The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-07-05
SeIerte0 Stotn.
WEIGHED IN The BALANCE
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"Island ahead" shouted Frank,
who had resumed his place at the
bow. Nathan sprung up, and in an
other moment a shock told US that
we had struck a rock.
The rising wind had lifted the fog
sufficiently to enable us to see our
position The tug lay tilted side
ways on a reef, al little distance
from a small island; the current
swept rapidly by, and every instant
we expected to feel her slipping
down into the tide again. We all
held our breath in suspense; we
knew not what to say or do.
"There is but one hope" said
Nathan Day, after a prolonged sur
vey of our situation; zone of us must
swim ashore with a rope and fasteA
the boat securely"
"Whoeyer tries it will be a dead
man," said Frank Ronalds, looking
over into the seething water.
But Pearl had heard Nathan's
words. go go~ she cried frantic
ally, seizing him by the arm. "Carry
the rope ashore, let yourself down,
jump over, swim, anything, only
save mep
81 will save you, Pearl, never
fear," said Nathan, taking off his
coat.
'Mr. Day, you shall not gop' cried
Kate impetuOusly. at is certain
death. Pearl Brandegee, you are a
selfish, heartless girl, and 1 always
knew it"
"Go, gor' said Pearl, unheeding
these sharp words; "you can swim
well, 1 know you can. Where is the
small roper Frank Ronalds, where
is the rope, 1 say? Why do you hang
back? Give it to me. Here Nathan,
take it and save me, save mep'
"Mr. Day." said Mary Rathbone,
with the sound of tears in her voice,
"do not go, 1 beseech you!"
Il must go. Here is a flask 1
saved; take it and use it at your
judgment; they may all need it," he
said. Then, turning to Pearl: "Have
you nothing to say to me before
go"' he asked Wistfully.
"Don't step over this sidep
shrieked Pearl; "you will drown US
all with your nonsense. Don't
waste an instant, but jump over as
quick as you can. 1t is the only
reparation you can make for having
brought us here. Go, I tell you!
Frank Ronalds, if he hesitates throw
him oyer!"
But, with these words ringing in
his ears, Nathan Day had plunged
into the water and was battling with
the fierce current. With trobbing
hearts we watched him. The strong
wind had blown the fog away, and
we could see him in the moonlight;
now he sunk, now he rose again, now
he drifted down, now he advanced.
1t was heard struggle, at last he
reached the shore, and sunk exhaus
ted on the rocks.
"He is dead!'' cried Kate.
Mary Rathbone's lips moved in
prayer, but Pearl screamed wildly:
she is not dead Wicked, selfish
man, why do you lie there, instead
of drawing in the rope?"
At this reproach Nathan arose,
and throwing down the small coil
he had carried ashore, began to draw
on the heavy rope which Frank
threw over the boats side. A few
minutes hard work and the cable was
landed and made fast to the rocks
and trees.
"You are safe" shouted Nathan,
waving his hand.
ave are sinking~ cried Frank, at
the same instant.
1t was only too true. The tug
was slipping slowly down the reef
and settling in the deeper water.
1--WE are sinkingp' shrieked Pearl,
climbing upon the size. Nathan,
Nathan, come back and carry me
ashorep
"Our only resource is to climb up
on the roof" said Mary Rathbone,
decidedly, pointing to the wooden
awning over our heads.
Pearl was screaming wildly; AL
leye Forsythe was sobbing aloud;
Mr.. Vanderheyden was asleep; his
wife still sat with her face hidden
while Kate and I, paralyzed with
terror, stood locked in each others
arms. 1t seemed a hopeless task,
but Mary Rathbone under took it.
Crank Ronalds, climb up and be
ready to help Miss Jane," she said,
issuing her orders in a clear, colIec.
ted voice. 'Now, Miss Jane, step
up here; support yourself by my
shoulder. There-steady now
one more effort and you are safe"
Preached the Ioof-how, I know
not-but in another moment Kate