Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-03
Gales aud Skstehes.
THE CRUISE OFTHE HERON.
CONTINUED from yesterday.I

hoouI tuST6 was u
lull in the gale, and Field came down TO
see how they got on, and found Kate sit
ting alone; Mrs. Brook and Louise, tired
out, had gone to lie down in the state
rooms. Field was dripping; he took off
his hat and shook out the water. He
looked more sober than Kate had ever seen
him, but not at all alarmed. "Well, Kate"
he said, "how do you get on !? It's dis
NAL for you. isn't it?'
"Oh, m glad you've come" she an
swered. Its dreadfully lonesome and
dismal down here. Do you think there's
any danger. Mr.. Field?'
lie hesitated moment, but answered
then, You would not wish me to deceive
you, Kate. and you have right to know,
and suppose you want to know the truth.
There is danger. but have no doubt well
get in. The Heron Is very stiff little
craft, and Shore is a good sailor. But it's
bad wind TO make New Dublin harbor,
and the sea is running high. That is the
exact truth. | believe | think we had
best not alarm the others, but you would
rather know, wouldn't you?"
The vessel rolled SO that they were
obliged to hold on to keep from being
overturned as they sat, and they had to
put their heads close to hear for the up
roar without
THANK YOU" she answered, just little
pale, but not belying his confidence in her
courage. II wouldn't mind at all ii |
could be on deck and help. It's a great
deal more dismal cooped up here with
nothing to do; don't you think 500 And
it must be grand out there too; I should
so much like to go up little while. Don't
you think could p"
''Well, don't know" he said, alt is
grand but it's very wet o." and he
laughed, as was his way. "But if you
don't mind a duckiug. think we can man
age it. I'll see."
lie started to go up the cabin-stair, but
came back and bent over her, holding on.
"Oh, by the way, Kate" he said, II want
to beg your pardon for offending you this
afternoon. l did not mean to offend you,
I'm sure"
She did not answer, but looked away
sobery, not thinking Of Field or herself,
but recurring to Rich and his trouble.
Then you won't forgive me ?" Field
said after looking at her a little while.
"Oh, | wasn't thinking of that; :" she
answered hastily, looking up. Il have
nothing TO forgive 1t was who was
rude and should ask pardon. II was not
what you said that offended me. | was
angry with you about something else. and
had been thinking about that; and I'm
afraid was very rude and foolish"
He sat down and was silent little while
and then said, kate, will you tell me
what you were angry with me about?
don't understand"
Then the frank, impulsive girl told him
about Rich and Louise, and how he was
making Rich unhappy, flushing up and
speaking eagerly as she went on. "Louse
is very nice girl" she finished, '.and
you are certainly not to blame for liking
her; but Rich has been getting to think i.
great deal of her, and he's a very touchy
fellow and takes such things more to heart
than-than most people. He is talking Of
going away Tomorrow, aud know it's
on account OF nothing else but that; and
it will spoil our trip to 60 off SO alone;
and think it's a great pity, any way.
Rich is as good and clever as any one,
but you have the advantage OF him every
other way. | know is hard to give up
another. but | know it can be done"-
there were drops in the eager eyes when
she said that-''and know you are brave
and generous, and would not interfere il
you knew what you were doing"
She forgot storm and danger and dis
comfort in her ardent pleading of anoth-
es's cause, and Field sat leaning on the
table and looking at her while she talked
and little longer, the sea and storm toss
ing them and shutting them in with the
deatening uprOar. "Are YOU quite sure
of that ?" he said then.
Yes, quite sure"
land would you be pleased if you knew
Louise liked Fleming as we'll p''
"Of course | should" she replied.
They are both my very dear friends
"And you would have no regret of any
kind ?''
"No-none that know of. | don't
know what you mean"
There was a shout upon deck lust then.
and Field ran away, calling, They are
going about. III come back"
The sloop came up to the wind with a
tremendous tapping and hutter, and then
she drew away again with the steady
heave and plunge and the great swash
and hustle Of waves and wind.
About quarter of an hour later Field
came down again to Kate. Now" he
said, "if you think you'd like to GO up 4
iittie wnlle, ana can wrap yourself up So
as not to mind a shower bath, I've pro-
vided little arrangement TO keep you
rom being washed overheard.
Kate jumped at any relief from that
dungeon. "Oh, | should like to come ~
she cried
She wrapped herself closely. and they
went up. He went out first, and the heav-
ing tumult upon which she looked out
made her hesitate, but he said, Don't be
afraid. Keep hold and creep just round
here"
He had made rope fast. and she crepl
round and crouched in the lee OF the
cabin, and he brought the rope round her
and fastened it. She felt the pitch OF the
vessel hele much more than she had done
In the cabin, and at first crouched in fear
and clung to the mouldngs OF the house.
deafened and scared. and when heavier
lurch broke loose her feeble grip, she
could not help screaming and catching
hold of Field. though the rope held her
vuite safely. There was nothing for Field
to do then but to crouch beside her aud
hold her fast. She quickly became as
sured in his strong grasp. and could ad-
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