The Republican journal., 1907-09-26
A House Party in Andover.

DiiSho ouhllShO SOilIS III Jul VIII !
dow aroused us, when voice from
outside announced the starting of the
first fishing expedition, and as it was
our last morning at Silver Lake and
our last fishing opportunity. all long
ings for more sleep were banished. For
the first time since our arrival the lake
was calm. The sun had not risen, but
the water cleaned with SO silvery a
reason for its name, and tine wooded
shores which surrounded the pretty
sheet of water were photographically
clear. A start was made for our old
tylng-up place, and rowing was far
easier matter than it had been on any
previous occasion. As the sun came |
up from behind the hills its warmth
was grateful, but before it had been
up more than a few moments vapor |
began to arise from the water, gradual |
ly enveloping the landscape in such a |
thick haze that neither the island nor
the mainland were visible. Before we
reached our destination, however, it |
began to tighten and finally disappear
ed entirely in little silvery puffs which |
scudded along the water and then sud- |
denly dissolved.
Scarcely had we made fast to the post
and gotten the lines overheard before a
fine black bass made an unsuccessful
attempt to carry off for his breakfast,
the fat green grasshopper with which
our hook was ba;led He refused to
come into the boat without consider
able urging and several minutes strug-
gle, but despite his utmost efforts the
line grew shorter and shorter and he
found himself in strangely restricted
swimming quarters inside bag over
the side. Only few minutes elapsed
before he had company, for one came
in over the other side of the boat with
hardly protest. After that there was
little excitement for some time, but
the morning and the scene were lovely
enough to hold ones interest without
anything additional. To use the old
simile, the pond was like mirror, not
a ripple disturbing its surface, and the
hillsides that rose wherever one could
look were drenched in sunlight. The
light glinted ON the lily pads on the op-
posite shore and gave alluring promise
of the fragrant flowers abundant there
The island had been for some time
manifesting signs of life, aud before
long a boat appeared from behind the
little point, and rowing over to within
talking distance, dropped anchor. It
was peculiar coincidence that they
had like experience with our own, for
their anchor had no sooner splaShed
overheard before another softer splash
announced the capture of Mr.. Bass,
and in few minutes after another one
followed the first into the boat One
more bass rewarded our efforts, and
schools of pickerel were playing all
around the boat when the summons
for breakfast came echoing family out
to us from camp.
AS this was to be our last meal it was
quite sumptuous one and was very
successful in accomplishing what the
house-keepers intended, that of reduc-
ing the larder so as to simplify pack
ing. Fish fried in meal, eggs, boiled to
suit individual tastes, buttered toast,
cookies and coffee comprised the menu
for our last camp meal.
Packing was not very difficult mat
ter, and after the rolls of blankets,
boxes and bags were put together for
our return. picture taking was in order,
and a number of snapshots of the
crowd were secured. Before leaving
the little island two of the girls took a
short row, and would have been tempt
ed to circle the island had it not been
for the tact that the other boats were
being loaded for the trip across the
pond. The landing was made at the
slip where the boats belonged, in front
of the Silver Lake House, a big farm
house which caters to camping parties,
etc.
We had just landed as "Father' Tai |
bot and the hayrack appeared, and
while he was loading our "plunder''-
which included bag full of live fish
we sought the dancing pavilion" built
in rustic style of rough boards, and had
a ''little spin" as the Pepper children
were always doing in that charming
series dear to the hearts of young |
America. The fine bathing beach was /
occupied by several visitors, who were
enjoying themselves in the warm water, |
and the sight appealed to the boys of |
our party who proposed to hire suits
and take swim. The novelty of a |
hayrack ride appealed to the girls, so
plan was carried out to every body's |
satisfaction. The boys remained behind |
for their bath, while the girls arranged |
themselves comfortably in the hayrack |
and started home under Father Fal- |
lots care. The ride through the frag-
rant woods was a charming one, and
nuguaA ~sp--~~>a