Putnam patriot., 1912-10-11

a hard thing to say. that perhaps I ought to apologize. too I'm afraid I did disturb your service and I'm sorry. I meant well, but Whats thatg Raing"
 There was no doubt about it: it was rain and plenty Of it. It came in a sweeping downpour that beat upon the trees and bushes and reared upon the roof of the chapel The minister hur- riedly raised his umbrella
 "Herel" he commanded. you must take the umbrella. Really. you must. You haven't one and youn be wet through"
 She pushed the umbrella aside.
 No. mo-" she answered. q don't need 1t: I'm used to wet weather; truly I am. And don't care for this hat; it's an old one. You have long way to go and haven't. Please, Mir. Ellery. I can't take it"
 Very we'll" was the sternly self sacrificing reply, then I shall certain ly go with you as far as the gate I'm sorry. If my company is distasteful, but"
 He did not finish the sentence. think. ing, 1t may be, that she might finish it for him. But she was silent, merely removing her hand from the handle. She took a step forward; he followed, holding the umbrella over her head. They plashed on. without speaking, through the rapidly forming puddles.
 Presently she stumbled and he caught her arm to prevent her falling. To his surprise he felt that arm shake in his grasp
 Why. Miss Van Hornei" he ex- claimed in great concern. "are you crying? l beg your pardon. Of course l wouldn't think of going another step with you. didn't mean to trouble you. l only If you will please take this umbrella"
 Again he tried to transfer the um- brella and again she pushed it away.
 I'm not crying she gasped: "but-oh, dearl this is so funny,"
 .Funny!h he repeated. Well, per haps II is. Our ideas of fun seem to differ r."
 '.oh. but it is so funny. You don't understand. What do you think your congregation would say if they knew you had been to a Come-Outers' meet ing and then insisted on seeing a Come-Outer girl home?"
 John Ellery swallowed hard. A vI- sion of Captain Elkanah Daniels and the stately Miss Annabel rose before his minds eye. He hadn't thought of his congregation in connection with this impromptu rescue of damsel in distress
 Possibly your Uncle Eben might he omewhat-er-surpri if he knew you were with me. Perhaps he might have something to say on the sub ject."
 ''I guess he would. We shall know very soon. l ran away and left him with Mrs. Poundberry, our housekeep- CT. He doesn't know where I am wonder he hasn't turned back to look for me before this. We shall probably meet him at any moment"
 Fifty yards away the lighted win dows of the Hammond tavern gleamed yellow. Farther on. over ragged moving fringe of grass and weeds. was a black. flat expanse-the bay. And a little way out upon that expanse twinkled the lights of vessel. A chain rattled Voices shouting exult- ingly came to their ears.
 "Whyt" exclaimed Grace in excited wonder, fits the packet! She was due this morning. but We didn't expect her. in till tomorrow. How did she find her way In the fog? must tell uncle"
 She started to run toward the house. The minister would have followed with the umbrella, but she stopped him.
 NO, MT. Ellery." she urged earnest ly. No, please don't. I'm all right now. Thank you. Good night"
 A few steps farther on she turned.
 q hope Cap'n Elkanah won't know. i" she whispered, the laugh returning to her voice. Good night"
 Ellery stood still in the rain and watched her. He saw her pass the lighted windows and open door. Into the yellow radiance she flashed and disappeared. A minute more and the bulky form of Eben Hammond, lantern in hand. a sou'wester on his head and his shoulders working themselves into an oilskin coat, burst out of the door and hurriedly limped down toward the shore. On the threshold. framed in light, stood his ward, gazing after him. And the minister gazed at her.
 From the bay came the sound of oars in rowlocks. A boat was ap- preaching the wharf. And suddenly from the boat came hail.
 "Hallool Ahoy. dad Is that you?'
 There was an answering shout from the wharf; shout of joy. Then a rattle of oars and a clamor of talk. And Grace still stood in the doorway. waiting.
 Gro Be Continued.)