The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-08-12

heavy safety rope, she tied it around
her waist.
Take it." she commanded the boys
sharply, and pull quick when ! pull
! am going under the raft after him"
She slid down IN the green depths
A few strokes to the left. and she was
in the blank darkness under the raft.
An instant's frantic clutchiug here
and there-and then. hank God. she
had the neck Of Ncd's bathing suit IL
her desperate grasp.
She pulled wildly on the rope. swim
ming and tugsing at the same time.
The boys answered her. The heavy
edge Of the raft scraped the girl cruel
ly as they tugged, and she had no
strength to clear it. bat she held the
inert form tightly in a half uncon-
scious grip.
Out at last! Oh. that blessed first
the life squad. and willing hands eased
her of her burden. and as they lifted
her into the boat Polly collapsed.
Everything was dreamlike after that
until she found herself in bed in her
room at the hotel. She dimly remem-
bered being assured that Ned was all
right, and she smiled family as Broth
er Bob said: Cheer up We have got
a heroine in the family at last" Then
she slept the sound sleep of eXhaus-
ton until the following afternoon.
Best thing for her said the doctor
in answer 10 her mothers anxious in
quirics And SO il proved With the
exception Of a few bruises Folly was
all right when she awoke. and after a
meal served in her room she donned a
most fetching pale pink gown that
gave a becoming flush to her rather
pale cheeks and sent for Bob
You look pretty ft. after all, sis"
said Bob There is mischief brewing
can tell by the CLINT in your eye"
Nonsense replied Polly. DO some
thing for me, there's a good boy.
want TO see Ned. and | can't stand it
to face all those people tonight. You
might mention that ! am going up to
Pine cliff after dinner, but for good
ness sake don't let him know that
want him to come" The color rose
clear to her pretty brown eyes as Bob
began TO grin.
Now. be good" she coaxed "and
don't tease. III make you a dandy
pillow if you will"
It's q GO said Bob. I'd rather
fancy him for a brother-in-law." shut
ting the door just in time to escape
PoIly's powder puff.
After dusk Polly managed to escape
unseen by the back door and made her
way with beating heart to the cliff.
There was a coy sheltered seat for
two facing the ocean about halfway
down the rocks, and there she found
as she expected. Ned awaiting her.
The moons radiant pathway ended
at the base Of the cliff. and as Polly
descended the path she looked like a
fair goddess in her flmy gown to the
young fellow who watched her with
eager eyes
When they met Polly was surprised
10 find herself incapable Of speech
Ned grasped both her hands and gently
kissed first one, then the other, with
out saying word.
He must have felt a subtle difference
in their touch for after one quick look
at the shrinking girl he knew-and.
knowing, blessed the world and Polly.
After a long, long talk. interSpersed
with happy silences, Polly raised her
face illumined by the moons soft
sheen, and the brown eyes twinkled
with their old teasing light as she laid
her hand on Ned's and said softly. Il
suppose l must keep my promise,
Ned Then the love light shone above
the mischief as she added. ~ really
believe l felt a thrill