The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1906-12-27

haps, wider opportunities for observ
Ing human nature. And am like Sa
manthy Allen-I know women Just like
a book because I've been one quite q
spell 1t Is woman's nature to want
man to beat down all barriers, even
those she herself has erected. IL the
hint sufficient, Mr.. Brady"
II think So" quietly, land | THANK
you, Miss Van Vance"
He resolved TO act upon the sug
gestion, yet it was two days before ht
summoned courage to go again to the
hotel.
Miss Danvers Is not here just now"
said the laxative bellboy. THAT
whole party is out on the lake-that Is,
they're gettin' ready to GO You'll find
them, guess, If you 20 down." pocket
ing u dime with accustomed celebrity.
'They're goin' in launch"
For an instant Brady was tempted
to go away. Then he thought of Miss
Van Vance and ran quickly down the
steps to the boat landing
Miss Van Vance. standing on the
float, greeted him dellghtedly.
II am so glad you happened along
Can you spare the time to go around
the lake with us?"
Brady surprised himself with the
ready ease of his acceptance.
Miss Van Vance introduced him with
an air of proprletorshp. My friend
Mr.. Brady" adding, as she presented
him to Miss Danyers. 1.-The fact that
you are both Nermonters ought to be
an immediate bond between you two"
Poor little Effie colored and faltered
She dared not say they were old time
friends in the face Of Brady's some
what formal acknowledgment of the
introduction.
With delicate tact Miss Van Vance
drew out Brady's gift for narrative, and
he was soon in the midst of an absorb
ing story of a genuine wild fox hunt.
The other two young men of the
party were seated in the bow Of the
launch, smoking.
Suddenly u sheet Of fame shot high
into the air. A lighted match had liz,
nited the gasoline In the escape basin,
and an explosion Of the main tank
seemed inevitable. The young fellow
employed to run the launch was para
lyzed with fear.
The girls shrieked In terror. and two
or three sprang upon the seat to leap
into the water.
"Sit down. shouted Brady sternly.
He plunged his hand into the fire and
turned the valve. thus stopping the flow
of oil from the main tank. Then he
threw himself against the flames wher
ever they appeared, beating them out
with his coat and bare hands.
The other men, recovering from their
momentary panic, wet their caps and
assisted him.
Then some one screamed again, and
Miss Danvers' clothing was seen to be
on fire in the back. Brady instantly
threw his arms around her. smothering
the flames against his own body.
No one was more than slightly injur
ed, except Brady. His arms and hands
were quite badly burned, and the ply
slcian looked grave as he dressed them.
II hope you will pardon the manner
in which | embraced you, Miss Dan
vers." said Brady nonchalantly. Il
fear 1t was hardly according to Ell
quette"- glancing humorously at Miss
Van Vance.
"You are a splendid hero" cried
Mrs. Lyons Historically. "Effie should
be proud to be embraced by such a
man"
Even II he Is an utter stranger"
added Miss Van Vance significantly.
Effie threw back her girlish head de
family and stepped to Brady's side
He is not a stranger" she exclaim-
ed putting her hand caressingly on his
shoulder. Ross and have been en-
gagged ever since we were children.
Only II
Never mind, Effie,' interrupted
Ross tendery; you needn't try to ex
plain"
II congratulate you both" said Miss
Van Vance cordially, only" teasingly.
as she held Etfies hand warmly in her
own, only. Miss Danyers. your man
ner of announcing your engagement is
so wholly without regard to-
Ethe smiled brightly through her
tears. Il know, Miss Van Vance, and
deserve lesson You have been a
good friend to me-"
Better than you know. little Effie."
murmured Miss Van Vance to herself
as she turned away, and the tempta-
ton was greater than you can possibly
understand"