Stevens County tribune., 1878-07-11
The ShiVering Sand.


sandy beach the houses of the little
fshing-village of Morlaix. 1t was an out
of the world and old world place, with
old world habits, customs, and beliefs.
Behind it rose range of the hills, which
sheltered 1t from the northeastern blasts
and madt' it, to the very few people of the
world who knew it, perfect little
heaven of rest in winter.
Indeed in winter there was sunshine at
MorIaix when there were fog and storm
at Cshant and on the northern coast; and
If ever storm did blow home into he
little bay, 1t seemed as if tired before
reaching there; and only came to lie
down upon the hill-sides in peace. Not
that the people of Morlaiy knew nothing
Of storms; for they were bold race, and
in their fishing schoonars and smacks
they would cross the wide Atlantic itself
to pick up treasures off the coast OF
bleak Newfoundland.
To this village, on winter far from
fifty years ago, a couple came to live who
gave the villagers great cause for gossip.
They were young, and seemed as if but
newly rlarried; he had but passed into
manhood, while girlhoUd yet fingered
on her face.
At first the villagers acted shyly to-
wards the couple. "They were towns
folks" said the old people, land they will
only laugh at our old ways and stories"
After time however. young madam"
as the people called her, managed to get
into their good graces; and, this being
done, it was not long until their widest
legends, darkest superstitions. and most
pathetic tales of loss or salvation on the
raging sea were poured into her ears.
These stories, as she heard them, she
retailed in the ears Of her companion
Pi!h chtldlike belief at which he often
laughed. but was Oftener thoughtful.
They are a noble race, Edna, for all
their poverty he said one day-the last
day OF the year, indeed as they walked
out on the beach bathed in sunshine
Il like to hear their stories of adventure,
for they have the true ring in them; but
the old legends and the supers ition are
too much for me-"
"Well, but, RaIph she replied, 1.-The
old legends may be true for all we know
and look how many Of their snperstitions
come true
"Nonsense,d dear" he said, with a laugh
as he drew her arm closer in his. Look
how many Of them are made false every
day # their lives. There is their great
story Of the shivering sand that claims
its victim every year. Whv it has dis
appeared entirely, and this year, at any
rate, it has had no victim.
perhaps its time is up, like other evil
things that are not to continue forever"
replied Edna: ''or perhaps the sacrifice
that was to conquer it has been made
"What sacrificed" asked Ralph.
"Why, the people say that whenever
victim is swallowed up, and some one
who loves him leaps after him, the sand
will become solid or disappear forever"
"a pleasant cure for the mischief, and
one not likely soon to be carried out,'
laughed Ralph; "Dut"-as they drew near
TO crowd Of people gathered under the
lee of half beached schoonLr-"but
what are the people all so solemn for this
morning."
Before she could answer him they were
saluted by the people, who did, indeed,
look solemn, as If some evil luck had
happened to them.
''What is wrong to-day, my friends2"
asked Ralph, as he glanced from face to
face. You look as if going to funeral" ;"
ooh, the sand-the shivering sand.
m 'sieu," replied one of the oldest; ''it has
reappeared and so surely as it has it will
have itss~7s'ttotim before nlghtp'
"Ah, where is the sard? I should like
to see it," cried Ralph, eagerly.
Then the old man who had spoken
pointed out to him bare, fiat piece of
beach, with sand as smooth as a table,
aid with glisten upon it as if covered
ever so thinly with water.
''That the shivering sand y cried Ralph,
half-laughing. "Why, walked across it
yesterday, and it was as firm as road
way"
''And yet it is now as soft and treacher-
Gus as the sea ITSELF" replied the old
man.
"Why how do you know that? Have
any of you tried it?"
"Tried it!" cried several of the men,
in breath. "We are not mad"
There is no need to try it." said the
old man who had first spoken. at has
been tried too often, and my eyes never
deceived me whenever it appears"
We'll, we'll, will try it" cried Ralph,
with resolute shake of his head, as he
dropped Edna's arm and moved toward
the dangerous spot.
No, mol" cried Edna, as she grasped
one arm, while the old villager seized
the other, "do not go!-oh, do not go!
You will be lostp'
mot l If ] do feel it the least shaky
will return at once. Let me 60" And
ne shook OF Eun4s grasp, while the old
man still held him. 7%4@
You will not find it shakey at all
until you step into the gulf itself" cried
the old man. =" Oh, do not go, msieu.
Think of young madam, if anything
were to go wrong with your'
Tut, it is all nonsense!' cried Ralph,
as, with resolute shake. he freed him
self. Then. amid the cries of the people,
ne strobe quickly to the very centre of
the treacherous sand. There he paused
and turned towards them.
Well" he cried, in the tone of con-
quef' what OF the sbiyering sand now2
II mas not swallowed me up yet, and.
ers."
"oh, mi 'seu, DO not mock, and you
near l., he nIl