Gilpin observer., 1910-09-29
Archer's Engagement
By CLARISSA MACKIE
Copyright by A.oci

oCiAico litefHJ Ffoss
must have been took with a cramp,
for ordinarily Mr.. Archer Is fine
swimmer"
Tears of thankfulness forced them
selves to Helen's eyes and she made
no reply. Once on board the yacht
she declined the captains urgent of
fers of hospitality. She did accept
one OF Archer's heavy ulsters and
slipped 1t on.
When she was assured that he was
recovering and would soon be up and
around, she asked to be taken ashore.
The next morning she left the hotel
with her mother and returned to her
home in he city.
Helen Dale knew that Bob Archer
must seek her out and express his
gratitude for what she had done: that
she might not meet him again she
had fed.
Bob Archer awoke to a rather un-
pleasant realization the morning after
the rescue. He who had always been
Independent of women was indebted
to one for his life. He blushed to rec
ollect that girl had come to his res
cue and he cursed his own weakness
in succumbing to a mere cramp. But
he set forth to the hotel, immaculate
in white duck from top to toe. in his
heart grateful to the plucky girl who
had saved his life.
| He recalled Helen Dale as one of
many other girls whom he had
avoided as mere butterflies. When
he inquired for Miss Dale at the
Office the clerk informed him Of her
departure. There was no doubt in
his mind that she had gone to escape
his thanks. Well, she was the right
sort-some girls would have been glad
of the opportunity to play the heroine.
New York was not far distant, and
in the evening of the same day. he
presented himself at the Dale house.
So unexpected was his coming that
Helen was taken by surprise. She
came down to find him in converse
ton with her mother.
II resolved you should not escape"
he said. holding her hand in warm
friendly clasp. Il wonder If you
know just how plucky you were yes
terday!"
1T was mere chance" evaded Helen.
coloring ANY one else would have
| QOue IL. IL WAS easy, lOO, LUZ yOuE
boat came quickly to the rescue"
Nevertheless, II 1t had not been for
you l would have lost my life." insist,
er Archer.
He remained for the evening, and
was surprised at his own pleasure in
the occasion.
A day or two afterward he came
again and took them for spin in
his new motor car. Then he came
again and again. He did not return
to Seaside, but his yacht received
sailing orders and proceeded to. the
city where she lay at his disposal
When the first crisp autumn winds
were blowing Bob Archer awoke to
the fact that he could not live hap
PLY without Helen Dale for his wife.
What an ideal companion she would
make-their tastes were similar and
their love of the out-of-doors amount.
ed almost to a mania. A honeymoon
spent on his yacht
He clapped on his hat and made
his way to the Dale house. Helen
was alone in the library. when he ar
rived, and he sat beside her in the
dim firelit room and told his story.
But in spite of the great JOY In her eyes
she shook her head.
II know how you feel. Mr.. Archer.
1t is natural that you should mistake
gratitude for love, and that you should
offer me the life saved. but" Some
thing In the filcker of emotion that
crossed her face brought him close be-
side her.
Helen, look at met" he command
ed, taking her hands in his.
Slowly she turned until her eyes met
his.
What do you see there. darling
gratitude or love?" he asked. softly.
Her glance fell before his gaze. and
for the first time since her heart had
gone out of her keeping she was ra-
dainty happy.
Love-" she whispered, softly. and
then: I'm so glad | had the chance
to save your life. We might never
have known each other. Bob"