The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-08-03
CHAPTER v

CHAPTER V
 Ralph Spring, the head boatman, was the most indifferent man Ann had ever known. Tn Q few moments he had told her that he was only padding her canoe because he had nothing else to do, because all the other boats were out, and because he needed some exercise.
 Then he explained eIaborately that it was part of his job to help entertain the guests. Most of the girls at Lake Racine were too silly for him, Ralph added. He was not interested in anything but build ing bridges. 4 beautiful arch in Q bridge was far finer thing than the sight of a pretty girl.
 Ralph was a college man, a sophomore engineer working his way by this summer job at the hotel. When he finished school he he was going to the jungle and build some of those bridges he dreamed about all the time. Then he'd be happy.
 T trust you don't go fin for the frivolous life, either" Ann said, her thoughts going back to con- scicntious Bill Ware who worked at the travel office. "Why do all you men go at your work with such q vengeance? Don't you ever EeiaX?"
 Hove to get ahead" Ralph said shortly. Then, with an unequaled Abruptness, he said, Want to sit ln tho bottom of the canoe with me? Oh, don't worryl won't get fresh with you. I just thought you could hear me better if you sat slo6e by"
 Then he began telling her about the new bridge across the Golden Gate. "southernerS build all the bridges," he announced, little proudly. T don't know why, but they do. I'm from Georgia Tech"
 "Is that Bo?" Ann answered. "Then suppose one day you'll build big bridges, too. ] like the Washington Bridge at night all the lights twinkIing Up there like strings of beads against the dark" 'Thats poetry" Ralph said sctrnfuIIy. "The most beautiful in the world b built over an ugly swamp in MissiSsippI. It's like q marble tower rising Up out of the morasg--"
 Ann eyed him smiIIngly. "1sn't that little poetic, too, MT. Spring2' ''Nol Mop he scoIfed. "It's a strong stone bridge. It1l be here" Tben he added biuntly "Call me Ralph. Everybody does"
 Softly she laughed. "All right Ralph"
 Nc paused long enough in his padding for 6 furtivc look at her, facing him, her white face coming out coolly against the dark. She was laughing Up at him, and he didn't know what to do about 1t. This girl was different. She was so-Bo clu- giYe.
 "ITI bet you've got some sense," he said. Not like the rest of these girls"
 "Thank youp she said prettily.
 T don't cotton much to girls. I've always done road work in the summers. ! haven't had time to dance, and all those silly things. DO you dancer" he added accuB- ingIy.
 She said, with an air of dcfyIng him, "Of course, l dance. adore Jt."
 He didn't seem to mind the re- buff. T suppose could learn to dance. That iS, fl I wanted to waste any time. I'll tell you what --I'li let you teach me-"
 Thank youi" she said. laughing Ip at him again. But he seemed 70 in earnest that she added, I'd Dc glad to teach you"
 We could have the boathouse to ourselves three nights q week." he said. "ThcrcB 0 radio in there"
 "That sounds very attractive" sine said simply.
 "Oh, I'll do something for you" he added generously. For a mos Inent he engaged in thought "IIl teach you the new American crawl. And I could paddle you around in the canoe at night" He grinned amiably. I'm not much on the romantic stuff, but I guess l could take Ie@ons in that, too"
 She laughed. DO you know, I ike you"
 T guess like you, too" he said. "But I'm going to live in the jungle q few years before think of getting married. don't get any ideas"
 "1deas?" she said, smiling.
 "ItB this way" he went on, dead earnest. T think you have to build lip to this marriage busi- ness just like you'd build a bridge"
 with flying arches?" Ann asked, laughing. I'm getting a little cold out here without a wrap" she added, but that didn't give Ralph Spring any ideas. He began to paddle the canoe toward the dock. "I'll lend you my crew sweater" he said.