Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 142, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1912 — Out of a Clear Sky [ARTICLE]

Out of a Clear Sky

"Maria said,** related Borker, “that we wouldn’t be able to keep her. That was the only trouble in my mind, too. She was perfect “I watched her removing the dinner dishes. Her movements were swift and accurate. “I suggested that we pay her the highest wages, for the coffee had been perfect and the biscuits a delightful brown. Maria replied that that would be the best way in the world to lose her. ‘The more you pay her,* she explained, ‘the better she will dress, and so the greater will be the risk.* “I was silenced. I sat at the table in a bitter mood. Here was a cook held dazsllngly before me for a moment, only to be snatched away when she had grown absolutely necessary. She was too pretty to last I tried, however, to be optimistic. “ ‘Marla,* I suggested, *perhaps she has had a disappointment. Perhaps all her hopes have been blighted and she will never love again! Or perhaps he died or something!* ‘“No,* said Marla. She added: "There are three or four young men on the premises.* ‘“Well look for apartments elseI cried. “ ‘Why?’ gasped Maria. “ 'To escape the male quartet,* I explained. "However, I came to the conclusion that flats and apartments would not do at all. What we wanted was a house with a yard; a big yard with a house away at the back. Marla agreed with me. "Then we began to consider the suburbs, with a view of getting a place as secluded as possible wherewith to retire with our cook. But, like an Inspiration, I suddenly hit upon the Island! The very thing! "The island is a very secluded place fifty miles out in Lake Superior. It is very difficult to approach on account of the shoals. If I took Marla and my delightful cook out there we could live bountifully on provisions taken from the mainland and the opportunity would be splendid for the working up of my treatise on moral philosophy. "Maria said the plan was good. The cook was delighted with the novelty of It. The details were soon arranged. “We had a delightful voyage and landed upon the Island in safety, with our ample stock of provisions, all In good condition. “ 'We are cut off from all communication by mall!* I chuckled to Marla. ‘No young man can even write to her! So we need have no fear of a proposal by letter.' " ‘lt’s a good thing there is no wireless station here,’ mused Marla. “‘lsn’t It!* I cried. ‘I don’t suppose there Is any danger of telepathy or soul kissing!* , " *We shall have to take our chances,* sighed Marla. "The first day for lunch we had chicken with cream gravy, browned biscuit and delicious coffee. "I arose the next morning, happy as a lark. I met Maria and Gwendoline, the cook, strolling along the beach, full of interest In the aquatic animals and birds, especially the birds. The flight of the crane, of the gull and of the wild duck I pointed out to them and made exhaustive comparisons, which would enable them to distinguish each. “‘Oh! look, Mr. Borker!* cried Gwendoline, lifting her pretty arm pointing enthusiastically. ‘What kind of a bird Is that?* “I hesitated: Tt Is neither a duck nor a crane,* I decided. *lt*s an airship!* "We were delighted to behold for the first time an exhibition of man’s conquest of the air. The airship floated around us, coming lower and lower. Presently a begoggled creature appeared and a voice called, ‘Hello!’ fl. “‘Hello!’ cried Marla and Gwendoline with one voice. "The airship man was proceeding on his way when he sighted Gwendoline! The airship quivered, then it slowly descended to the ground. “ ‘Good morning,’ said the man with the goggles. “T hope the air currents are propitious this morning,* said J. “ ‘Aren’t you afraid to go up in the air like that?’ cooed Gwendoline, admiringly. “The aeronaut stepped out of his ship and removed his goggles. He was blond, blithe and handsome. "He looked at Gwendoline and she looked at him. "Maria turned to me and whispered sadly: *We may as well pack up and go back home.* "—Chicago Dally News.