River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-10-31

the man whom ] had Involuntary dis
liked from the first, in order that |
might have q chance to glance at his
ring Somehow the idea possessed me
that / should discover a chariot wheel
device upon the glittering bauble.
The stranger did not at first recog-
nize me. He soon did, however, and
frankly extended his left hand, which
was not the one containing the ring.
My brain fairly reeled tho mans
behavior was q confirmation of my sus-
pIcions
"The other hand, if you please" |
said, in a low, stern voice.
Monsieur will please excuse me
my other arm is lame with the rheumat
ism.
He beheld me glance towards the
half hidden ring, and ! was sure saw
HIM start and turn pale, at the same
time looking much surprised. He.
however, opened his right hand, rs if
perfectly willing for me to shake it if
/ choose.
Then | had a good look at the ring.
and felt ashamed of my suspicious.
The device was a common heart, which
certainly bore no resemblance to char
lot wheel.
After a general conversation to re-
cover my self-possession, / turned
away, resolved in the future to have
q better opinion of my fellow-crea-
lures.
The strangers good looks seemed to
attract the attention of a good many of
the ladies One especially, modest
looking little thing, attired in black,
kept directing furtive glances at the
hands )me passenger. Finally she
glided SO close to him that in turning
he brushed against her.
An apology, similarly received by
the little lady, a remark about the
weather on the part of the gentleman,
and the two were soon conversing with
animation. Meanwhile the blushing
cheek and bright eyes of the fair one
seemed to betoken that she was well
pleased with her companion, whose air
WAS more conceited than ever.
i am afraid we shall have a storm, y
she remarked, pointing towards a dark
cloud upon which the captain of the
boat was gazing anxiously.
. We may, but do not be alarmed,
madame"
With an air of nonchalance he pulled
a red cgaf-case from his pocket and
asked his companion if she objected
to a smoke. Then he started. and
quickly returning the red one to his
pocket pulled forth another of blue
color.
How many cigars do you smoke a
day." inquired the lady, amused at
the sight Of two cases.
The other colored, and it struck me
that his voice slightly faltered and his
hand trembled, as he made some
laughing reply.
soon the storm came bouncing down
upon us. Ne were midway in the
Channel, so that we caught the full
force of the sea and gale. Both were
terrific.
The sea swept the boat, which lay so
far over that her machinery was soon
damaged so that 1t would not work.
The wind, screaming like a demon,
threw her over still further.
Suddenly we observed the sailors
endeavoring to loosen a long boat on
the davits at the stern. Meanwhile,
there was an ominous grinding, smash
ing noise under the counter. The
truth could not be concealed we were
sinking.
The ladies screamed the handsome
passenger lost his self-possession, and
ran hither aud thither.
The cool behavior of the little lady
in black contrasted strangely with the
agitated demeanor of those around her
There she stood calm and immova-
BILE, her bright steel-blue eyes fixed
upon the handsome stranger, of whom
she did not lose sight for moment.
Keep quiet, ladies and gentle
men - sang out the captain" Keep
quiet. and don't crowd around the boat
so There will be room in it for YOU
all and, besides, there is a schooner
coming 10 our assistance" pointing to
IA vessel bowling towards us before the
wind.
There was, however, a panic among
those addressed. The moment the boat
was lowered, into it they all bundled,
among them the handsome passenger.
A huge sea coming along, roaring
like thunder, parted the tackles, tear
ing the boat from the steamer before
the lady ia black or / could enter it.
The handsome passenger, losing his
balance, fell over the gunwale, and be.
ing unable to swim wildly threw up his
arms.
must acknowledge that | was so
engrossed with the perllous situation
of my fair companion and myself--now
the only two left aboard the steamer
that | paid little attention to the
drowning man.
The steamer was, in fact, going
down iast--was already nearly en-
quilted i'm the stormy waves, her heated
and half submerged boilers kissing as
the steam came gushing out like the
spout of q whale.
was advancing TO throw my arm
around the little lady, fearing to see
her washed away, when, quietly mo-
tioning me rack with one hand, she
seized coil OF rope and threw one
end to the handsome passenger. lie
caught it, when, turning 10 me, the
/ lady requested me to haul the man
aboard. : complied, maryelllng az the