Leslie’s fingers were already at work with the other canoe, tying its chain to the seat of her own.
“Now!” she turned and picked up her paddle swiftly, handing Howard the other one. “Go! For all your worth! You mustn’t fail on this day anyway! Beat it with all your might!”
“It’s too late!” said the man reluctantly, taking the paddle and moving to his right position.
“It’s not too late. It shan’t be too late! Paddle, I say, now, one––and––two––and–––!”
And they settled to a rhythmic stroke.
“It was so wonderful back there, Leslie,” said Howard wistfully. “We oughtn’t to let anything interfere with this first hour together.”
“This isn’t interfering,” said Leslie practically, 352 “it’s just duty, and that never interferes. Here, we’ll land over there and you beat it up the hill! I’ll padlock the boats by that old tree and follow, but don’t you dare wait for me! I’ll be there to hear the first word and they’ll have waited for you, I know. A little to the right, there––now––step out and beat it!”
He obeyed her, and presently came panting to the audience room, with a fine color, and a great light in his eyes, just as Halsted was slipping down to inquire of Allison:
“Where in thunder is Letchworth? Seen him anywhere?”
“Heavens, man! Hasn’t he showed up yet?” cried Allison startled. “Where could he be?”