Daily Kennebec journal., 1870-05-28

lhp men cl0areu away q fe'ny oo"' oiit
lay bottom upward on the mouse amid
ships. and, casting off. vanished IN tht
darkness. Mr.. Jones told us to keep where
we were. while he went aft for moment
We watched him cautiously working his
way aft to the wheel-house, which was
still standing. Presently, he came in sight
again, carving lite-buoy. we knew ior
whom it was intended.
But Just as he had nearly passed beyond
the line of danger, he was struck by a
mighty wave that tore him from his hoid'
and dashed him against the stump OF the
mainmast. Receding, the wave lett nm
clinging to a bolt, but unable to rise;
Dick and dragged him forward, and iaid
him with his head in Mary's lap: Inc
brave fellow had never lost his hold OF the
life-presever.
He was insensibe for few moments,
and on coming out Of his swoon, sa'd
Tell her to keep this on. we must DE
near the shore, and if she holds together
till daylight, they may get line to us" -.
But are you hurt, dear MIR. Jones p
cried Mary.
I'm done for, Miss" he answered,
shortly. "My legs broke, and my ribs is
stove in. Why the h--ll don't somebody
hist that lantern where it can be seen?'
We took the ships lantern, which was
still aglow. and fastened it to the head OF
the foremast, which had broken just at the
slings of the yard.
II hope you fellows knows what to do
if they gifts line aboard ?" he asked, doubt
fully,
We assured him that we did. Then 81
lence fell upon us, as we sat waiting for
death, or the dawn.
We were huddled together under the lee
of the bulwarks. The old gentleman said
never word, but, from the frequent move
ment of his lips, was doubtless praying fol
our safety. Dick, who was the coolest OF
men, filed and lighted his pipe, confident.
ly expressing conviction that the ship
would hold together until daylight
Mary was silent, stroking with gentle hanc
the weather-beaten brow of the Secono
Mats. Did her tenderness spring from
remorse at having won his love. or was il
possible that she really cared for him
Who shall know the -fathomless mysteries
of woman's heart?
Hours had passed when Mr.. Jones sud
denly opened his eyes, and asked, "Ha
anybody seen anything of the boat yet !?
l looked over the side, and, by singu
lar coincidence. caught boat drifting b.
us. bottom upward
The Second Mate actually laughed. %
knowed it," said he II told 'em the boa
couldn't live in that sea. And if you ha
gone with them fellows. it would a'beel
all day with you by this time"
He relapsed again into silence and ap
parent inscnsibility. When next he spoke
his mind was evidently wandering. 81
tell vou,n he suddenly cried, in voice
that startled us with its wild intensity,
THAT id chronometer's wrong, and
we'll be ashore before morning. And il
that pretty young creetur's drowned, Ill
drown the old man myself: so help me
God.
The night passed slowly on. The wind
gradually lulled. and the sea perceptibly
cried Dick .sWe shall be saved YETI
Mr.. Jonas raised his head, and looked
ont into the night. The calm and resolute
look had returned to his eyes. II see the
dawn, boys" he said "stick by the ship.
The seas going down, and you're as safe
as if you was ashore"
I'VE won't go ashore without you, Mr..
JONES'" said Mary. II will nurse you day
and night, until you are we'll"
''Nursn' won't do me no good, Miss
Mary" he answered. "You needn't take
me ashore; I'd great sight rather be hove
overbord, as soon as the breath's out ofme." ="
Its growing light fast" said Dick, after
another pause. But the Second Mate
never opened his eyes.
Miss Mary" he whispered, in faint
voice, ''I'm agoin' uow. Just let me hold
your hand, if you don't mind"
She placed her hand in his, and tear
dropped on the hard, red face of Mr.. Jones.
Dick and did not venture to approach
nearer to the awful presence of Death.
" I'm dyr', Miss, but I'm d--d glad OF
it. | couldn't have lived without the sight
of you; and Pm happier now than | ever
was before"
The tears fell again. and the sweet girl
bent over and touched her pure lips to the
forehead of the dying man.
A bright smile soitened his stern, worn
face. MAY God Almighty pay you for
your goodness" he whispered, huskily.
II don't know where I'm agoin' to, but if
you ever come there you'll let me look at
you sometimes, won't you? I'll never
bother you, but could not bear to have
YOU cut me-
A dull report came floating from the in
visible shore.
There. the gum" cried Jones. They
see our light ashore, and they'll have a
surf-boat here before long. Good-by. Miss
Mary. You'll make it all right for me up
aloft, know. Tell 'em | obeyed orders.
and done my duty by the ship. Tell 'em
you kissed me when was dyin'. They
won't be hard ON me if they know that.
Make somebody take the mates log-book
ashore. He was all right; but d the
lubber that wrecked his ship with fair
wind. Let me look at your eyes once
more. My God. how have loved"
And the Second Mate was dead.-OUer-
land Mouthlu .