The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1921-01-08
THE DoLPHINs
BY CLARA c. HOLMES.


school and some Of them are 10 feet
long. I'm going ashore
"Please. don't go-the fishermen
aren't minding," reconstructed the
fearless young woman.
But the creatures are chasing us.
Janet. See one just leaped right out
of the water! Suppose one jumps nj
us!"
Campbell put on speed and soon
reached the boat moOrinss, some dis
lance from the rock-bound shore.
Janet sat silent; she was dIsappolnt-
ed. for she had been enjoying her
boat ride.
Frank stopped and gazed up and
around the sky. A black cloudbnnk
lowered on the eastern horizon.
Frank knotted the ropes securely and
then adjusted canvas covering. He
wns very methodlcnl.
"My bont is dancing where ! tied
her myself before 1 was III; I Invent
cover. either" calculated Janet.
spitcfuly.
"That Is only mnttcr of judg-
ment." Frank responded assisting the
girl into his rowboat. He was gentle.
but not lovcrllke; but she was cross
with him.
On the shore, delaying to push OF
his dory. Atwcll Reynolds awaited
them.
Engine trouble Campbell" he asked.
mo, black fish," frankly admitted
Frank.
"oh. no" scofred Atweli. "Dolphlns
avoid motorboats."
''They are strange creatures to me.
so took no chances" retorted Frank.
''Miss Ashmont." smiled the suave
Reynolds. may nsk you to accom-
pnny me? The dolphins are sportful,
and like to race at safe distance"
"l'll 20 with you; the water Is
rough"
Frank sauntercd toward nm old fish
crman repairing traps. He began to
chat, but he was jealousy watching
the couple rowing away.
Since she had met Reynolds, three
weeks before mt this Cape Cod re-
sort. Miss Ashmont had encouraged
the new friends advances. and had
seemed annoyed because Frank was
so unyiclding.
$50 ye'rc nfeerd of black fsh?"
asked the old lobsterman. quizzically.
81 did not want to chance the lndy's
safety" explained Frank.
we're safe In a motorboat; them
fish amt got no use for propcllers."
The old man was n true weather
prophet. Suddenly the wind turned
northeast and rain fell. Frank hur-
rIed out and refnstencd Janct's mo-
torboat. Atwell landed his passenger;
but she was frightened and drenched.
All day the storm ragged. and NIL
night. Several inbound boats came
ashore. Atwel's launch was dashed
to pieces upon the rocks. Mud-black
waves rolled in. and. curling, spent
their fury in n secthing, angry foam
Among the on-lookers upon the bank
Janet stood worrying about her boat
Al length. when the wind nbntcd.
two hardy fishermen launched row.
boat.
"Thc fishermen Will look after their
property, and wisely leave us to do
likewise" sngcly suggested Frank
Campbell. Come. Reynolds" he con
tinued deliberately, you are the best
bOatmnn and swimmer here: It is up
to you to assist me In saving our
friends sinking boats"
"AIl the boats I'm this bay aren't
worth two human lives" refused Ieey.
nolds.
Then U. s. marine volunteered
to accompany Frank.
With hearts beating anyiously. the
people gathering saw the young men
battling with the breakers. They
watched them struggle from craft to
craft and bail each one light. They
checrcd when the brave bontmen
drenched and chilled, reached the
shore.
The next day Frank Campbell made
II business trip to town. He was so
deeply cngrosscd in business affairs
for a week. indeed. that Janet hest
tatcd to approach him. At last she
met him alone In a grove path. His
manner was formal, but she slipped
her arm into his.
81 told father about the dolphins,"
she vcnturcd, "and he ndmires your
discretion. got n scoluinS lot go
ing out with Mr.. Reynolds"
"I'm sorry, Janet, you were scolded;
I dare say bored you enough with
my logic
"Your logic" she repeated.
YES; In this i am n disciple Of
Cotton: Deliberate with caution but
net with decision"
After pause she resumed. swectly:
"Thc girl you choose fer your wife
viii be honored."
For the moment he lost his head;
his nrm frightened around her us he
asked tensely:
"Do you sincerely think so. Jnnet!"
"Yes."
To her surprise he smiled md
changed the subject.
Ch. tpu Mt 81