Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-06-12
Euening Story
SALT WATER ROMANCE.
BY Willis ArkwrIsht.
Copyright, 1917. by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.)

II you we're a girl OF twenty-lf you
were stenogra pher in big off1ce-if
you only had a moderate salary-if the
| manager who was a crank could dis
| charge you at moments notice and
leave you penniless to face your land.
lady while you hunted for another
place:
If you were an orphan and had no
relatives to extend hand in pinch
! II you had a hall room In boarding
house-if you had to keep the cost of
your meals down to an exact penny
II YOU had no amusements, because OF
the cost and the fact that you had no
beau:
If you sat down to face the future
and come to conclusion what would
it be?
Every girl has right to look for
ward to love and matrimony and a
home Miss June Benton knew this,
and after an hours interview with her
self she came to a conclusion.
mo, 1t isn't worth the living" she
said.
The thought of ending 1t all did not
brighten her in the least. Indeed. 1t was
rather relief She planned the par
ticulars just as calmly as she would
plan walk to the park. and then went
to bed to sleep the soundest she had in
month. She walked into the office
next morning to say to the manager:
I am not feeling we'll and I want to
take a day off,"
II was going to suggest that you
take year or two off," was his heart
less reply None of you girls seems
to know when you have a soft Job"
Miss June Benton took street car
for one Of the ocean beaches. She
babe goodbye to none Of the girls she
had worked with She was smiling as
she rode She passed through streets
of riches, and she did not envy the
dwellers therein. She passed through
streets of poverty, and she had no
pity
LET them do as am going to-" she
whispered to herself.
woman at the bathhouse. Mice day
for bath. The water is very agrre-
able. Do you swim?"
mot much"
Better be careful then. for the tide
is going out, and at this hour the life
savers are not on duty"
June wandered along the beach until
she found board that would float her
and then she entered the water and
went floating. There we're people about
but at the beaches little attention is
paid to the vagaries of lone bathers.
Slowly but steadily the tide carried
the girl out It WAS like floating in the
air. For the first time in long months
her mind was carefree and she sang as
she hoated.
81 will drift out mile and then let
co." she said.
No shrinking. No fear. No regrets.
Why should there be? Why not sing ?
Why not be glad that the end was so
near? A mile out. A little longer and
she would release her hold. Sing!
Keep singing!
Say, now, but you are the happiest
girl ever came across drifting out to
seal"
1t was voice at June's elbow and a
mans hand was laid upon her float.
I'll"
Don't be started"
It was young man in bathing suit
He had kindly but strong face and
his deep voice was good to hear. His
bare arms were sun tanned and his
cheeks almost the color Of leather
mot life saver by occupation" he
smiled. II tried to see how far out I
could swim and get back safely. Guess
overdid 1t. II you hadn't happened
along it would have been all over with
me in five minutes more. Have you
started for Nantucket"
No"
Are you an expert swimmer"
81 can't swim a stroke"
"Then what under heavens are you
doing out here. Don't you know that
you'll be miles farther out when the
tide turns!"
Miss June looked at him without an
swering
"Oh. see!" ne said when he had
read the truth in her face.
She released her hold on the float.
but he grasped her wrist and sternly
said:
None O. that, now"
But it's not for you to interfere
she answered as she struggled against
him.
'Oh. isn't 1t. Well, in the first place
the law would probably charge me
with your death and in the second we
are in for a long drift and want COM
pany. My name is Harry Medford. and
am Office manager for Dunstan & Co.
in the city. Never mind your name
just now. Isn't that plank out there?
June shut her lips tightly and refus-
ed to look
ITS plank sure enough" continued
Medford. land We want it. II swim
for II will you hang on here"
Not a word from her.
Because. you see. right here is what
they call Shark Reef. The moment you
let go you will be seized by shark. 1t
isn't pleasant DEATH"
AS June's eyes opened wide with
horror he swan away for the plank
and soon rejoined her. Her limbs
were drawn up and she was feeling
thrills of terror.
Catch hold here. This plank will
float us until something happens
"Oh. Mr.. Medford. don't want to be
devoured by shark" she walled,
But you came out to die"
YES. but - Oh. it was dread