The new era. (Walden, Colo.) 1906-19??, 1907-10-17

state And yet, perhaps, whr ooT.a
tell? Was she not always kind to
aim-did she not seem to enjoy his
company?
His reflections were suddenly inter
rupted by a peculiar jerking check
In the speed of the boat; the next in.
slant 1t was very evident that somY
thing had gone wrong, for the engine
coughed and sputtered, and finally
seemed to jam. Their only Roadway
was the rapidly falling momentum al
ready acquired.
Ned left the wheel, and examined
the engine carefully. So far as his
limited knowledge could discover
there was nothing wrong. The spark
was clear and strong. and the tank
was half full of gasoline.
Now what do you think of that?"
he muttered hopelessly. and sat down,
staring at the motor.
~ think" Virginia answered, prac-
tically, seating herself opposite, that
we are going to miss our dinner"
There is plenty to eat in that
locker" he said encouragingly IF
the thing don't take a notion to go
pretty soon. SO that we turn up by
seven, Jack Phillips will come looking
for us with his boat He said / was
fool to take a girl out in a motor
boat without knowing anything about
it."
But you didn't take mel just
came along" Virginia consoled. 1T
isn't your fault If the motor breaks
down, is it? You tell Jack say he is
horrid.'
Presently the gold began to fade
from the western sky, and as the sun
sank cool breeze sprang up. Vir-
ginia, in her thin shirt waist, shiv-
cred. In moment his coat was OF,
and he had wrapped 1t about her.
NO, MOI" she protested, endeavor-
ing to free herself from the envelop-
ing folds, Il am not cold. really-and
you will take cold"
You be quiet" he commanded, and
the girl obeyed, while a new light
came into her eyes Presently her
slender form began to droop little.
are you Urea. ne Salu.
well, perhaps little" she admit
ted Il guess it was the tennis this
morning.
He moved closer to her side. and
slipped one arm about her.
You can rest against my shoulder"
he said, and drew her gently to him.
''But-but you are tired, too,
iY,ia al, n 10
lightly, and she could feel the mus
Giles of his powerful arm swell. You
are very strong, are you not?" she
said, admiringly, and nestled a bit
closer
Silver stars came out one by one,
and there was no sound save the lap
ping of the wind-ripples against the
boat. They seemed alone in a dream
world, and he seemed hardly con.
scious of any reality but the warmth
of the slender form in his arms and
the sweet, faint perfume of her hair
Gently he raised her chin, that he
might look into her brown eyes. and
then pressed his lips upon the ripe
red ones that did not seek to avoid
him.
How long it was he never knew,
but presently the distant beat of a
launch's motor forced itself upon his
attention.
THAT must be Jack" he said, and
sighed.
Virginia sprang to her feet and be
gan to roll back the sleeves from a
round, white arm.
Light your side-lights, quick" she
commanded, and he FASTENED to obey
Soon bright green and red was re-
flected in the water. When his task
was completed he turned toward Vir,
ginia
The girl was lying upon the after,
lack. with her arm buried to the
EisSulder in the water. Presently she
arose, and the ragged remains of
light shawl was in her hand.
Tit was tangled in the propeller,
dear" she whispered, and blushed a
fiery red.
You blessed angel" he muttered,
and again took her in his arms
81 think the engine will go now"
she said. and a minute later its
strong. regular beats were sounding
through the night.