Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1913-06-17
suBDulNa OF BERTHE
BY r. G. HALLocK.

me-" and the small circlet of gold was
rendered across the short space that
interviewed.
Thank you"
The canoe fioated leisurely on the
water, placid, serene and unruffed.
That in moment of carelessness |
had spoken too harshly | did not
doubt. Beyond. memory failed to car
ry me. BERTHE had proffered me our
engagement ring. gift of long stand
ing, and indicative of undeseryed hap
piness for me.
l was piqued
Thank you" l repeated.
ut Is entirely unnecessary"
But my dear Berthe
Miss Van Worst, with the endear-
ing adjective stricken out" she
amended. Really, it's useless waste
of time to continue the conversation
further, and, moreover, ! have an en-
gagement for this evening. VIII you
hurry, please?"
Half of our homeward course had
been completed and in continued 81
L
rock-faced edge of Umbrella island.
Rrrr-tipp!. R-ip!!
A few shrill screams, wholly femi-
nine. some hysterical laughter,
ducking or two, stray scratch, con-
siderable scrambling, and pair Of
very bedraggled people sat on the
bank and viewed the effect of the
catastrophe.
The cause was a rock; the result
was ludicrous. The bow of the canoe
showed a ragged cash through which
the water was eagerly rushing. Any
hope of repairing it was out of the
question. l turned to my compan.
ion.
"Bertie-dear?"
The corners Of her mouth fell still
further.
Isn't It funny?"
Wretch" was all that she finally
vouchsafed me. And then, maledic-
tions on the perverseness of woman
kind, she burst into tears.
l reached out and took her hand.
Think of our predicament, BERTHE.
| Here we are stranded on the island,
with no hope of rescue until morning at
| least. Night Is already upon us. The
| moon Ia on its first quarter, and that
means that 1t will be almost total
darkness in a few hours Darkness
| and no sound to enliven the terrible
silence. We must spend the whole
night here on this dismal, dreary is
| land"
With little shudder she drew
closely to me. 1t was the opportunity
had desired. No rebuke met me as
| I slipped my arm around her
In silence l slid the ring back on
her finger
| She looked up half quizzically and
then rested her head on my shoulder.
| Content once more in mind. I would
| have let it remain indefinitely, but a
slight breeze penetrating my clothes
| aroused me,
| CHANGING down, assured myself
that the ring was indeed on her hand
again. Then kissed her and assist.
ed her to rise.
| "Come, BERTHE. We must walk"
Without questioning she followed.
Picking our way as best we could
through the heavy underbrush, we
headed toward the opposite side OF
the island Occasionally she would
trip, and with a happy little laugh
reach out for my assistance. 1t was
eagerly given. and in the thrill that
coursed through me at the touch
recognized the return of the former
harmony Once on the other side
turned unhesitatingly and led the way
to a small cove.
At that point there was dearth of
moonlight there lay lazily at rest a
rowboat, oars lying peacefully In the
oarlocks.
Bobby, you wretch You knew
this all the time" She stamped her
little foot In mock indignation.
Bobby" she continued. in a very
reproachful way that she assumed at
times, you deliberately told false
hood. No rescue, indeed! And poor
me shivering with the thought Of try
ing to keep warm through long,
weary night. You are doubly a
wretch"
YES" / assented, for there was a
twinkle In her eye which 0elied the
severity in her tone.
We were slowly nearing the shore.
rested on my oars and looked at
Berthe
| "Bobby?"
The undercurrent Of mischief in her
voice caused me to take notice.
"Yes?" ! said, questioningly.
when did you learn that this boat
was in the cove back there?"
Early this afternoon"
did you notice the name on the
stern?"
NO"
II thought not It's papa's boat;