Monte Vista journal and Monte Vista graphic-reporter., 1924-10-10
MR., WRIGHT TO THE RESCUE

lunEed forward. In some mysterl-
ous way, strength was given me to
use my legs, which had been Quak-
ing beneath me, and tore head
long across the hills toward the
ocean. Gaining the beach. l glanc-
ed over my shoulder. Ted had not
followed. The heavy sand OF the
dunes must have proven too much
for him in his besotted condition.
Fright spurred me on, and l dashed
into the water. shivering as the
whitecaps reached out to ME with
their icy fingers. Soon l was swim
ming beyond my depth in the moon
swept ocean.
Then suddenly felt the steady
pull of the undertow and realized,
in my spent condition, was not
able to resist it. turned nerv-
ously shoreward and saw lone
masculine figure coming at top
speed through the breakers. l rec
ognixed the swimmer. 1t was Cur
tiss Wright. and l called to him In
utter exhaustion, feeling the last
shred Of my vitality weaken.
What's the matter, trying to
drown yourself?" he asked with a
note OF tenderness in his voice.
When his swift. sure strokes had
brought him beside me, relaxed
in the safety OF his arms and felt
secure In his protection.
When We had left the fierce cur
rent behind us. l slipped from his
arms as soon as 1 was able to touch
bottom.
Nice way to treat your guest,
he laughed pleasantly. sending me
off for refreshments, while you run
away and have our swim by your
self"
why. you poor kiddy." he con
tiuued gently. noticing for the firs,
time that my arms and shoulders
rising from the dark depths Of the
water. were bare. What's the
matter Did you have an accident!'
he questioned.
Nope" s,ammered and made
up my mind that ] would not tell
him what had happened. Aftei
what Mari had said about his opin'
ion Of flappers. my experience with
Ted would only add 10 his unflat'
tsrinE conviction about the younger
generation.
ia tell him nothing. and with thlI
decision. I felt = spirit OF dsviitry
returning.
Maybe Mr.. Shark decided he'd
like to have my little suit for M
hors d'ouvre and ate IT," ! replied
at the same time opening my eyes
wide In mock and childish amuse'
ment. and then. again. maybe he
didn't"
A puzzled expression crossed the
brow OF MIR. Wright and he started
to question me further. hut changed
his mind.
Tin deeply sorry. really" he
said quickly: ''onc would think that
you had granted me the special
privil.v. OF dabbiing In your af'
fairs. which 70 far. II would seem
have been more or less OF n-er-
shall We say. Personal nature,
l assur. you I shall be less mod
dicsomc In the future. and II you
will promise to stay away from tho
shark infested area, ! will bring my
raincoat In n jiffy."
Returning. We walked In silence
up the beach to the bath houses
Tn. Inn was in darkness. II had
not occurred 10 any Of tho crowd
10 look for me after my disappear.
ancs with Curtis Wright earlier that
evening, II IL an unwrittcn code In
our set 10 permit each person to 20
exactly where ono plcascs.
"A thcrmos bottle with leo and
limo juice. as per request rcposcs
behind you stately palm tree MI
Wright broke tho silence lightly. ana
for some reason. which ] was unable
TO anAiyrc. his Indifference. p'qaed
me after his former interest. In
tho short time ! had known him.
had wavered from one decision to
another In planning the attitude
would adopt before him. Al tho Inn
! had determined upon = role Of rncy
Independence and yet was now
ready 10 60 TO almost any lengths 70
KEGS him from fading out about the
ep,eole With TeA Billiass.
ssWyA - = fnnnv 1lltln hlfA the freq