Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-02-27

We return
"All right, Ralph; but on one condi.
ton"
what is that? ?"
THAT We stop at Duprel Bar, about
three miles out Of the course. and get
where the aristocratic oysters do most
congregate."
81 am agreed, Burnett" And, to show
he was anxious 10 be under way, Ralph
drew up the anchor. and in few minutes
they were out Of the Pass and sailing up
the bay.
The wind had nearly died ont when
they reached Duprez Bar. and the sun
grew scorchng hot; away to the south
west the sky became overcast, and soon
the black rim Of fclouds spead to the south
and east.
ave are going TO have gale, Ralph
said Burnett, looking anIiously at the un-
mistakable indications.
Ralph, who was not so familiar with
the weather signs. asked:
"Do YOU think it will come on before
We reach shore 20
81 hope not; but do not like the looks
of the sky" replied Burnett, pointing to
the copper-eolored dome above them
then hurriedly taking a reef in his
sail.
Ralph was surprised at this precau-
tion for there was not the faintest breeze
moving TO break the mirror-like eIpanse
of the bay.
"If it comes on by degrees We can
make the bayou without trouble, but il
the storm comes in its usual way We
must make for the beach below the
house"
But why not for the bayou, no matter
how the wind blows?"
Because the tide has turned, and at
low water We cannot get over the bar at
the mouth Of the bayou. Should the sea
rise, it would be more dificult-indeed
impossible. But there is no danger
Ralph; bless you, I've beached the
yacht score of times without harm"
While they were speaking. the great
curtain of clouds rolled up, as if it were
unfolding its inky drapery as 1t moved,
and blotted out the sun. Then came a
few puffs of hot wind like the breath Of
glowing furnace. The water felt these
&c hA Ia
trembled. A few minutes and the puffs
increased till they became a continuous
gale of hot wind that increased In power
each second.
OF course the yacht was headed for
shore the moment there was breeze
enough to FIJI her sail. and then. holding
the tiller, Burnett looked back every
few seconds to the white line Of foam
that came nearer with frightful rapidity.
1t was well that he reefed the SAIL for
now the yacht was fairly leaping through
the water, and the groaning mast bent
like reed.
"Are you making ior the bayou, Bur-
nett -
Yes, l think We can get over the
bar"
Burnetts handsome face was now very
pale, and for him, very stern. Quicker
than the flying yacht the wind followed
with eyer-increasing fury, till the white
line Of fosm came up. enyeloped them.
and then went roaring toward the
shore.
So fierce was the wind now, that 1t cut
of the SUBMITS Of the waves, appearing
TO lift the masses of water up and dash
them over the yacht, drenehing its occu-
pants and threatening to swamp it.
They were near the bar, about which
the tide and the wind seemed engaged in
fierce struggle, for between the oppos-
Ing forces great columns Of green water
were shot into the air and fell in masses
Of foam.
1t was too late TO attempt to make the
shore; there was nothing left for it but
TO keep straight on. The wind, that
seemed to have eXerted all possible
strength, at this time showed its terrific
power in reserve, for,as the yacht reached
the bar, it burst with redoubled force on
that spot.
The sail flew away in ragged ribbons,
and the yacht seeming TO be lifted from
the water, was dashed TO atoms on the
bar, and Ralph Austin and his friend
were left struggling in the malestrom.
The moment Belle Delmar saw the
signs of the coming tornado, she ordered
two horses saddled, and, filed with anI-
iety, she and Alice rode rapidly down to
the bayou. Dismounting, they hitched
their horses and ran to the shore, on
which the waves were now breaking with
great fury.
There comes the yacht. They are
heading for the bayou Oh, if | could
tell them they cannot pass the BARI" eI-
claimed Belle, wringing her hands, and
looking tov9rds the yacht, which
every few seconds seemed plunging for
ever out Of sight.
"Can we help them2" asked Alice, in
whisper.
"No; how can we? See, they are near
the bar They are on it, and
Belle Delmar finished the sentence
with cry of agony. The yacht had dis
appeared