Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-03
rCoaiinnei from first nare. |

motion of his head. They said no more
ior good while, speaking being very diff
ficult and the awe of the wild night not
inclining either to talk. Bv and by Field
put his lace quite close TO Hates. and in
that way they could talk quite easily,
though no one could have heard word
three feet off; and he said, ''Kate, you
were very much mistaken"
WAS |? How Z" And she turned
her head and tried to see his face more
plainly. Don't you like Louise Pr
Yes, very much"
And you did not know about Rich ?"
NO; | did not know that"
well. then, how was mistaken ?"
I'VE have ell been mistaken-you and
| and Rich and Louise. Louise thinks
Rich cares more tor you than any one
else; | thought you cared most of all for
Rich; Rich aud you think care only for
Louise. You know that Louise and |
were mistaken. But was | quite in the
wrong. Kate P'
That | cared more for Rich than any
one elseP No. | don't know that you
were wrong. | never thought about it,
but Rich and are very good friends. and
like him very much"
"Wel.' answered Field, looking in
tently into the dim face, II like Louise
very much. and Yet you were much mis-
taken, because | care a great deal more
for somebody else.
She grew timid somehow al his conf
d.nce; there were some unknown quail
lies OF tenderness in his voice and half
seen manner that touched her, and she
was suddenly overcome with confusion
and self-upbraiding for having msiudged
him, and so bluudered, "Oh. do you?"
she answered contritely. "Do ! know
her?"
Cant you really guess, then p he
asked, seeming disappointed
Somehow, she did not want to guess
she was wondering at herself that, though
That trouble of Rich's was gone now
and indeed had never been but in imagi-
nation--she was still not satisfied, and
still kept the pain ii had given her. No.
she returned, keeping her face away, Il
can think who ii is. Will you tell me
hername?i
Her name" he answered. looking
away, and then turned back again with II
movement that implied very surprising
emotion in him, and repeating the words
-'her name is Kate"
She stood up. She had become accus-
toned to the heave OF the sloop, and could
stand with the aid of the rope. She bent
toward him and asked, And know
her ?''
lie partly rose, and answered swiftly
with passion, ''Oh, will you never under
stand, Kate? care for no one but you ~
There was sound of breakers ming
ling with the general tumult then, and
both looked up aud saw Il great light in
the air above and close upon them. at
is the lightship." said Field.
Then, as they rose on the waves, they
made out the lonely hulk, dismal and
stark. buried in cloud of spray and
dashed over and over by the waves, the
storm screaming and tearing through her
bare rigging. that clanked and ratified
dolefully like the chains of galley slaves,
but bearing her light aloft sturdly. They
beat up under its lee. and then tackled and
lett it behind. Field went to help Shore
at the wheel as he lulfed, and then went
forward.
Presently. Fleming came clambering aft
to Kate, and asked if she wanted to 90
down. But she answered no, she would
rather stay and be where she could see
what was coming, and if she was not in
the way she would not go down till they
got in.
"R.ch," she asked, chow did you know
was here P''
Field told me. lie sent me 10 see
about you. Where are the other ladies',
Kate P''
They were lying down when came
up. You'd better go down and tell them
where | am. and keep them company
while" After minute she added, "Rich
you and have been very foolish. give
been talking with Mr.. Field, and you
need not go away; there's no reason for
it,"
"Are you quite sure of that ?' he asked
eagerly.
Yes, am quite sure. Go now, Rich"
She wanted TO be alone; she had found
out more things than one. All through
that wild passage she crouched there,
dashed with spray and beaten by the tenn
pest, rejoicing in 1t. triumphing over il;
there was spirit within her as brave ind
untamed as its own. She knew then the
ardor of men in battle; she remembered
line of Brownell's lyrics, repeated it
aloud, and knew what ii meant, with
her eyes wide open and facing the dark
ness and the gale that beat on her face
full Of salt rain;
Fear forgotten form, death dream Of the eyes
She could talk or laugh or cry az she
pleased in the heart of that fierce chorus
never had she been more alone than there
with people all around her.
Once or twice the skipper at the near
wheel made out that she was singing wild
and high in concert with the storm, and
once he caught the words, as the gust
hurled them at him, "Stormy winds full
filling Ills word.n
They made the harbor safely about
three in the morning, after a very rough
and dangerou. entrance. Rain came on
about day break. and lasted till near noon.
Then there was splendid breaking
away. and all came up to see. Kate was
standing with Rich and Louise came over
and put her arm about her. Rich" she
said. Kate tells me you think of going
away. hope You will not"
do you care, then ?n he asked quickly
Certainly do, "'she answered, II am
sure we should all miss you very much. ="
'Tnen ! think | won't 20" h. said.
And presently the Heron got up sail aud
bore away upon her happy cruise -