The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1912-05-03
It Was To Be

Rosette laughed softly. Its of no
use, Aunt Louise. I'm going on the
next boat. Jim has hoisted the flag
and it win be here in ten minutes"
DO be careful about missing the
train" cautioned Mrs. Oxley. ST shall
worry if you are out late; remember
your failings."
The young woman pouted. Il never
can go anywhere without peck of
advice, just as though I was an in
FAINT. You haven't said what you want
ed, Aunt Louise
What's the use" retorted Mrs.
Pierce; cts no more nor less than a
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.
1T 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 / ever get through this aft
ernoon?" she inwardly groaned. I've
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"
listlessly. Across the way two huge
gray lions summed themselves on eth
er side of a wide-pillared portico.
There" Rosette started with renewed
energy. 'T'l 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 sin
gle passenger alighted at the little
red station.
Rosette peered beneath the awning.
capt. Duggauld!"
cay, ay," responded a bluff, deep
chested voice from the depths of the
shadows, and the owner OF the Water
Sprite appeared-a thick-set person
age with grizzled hair and beard and
the rolling gait OF a sailor.
Twill you take me across, captasn?"
Rosette put the question anxiously.
Couldn't think of it, MANIFEST
one passenger. I'm loolin' for tick
lish night, but We can't tell. Eff it was
oil 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 I must get over some way!"
Rosette started as though she had Sc
rious intentions of wading the dis
lance.
EFF it amt that Oxley grill wy
didn't know We! An your mas worry
you mebbe l might make It,"
A grinding shock sent Rosette from
her seat to the bottom of the boat
with heavy jar. There were mCttered
EXPLANATIONS from Capt. Duggauld, as,
suddenly arrested in its course, the
boat with one brief fiuttering like a
disabled bird, gave 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?"
cit her round t'other SIDE" bawled
the captain. were STUCK on tnlS
COMPOUNDED oil stump"
Nearly drenched, Rosette was as
sisted into the rescuing boat apd in
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.
.We'd probably bin playing with the
fishes bout this time eff We hadn't
steered up jest as We did. Look
therel" A tapping awning and
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
IT. hroonh in T.