The Holbrook news., 1910-04-01
into the deeper channel. where it set.

I Ou, uO, II SOlIQ, 4NCQ dlupSu. Good thing, too; I need firm footing for the jump; channels wider on this side. Here goesi" "Oh, l thought sure you'd fall in, Ned Put in several more stones for me, those are so wide apart don't be- lieve I can get over. No, l don't think you can," Ned replied.
 Well, then. hurry and get the stones'
 Yes, enough to build bridge" Ned assented, regarding the building mate rial indiferently.
 But you needn't build a bridge; three more will be enough, I'm sure"
 "Or two, perhaps" Ned amended.
 Why don't you put them in, then?" she snapped, out of patience.
 "Oh, there's no hurry" stretched back on the grass.
 Well. of all the Maybe you think I like being a prisoner on a rock in mid-ocean," she suggested sarcastical ly.
 Maybe I think I like it.'
 Ned Holcomb, What on earth do you mean?"
 That's easy" Ned sprang up; "ev. cry dog has his day, likewise slave This is the day of the slave"
 "Oh, yOu-you wretch" she splut- tered, not even pretending to misun- derstand him. But I'll show you I'm not so helpless as you imagine" She made motion as if to attempt to leap.
 Ned smiled, repeating: This is the day of the slave. I am going to have hearing-Stella, will"
 She clapped her hands over her ears and gazed at the treetops. Ned com posed himself at ease on the grass. Stella boiled with indignation.
 '1'll fling myself into the deepest water and drown if you don't help me off instantly" she threatened, darkly.
 "Oh, you wouldn't drown. I'd pull you out and put you on the rock again to dry
 She stamped in vexation, the tilted herself with an alacri,r that belied her threat. Ned remained inert and un- concerned.
 q wish I had something to throw at you!" she stormed.
 You couldn't hit me. you know" he grinned.
 She thrust her bare arm to the el- bow in tie water. but failed to fish up a stone wherewith to display her ac- curacy of aim and punish him.
 Ready to listen?" Ned laughed.
 She disdained to answer. ''This rock is as hot 'as-as Gibraltar My feet are blistering."
 <. She founced about and studied the back trail of stones. q believe I could jump it with my shoes off," she com mented. careful that he should hear
 Maybe" he returned. You'd only ! get a good wetting if you fell in, you know"
 'I should think you'd be ashamed of yourself" she opined, after a sulky | silence
 "Oh. surely not now" he protested. | I'm puffed with pride. I've instituted | a rebellion-which took lot of cour- r age-and I've laid a siege which I | mean, to maintain until equalization [ It's only when l look back at my for mer abject condition that I blush"
 T presume you expect to dictate the terms of exploitation, she jeered.
 Certainly" Ned agreed.
 Silence for a space. Then she jerked her hat low, hid her face in her hand kerchief and burst into sobs. quaver- ing: "I never dreamed you'd treat me like this''
 Ned set his teeth, again reminding himself that she was an adept at simu- lation. Better have my handkerchief" he offered; that bit of lace is made quate for such a shower"
 At length the young man raised to an elbow and listened, smile growing to broad grin. Our little drama is to have spectators" he mused
 Stella listened an instant, then sprang up. crying vehemently: "Oh, ohl You wouldn't dare to keep me here till they come,"
 I'm in a daring mood; however, it rests with you" But just imagine what they'll { "I know what the fellows'n think. { near their cheers for the erstwhile I spiritless slave. As for the girls, you ,an, perhaps, picture their thoughts md actions" I "Oh, please, Ned. please take me off ' They'll laugh at me forever! Please, t please, Ned,'' , Ned choked, but replied firmly: "1t v ,uts me to the heart to refuse you, { Stella, but l must I am determined y 0 have my answer if the whole world T tands gaping. Stella, will you marry V ne?" a Stella closed her lips stubbornly. Around the bend came Hits of song md merry whoops from the approach