The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-08

was accompanied by a heavy shewef which, like a translucent mist, 4i[ but hid the shore. The boat, swiit s$ 1 an arrow in smooth water and as fragile | in a sea. was tossed like a leaf In ah autumn gale. To keep 1t true. to say nothing of making headway, was 4 herculean task with which Bob strsx@ l gled manfuily. Jeanette seized hia largs, flat hat, the better to reduce the water now ankle-deep about her. 1 What q temper you've goti Bob re- sumed. I'm so glad to find 1t out-- | now" l With the rain and spray streaming down her face, and her pretty dress glued to her body. Jeanette continued to bale the intake. her arms moving with increased vigor at Bob's persistent | abuse.
 | You're a cowardi' she hurled the words at him against the gale. fls that modern enough for you? Can't you see that I'm tired enough to drop"
 Bob chuckled softly as he strove to keep the boat on even keel That's the way with all girls" he said cruelty. just as soon as they see ] dramatic possibilities in situation they faint to heighten the effect. When you fall, please keep to the center Of | the boat as much as possible"
 Fool" muttered the girl suddenly the skiff stopped, swayed and threatened to capsize. With the next big wave. however, and a mights tug at the oars, 1t scraped over ths rocks without apparent injury. Bob had approached Duck Rock too close- ly and had narrowly escaped its sub marged fringe.
 Wasn't that finer he asked provok- lngly. T. just enjoy rowing over rocks It's easy If you know how" W 'F0olP' repeated Jeannette. | "TJmft arkn0WIedUad Rnh hn glanced quickly over his shoulder to gauge the distance to the shore Not more than half mile remained, but as the wind had been from the west, his efforts to meet 1t had doubled the 1 distance to the landing
 He could now take an oblique course. for the storm had suddenly passed and the sun was sending welcome heat to the dripping victors in the boat. The hoathouse flag floated steadily. For some minutes they continued their strenous labor and seemed unable to comprehend the fact of their safety. like dreamers awaking from impend- ing death. Then Jeanette ceased bal Ing. and leaned back exhausted in the stern chair. Bob, barely dipping his oars, also took a much-needed rest. On the balcony of the boathouse n black and white group that had been watching anxiously the outcome Of the fight waved hats and handkerchiefas Half way between the blue sktff and the shore were several skfffs. eaeh manned by a guide. They, too. had been on watch, ready to respond to the first sign of distress. There was still heavy sea. but as the wind had been { offshore. the water became smoothar It was Big Tim who first hailed them. At Jeannettes request he ac- companied them to the shore. They landed on fhA sandy heaHb nNar her fathers cottage. Jeannette wish ed to avoid, for the present, the welI- meant congratulations of her friends She knew that she looked more angry than thankful. Bob was ignored entirely and walked silently but smii- ingly away.
 "Yeh don't look very glad. Miss Jeau- nette," ventured Tim. as they hasteued alone toward the cottage. With Tim no restraint was required.
 ''B0b was beastly," she answered. with renewed anger.
 How so?" pursued the guide. gent ly a
 why, Tim, he was cross and enven ugly when at first I was frightened. Surely, if we were to die, we might have died friends. shall never speak to him again"
 Jeannette brislly climbed the col tage steps as she delivered this' unltimatum and fell almost faIntlng into her fathers arms. Tim followed with suppressed concern. As Jeanette assisted by her father began to climb the stairs to her room, Tim spoke uf
 Hold on. Miss Jeanette"
 "Yes3" she asked.
 Bob wasn't really mean he assert ed. his bronzed face flushing with this unwonted forwardness.
 What do you mean. Timr' asked Jeannette. almost with impatience.
 Tim slapped two big fingers convinc. ingiy in the hard palm of another huge hand.
 When a passenger gifts scsry in q storm" he said with slow emphasis, scare him worse. to take his mind off the water Bob stung yeh instead. It's all the same. Four years ago this sum mer hit a millionaire with the butt end of gaff to keep him from jump- in out thes boat told him I'd use4 the other end if he stirred enough to shoo kly-- and brought him in." he ooncludkd with another slap of his fingers and @ jerk of his head. Its the law of the woods" he added.
 When Jeannette understood, she flew down the few stairs, leaned far over the newel-post. and rested her little hands on Tim's flannel-covered shout ders.
 "Are you quite sure, Tim, that Bob was following that lawn she asked. looking seRrchingly into his eyes, yet confident of the answer. q
 "Sartin' sure" vouehed Tim solemniys Twas a fearful blow and Bob was ealy fightin' for your life. my little girl"
 With eyes dancing with gladness, Jeannette leaned over farther, until her windblown hair brushed the guides clean brown cheek There was whis- pered message and something which sounded like a kiss. Then Jeannette turned to her father, who smiled tenderly and with responsive joy.
 You won't forget, Tim dearT' she admonished half playfully, half fu earnest. &
 The guide looked up. the red blood showing through all his tan.
 By the John Rogersi' he thundefed as he hastened out. T guess notF'