The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-01-27
NUMBER FORTY.

NUMBER FORTY.
Many a craft had visited the cave,
gliding smoothly into port, or drifting.
dlsmantled wrecks, but never the like of
this one. On she came boldly, all her
sails set, and cleaning white in the dull
atmosphere. What was the vessel 2
Where did she come frolu3 The helms
man must be mad. All, at last What
else could be expectedi Bounding for
ward on the crest of the advancing wave.
she paused, shivered, and hung poised
In air, as 1t were, pierced by the fang of
n sunlen reef. Then wondering si-
lence fell on the spectators. The marvel
was this-not o soul was visible on her
deck.
The wreckers put off to the vessel.
No trace of disorder and violence, ex-
cept two boats gone. The young clergy
man who accompanied the wreckers went
down the companion-way into the cabin
with bated breath. No confusion even
here; every article in its place, the lamp
swinging monotonously from the beam.
A low sound curdled the blood in his
veins, already chilled by dread and an
tIclpatlon of the unknown. It was the
v,erlest breath, half sob, half moan; still
there was some living creature in the in
A girl, bleached to the color of her
shroud by illness, lay in narrow berth,
and within reach of her hand were placed
biscuit and O bottle of water.
The clergyman brought his prize on
deck, as the wreckers swarmed over the
side.
The girl opened wide eyes, dreamy
and vacant
Where are your companions of the
ship ?"
81 don't know" vaguely.
Was there storm?"
side" ---'' VIC
Can you tell us your name?"
'Cail me q Caprice of Fortune, t"
abruptly.
Caprice was taken to the house of nm
OLD nurse, and soon recovered. Alfred
Dearborn, the young clergyman, visited
her daily, and rejoiced at her recovery.
one gay Caprice was wandering abont
Inc nttie island when she saw plant, the
stem trahspnrent green color, the
support lily, which, having spurned ;ts
sheath, now starred the dim place. nnre
shell. -i>o I"
:. caprice bent the lofty plant to inhale
It's fragrance, and with one rendino crocl,
the giant blossom lay in her hands. The
perfume was an intoxicating delight as
her ieet strayed into the path once more
she buried her face in the snowy petals.
suriy mastiff deserted her, and an
Proached with deep-mouthed growls.
On inc rlgnt hand was house, on the
left the wall by which she had entered
Inc mouse was nearest refuge, and thith-
or she ted, with the enemy in close pnr-
snt. She sprang through an open win
DOW, With startled scream, Just as the
mastlh teeth closed on her arm.
down. Bruno back, sir - COM
manded shrill voice.
Caprlce, still clutching her flower
trophy, stood before n very old man in n
wheeled chair. The old man remained
motionless for several minutes, his gaze
Eveted on the lily, then light came into
the wlthered, gray face, touch of the
wheel whirled the chair to her side. and
he exclaimed, in delighted accents
81 Has it bloomed once more2 What (,
and you brought it to me because can
no longer visit the cave? Good child |!
L never forget. Where is my nephew
Alfred, that he did not know2 Oh, the
fools, the fools 1t might have with
cred while thep passed by. My priceless
beauty I"
When Alfred Dearborn came to pay
morning visit TO his aged uncle, MIR.
Silas Dearborn, of Mount Hill, he found
that gentleman at table, with Caprice
seated opposite. The old man played
the host with his grandest manner.
1t was Christmas in the tropics. Lord
Arthur Drummond, commander of the
Psyche, sat i'll the admiral's pew. When
he raised his head after prayer the op-
posite pew had an occupant III aspect so
unusual that he was guilty of fixed
stare of surprise. A girl sat there, glori-
fied by shaft of amber light from the
altar window, in the perfection of n
beauty as rare as it was luxuriant.
60 Who is that girl2" he asked, the
services ended.
An eccentric being called Made
moiselle Caprice. An old man died and