The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1913-08-29
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SygDuINa OF BERTHE
BY R. E. I5ALLocK.

The canoe no, FED leisurely on the
water placid, serene and unrufaed.
That in a moment Of carelessness I
had spoken too harshly I did not
doubt, Beyond memory failed to car
ry me. Bertie had proffered me our
engagement ring, gift Of long stand
ing and indicative Of undeserved hap
piness for me.
I was piqued
'Thank you" l repeated.
1T is entirely unnecessary
But my dear Berthe"
Miss Van Worst, with the endear.
ing adjective stricken OUT she
amended Really, its a useless waste
Of time to continue the conversation
further, and moreover / have an en-
gagewent for this evening. VIII you
hurry please?"
Hall Of our homeward course had
been completed and in continued ST.
lence ] guided the canoe along the
rockfaced edge Of Umbrella island.
Rrrr-i-ippl!! R-ipll
A few shrill screams, wholly femI-
nine, some hystericaI laughter,
dwcking or two, a stray scratch con
siderable scramblng, and pair Of
very bedraggled people sat on the
bank and viewed the effect Of the
catastrophe
The cause was 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. | turned to my compan.
ion.
BERTHE dear?"
The corners or her mouth fell still
further
Isn't It funny?"
Wretch" was all that she finally
youchsafed me. And then, maledic-
tons on the perverseness Of woman.
kind she burst into tears.
! reached out and took her hand.
"Think Of our predicament. BERTHE
Here We are stranded on the island,
with no hope or rescue until morning at
least Night Is already upon US. The
neon is on IT'S first quarter. and that
means that It viii be almost total
darkness in a few hours Darkness
land 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
l had desired No rebuke met me as
! Slipped my arm around her
In iisAee I sila tho ring back on
her finger
She looked MP half quizzicalIy and
then rested her head on my shoulder
Content once more ia mind. I would
have let it remain indefinitely. but
slight breeze penetrating my clothes
accused me.
Glaneing down. assured myself
that the ring was indeed on her hand
again Then | kissed her and assist
cd 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 happy little laugh
reach out for my assistance. 1t was
eagerly given and in the thrill that
conrsed 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 a dearth Of
foliage and clearly defined in the
moonlight there lay lazily at rest
rowboat, oars lying peacefully in tn,
oarlocks.
Bobby. you wretch You knew
this al the time" She stamped hei
Nltle foot in mock Indignation.
Bobby she continued, IN a very
reproachful way that she assumed a
times. you deliberately told false
hood. No rescue. indeed And poo
me shiYering with the thought Of try
ing to keep werm through a long
weary night You are doubly
wretchln
yes I assented. for there was
twinkle in her eye which belied thl
severity in her tone
We were slowly nearing the shore
I / rested on my oars and looked
BERTHE.
"Bobby2"
The undercurrent Of mischief in he.
voice caused me to take notice.
''Yes27 I said Questioningly.
when did you learn that this boai
was IN the cove back there2"
early this AFTERNOON
'Did YOU notice the name on the
stern?"
Ne
! thought not. It's papa's boat;
we left it there this morning, When
We went over IN the launch
,-t.gssa4t 49, 1,.tl.. ct.~.4 nth ~