The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-03-16

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now for Margaret, and no wealth he
thought too great for her. Daily he was
seen to quit the shore, and return with its
shining freight, as bright as the silver it
was to bring the fearless fisher. Even on
the eve of his marriage he made no diff
ference.
"'This is my last trip, Margaret he
said, as she stood by him on the beach.
Tomorrow you will be my own little
wife! 1t will be large freight l shall
bring tonight
"Fondly they embraced, never dream
ing how next they should meet; though,
when he had gone, and the day stole on
ward, a vague dread came over Margaret
"a dread for him. The holy Joy of the
coming morning so filled her heart, she
feared anything occurring that should
now part her and Richard.
"Noon passed, evening drew on, and
with it, dark threatening clouds, presag-
ing storm-for hours piled in the west
began as the sun set to sweep up like
a funeral pail over the heavens, while the
leaden sea beneath moaned as one in
trouble. Eagerly, with anxious heart,
Margaret scanned the broad expanse in
search of Richards boat. In vain; the
white specks which so frequently deceived
her were but the crests of the yet small
but angry waves.
"'Why did he go to-day? she sighed
why on this, the eve of our marriage9
The hour has long passed that he named
for his return
"Then she remembered the circum-
stance of that mysterious leak, and her
anxiety grew in intensity. Throwing a
shawl around her, she stole down upper
ceived to the shore. 1t seemed to bring
her nearer to her lover, as already the
evening was shutting the sea from sight
at the cottage.
apparently the beach was deserted by
all save herself, and with restless spirit
she walked along the edge of the waters,
her gaze fixed seward, her ears keenly
sensitive to the gradually rising wind and
other sounds that declared tempest at
hand. Ignorant of the shadow which
had been logging her steps for some time,
and was yet noiselessly following, she
climbed the rock
"Darker grew the evening. The bill
lows broke with louder sound; the wind
wildly tossed her loosened hair and shawl.
Where was Richard2 Anxiously she
gazed out on the storm crest, endeavOr-
ing to pierce the gloom. She pressed
her hands over her eyes, then prepared to
look again, when, with startled cry, she
sprang back, for, by her side, his dark
features more threatening than the night,
stood William Redruth.
"'You fear me, Margaret, and with
good cause, he said, coldly. 1t is long
have been waiting such an opportunity.
Each step you have taken have fol-
lowed until you reached this rock. Mar
garet Semper, if you ever leave it alive,
it must be after you have sworn to be my
wife,
Trembling in every limb, but by an
effort assuming calm, undaunted bear
ing, the young girl answered.
"'Are you mad, William Redruth? To-
morrow is my wedding day and Rich
ards. Do you imagine that even the fear
of death could make me false to him9
"'Then here you perish! You shall
never be his-never!
"'This is folly, William, and unlike
you. What harm have you ever received
at my hands that you should treat me
thusr
"'The greatest possible-your rejection
of me for him.
ga woman can no more control her
heart than man can she said. Il love
Richard; would, if you would let me,
love you-as brother
"'Brotherr he interrupted, fercely;
'brother-yes, / will accept that affection,
Margaret Semper, but not from you as
Richard Redruth's wife; never-never-
never'
"The wild energy of his manner aug
mented her alarm, and passing him, she
strove to quit the rock; but catching her
wrist, he held her with grasp of iron.
"'No" he said; Il have sworn itr
''She shrieked aloud.
"'Your cries are useless, he remarked;
'the wind and waves are my allies.
Scream as you may you cannot be heard !"
"Kneeling at his feet, yet in his clasp,
she prayed, implored, upbraided. Wit
liam Redruth had but one answer
"'Be mine, and you are safe; if not,
you dier
"'Oh, William, William she wept
'once you said you loved me-can you.
then, treat me thusY
"'It is because l love you-because l
will never see you his he rejoined, hoarse-
ly. Look, Margaret, and reflect speed
lily, for the base of this rock is already
surrounded
Looking around, she saw with horror
that his words were true; the waves with
their dancing crests were on each side of
her.
Mercy, mercyr she shrieked.