Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1906-03-01

tain defiance about her attitude that
spoke volumes. He was only human,
however, SO he shouted: "Ship ahoy!
Is this the little surpriseY
"John Foster! How mean Of you!
When Pm burned to a crisp and due
at Portsmouth at 4:30. The Wilson's
are giving a reception to the ENJOYS
and Mr. Chesley has invited us to go
in his auto"
The last sentence was almost a
wall.
How did you manager" he began,
as he slipped off his coat and shoes.
Don't think me such an idiot as
that; Of course, 1 knew that tide was
going. l broke an oar and not a soul
in sight this side of England. 1 never
could scull. l tried to make the inlet
But what are you going to do?" she
finished in some alarm.
The only thing l can, If you want
to shake hands with Mr.. Tak-a-what's
name" He was rolling up his trou-
sers with great GOODNESS.
You mustn't; you'll ruin your
clothes; somebody will see us and I'll
never hear the last Of it."
Very well, then" He pulled a
newspaper from his pocket and set
tied himself against stump.
John Foster. you're the most con.
trary fellow that ever lived"
At this most illogical statement,
hurled from the direction Of the
Marsh Marigold, ''the most contrary
fellow gave an extra hitch to his
trousers and started toward the help
less craft.
Are you going to carry me?" was
the question as he drew nearer.
do you think am big and strong
enough?' Here Grace's eyes snapped.)
II should be delighted to carry you,
but l infer you have further use for
ter a second trip"
With this he laid strong hands On
the Marsh Marigold, and the hard,
slow push inshore began.
When it was finished John Foster
did not look quite so fine as when he
left the city. He was hot, somewhat
winded. and, in spite Of his precau-
tons, both trousers and shirt were
covered with mud. Then he uttered
lis relieved THERE and, looking up,
there was shrek Of laughter. ''Oh,
oh, what sight you are; if you could
only see yourself" Suddenly she
reached for something hitherto con-
cealed; then the little click of a cam
era, then more laughter. ''Oh, I could
not help it, it was such temptation"
Are you ready to come ashore?"
Was he laughing at her. or what?
y don't know as l dare. l expect to
be killed" but she gave him her hand.
She did not jump, however, for he
took more than her hand. He took all
there was to take and held her fast.
please tell me what my punishment
is to be-" she asked, humbly; "Pd like
to know now"
He looked deep into her eyes. ut
is to repeat something l am going to
say" was the answer; then l will let
you go, and not before"
Did they see the ENJOYS? Hardly
They seemed quite content to remain
in the shade of the willows, particu-
larly when the Chesley party went up
the road. Then there was a toilet to
be made-an apology for One-made
beside convenient tunnel, at the sac
rifice Of the company's entire stock Of
handkerchiefs. Still they did not hur-
~; somehow, they found plenty to
talk about, and it was nearly dusk
before taking short cut across the
fields they appeared before two very
anxious parents, one Of whom had to
take to the back porch and his pipe
to keep from disgracing himself as
disappointed to see the funny side, re-
lieved herself in the following way:
"You might at least have sent me
word, somehow. How could 1 go, with
you CA-nobody knows where? How
did l know but what you were drown
ed, with the boat gone. Grace Mad
den, your dress is a sight to beholdv'
Then, remembering her duty as host
ess, she said in q milder tone to the
other culprit: 'Go right up to the
spare room, Jack. I'll bring you some
Of pas clothes right away"
When the great touring car came
putting and splitting back to town and
past the Madden cottage, nobody.
think, but Mrs. Madden gave it
thought. She was in the kitchen Civ
ing directions for the sponging and
pressing Of the unfortunate trousers,
and it was Black Mary, with the
freedom Of speech Of an old servant,
whs took upon herself the role of COM
fOrter.
Please, honey; what 'er y keer for
peace? Amt we got peace a-plenty
right out dere on de pe-azzar? Amt
dem chillun dun muffin but scrap fer
two years and mo-? Look lax littI'
miss put up a mighty big fight dis
time, 'cording to de close, but l reck-
on he done catch her now TO- suah."
She chuckled, partly at remembrances