Evening star., 1909-07-10

tent for dry clothes.
Why. 1 didn't know that YOU had So
much spunk. Polly Cousin Caroline said
heartily. The implied reflection did not
reach Polly. She went very subduedly
into her tent and darkness had closed
about The campfire when she emerged.
Polly Prentiss knew exactly what course
simple honor demanded of her To under
stand how she could hesitate to follow t
one must appreciate the force of this
sudden temptation. She was thn youngest
of three timid sisters, born of timid
mother and a cautious father. All her
young days had been hedged with warn
ings-the big dog might bite Polly, the
COW might hook her, the pony might
throw her off. In consequence, the whole
world of nature had become to her a con-
spiracy of danger wherein Polly might
get hurt, and where she had never dream
ed of Drawing anything that might be
avoided, Applause for heroisn. therefore,
had never come near her in her carefully
protected life. She had been admired for
her prettiness, for her social talents fol
her intelligent and wel-stored mind and
her good disposition. But in all her days
no one had ever said Bully for you."
temptation. She knew that she ought
publicly to disclaim the glory of heroism,
but the campers were deferring to her,
suggesting pleasures for her, and the
Lizard was staring at her with tranquil
satisfaction, and she said TO herself.
What harm can it do just this once?"
And so the suppressed Bully for YOU"
still lurked in their voices when the fire
died down and they separated to their
tents.
After breakfast green canoe, slim as
blade, came Sitting the CLASSY blue OF
the lake under the bank where she stood
in the center of the overflowngly friendly
campers. Two girls in white canvas
jumpers, with blue flannel sailor collars
rolling back from brick-red throats,
waved inviting paddles to her.
Come and go out with u.s. they called.
Polly would as willingly have gone out
in an airship, but no one seemed 20
think she might refuse; they all es-
corted her to the landing.
THAT is the tippiest canoe on the la Se
] wouldn't go out in it for worlds. but
suppose you don't mind anything said
Theodora's mother. Pollys unhappy feet
faltered.
Il don't know much about canoes my
self" she began.
"Oh, the Morris girls can handle any
thing. They haven't tipped over this
year." she was reassured as two youths
knelt down to steady the frail craft
Put your foot exactly in the middle.
said the Lizard, holding out his hand; ;
and public opinion pushed her inexorably
INTO the nest of cushions that had been
prepared for her. They were cautiously
pushed off.
Il don't believe i'd go out to the island.
girls, it looks to me as if the wind were
coming up said Cousin Caroline, with
knowing glance toward the northwest.
''Oh. we shan't mind it If does, with a
sport like Miss Prentiss on board,'' they
called back. Its an awful lake for
squalls they told her, as the canoe shot
out over the still depths. They come
like a ball out of cannon. Now it's
shorter to go straight, but it's prettier by
the shore. Which will you take?"
"Oh, the shore"' said Polly fervently Il
do love these wooded banks.' she add I'd
in explanation, measuring the distance be-
tween herself and the good. dry land
with cautious eye rolling in a rigidly-
fixed head.
For nearly two hours Polly sat in
frozen misery while little whirls of wind
began to futter over the bright lake and
the canvas shell seemed to move under
her with the stability of withered leaf
Her silence told nothing TO the Morris
girls; they did not talk themselves, ex-
cept for an occasional reminiscence Of
dangers they had weathered. The burst
of good spirits that their guest showed
they neared home evidently gratified
them. She arrived laughing and chatter
ing, flush on her cheeks, her eyes bright
with the glorious relief of escape.
Don't have to ask If you enjoyed it."
commented the Lizard, who was waiting
to help her out. Her kEees were tremb-
ling SO that she tottered on the landing,
but she made laughing remark about
stiffness.
She's true sport. She must come
with us again. said the Morris girls.
Theodore, however, would not look ap
from the peep-show she was constructing
i'm the sand with bright pebbles and a
broken tumbler.
The little things gratitude makes her
shy of you." explained her mother. Polly
slid away from the subject. Theodore
made her uncomfortable
4 young fellow in khaki. who had been
lowering near the heroine. now nerved
himself to speech.
There is just time for climb I'D Rat
tlesnake before lunch. if you want some
exercise, Miss Prentiss," he suggested.
then blushed heavily
Suppose we do.'' assented several
Il should love to, but ] really think l
ought to visit a little with my cousin"
Polly explained. prettily regretful, her
eyes still shining with the joy of solid
earth underfoot.
..Oh, she has gone fishing they con-
graduated her, and thrust a climbing
stick into her hand, heading her linani-
mously for what looked like d sheer gran
ite cliff She was helpless before their
enthusiastic energy.
We'll, will you look at Lzzie-he's COM
ing some one exclaimed.
why not?" said the Lizard serenelv.
putting himself on Polly's right hand 4
girl with a red braid and an alert, freckled
face took her other side. crowding out
the modest khaki youth.
I'VE were growing lazy; it is good to
have some one like YOU come and stir
us up" she said, going over rocks and
logs with the ease of chipmunk.
Il am afraid I am not very enterpris-