Left Stranded on the Beach

Friday morning a picnicking party bound for Damon's Point left Aberdeen on the Clan McDonald. The party was made up of a miscellaneous group of women and children, with a slight sprinkling of men. The overcast sky made it impossible to remain out on the deck all the way down and the fresh breeze was very invigorating after the heat of the two preceding days. Within the cabin the children sat in a breathless row listening to the remarkable stories with which Mr. Jake Weatherwax regaled them. Damon's was reached just when everyone was pleasantly ready for lunch, and after a walk over the road toward Mr. Damon's house, all were ready to sink on the grass and fall to upon the good things that had the old delightful flavor peculiar to good things eaten out of doors. There was no flitting sense of 'dishes to be washed' to spoil the occasion. The real adventure of the day was reserved for the last. The party reached the landing place in readiness for the Clan McDonald at 5:30. Hour after hour passed and no sign of a boat appeared. The men of the party built great roaring bonfires and seated in the warm glow began to feel very much like strolling gypsies. By nine o'clock more than half of the party had resigned itself to desertion and expected to spend the night out of doors. The situation was accepted with a spirit of gay philosophy that turned the time into one of jollity. The philosophy was rewarded when the lights of the steamer were seen in the distance. The boat reached Aberdeen soon after 11 o'clock and discharged a weary but still happy crew.