The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-06-03
THE EVENING STORY
Flight and Capture.
(By Mabel chase England

in secluded corner where a huge
palm cast fantastic shadows over the
railing, stood Tom Eidreth, leaning
indolently. listening to the strains of
dancing feet within. He had arrived
that day and tonight the big ball of the
season was in progress.
Il suppose was fool to come" he
Illuminated, "but 1 couldn't stand town
without her, confound it, Mean trick
call it, to run off without leaving a
sign of an address, and all because of
silly little tiff. Dashed if I'll have
anything more to do with girls. or
women, either, or gra1dmothers, or
girl babies. They're all alike"
At this point in his reflections some-
thing moved in the shadow of the
palm. Slowly he Strengthened up, his
eyes fixed on the CLINT of silver water
lilies embroidered in the meshes of
gown of misty green. Then into the
moonlight stepped the lady of his
dreams.
Betty" he breathed, unbelievingly
II slipped behind it when you came
out" she Informed him frigidly, s'but
can't stay there forever. Why did
you follow me?,' she demanded. st
told you hated you
"Follow your he denied Indignant
ly. How could 1 when you didn't
give me the ghost of an idea where
you were going? The fact that you
hate me doesn't happen to interest me.
came up here to be by myself He
turned his back sulkily.
There was silence for moment,
then a ripple of irrepressibl laughter.
Tom turned and faced her again.
You can giggle if you want to- he
said, with the calmness of suppressed
anger; but I'll tell you one thing, in
the end you're going to marry me!'
Her amazed "Ohi" was breathless
with n1irth. There was a CLEAN of
green across the moonlight, flash of
silver water lilies and she was gone.
Tom turned back to the railing, a
savage exultation in his heart. Any
never before had the courage to do.
The next day he looked for her in
vain. Finally he went to the hotel
clerk.
HAS Miss CarswelI 1eft?" he asked.
''Miss Carswen?" answered the
clerk. There is no lady of that name
here, SIR
But she was here last night" OBJ
served Tom. ct saw her"
cat the ball, perhaps suggested the
clerk.
THAT'S it. then" assented Tom.
For a week he searched every cor,
ner of the small sea shore resort, but
no glimpse of her rewarded him. To-
morrow he must return.
Back tomorrow" TIE words sang
discordantly in his ears as he hoisted
the sail of his catboat and drifted
slowly out before a light and fitful
wind. A sharp gust came scudding
over the water, careering the boat as it
struck the sail. He glanced over his
shoulder.
"By Jove! there's a blow coming"
he muttered carelessly. He turned the
boat and sailed parallel with the
shore. He would put in If the wind got
too much for him.
Presently he sighted another cat
pant girl. Som ething in the poise
of the 1.-THE figure. sent the blood
coursing rfotously through his veins.
1t was she-Betty! He pulled his hat
over his eyes and slanted his course
between her and the shore. She should
not escape him this time!
Not till he had put abou. and was
sailing calmly along beside her at some
yards distance did she glance at him.
She nodded carelessly.
'How d'you do?" called Tom, with
affected casualty. Better steer for
energies pretty soon and then there'll
be trouble
THANK you." she called back sweet
ly.
Tom brought his boat nearer.
I'm sorry if seem abrupt" he said
coolly, "but must insist on your go
ing back at once"
She shot him one whitening glance.
then applied herself once more to the
managing Of her boat, which was in
deed beginning to need all her atten-
ton.
eff you don't" he added, with a
smile that in no way detracted from
the purpose in his voice, I'm afraid I
shall have to make you"
For answer she turned her boats
14w SrrI1A = l.
bay.
Tom swore under his breath and
followed her. She had the lead by
about ten yards and he gained on her
slowly. The wind increased momen-
tarily, the sea grew higher. A huge
stood still a moment, then staggered
bravely to the top. "Confound It'll"
burst forth Tom, now white with anger
and alarm. Had she gone stark, star
ing mad?
He set his teeth, almost pushing his
boat forward by the mere effort of his
will Slowly, slowly he gained. Now
he was alongside. His PROV nosed for |
ward-a foot-a yard-ewo yards. He |
waited till he was a full two boat
lengths ahead. running swiftly to the
bow he plunged into the sea, a few |
strong strokes and he caught her gum |
vale. as It swept past, hoisted himself |
into the boat and stood dripping and |
angry before her.
7Are you crazy?" she demanded an
grily.
no" said Tom. Now give me that |
II will mott" she said.
Toms eyes were steel gray. You |
will do as I tell YOU"
She looked at him Her eyes fell. |
with a gesture of icy submission she
moved aside and Tom took the rud-
der in his grasp.
That's right" he said, somewhat
less sternIy. He brought the boat up /
into the wind. Now hold her there |
while 1 reef the SAIL" he commanded.
She obeyed silently, her eyes fol-
lowing him with a curious expression
not altogether of anger. His task done
he possessed himself once more of the |