The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-06-26

any duty deyolying on me, so | will abide
by the decision Of the men. Call them
and ask them If this vessel can be kept
above water for half day, said Gervaise
Here, my men" called out Mr.. Ora
ham, "come hither moment, and give us
your opinion. How long can we keep our
heads above water by remaining on this
vessel ?"
A few hours, sir, perhaps half day.
rejoined the men, and, as if satisfied with
their answer, Mr.. Graham said.
Mr.. Wilde, commence the raft at once;
and captain, please see that our baggage
and all valuables are brought on deck, with
sufficient provisions to last us two weeks"
Six hours after large aud stout raft
had been built, which was capable of sus-
tanning three times the number on the
schooner, and upon it Gervaise had se-
curcly bound the caboose, to serve as apart
ments for the ladies', and otherwise pro-
tected the centre of the raft in such way
as to keep the baggage aud provisions Sc
cure.
All in readiness, Mr.. and Mrs. Graham,
with Corinne, got on board, and were fol-
lowed by the captain, mate and crew, and
the bulwarks amidships having been cut
away, they awaited the coming of wave
to wash them of the schooner, which was
rapidly sinking to watery grave.
Soon it came-a huge, foam-capped
mountain of water, and the raft was lifted
on its shoulders and borne off upon the
ocean, while the ill-fated schooner was
buried by the same large wave, never more
to reappcar.
Eight days the huge raft drifted about
on the mighty deep, and no succor COM
ing, the large part of the crew arose in
mutiny, and, seeing the life boat which
had been brought along, took the greater
portion Of the provisions and deserted their
companions in distress; but their deser-
tion was not bloodless one; for three of
their number fell dead beneath the unerr-
ing aim of Gervaise Wilde's pistol, for he
stoutly resisted them to the last.
Five more days passed, and then star
walton stared the shipwrecked crew in the
face, for the provisions aud water left them
by the deserters had all been consumed
Then it was that the captain, Hart
Woodruff, and the remaining four men Of
the crew became troublesome, and that
Gervaise alone could be trusted, Mr.. Gra-
ham, with his wife and daughter, placed
their only hope in him; and his noble con.
duct won their admiration and Corinne's
love.
Another day. passed, and night settled
again upon the ocean, but full moon ris-
ing made the sea silyery with its light.
Suddenly Hart Woodruff started up from
forward on the raft, and, accompanied by
four seamen, came aft toward Gervaise
Wilde, who, seeing their hostile advance,
wheeled.and said sternly;
" Back back, l say all Of you, or I'll
send bullet into your midst"
The men hesitated, and Hart Woodruff
exclaimed
"Gervaise Wilde, you are the one
seek. You have stolen from me the love
of that girl, and l intend to slay you, and
your vile flesh shall be our food until sue
cor shall reach us. We are starving, and
yet | would enjoy along with your body,
love feast, for Corinne Graham is mine,
mine, mine"
A thrill Of horror ran through those
who heard him, hut the mates firm eyes
never quailed, aud there was no tfemor in
his voice as he replied
"Could the sacrifice Of myself save Miss
Graham and her parents, it would be given;
but il cannot, and If you advance upon me,
your life shall pay the forfeit. You and
/, Captain Woodruff, l fear cannot live to-
gether upon this raft, so let there not be
unnecessary bloodshed. You are armed
the moon Is bright SO take your stand
here. Let Mr.. Graham give the word,
and let the best man win
Ha, ha, ha gladly | accept" laughed
Hart Woodruff, in tone that made his
hearers feel that his reason had left him,
and in vain did MIR. Graham, Mrs. Ora.
ham and Corinne plead with Gervaise not
to expose his life thus, but he was deter
mined, saying
" Il Is the only course, sir. The men
are wrought up by hunger to pitch that
makes them ready for bloodshed, and as
the captain is armed we would have no
rest for him so give the word, please"
But you may be slain, Gervaisc," +" and
Corinne turned her loving gaze full upon
the young man, whose face frightened as
he said
+" Never fear my aim Is only too true.
Captain, are you readys Mr.. Graham,
give the word, please,
The raf rolled lazily upon the ocean,
and tho noon shone brightly down upon
the strange scene, Mrs Graham and Cor