Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1920-11-04
THE DOLPHINS
By CLARA c. HOLMES,

Lne mOlOfDOal.
Those monsters are called black
fish, he replied. There is bic
school and some of them are 10 feet
long. I'm going ashore"
"Please, don't gO-the fishermen
aren't minding," demonstrated the
fearless young woman.
But the creatures are chasing us,
Janet. See. one just leaped right out
of the water! Suppose one jumps at
u.s."
Campbell put on speed and soon
reached the boat mOorings, some dis
lance from the rock-bound shore.
Janet sat SILENT she was disappoint-
ed, for she had been enjoying her
boat ride
Frank stopped and gazed up and
around the sky. A black clOudbank
lowered on the eastern horizon
Frank knotted the ropes securely and
then adjusted canvas covering. He
was very methodical
my boat is dancing where l tied
her myself before I was Ill; haven't
cover, either" calculated Janet,
spitefuIy.
'NThat Is only a matter of judg-
ment," Frank responded, assisting the
girl into his rOwboat. He was gentle,
but not loverlike; but she was cross
with him.
On the shore delaying to push off
his dory. Atwell Reynolds awaited
them.
Engine trouble, Campbell" he asked.
mo, black fish," frankly admitted
Frank.
ooh, no" scoffed Atwell. "DOlphins
avoid mOtOrbOatS."
"They are strange creatures to me,
so took no chances" retorted Frank.
"Miss Ashmont," smiled the suave
Reynolds, may ask you to accom-
pany me? The dOlphins are sportful,
and like 10 race at safe distance"
"I'll go with you; the water is
rough"
Frank sauntered toward an old fish
erman repairing traps. He began to
chat, but he was jealousy watching
the couple rowing away.
Since she had met Reynolds three
weeks before at this Cape Cod re-
sort, Miss Ashmont had encouraged
the new friends advances, and had
seemed annoyed because Frank was
so unyielding.
$50 ye're afeerd of black fsh?"
asked the old lobsterman, quizzlcally.
II did not want to chance the lady's
safety explained Frank.
"Ye're safe in a mOtOrboat; them
fish amt got no use for propeIlers."
The old man was true weather
prophet Suddenly the wind turned
northeast and rain fell. Frank hur-
ried out and refastened Janet's mo-
tOrboat. Atwell landed his passenger;
but she was frightened and drenched.
All day the storm ragged, and ali
night. Several inbound boats came
ashore. Atwell's launch was dashed
to pieces upon the rocks Mud-black
waves rolled in, and, curling, spent
their fury in seething, angry foam.
Among the On-loOkers upon the bank
Janet stood worrying about her boat.
At length, when the wind abated,
two hardy fishermen launched a row.
boat.
THE fishermen Will look after their
property, and wisely leave us to do
likewise sagely suggested Frank
Campbell. Come Reynolds" he con-
tfnued deliberately, you are the best
boatman and swimmer here; it is up
to you to assist me in saving our
friends sinking boats"
"All the boats in this bay aren't |
worth two human lives" refused Rey
nOlds.
Then U. S. marine volunteered |
to accompany Frank.
With hearts beating anxiously, the
people gathering saw the young men
battling with the breakers. They
watched them struggle from craft to
craft and bail each enc light. They
cheered when the brave boatmen
drenched and chilled, reached the
shore.
The next day Frank Campbell made
a business trip to town. He was so
deeply engrOssed in business affairs
for a week, indeed, that Janet hesi-
tated to approach him. At last she
met him alone in a grove path. His
manner was formal, but she slipped
her arm into his.
Il told father about the dolpbins."
she ventured. land he admires your
discretion. | got a scOlding for 60
ing out with Mr. Reynolds"
I'm sorry. Janet, you were .scoIded:
] dare say bored you enough with
my logic"
your lOgic" she repeated.
"Yes; in this l am a disciple OF
Cotton: Deliberate with caution but
act with decision"
After a pause she resumed. sweetly:
"The girl you choose for your wife
will be hOnored"
For the moment he lost his head:
his arm frightened around her as he
asked tenseIy:
"Do you sincerely think so. JanetY'
'Yes."