Fitzgerald leader. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1921-1921, 1921-03-15
JUST PALS
BY RITA SULLIVAN.
SOCK esesesee
20 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicat


"Oh, no, Trudy dear" Nita Sey-
mour's face had faint tinge of amuse-
ment. mixed with indignation. II am
not in love with Ralph. We are just
palsl"
"All right, dearie, never mind.
was just wondering. Be sure you call
me early, because Ralph and / are
going for long fishing trip"
The next day fully justified the
promise made by the stars the night
before. Not cloud married the per-
feet blue Of the sky.
Attired In a short plaid sport skirt
and flaming crimson sweater, her
short, dark hair already blowing itself
into little curls around her pretty face,
Mia was enough to make anyone's
heart glad.
"Well, the early bird is certainly
catching worms this mOrning!" Ralph
ROland's merry voice aroused her frolh
her occupation. Nita looked up with a
smile as she surveyed his tall, slim fig
ure. which showed up to great ad-
vantage In spotless outing clothes.
"And the bird has been very fortu-
mattel" She proudly displayed her
writing collection.
"Pll say 1t has. / guess that will be
about all we'll need, Mia. Come on,
the old boat is readyl"
Ralph, let's go over to Toto island
today. 1t will seem like old times,
won't it?"
Nita looked up full into his face as
he bent over the boat. For moment
their eyes met, and Nita felt a queer,
happy thrill unexpectedly startling.
But the next minute the tension had
passed, and Ralph entered into her
plan with the same zest that he had
shown when Mia had first become his
chum three years ago.
1--WE can fish on the way, and cook
on the island like we used to do, Nita.
That Is corking idea. Here goes"
AS the boat slipped easily through
the water, Nita watched the clear still
water ahead break into sparkling rip
pies. AS she watched she thrilled again
at the look which she had surprised In
Ralph's eyes. The thought of her last
nights conversation again came into
her mind. II don't know-I don't
know" Suddenly the motor ceased
and the boat came slowly to a stop.
Mia looked up in surprise, suddenly
conscious that her face was burning.
sWhat fs the mattor2n
"Why Nita, we are going to fish now.
Were your thoughts as guilty as thati
Come, now, what are you blushina
about7"
Nothing, nothing. Ralph, only you
startled me sol
Quiet reigned supreme for q long
time. except for occasional low ex
carnations Of pleasure-or otherwise
as the case may have been-when sud.
denly Nita's keen ears caught low,
ominous sound. Intently she listened,
and again she heard 1t, this time O
long, faint rumble.
do hear thunder, or is it the lum-
Der mill?" Nita's voice broke the still.
ness sharply.
II guess 1t is the lumber mill, Nita.
didn't hear anything, and besides, see
how bright the sun Isl" Thus reas.
sured, Mia subsidized, and silence was
again the rule. Then, without further
warming a loud cracking peal sounded
as though above their heads, and at the
same time dsfk cloud blotted out the
smiling sun. Without word, Ralph
flung down his rod and started for the
motor.
In few moments they were again
cutting through the water in the direc-
ton Of the island which was the near,
est shelter. Then began the race with
the storm. Suddenly there came
binding flash Of lightning over the dark
water. Then a heavy crash as though
the heavens were opening, and the
cloudburst broke full upon them.
Head bent to the driving rain
drenched and dripping, Ralph was
striving toward the mainland of the
little island, when with a sickening
crash, he felt the impact Of some
heavy, unseen object.
The rock! I'd forgotten"
! With hoarse sound that was al
most sob, he tried to get the boat
again in hand, but the shock had torn
the wheel from his hands, and the
speed of the boat carried 1t full up on
the rock with tearing sound.
"Nita" Ralph turned in time to see
heavy wave wash over lRe lower end
OF the boat and at the same time he
felt It slowly sinking.
I'm right here. Ralphr' The low,
tense voice was directly at his elbow,
Tor Nita was already In the water,
Come on, we can make the islandi"
Some time later, through a drowsy
dimness. an indefinite feeling finally
reached Nita's numbed senses. A feel
Ing that made her want to stay Just az
she was foreverl without opening hex
eyes she knew that she was safe and
secure. A low roar and crackle told
her that she was lying by fire. Then
low. close, murmuring sounds reached
her. which, much to her dim surprise