The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-08-14
THE EVENING STORY
The Law of the Woods.
(By Spencer c. Gunnl

l.
but Tor MS shouting and his angry
look Jeannette would have rejected as
impossible the meaning which his
words conveyed. Their harshness sur
prisea her into angry tears. There was
an omfnous silence.
| How dare you -
But another wave, drenching her
shoulders, caused her literally to sWal-
low what else she would have said.
BOD snaied impenitently as he dug
MS oars into one of his round, green
foes.
Il can't get down on my knees just
now, Jeanette" he observed, and If
could. it wouldn't be to propftiate
you
The girls face blazed with fire
which the waters of Long lake had not
They were still a good mile from the
shore: Duck Rock interviewed. with
out. however, offering refuge from
the storm. The flag on the boathouse
dipped and twisted like handker-
chief signaling distress. The black
clouds whitened the foam. The lake
was a darkened stage ready for some
tragic deed.
What a boor you are. after ALL"
she volunteered as she eoony unplnned
her yachting cap and stopped TO Dali
the water at her feet.
UNI" reflected Bob, as he turned
the boat in the teeth of the wind
Cant you think of a more modern
epithet? The Waverley novels were
written some few years ago.
Eyes, indeed, I can think of sew
eral,'' was the significant reply.
UNI Bob commented. at the
same time bringing the skfR away
from the treacherous trough.
fresh squat now struck them. 1t
was accompanied by a heavy shower
which, like a translucent mist, all but
hid the shore. The boat, swift as an
arrow in smooth water and as fragile
in a sea, was tossed like a leaf in an
autumn gale. To keep it true. to say
nothing of making Roadway, was a her
culean task with which Bob struggled
manfully. Jeanette seized his large
felt hat, the better to reduce the water
now ankle deep about her.
what a temper you've got" Bob
resumed. I'm so glad to find 1t out
now"
With the rain and spray streaming
down her face, and her pretty dress
glued to her body Jeanette contin-
ued to bail the intake. her arms NOV
ing with increased vigor at Bob's per-
sistent abuse.
you're a coward!'' She hurled the
words at him against the gale. us
that modern enough for you? Can't
you see that I'm tired enough to
Drop"
Bob chuckled softly as he strove
to keep the boat on even keel.
That's the way. with all girls" he
said cruelty, "just as soon as they see
dramatic possibilities in a situation
they faint to heighten the effect. When
you fall. please keep to the center of
the boat as much as possible"
FOOL" muttered the girl.
Suddenly the skiff stopped. swayed
and threatened to capsize. With the
next big wave, however, and a mighty
tug at the oars, it scraped over the
rocks without apparent injury Bob
had approached Duck Rock too close
ly and had narrowly escaped its sub
merged fringe.
Wasn't that fne?" he asked pro-
''I just enjoy rowing over
rocks. It's easy if you know how"
"Um!' acknowledge Bob as he
glanced quickly over his shoulder to
gauge the distance to the shore. Not
more than half a mile remained, but
as the wind had been from the west,
his efforts to meet it had doubled the
distance to the landing.
He could now take an oblique
for the storm had suddenly
passed and thes sun was sending well
come heat to the dripping victors in
the boat. The boathouse flag fioated
steadily.
For some minutes they continued
their strenuous labor and seemed I'M
able to comprehend the fact of their
safety, like dreamers awakening from
impending death. Then Jeanette
hausted in the stern chair. Bob, bare
ly dipping his oars, also took a much
needed rest.
On the balcony of the boathouse a
black and white group that had been
anxiously the outcome of the
fight waved hats and handkerchiefs.
between the blue skiff and
the shore were several skiffs, each
by a guide. They, too, had
been on watch, ready to respond to the
first sign of distress. There was still
a heavy sea, but as the wind had been
the water became smoother.
1t was big Tim" who first hailed
them. AT Jeannette's request he ac-
companied them to the shore.
They landed on the sandy beach
lear her fathers cottage. Jeanette
wished to avoid. for the present. the
friends. She knew that she looked
more angry than thankful. Bob was
ignored and walked silently
nut Ism smili ddggiy away away
Jeanette" ventured Tim, as they
fastened toward, the cottage. with
Tim no restraint was required.
Bob was beastly," she answered
With renewed anger.
How 500" pursued the guide, gent
"why, Tim. he was cross and even
Ugly when at first I was frightened. |
Surely, If we were to die we might
lave died friends. shall never
peak to him again."
Jeanette briskly climbed the cot
age steps as she delivered this ulti- |
natum and fell almost faintfng into
Ter fathers arms. Tim followed the |
.irl into the cottage his face grave |
With suppressed concern. As jean |
lette, assisted by her father, began to |
limb the stairs to her room, Tim |
poke UP.
Hold on. Miss Jeanette"
"Yes ?" she asked.
Bob wasn't really mean" he as
erted. his bronzed face flushing with
his unwonted forwardness.
What do you mean, Tim" asked