The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1871-02-11

aroused all from slumber. The ship was on
ire, and IN vain were efforts made to auench
the flames. The sesmen in fright rushed
into the only available boat, and it sunk with
them, and left them struggling in the ocean,
born away by the wind and waves, while Mr..
Devices and Mary, the captain of the ship,
aud few others we're huddled away upon
the stern, awaiting the doom that must over
take them.
| "SAii ho!"
| The JOYOUS cry came from the captain,
who had been straining his eyes over the
ocean In hopes of seeing some vessel coming
| 70 save them.
Swiftly flying toward them came a low,
rskish, three masted schooner which ever
aud anon sent up q light t. prove to those
on the burning ship that suceor was he.s
Hsrk the deep boom Of 9 gun Is hesru'
and as the captain listens, be excisims:
| .M,ss nsvees wa are all right new :;
cheer up, for there comes Vesse' OF war 70
our aid
| "Ship ahoy." game in ringing tones from
rho .ob omar As she came near the burning
,hip, which vas being driven rapidly along
/ by the wind.
! "a hoy!" answered the captain.
| Throw a long line from your ship and l
will send you boat" came in the same
clear tones.
The line was thrown, the boat attached,
and, after little difficulty, the people from
the ship we're transferred to the schooner,
and Mary was soon in the comfortable cabin
rejoicing over their escape from q horrible
death.
At breakfast the next morning, the Young
captain descended to join his guests at the
table, and as he entered Mary sprsng toward
him. Frank Mercer o, it is you-is il
not?"
One glance at the beautiful girl. and
though years had passed, Frank Mercer, for
i, was no other, recognized the play
whom he had loved so we'll. and whom he
had never ceased TO think Of
Mr.. Devices came forward, and what a
joyful meeting was there but seeing a
cloud, as if of bitter memories, came over
she young captains face, Mr.. Devices said
quietly:
First let me relieve your mind of one
thing, Mercer Your innocence in Virginia
is thoroughly established, for q negro run.
away, hung the other day for the murder OF
q woman. confessed, just before his death
that he had murdered your uncle, and your
arriving when you did had prevented him
from getting the gold but he made bis escape
from the house. He knew that your uncle
kept large amount of money, and you
being away, as he thought, he took your
knife and committed the deed"
Frank listened to Mr.. Devices almos,
GREATNESS, and then bowling his face 10 his
hands wept like child.
But come in. said MIR. Devices, at length,
i've are hungry and need break. and
are dy ing TO know how you became q cap
lain IN the Mexican navy"
MY story is easily told, my dear friends
for. after escaping from prison, through you,
kindness, went to Mexico, entered the
navy, snd having rendered some service
rose TO my present command, which has
been tie means of saving your lives
Little more can be added.
| Frank resigned his commission and re
turned home, where he was lionized by the
entire community he came in possession
/ Of his estates. which were greatly increased
! in value; and in six months sfterward, il
the very town where be was to have had the
/ hangman's halter placed around his mech
for death be had the moose of mstrimony
thrown around him for life, the bride wal
Mary Devices. Thus his life had been both
dark and bright.