The Bossier banner., 1907-11-21
Out of the
Channel.
BY LYLE WARD SANDERSON.
Copyrighted, 1907, by C. H. Sutcliffe

tne HSHInOuSe stairs. lie liked the
wind and twist of them. A haZy
wish fioated through his mind that
they might never end. He would like
to go on forever, hearing the tap of
her little feet OIL the iron behind him,
feeling her hand touch his shoulder ev-
cry now and then when she grew
bit dizzy with the curve.
The fact was Mr. kesler's sense 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's skill
full, contrary maneuvers, had made the
obtuse Mr. Harvey understand that
she was not overwhelmed with delight
at his invitation to try his new electric
launch and within the same five min
utes had promised Kesler to visit the
light with him, ''even if we have to go
in a dory."
It had been somewhat hard for Mr..
kesler when he came down to the
cape on his short vacation to find his
old playmate absorbed by the wealthy
Mr.. Harvey. 1t was true that Marion
did not appear very happy, but her
aunt certainly seemed at peace with
all the world and made an extremely
willing chaperon on the many trips
which that gentleman was constantly
planning. This had been Kesler's first
chance.
After thanks and farewells to the
old captain, Kesler guided his compan
ion down the steep path to the little,
pebbly beach, where their boat await
ed them. 1t was not dory. but a
gay little pleasure craft. bright with
many cushions. Kesler helped Marion
in, feeling a keen regret that he could
not put her into the handsomest launch
on the coast.
erewasno 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 a
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 We're journey
ing about Europe together.
"Some day." repeated the girl softly,
her dark eyes dreaming. then smiling
into his. She was quite willing to
push everything but the present mo-
ment into the indefinite future.
The man hesitated a moment, then
| said, with a note of entreaty in his
| voice: MAY l row you over to Tur-
bets creek before we go back? It's
| such a quaint, Dutchy little place, with
its old wharfs and fishermen's houses,
that want to see it again. You know
my vacation ends tomorrow"
Marion's 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 Mr. Harvey he might take
us out in his launch at 5, and she'll be
! much displeased if l am not ut home >
"Oh, l see,' said Merton Kesler
| rather blankly. I'D better hurry,
| then.''
His mouth suddenly became a
straight line. He began to pull with
| long even strokes. Harvey can give
! her everything in the world" he
thought, with remorse and some bit
| terness. land he is a very decent fel-
| low besides-aside from being snob.
| II ever a girl was born for riches she
| was What right have l to ask her to
| share my mean little salary? 'Tis a
| good thing my vacation is nearly over;
l might say something foolish and
make her unhappy. But. oh, 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 through the clear
water to the yellow sands.
well strike the channel soon," re-
turned Kesler, pulling himself to-
| gether with an effort. Il can never
tell exactly where it is when the wind
roughs the whole bay. Great day for
| sailing. Wish we had a yacht, Ma
| rion.'
'Oh, l like this little boat fully as
well,' declared the girl contendedly
then suddenly cried, 'It's growing shal
low. sailor boy; look out!'
Kesler's oars stopped in the air
That was the name she had called him
| when, as children. they had built
many dream ships together.
The oars made a savage swoop into
the water, the boat shot half it's length
ahead, then stopped with Il jerk. its
nose buried in the sand.
! 'Great Scott, we've struck on the
flats! Jerk up the rudder, Marion,
while push her off. Then. after an
unavailing effort: Its mercy this
oar Is stout No, don't push. child;
sit still"
.But the tide is just racing out, y
objected Marion, while all of the
mans efforts simply caused the OBJ
| stinate little craft to grind deeper into
| the sand.
| Wrath and modification struggled
| on Kesler'S face. Its bad enough to
have to take the princess out in a
mean little rowboat," he broke out
.'but to shore. her on sand bank and
not be able to pull her OF is absolute
disgrace"
From far up the bay came the sound
| of distant putting. and Kesler. g!aneine
up, had the pleasure of seeing a new,
shining launch coming rapidly down
the channel toward the stranded boat
Still tugging and pulling Intellectually