Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-08-29

Nuau ue Neu ever OStu DClOIG IN MS ne.
"U ncle says that when We take one
more whale, he is going to Honolulu, -
said George Il wish you would, for
you promised to take me to the volcano
OF KiIaues-didnt you uow?
Bet your life, will, George. is a
sight to see. tell you. Bat look'ee
here-we are going to have the biggest
storm you ever see"
"Pshaw There never was laiTer
day"
"I.ook'ee, my boy" said Nat in r
threatening manner. Member what !
tod We about cou,radic,iag m,?'
"Bul don't sec any sigas oi u storm,
Nat"
Don't y,? Did ycu eTcr see Mother
Carey's chickens SO thick unless before a
storm? Amt that liz shark followed
the ship for three days? YouH see 1t
blow great guns before ten hours 20 by
is that al tho reason you think so,
Na,?"
We'll ny boy. so 10y the sky, too.
don't like tha, lead coiorcd .iue close
down to the waters edge youder. II
there aiu't wind in it, ,bou lm lubbcr,
that's all
Three hours later, when the first mate
had the deck, and Nat was standing on
the topgallant forecasile with George
by his side. the squall burst upon ;her
Nth a sudden fury.
The first wave which came aboard
crushed IN the rail and swept the decks.
and George Belts was carried into the
boiling ocean.
l; was broad daylight, AMI Nat, with a
cry like that OF Wild tcasi robbed OF
her Young. hurled himself over the rail,
holding in his hands IA light plank. the
only thing which he could seize.
They saw him rising upon the top OF
great wave, and then George Bets
came into view beyond hin, struggling
/ Tor his lite.
The old harpoouet hurled himself
through the water with the might OF
giant, his eyes fixed upon The lad he
/ loved.
Bear up, ny lad" They heard the
cry, through tue roar oi ih3 tempest;
..O.d Nat is coming"
The boy, who, slight as he was, was
swimmer, tossed his white hand in tie
air as a signal that be heard him.
Tne crew OF the Arctic could DO moth
ing. Tor ii required all their strength aud
skill to raise the ship.
AS she rose dripping from the surge
and went of with tie wind over her
quarter. dozen voices together yolun-
teered to man a boat.
NO, lads" said the captain. sadly /;
No man can love his nephc" better
than do mine, but no boat can live IN
.ucb - sen. will not risk bali dozen
lives for two. Besides, the ship would
run q boat out Of sight 10 bali an hour,
even # we could lower one. Bear a
hand TO the braces meet her, meet her.
vou Al the heel: don't let her fall oil.
Aud the Arctic sped on before the awful
gale. leaving Nat Myers and George
Belts at the mercy OF the ang'y sea-
The old sailor struggled on, aud at last
with a cry OF JOY. he saw the boy Gluten
the end OF the plank.
That's night, my boy" he said
"Cheerily, cheerily, lad. What DO we
care for any wind that blows while We
are together p
The ship is away" said George. sad
tlv as be saw the Arctic rush on before
the wind.
Never you mind, lad. The old man
will be back as soon as The gale blows It's
pipe out. That won't be long, either'
He passed bis arm about The lad and
stripping of his belt. raised The boy 50
that he lag upon the board, and then
hound him to it, face down, but IN sueh
, posjuon that he could raise his head
foot or more from the plank.
That's it. Watch the swell, and when
it comes, close your mouth and put down
your head"
He was swimming beside the plank
pnsbiue it before him, but making no at
tempt to get on it.
"Wby don't you get on the plank.
Nat Pn said George uneasily.
Never you mind me-" said Nat in a
obesrful voice. I'm perfect fish, it
YOU come TO that.
But although be spoke 50 0raVe'y' ne
fell 10 his hearI that he had maze MS i"S'
voyage. ,;
The weight OF his heavy sea clothing
was dragging him down, and ne Ane"
that the board would not bear them ootn'
The lie Of this rude sailor Was as dear
~ him rs that Of any man. but he i"'e"
the ooy dearly. ~.
I'm die for him." he thought II