Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-05-03
1t Was To Be

DO be careful about missing the
train" cautioned Mrs. Oxley. 81 shall
worry if you are out late; remember
your failings"
The young woman pouted. IT never
can go anywhere without a peck of
advice, just as though 1 was an in
FAINT. You haven't said what you want
ed, Aunt Louise"
Whats the use," retorted Mrs.
Pierce; ''it's no more nor less than
can of that potted chicken at Lovell's.
What do you say to that, young lady?"
"Hm-hm!" murmured Rosette faint
ly. "I'll think about it, auntie. Good
bye"
AS the boat splashed around the
point Rosette looked dismally at the
little red station planted upon the
bare, sandy knoll like a danger signal.
''It will be perfectly horrid in the city
hot and stupid-but Aunt Louise
must be taught lesson. / won't have
her making any matches for me. Cas-
sius Lanford, indeed"
1t lacked an hour of luncheon time
when Rosette sank exhausted on the
nearest seat in madam's cool parlors.
How will l ever get through this aft
ernoon?" she inwardly groaned. 1--WE
a great mind to take the next train
back, but then I'd be sure to see that
that creature! And if should stop
at any of the resorts the folks would
find it out. No, I'll stay until the $40
if melt"
Rosette looked out of the window
listlessly. Across the way two huge
gray lions summed themselves on eth
er side of wide-pillared portico.
There" Rosette started with renewed
energy. ''I1l go over to the gallery
right after lunch and look at those
etchings Miss Carew was speaking Of
yesterday"
A tall, fine built young fellow was
bending interestedly over collection.
"He must be an artist" thought Ro-
settle covertly cycling the strong, intel
lectual face.
Suddenly, the stranger looked at his
watch and hurried away. Rosette's
interest began to wane; she wandered
through the rooms absent-mindedly
When a clock struck she started in
establishment; the afternoon had
slipped away without her realizing
it.
A dull rayless sky hung gloomily
above the waters of the lake as a sim
gle passenger alighted at the little
red station.
Rosette peered beneath the awning.
capt. Duggauld!"
cay, ay," responded bluff, deep
chested voice from the depths of the
shadows, and the owner of the Water
Sprite appeared thick-set person
age with grizzled hair and beard and
the rolling gait of sailor
will you take me across, captG:n?"
Rosette put the question aIxiously.
Couldn't think of it, ma 'am-jest
one passenger. I'm loollin for a tick
Iish night, but ye can't tell. Eff it was
Of Huron, now, I'd know just what to
depend on; eff the signs wus fer foul,
wy foul it 'ud be, but this 'ere's the
most spiteful, capreeshus teacupful!"
But l must get over some way!"
Rosette started as though she had Sc
rious intentions of wading the dis
lance.
EFF it amt that Oxley girl! wy
didn't know ye! An your mas worry
in most likely Well, Eow, seein' it's
you mebbe I might make it.
A grinding shock sent Rosette from
her seat to the bottom of the boat
with a heavy jar. There were mgttered
EXPLANATIONS from Capt. Duggauld, as,
suddenly arrested in its course, the
boat with one brief fluttering like
disabled bird, gave a sidewise lurch
and settled helplessly upon some OBJ
struction underneath-the evident
cause of the catastrophe.
"Halloo! Halloo!" called strong
voice when within speaking distance.
whats the trouble?"
"Git her round t'other SIDE" hawled
the captain. We're stuck on this
COMPOUNDED OF stump"
Nearly drenched, Rosette was as
sisted into the rescuing boat apd in a
maze found herself facing her athlete
of the afternoon.
81 had just reached the hotel when
heard your signal" he explained.
"W'y, if it amt Mr., Lanford," ex-
claimed the old man with enthusiasm.
WED probably bin playing with the
fishes bout this time eff We hadn't
steered up jest as We did. Look
there!" A tapping awning and a
smokestack was all that was left of
the once vigorous Water Sprite.
Rosette pushed back the muslin dra-
peries of her window and bolstered
her curly head upon round white
arm. Through breach in the dark
ness above a stream of light trailed
across the lake and turned to silver
the tossing whitecaps in it's path For
one instant its rays fell upon launch
which shot across the shining track
and then was lost in the darkness be-
yond.
ut was to be-" murmured Rosette
with conviction, as she watched va
grant moonbeam that rested for one
brief moment upon the snowy pillow,
and recalled Cassius Lanfords look
as he babe her goodnight. Dear
Aunt Louise"-the sound of steps be-
low brought a sudden recollection
"she shall have that ported chicken
tomorrow If have to go after it my
self"