Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1922-03-02

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Bessie Thurstou had two lovers, and
therefore two rivals. practically enc
mics. II had come about through .
rude disturbing influence IN . clear
Geld for Rodney Thorne. He had fond
~ considered BESSIE his own until |
Willis Gould appeared upon the scene.
Gould was - jackanapes." accord
Ing to Rodney's prejudiced ideas. He |
was the scion Of wealthy family. and |
never worked, day In his life. and |
was shortly to 60 abroad as secretary |
VI consulate. This gave Gould thigh |
diplomatic Ideas" and the apparent
right to wear . semi-military coat |
with two gilt buttons on the neck |
band. which some a his gira admirers
designated ~ too cute for anything!"
Its got to come to IN end" said
Rodney definitely one balmy evening.
"And now's my chance to end It." he |
added, a. be reached the Thurston
home to iind Bessie alone In the gar
den.
He ridiculed and censured Bessie's |
indulgence for sthe spoiled society
pet" as he denomlnated Gould.
II think We had better meet later,
when you are more rational" sug.
gested Bessie.
mo. you shall hear me now" D.
clared Rodney.
Rodney's brow darkened.
II must have my answer-yes or
nor" he persevered.
later In the evening"
At that moment Gould came sauns
tering up the walk.
"No-now!"
"Then--nO!"
Rejected Rodney was positively
rude as he brushed by the newcomers.
After that he evaded Bessie. and
her friends as well. One evening he
made a wide detour to evade Gould
and Bessie. who were idly drifting in
n frail rowboat and. Rodney fancied,
looking serene and happy.
1t was a rapid. torturing flight. Rod
ney finally seated himself on the banks
of the river three miles down the
stream.
Perhaps an hour went by when Z
cry caused him to look up. Suddenly
he saw boat skim through the chan.
mel separating two islands and beaI
down directly to the spot where h<
was.
He saw Bessie's shapely hands cling
ing to either side Of the craft. A way
ward streak ip IN eddy whiried tn
boat around. II tipped. and with [
gurgling shrek Bessie disappeared be
meath the waters 70 feet distant. bu
near to the edge Of the Island.
The nerce. strong current bandie'
Rodney about a. he made . direc
+! plunge. 1t was q wild, desperate hgh
with the battling waves. How b
| made It he never knew, but he caugh
at q limp body swayed along BY tn
undert0w, dragged Bessie ashore an
sat down beside her. breathless, ex
hausted.
At length Bessie stirred. There va
q faint moan, she sat mp. shuddere'
and met his gaze.
Your she voiced In hollow accent
and his clinging garments told he
intuitively how she had been saved
"Miss Thurston," he said quietly
1--WE must lose no time. Your m0the
and your friends-you will not hav'
to stay here for long,"
"COme back" II was wild. plead
ing shrek, q call Of anguish. Of love
as she saw him plunge into the Mood
as life and death fought q desperate
battle within her sight. But he
reached the shore. though nearly
stunned and his head bruised and
bleeding at contact with a rock. and
staggered away out Of sight.
She sat moaning. fer head buried
In her hands, as a slow hour went BY.
Then q shout from the shore from the
midst Of friends--a weighted rope cast
across the chasm. A strong bOafnan
clasped her and carried her thus to
the mainland. Bessie In one swift
glance swept the group. Rodney was
not there.
my dear Bessie-" for the first time
began Gould, Fastening to her side.
She turned to him. her eyes blazing
contempt.
II despise you!" she cried out. "Oh,
II anything has happened to him ]
shall hate yOu!"
When they reached home they
pointed to the library room. where
Rodney lay upon couch. his head
,, bandaged, pale, weak, but not seriously
injured. She knelt at his side. with
no thought Of her bedraggled attire.
Last week." she choked out. and
burst into a sOh----"I didn't know my
own mind, but. oh tonight"
"Never mind the yesterdays" he
said. with q smile of ineffable peace
Forget everything except the golden
tomorrow
Swat Flies on Ceilings.
Flies that take refuge on the ceiling