The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-11-03

should | live to one of those wonder
n ages at times recorded 10 the
papers. Moreover, it was not a
thing for a man to forget Many
events NAV Sip from our mind but
never that moment when we stand
on the brink Of the grave, brought
tbither by the probability oi an
awfuldesih. ;,
Il happened in Ibis way. J had
heen In kus,ralia FOR about i've wears,
during which time ! had amassed q
tolera5le fortune, when | began 10
long 70 see he old country again-a
desire considerably strengthened 10y
the fact that The girl loved snu
who had consented 10 be my VIE
was going 10 England, and couid
BOZ bear ibe thought Of such an ex-
tent e ocean between ne &c de-
termined TO 60 too, and let q mar
risae take place there.
Nav Brodstone was The only
daughter of a well-to-do squatter,
aad the preaiest, incest girl for miles
ronad the station, though, until bad
become acquainted with her, rather
fond Of a bit Of girlish Irritation.
This was the worst for me, as u
turned out.
Among her many admirers was
one Jacob KieL. Dark-haired, dark
eyed. dark-complexioned, be was OF
that class Of men who feel strongly,
and who never forget an injury
like wild cats they are nasty custo-
mers TO ofend Well, MAY, ] fear,
had firied somewhat with Jacob
Kiel. who | really belivc, loved the
very ground she walked on, though
she declared-and | knew it was true
that she bad never given him the
slightest hope.
II was about this time that ap-
peared upon the scene; and she DIS
covered that she had found the right
man, as | had found the right girl:
Nav Brodstone Instantly gave up all
her admirers, was as steady and quiet
as a gum tree when no wind blows
and finally said the "Yes" upon
which nv happiness depended.
Old Mr.. Brodstone knew that the
match would be a good one, and
readily gave bis consent, SO that our
eneaeement was soon made public
| was present when the news reach
ed Jacob Kiel. | shall never forget
his face. His lips were compressed,
his dark ewes contracted ; he looked
from MAY to me, and | felt that, il
ever be could, be would do me mis-
chief Without a syllable be quilted
the place. A strange sensation run
through me as be departed and May
told me that a cold shudder had run
through her veins.
We did not see much Of Kiel after
this. though we knew be was often
about the station upon business; but
the man somehow threw a kind OF
shadow over Mays and my bappl-
ness, and we were no: at all sorry
when we got on board the steamer
and steamed off towards Old Eng
land We had not, however, got
clear out Of sight Of land when May,
giving a little cry, put her hand on
nv arm. and, slightly nodding her
head towards the lower deck, said:
"Oh, Edward, look-he is there
too!n
And so be was. Leaning quietly
over the side, watching the land APP
%pareBtlv, was Jacob Kiel-a passen-
ger for England, like ourselves. |
win own that | was considerably an
moved, though when May, drawing
nearer. exclaimed, 10 q low startled
voice, Edward, dear. | don't know
bow it is. but | dread that mani
cannot divest my mind OF the thought
that he means US harm | laughed
and tried to Danish so absurd al
idea. And certainly it appeared |
had every right tie do SO. Save by a
casual interchange of a few words,
Kiel never troubled us, and We were
making a capital journey, when, just
as we were within twenty degrees of
the line, we were struck by a hurri-
cane which the captain declared was
almost a cyclone in violence.
The vessel could not weather it
THE masts crashed overheard, taking
several Of the crew with them, and,
before the wreck could be cut adrift,
a portion of the broken spars, dash
ing against the ship, had caused a
leak below the water-line, and the
cry was, 1--WE are sinking! Lower
the boats--the pumps are useless!'
The captain was m~arvelously firm
and cool, and by bis example made
us all the same.
The buats were rapidly lowered
and filed, while, thank heaven the
storm seemed to abate. The wo-
nen went fret, of course, and oil
was proceeding well, when, just as
the lass boat was being filed, / re-
membered that 10 my hurry | had
LEFT nv mothers miniature in my
chest. There was plenty of time 10
fetch it. and in a second 1 IA down
in the cabin. Flinging the lid open.
any hand was already upon The like
ness, when | heard o foot upon the
stairs. | turned, and by the dim
light yet swinging from the root,
perceived Jacob kiel.
Good heaveasi The diabolical
expression on his face, the fendisb
malice in his dark snakelike eyes,
revealed his intention in a moment
lie had come TO do me some deadly
harm. Leaping up, | seized my re-
v%olver, TO be 90 my guard; but an
attack was not his purpose. Before
4 could prevest him, be had quickly
closed the cabin door, and locked it
on the outside.
Like a fash OF ligStoing all the
horrors of my position instantly
flashed before me. was a prisoner
in the sinking ship! Uttering q loud
shout Of fury l spraHg forward the
cry was echoed by a laugh from
Jacob kiel. 1 heard him say,
who win marry May Brodstone
aow gn aud then his feet went rap
idly up the stairs.
l called loudly for help; the up
roar Of the storm drowned my voice.
Ipaused. Just then the wind lulled.
and l heard the order to push of !;
the speaker was Jacob Kiel. Isgain
shouted in my agony but my voice
and thu mind raSa torafhar- woe