canoes. Morton took Mrs. Starleigh in
charge, while Carruthers started for
The shore with Miss Campbell
Morton was little in the lead, and
when hehad landed his charge he turn
ed for the return swim, but was horri.
fed 10 see Carruthers on his back,
struggling violently and clInging to
Miss Campbell as If she were a life
buoy.
He understood it Immediately Car
ruthers had been seized with q cramp
and had lost his head
Loosen your hold or you'll both
sink he shouted as he swan toward
them, but Carruthers was past reason
ing with.
There was only one thing to do
When he came within reach ne struck
Carruthers such 4 blow on the point
of the jaw the latter was stunned and
let go.
Then a few strokes carried Miss
Campbell to land, and Horton turned
back for his friend Diving, he found
him near the bottom and brought lrm
also TO shore. He put him In charge
of the two women, who were unhurt
and already recovering from their
fright.
The rescue of the others was accom-
Dlished quickly. and the whole party,
water soaked, but safe, were soon con-
gratuIatinS themselves and showering
thanks on their rcScuers.
Morton ct his lions share of the
praise, but he noticed with pang that
Miss Campbell was constrained and
almost formal in what she said.
And when some weeks later he ven
evident distress: II am more sorry
than | KNOW how to say that you have
asked me this question. | never can
Forget what you did for us all, but
tie horror Of that blow you struck