Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-10-19

sight again carrying a life.buOy. We
knew Tor whom il was Intended.
But just as he had nearly passed be
yond the line Of danger, he was struck by
n mighty wave that tore against the
stump of tho mainmast. Receding, the
wave left him elinging to a bolt. but un-
able 10 rise. Dick and | dragged him
forward, and laid him with his mead in
Mary's lap. The brave fellow had never
lost his hold OF the ite-preserver.
He was insensble for few moments.
and on coming out of his swoon, said !:
Tell her to keep this on. We must be
near the shore, and if she holds together
till daylight, they may get line to US :"
"But you are hurt. dear Mr.. Jones'"
cried Mary.
"rm done for, Miss" he answered,
shortly. My legs broke. end my ribs is
stove in. Why in thunder don't some
body hist that lantern, where it can be
seen?"
We took the ships lantern, which was
still aglow, and fastened it to the head of
the ioremast, which had broken just at
the sings of the yards.
81 hope you fellows know what to do
if they gifts line aboard?" he asked.
doubtfully.
We assured him that we did Then
silence lell upon US. as we sat waiting
for death or the dawn.
We were huddlcd together under the
lee OF the bulwarks. The old gentleman
said never q word, but. iron. the fre-
quent movement of his lips. was doubt
less praying for our safety. Dick, who
was the coolest of men, filed and liz ghted
his pipe. confidently expressing his con-
viclion that the ship would hold together
until daylight Mary was silent, stroking
with gontle hand the weather. beaten
brow Of the second mate. Did her tender
ness spring from remorse ut having won
his love, or was it possible that she
really cared for him? Who shall know
Tie lathomless mysteries of woman's
heart?
Hours passed when Mr.. Joues opened
his eyes, and asked, "has anyb Idy seen
any thing OF the boat yet?"
looked over the side, and by singu.
lar coincidence, caught sight Oi Ioal
drifting by US. bottom upward.
The second mate actually laughed. al
knowed it," said be. told 'em the
Doat couldn't live in that sea. Aud il
you had gone with them fellows, it
would have been all day with you by
this time
He relapsed again into silence and
apparent insensibility. When next he
spoke. his mind was evidently wandering
al toll you," he cried in voice. that
startled US with its wild intensity. THAT
dashed chronometer's wrong. and well
be ashore before morning. And II that
pretty young creatur's drowned. I'll
drown the old man myself; so help
me God"
The night passed slowly on. The
wind gradually lulled, and the sea per-
ceptibly went down. Daylight will
soon be here" cried Dick; 1--WE shall be
saved yet."
Mr.. Jones raised his head and looked
out into the night. The calm resolute
look had returned to his eyes. IL see the
dawn, boys" he said; "stick by the
ship. The seas going down. and you re
as safe as ii you was ashore"
1--WE won't 60 ashore without you,
Mr.. Jones'" said Mary. 81 will nurse
you day and night, until you are we'll"
"Nursin' won't do me no good. Miss
Mary he answered. You needn' 7
take me ashore. I'd great sight rather
be hove overheard, as soon Us the breath
is out OF mo-"
It's growing light fast" said DICK
after another pause. But the secono
mate opened his eyes.
miss Mary" he whispered. IN a ialn'
voice, "I'm going now. just lot III
hold your hand. if you don't mind"
She placed her hand in his. aud teal
. dropped on the hard, red lace oi MI
Jones.
Dick and did not venture to approach
nearer to the awful presence OF Death'
I'm dyin', Miss. but I'm mighty gla'
| OF il. | couldn't have lived without tne
sight OF you; and I'm happier now tha'
( ever was before"
!, The tears fell again. aud the S"ee
yirl bent over and touched her pure hP
O the forehead OF the dying man.
A bright smile soflened bis stern "of'
face. ..May God Almighty pay you 10
your goodness" he whispered husSiiy
FL don't know where I'm goin' to- but
/. aver YOU come there. Sou'll let me looi
, a, Won sometimes. won't youP III neYe
r bother YOU, but could not bear TO nav
you cut me-" =,
A duh report came floating from th
q invisible shore.
|, There's the gun. cried Mr.. Jones
, They see our light ashore, and they
have a surf boat here before long
> Goodbye, Miss Mary. You'll make
!, all right for me up aloit. know. lie
y. ,sm I obeyed orders. and done my dul