River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-11-11

Die iorce upon the sharp, ragged edges
OF the rock. But, fortunately for me,
the gale had reached its height, and
could perceive that it was growing less
intense in its fury.
As morning dawned. toe breakers
died away 10 low moan,
and the gale had calmed down 10 a stiff
but steady breeze.
With prayer of gratitude trembling
OH my lips at my narrow escape, I cast
myself loose, and cautiously groped
around, hoping TO find some one who
had been as fortunate rs myself.
Stumbling over something near the
pumpkin bits, / found on examination
that it was a man, and as it grew light
err was at last enabled to make out
the features of Watson.
Although he deserved but little care
or pity at my hands, still | could not
see human being suffer and die
while was able to render any assist
ance, even if that human being was my
worst enemy | chafed his hands,
brought some brandy from the cabin
and poured it down his throat, which
had a salutary effect, and seeing he
would soon recover, left him, while /
surveyed the situation on all sides.
The reef was narrow, but of consid-
cradle length, and the stern of the Sui
tan was wedged firmly in between two
walls of coral, Away, as far as the eye
could reach, a long, low, black streak
was visible, To IN inexperienced eye
it would have passed for cloud how
ering on the horizon, but | knew that
it was land, and as turned toward the
poop again, my eyes suddenly rested
on the light, fast-sailing gig that was
dashed firmly to the eye-bolts along the
break of the house.
1t was comparatively an easy job to
swing the light boat over the side by
the means of tackles, which I rove for
the purpose. Watson wac sitting up,
watching me with listless apathy.
His spirits, nerve, and brute strength
appeared to have deserted him. In
answer to my question as to how he
felt, he replied that his head ached,
aud his body was so sore that ne could
scarcely move.
To my intense satisfaction, | soon
had the boat in the water, floating
lightly alongside The mast was soon
stepped, and a sail rugged, while two
pairs of oars lay ready for use. In as
few words as possible | told Watson
my plans, pointing out the loom of the
land in the distance.
With wild, eager expression, he
glanced earnestly in the direction
pointed out, and as | descended to the
cabin for the purpose of attempting to
save some provisions and water, in case
of need, l left him leaning on the taft
rail watching the boat as it grated I'M
der the counter. | slowed an armful
of packages away in the boat, leaving
Watson standing in the same position,
he not Offering to assist me.
Returning to the cabin for a fresh
supply, 1 was soon busy searching for
whatever could fird uniniured. Sud
denly fancied that heard the flap of
q sail, as though The sheet, which was
slack, was hauled off.
listening for an instant, | strained
my ear to catch the chatting of the boat,
occasioned by the light swell, but not a
sound could | hear. All was silent as
the grave, except the occasional swash
or thump of sea as it ran alongside.
A hoarse shout which came floating
through the confined space of the
cabin, caused me to scramble madly
towards the companion-way, my heart
beating wildly with underlined tear.
Gaining the stairs j was soon on deck,
and at little distance from the wreck
sat Wilson in the stern sheets of the
gig, holding the sheet in his hands,
while a mocking smile of triumph
played around his lips.
"Ah, Mr.. Jack, allow me to thank
you for the kindness and forethought
in fitting out this boat. | am about to
leave you for more desirable location
and ] trust you will be able TO pass
some kind of an existence until send
you some assistance. BY the way, /
may have the pleasure of seeing your
wife before return. Any words 2"
"Fiend !" | shouted, ''will you leave
me here to perish 2"
A loud laugh was the answer that
maddened me beyond all control With
one foot on the rail, was on the point
of loaping into the water, with the des.
perate hope OF overtaking him by swim.
ming, when | caught sight of small
triangular fin moving slowly through
the water. IL was large shark, and,
with a shuddcr, drew back, giving up
my wild undertaking. Watson, salts.
fed with his revenge, had hauled the
sheet aft, and the light breeze filling
the sail. the boat glIded rapidly away
in the direction of the distant land.
Bitter and awful were the feelings that
surged through my breast as | watched
that villain receding from my view.
My last hope was gone, must die
alone and deserted.
Watson, in token of last and final
farewell, stood up III the stern sheets
of the gig, waving his hat derisively
above his head. At the same time a
flaw of wind struck the frail craft.
causing it to shoot up into the wind
with n sudden jerk. The wretch lost
his footing, striving in vain to recover
his balance, and, in his efforts, the gig
careened, pitching the occupant head
long into the clear blue wators. A long.
dark shadow passed swiftly along, a
wild shrek OF mortal agony rang out
upon the air. tinge of crimson
streaked the blue water and all was