The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-10-31

some feeble signs of clearing. Helen
proposed a fishing trip on the lake. The
rest of the party vetoed the suggestion
Immediately. but Helen donned her
sweater. tied on her cap with a long
brown vell-an unconsciously becoming
effect-and announced that she was 60
ing anyway.
After rowing out some distance the
guide noticed that her rod still lay In
the bottom of the boat
Your hook Is haited. Miss Wright"
he said courteously
"Oh. bother the bait!" returned Hell
en- Unexpectedly. isn't 1t etiquette
ever to go out rowing just for the fun
of 1t? Must one always fish,
Though the guide made no comment,
Helen was sure she detected a twinkle
of amusement In his eyes as he contin-
ued to row on with firm, even strokes.
AT length, just as the sun broke
through the clouds, the boat glided In
to cool mirrored stream leading al
most imperceptibly into the woods
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. Tho
spell of enchantment was upon them
do you like it?' asked the guide.
at Is paradise" was Heen's scarce
ly audible reply.
long silence followed
81 WISH" said Helen finally, you
would tell me what you are thinking
about this very moment, won't your"
He hesltated, then answered modest
ly:
MY thoughts are too personal to In
terest you
THAT is impossible" returned Hell
en-. please tell me-"
II was thinking" he began slowly
after a moments hesitation, "of some
lines l once read somewhere, Never
the time and the place and the loved
one altogether
I know Them" said Helen softly.
Its pity the complete harmony hap
pens so seldom, isn't 1t? | wish by
some magic could change places with
the woman you are longing for now"
that TRANSPORTED his usually serious
face.
II would have you stay where you
are" he said gently. "only | would
have you love me. There Is not enough
magic In the world for that, 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 flash
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-
NOR, lover of nature, courteous and
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.
1t came at last. just across a noun
tain stream that went surglng noislly
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 oblvious of their squeals OF fear
and shouts of laughter. All she could
think OF was that In u few minutes II
would be her turn. At last be 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 a rolling stone she felt no fenr
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 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 a woodsman's wifeP'
Quite sure-as long as you are con-
tent to be woodsman." she answered
automatically.
"And what will your family sayf
They probably never even heard my
name"
They'll be terribly shocked. especial
ly father" she answered mischievous-
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