The Prescott daily news., 1907-08-02

point by means of the rudder-lines that ran along the combing.
 Then they sailed straight into tba setting sun now, and it required careful watch to avoid the rocks which came just to the surface of the water, so that he did not dare often to turn his head. A quiet fury at him. self was taking possession of his mind Why had he not. when he had the opportunity, declared his love for the girl? Of course he would have been rejected, but anything would be preferable to his present htate. And yet, perhaps, who could tell? Was she not always kind to him-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- stant 1t was very evident that some- thing had gone wrong, for the engine coughed and sputtered, and finally seemed to jam. Their only headway was the rapidly failing momentum all 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.
 T 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 I was a fool to take girl out in a motor boat without knowing anything about it."
 But you didn't take .me-I just came along" Virginia consoled. Tt isn't your fault if the motor breaks down, is it? You tell Jack I say he is horrid"
 Presently the gold began to fade from the western sky, and as the sun sank a cool breeze sprang up. Vir- ginia, in her thin shirt waist, shv- cred. In moment his coat was off, and he had wrapped it about her
 No, no!" she protested, endeavor- ing to free herself from the envelop- ing folds, T am not cold, really-and you will take cold"
 You be quiet" he commanded, and the girl obeyed, while new light came into her eyes. Presently her slender form began to droop little.
 Are you tired?" he said
 Well, perhaps a little" she admit ted T 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, know" Virginia objected He laughed lightly, and she could feel the mus cles of his powerful arm swell. You are very strong, are you not?' she said, admiringly, and nestled 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 dream world. and he seemed hardly con- ,p I,,t !, 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 1t was he never knew, but presently the distant beat of 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 hastened to obey. Soon a 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 deck, with her arm buried to the shoulder in the water Presently she arose, and the ragged remains of a light shawl was in her band
 "lt-it was tangled in the propeller, dear" she whispered, and blushed a fiery red.