The Punta Gorda herald. [volume] (Punta Gorda, Fla.) 1893-1958, 1908-04-02

After rowing out bOnne uiSNhNO ~"
guide noticed that her rod still lay In
the bottom Of the boat,
"Your hook is baited, Miss Wright,
no said courteously.
"Oh, bother the baltp' returned Hell
on Unexpectedly. Isn't II etiquette
ever TO go out rowing Just for the fun
Of III Must one always fish,"
Though the guide made no comment,
Helen was sure she detected twinkle
Of amusement In his eyes rs he contin-
ued to row on with Arm, even strokes.
At length, Just as the sun broke
through the clouds, the boat glided In
10 a cool mlrrored stream leading al
most lmperceptlbly 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
ut Is paradise" was Helen's scarce
ly audible reply.
A. long silence followed.
IL WISH" said Helen finally, you
would tell me what you are thinking
about this very moment, won't your
lie hesltated then answered modest
ly:
my thoughts are too personal to In
terest you"
"That Is impossible" returned Hell
en-. "Pease tell me-"
II was thinking" he began slowly
after a moments hesitation, "of some
lines I once read somewhere. Never
the time and the place and tho loved
one altogether
4 know Them" said Helen softly.
TITS a pity the complete harmony hap
pens 80 seldom, isn't itf wish by
some magic could change places with
the woman you are longing for now"
He smiled at her with a brightness
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 fash
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 dc.
bated the question, What did she
know Of hlm2 Only that he was strong
and handsome, full Of certain shy hui
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 pic
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 surging noisily
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 oblivious Of their squeals OF fear
and shouts Of laughter, All she could
think OF was that In few minutes It
would be her turn. At last he stood
before her. looking down thoughtfully
upon her upturned face.
Are you readyi" he asked gently.
III 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 fear.
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 a moment.
Observing that the rest Of the party
had already disappeared from sight,
he held her close and kissed her again
and again.
IT'S 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 woodsman's wifer
Quite sure-as long MS you are con-
tent to be a woodsman," she answered
enigmatically.
And what VIII your family say?