Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

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They had retired to a cosy corner of the public drawing room and were

conversing on this interesting topic when they espied A. Jones walking

toward them. The youth was attired in immaculate evening dress, but his

step was slow and dragging and his face pallid.

Arthur and Uncle John drew up an easy chair for him while Patsy performed

the introductions to Mrs. Montrose and her nieces. Very earnestly the boy

grasped the hand of the young girl who had been chiefly responsible for

his rescue, thanking her more by his manner than in his few carefully

chosen words.

As for Maud, she smilingly belittled her effort, saying lightly: "I

know I must not claim that it didn't amount to anything, for your life is

valuable, Mr. Jones, I'm sure. But I had almost nothing to do beyond

calling Patsy Doyle's attention to you and then swimming out to keep you

afloat until help came. I'm a good swimmer, so it was not at all

difficult."

"Moreover," he added, "you would have done the same thing for anyone in

distress."

"Certainly."

"I realize that. I am quite a stranger to you. Nevertheless, my gratitude

is your due and I hope you will accept it as the least tribute I can pay

you. Of all that throng of bathers, only you noticed my peril and came to

my assistance."

"Fate!" whispered Flo impressively.

"Nonsense," retorted her sister. "I happened to be the only one looking

out to sea. I think, Mr. Jones, you owe us apologies more than gratitude,

for your folly was responsible for the incident. You were altogether too

venturesome. Such action on this coast, where the surf rolls high and

creates an undertow, is nothing less than foolhardy."

"I'm sure you are right," he admitted. "I did not know this coast, and

foolishly imagined the old Pacific, in which I have sported and played

since babyhood, was my friend wherever I found it."

"I hope you are feeling better and stronger this evening," said Mr.

Merrick. "We expected you to join us at dinner."

"I--I seldom dine in public," he explained, flushing slightly.

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