Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1910-09-28
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She saw another summer day--ih-
deed today was its anniversary. oho
was sixteen, and she stole away lloni
Sunnyside, which had been her la.n
er's housa, and came to tlsh III Tue
dark pool for the monster trout. one
had been an ardent fisherWoman theh'
and a skilful angler. Hearttree, care
free. she had gone about her nshlhs
that day; perched on the slippery rock
she had cast her fly, the pole dlppeu
and then Strengthened up as sue
wound the reel.
The big trout dashed out into the
stream with startling suddenness; III
another instant the pole flew from
Charlotte's clinging hands and sne
slid swiftly down into the dark pool.
She was conscious of sinking to some
dreadful depth, there was a 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, Dut
with world of anxiety in his big
brown eyes, He was quite as wet
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
through devious ways and taking
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
Crane several times by the trout
stream; their intimacy grew into
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
Sunnyside at this season and the an
niversary of the day he had saved
her life always found her at the rem
devious No other man had attract
ed her, though Ruth had endeavored
TO secure for her sister brilliant
marriage. But the younger girl, free
now to choose where she would, still
chung to her old love, though there
was little to foster it 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 avoid
ed 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
his step he was one of those who had
been born to woodlands and forest
solitudes. Under the soft felt hat his
hair struggled faxen 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 a slight exclamation he was be.
side her.
Il have come back" he said abrupt
ly. His hand reached out and caught
Charlotte as, startled, she lost her
balance and would have fallen into the
pool
THE second time!" she cried nerv-
ously 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 him. When
he had concluded he had her in his
arms and their waiting had it's re-
ward
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 isl"
Il don't care if he marries 'em
BOTH" said Charlotte recklessly.
But feel like fool, Lotto" said
her sister distressfully. "You see, ]
sort of limited to some of the girls
that Dick--was-er- know"
Charlotte looked thoughtfully down
at a 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! I hope that will satisfy your
ambition for mel"