The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1878-10-02

Crofton.
just then q buzzing sound was
heard. The whole atmosphere seemed
tinted OF strange sulphurous. hue.
Far and near the sss was covered With
rough misty-looking ripples. while
astern, the water was seen lashinp
white.
The two sesmen hesitated no longer.
Simultanously both reduced their can
vas to q jib. and reefed n,ainsail.
The Flying-fish by this time had
drifted close upon the Wrenton's stern.
Better go below, Belle. said Clifton,
a. bis fair companion leaned over the
rail. watching with interest the indica-
tion of the coming storm.
No. if you please. Harry, said Belle,
l am not afraid of little blow.
Look out for yourself, then, said
Harry. the vessel might make sudden
pitch and send you over.
Would You stop to pick me upS she
inquired. smiling.
How can you ask such question !?
| thought. perhaps you would be too
anxious to win the race, said Belle,
archly.
With . whiz and rush, the storm at
this moment struck the two vessels.
when down they went upon their beam
ends. with every timber quiveeipg.
Crack smash! whish sh-sh went
mast and yards, seeming every second
about going by the board.
Meanwhile, through the sgitated
waters the two vessels tore along at a
rapid rate, the Wrenton still holding
her own.
Suddenly . loud crack was heatd
and away went the jib-boom of the lat
ter vessel, the sail tapping about with
violence that threatened serious mis-
chief.
Haul down the jib! shouted Cliff
ton.
The men sprsng to obey. The sail
was hauled halfway down, when one
Of the hoops got foul, and oil efforts to
dislodge it jerking upon the halliards
proved unavailing.
Meanwhile the yacht was pitching
so that it would be perilous UNDER
taking to crawl out upon the boom 'in
its shattered condition, and endeavor to
clear the hoop.
Knowing this. Clifton would not ask
his men to undertake the hazardous
duty, but resolved to venture himself.
He had not advanced three steps
however, when Belle, who had her eye
upon him, caught his arm.
Harry, ere you going out upon that
boomi
Certainly; the sail must be cleared or
the whole boom will 60.
You must not 60. I will not let
you.
Come, Belle, we will never win the
race at this rate.
/ would not wish to win it ct the
price Of your life, said she.
Meanwhile, a young fellow. the only
son OF widowed mother, had advanced
to crawl out upon the boom to prevent
Clifton from going.
The captain saw him however, and
breaking away from Bellies clasp, he
rushed to the spot.
No. no. Jack, said he, il never shall
be said that Harry Clifton allowed one
OF his men to go in peril while he stay
ed behind:
With these words he rushed out upon
the boom, followed by the eyes of the
agonized Belle. who, with clasped hands
and wild face. her beautiful hair stream
ing back upon the gale. stood watching
him.
Clifton balancing himself By the
stay. now endeavored to clear the sail.
he bad nearly done 20 when puff of
wind catching the canvas. blew it
violently sgainst him, sending him
overheard into the wild waters.
A shrisk from Belle, > rush to the
bracee and the boat.
The voice of Clifton, however. now
rang out Of the dark waters a. he rose
to the surface.
Never mind me. my men Keep ON
Keep on and win the money for those
widow women.
Do not heed that order, screamed
Belle. lower for him. command you.
Obey my orders there aboard. thun.
dered Clifton, Il am . good swimmer.
] will take care of myself
he can never keep up in snch gale.
walled Belle, lower. men, ] conjure you.
The men seemed inclined to obey her
orders bat unfortunately the braces
could not be pulled by such . limited
in 3 gale like the present, and
the Wrenton dashed onward. having
Clifton far astern.
Az to the boat. there we're not men
enough TO work her and the vessel also.
should they leave the yscht, she must
be destroyed, and Belle perish in her.
There seemed no Alternative. now, but
TO obey Clifton's orders. although had
the braces been hauled when he fell, at
which time the vessel he'd acoidentaly
shct up into the wind she could have
been brought to.
Meanwhile Clifton kept himself shove
the water, manfully bufeting with
ehs waves, until the mist track hid his
rcceading vessel from Sight. when his
arms ached 90 that be believed he
must soon give mp.
The Wrenton keeping on won the
race.
Poor Belle. however. in . raving de-
liriuu, on her lovers account. was
taken home 10 her fathers.
Boats were sent out in all DIRECTIONS,
but no signs OF Captain Clifton could
be found. i
The day passed, and another and
another. Still no news OF the missing