Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-10-22

| from the head of the lake, In and out | among little groups of island bushes they made their way, and on and on into the sunset ever just beyond The spell of enchantment was upon them.
 "Do you like it?" asked the guide
 "It is paradise" was Helen's scarce ly audible reply. A long silence followed. "I wish," said Helen finally, you would tell me what you are thinking about this very moment, won't you" He hesitated, then answered modest ly:
 My thoughts are too personal to in- terest you"
 ''That is impossible" returned Hell en. "Please tell me-"
 q was thinking" he began slowly after moments hesitation, "of some lines I once read somewhere, Never the time and the place and the loved one altogether
 I know them,". said Helen softly. ''It's pity the complete harmony hap pens so seldom, isn't it? I wish by some magic could change places with the woman you are longing for now" He smiled at her with a brightness that transfgured his usually serious face.
 T would have you stay where you are," he said gently, "only 1 would have you love me. There is not enough magic in the world for that, I fear'
 When Helen woke the next morning the words "at the end of the trail, at the end of the trail," kept ringing in her ears. Soon their significance fash ed across her. She had promised to give him an answer at the end of the trail, and today they were to start for home.
 With each step of the way she de- bated the question, What did she know of him? Only that he was strong and handsome, full of certain shy hu- gentle, yet firm and masterful. Was that enough to justify her taking the unknown on faith?
 From time to time she watched his manly figure swinging along with pie turesque ease and freedom, and her heart thrilled with the pride of posses sion. He loved her, and she was quite sure But she did not have to say the words until the end of the trail should come into view.
 ot 1oc ct ,e+ o tain stream that went surging noisily past them. On the edge of the stream the guide paused and waited for the others to catch up with him.
 'There's no wading across today" he observed knowingly. "The stream has risen foot since we forded it be- fore. I'll have to carry you girls over"
 One by one the others were landed safely on the opposite bank. Helen was oblivious of their squeals of fear and shouts of laughter. All she could think of was that in a few minutes it would be her turn. At last he stood before her, looking down thoughtfully upon her upturned face.
 Are you ready?" he asked gently.
 ''If the guide is," she answered
 Then he took her in his strong arms and stepped into the rapidly flowing stream. She could feel his labored breathing, but even when his foot slip ped on rolling stone she felt no fear.
 Just as they reached the other side Helen suddenly let her head rest against his shoulder.
 That was lots more fun than wad- ing" she whispered shyly.
 In his glad surprise he almost lost his footing, but only for a moment Observing that the rest of the party had already disappeared from sight, he held her close and kissed her again and again.
 Its side by side to the end of the trail now, dearest" he said, looking down lovingly into her eyes.
 Except over the hard places. You'll , carry me then?'
 And never feel the burden, little . one. But are you sure you'll be con- tent to be woodsman's wife?''
 Quite sure-as long as you are con- tent to be a woodsman," she answered enigmatically.
 And what will your family say? They probably never even heard my name"
 They'll be terribly shocked. especial ly father" she answered mischievous- ly, holding up to his astonished view a letter addressed to himself.
 q found it in the boat yesterday. Mir. Richard Millert. attorney at law" confessed Helen. Its a wise child that knows her fathers own handwrit- ing"
 And then. since they had reached the end of the trail. between laughter and kisses "the indigenous, danger proof guide owned up to Helen how through the loving anxiety of her fa- ther the opportunity came to him of laying siege to her heart.