The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-22
OUT OF THE CHANNEL.
BY LYLE WARD sANDERsON,

BY LYLE WARD SANDERSON. Copyrighted, 1907. by c. H. Sutcliffe.
 Merton kesler came slowly down the lighthouse stairs. He liked the wind and twist of them; hazy wish floated through his mind that they might never end He would like to go on forever. hearing the tap of her little feet on the iron behind him. feel ing her hand touch his shoulder, every now and then. when she grew a bit dizzy with the curve
 The fact was MT. Keslers sen6e of proportion had been rather unsettled since the night before. Then, Marion, in that strange. illogical way girls have, and in spite of her aunt skill ful. contrary maneuveSs. had made the obtuse MT. Harvey understand that she was not overwhelmed with dSlight at his invitation to try his new electric launch; and within the same five minutes. had promised kesler to visit the light with him. even if We have to go in a dory."
 It had been somewhat hard for MT. kesler when he came down to the cape playmate absorbed by the Wealthy MT. Harvey. It was true that Marion did not appear very happy; but her aunt certainly seemed at peace with all the chaperon on the many trips which that gentleman was constantly planning. This had been Keslers first chance.
 After thanks and farewells to the old
  down the steep path to the little. peD- o.y beach. where their boat awaited them. It was not dory. but gay little pleasure craft, bright with many cushions. Kesler helped Marion Tn. feeling a keen regret that he could not put her into the handsomest launch on the coast.
 There was no hint of regret in Marion's face as she picked up the rudder ropes, and the boat swung off. The sun was warm; but the breeze, filled with the tang of the sea, blew the girls bright hair about her face. and brought sparkle to her brown eyes
 And over the sea lies Spain." sang the girl happily
 You'd like to visit the old world wouldn't you. Marion? You must go, some day., said kesler, wondering how he would feel if he should know that Harvey and Marion were journeying
 some day" repeated the girl softly into. his She was quite Wiling to moment into the indefinite future.
 The man hesitated moment. then said. with a note of enrreaty in his voice: May I row you over to Tur- bets creek before we go back? It's such a quaint. Dutchy. little place. with it's old wharves and fishermen's homes. that I want to see 1t again. You
 
 Marions face suddenly flushed till it was the deep pink of the wild roses that grew along the shore.
 I'd love to go with you." she an swered, "only-well, you see after all aunt told MT. Harvey he might take us out in his launch at 5: and shell be much dspleased If I am not at home"
 "o sec" said Merton Kesler rather blankly I'd better hurry then"
 His mouth suddenly became straight line He began to pull with long even strokes. Harvey can gives her everything in the world he thought with remorse and some bitter ness and he Is a very decent fellow besides-aside from being a snob. If ever a girl was born for riches. she was. What right have I to ask her to share my mean little salary?" 'Tis a good thing my vacation is nearly over; I might say :nethlng foolish and make her unhappy But o. may she not smile at me again before we reach the farther side of the little bay"
 The tide is running out fast said Marion looking down .Ar-ugh the clear water to the yellow lands.
 Well strike the channel soon,' re- turned Kesler, pulling himself together with an effort. 'l can never tell exact ly where it is when the wind roughs the whole bay. Great day for sailing; wish we had a yacht. Marion
 "Oh, I like this little boat full as we'll declared the girl contentedly: then suddenly cried: It's growing shallow, sailor boy. look out.
 keslers oar stopped in the air. That WAS the name she had called him when, as children. they Lad built many dreamships together.
 The oars made a savage swoop into the water. the boat shot half it's length ahead. then stopped with jerk. it's nose buried in the sand.
 Great Scott, we've struck on the flats! Jerk up the rudder, Marion, while I push her off. Then. after an unavailing effort-It's a mercy this oar is stout. No, don't push. child, sit still"
 But the tide Is just racing out" ob-