The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-08-12

dreadful depth, there was q drum
ming in her ears and that was all.
When she awoke she was lying on
the messy bank gasping for breath.
while over her leaned an awkward
country youth, homely enough, but
with a world of anxiety in his big
and dripping as she. and Charlotte
did not have to guess that he had
saved her life.
He carried her home through the
woods to Sunnyside; cutting across
narrow woodland trails that reduced
the ten miles to five. She recalled
his angry flush as he turned away
from the money her father had
thoughtlessly produced. and she was
glad to remain his debtor.
Ruth had laughed at his country
ways after the first fright was over.
Afterward Charlotte had met Joel
GTann several r7l times by the trout fota
friendship and love in the course of
a few brief weeks. Then Mr.. Owen
had discovered it and Charlotte was
hustled away to Europe.
Charlotte had waited. Once each
year she managed to get down to Sun
nyside at this season and the ami
versary of the day he had saved her
life always found her at the rendez-
vous. No other man had attracted her,
though Ruth had endeavored to secure.
for her sister brilliant marriage. But
the young girl, free now to choose
where she would, still chung to her old
1t save memories. for she had never
seen or heard Of Joel Crane since that
distant day, yet the very memory of
him thrilled her.
She heard her name called by diff
ferent members of the picnic party
which she would gladly have avoided
on this anniversary of hers, but Ruth
had unluckily chosen the day for her
picnic. Later she would go down and
join them - now, she must dream
awhile.
A man came swiftly along the bank
looking with eager eyes at the rock
above the deep pool. Tall and strong,
with the litheness of the panther in
been born to woodlands and forest
solitudes. Under the soft felt hat his
hair struggled flaxen in the sunshine.
He wore a rough flannel suit and
high boots; in his hand was rod
and reel
He paused and looked at the girl
with tender eyes aglow; he saw the
wistful smile that parted her lips.
With slight exclamation he was be-
side her.
81 have come back" he said alb
ruptly. His hand reached out and
caught Charlotte as. startled, she lost
her balance and would have fallen into
the pool.
s"The second time!' she cried ner-
vously as he helped her to the ground.
Were you waiting for me, Char
lotte?'' he asked after a little pause.
She nodded, her eyes turned away
from his.
He drew nearer and spoke. He
told her of his life in the West; of
his success in his chosen work; how
he was on the way to riches; now, he
was well-to-do; he had come back to
see if she was waiting for ham. When
he had concluded he had her in his
arms and their waiting had its re-
ward.
L
Later Charlotte, transformed with
happiness, appeared.
Ruth plucked at her sisters skirts
as she passed and drew her down.
Honey" she whispered, 1--WE made
horrible blunder! 1t seems Dick
Fletcher has been engaged to marry
one of the Scott twins for several
months; Bell, it is.''
ct don't care If he marries 'em
botll.' said Charlotte recklessly.-
s"But feel like a fool, Lotte," said
her sister distressfully. You see, I
sort of limited to some of the girls that
Dick-was-er-you know!"
Charlotte looked thoughtfully down
at little ring woven of sweet grass
that circled her engagement finger.
"If it will afford you any comfort,
Ruth" she whispered, you may an
nounce my engagement to Joel Crane
who is growing to be lumber mag
nate! 1 hope that will satisfy your
ambition for me!"-( Copyrighted 1910
by Associated Literary Press.)