The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-20
and apprehension, still Nell did not re-


every foot of it.
If she had not she would inevitably
have met with some serious mishap, as
she ran rapidly along its perilous wind
ings.
Fleet of foot and strong of limb, she
reached the lighthouse in an incredibly
short space of time; but the strain upon
her strength and nerves made her faint
for an instant, as she reached the end of
her reckless run.
She pounded furiously at the door, and
very quickly, although it seemed many
minutes to her, John Hallan opened it.
"What do you wantT' he growled, as
Nell entered.
'Do you know that the light is out9''
eyes,,
"Why don't you light it2'
"Because I'm out of oil"
Nell was perfectly familiar with the
light house, and she knew that the large
can in the corner was the receptacle for
oil.
She ran to it, and found, before Hallan
could prevent, that it was nearly full.
The truth flashed upon her.
He intended that her father should be
wrecked and drowned.
"There is plenty of OIL" exclaimed
Nell, her eyes blazing with anger. "The
lamp must be lit."
"No," said Hallan, "it shan't."
"Why not?
Because I'm going to settle my claim
with your father tonight. He knocked
me down, and I'm going to have his life
to pay for it. His boat is the only one
outside the bay tonight"
Nell seemed rooted to the floor with
horror.
At length she said:
"But how do you expect to escape pun
ishment for this murderW
"By making you swear never to tell
what you've seen and heard, or else
throw you into the water. Will you
promise or drownT
Nell recoiled in terror, and she could
di-coyer no way of saving her father.
1t seemed only question of two lives
or one
"Well," said the mser, impatiently,
"have you decided to swear silence? !
don't want to kill you, and know you
would never break your oath, so that you
can save your precious life if you will"
"No, ] haven't" replied Nell, dog
gedly. "You may kill me if you want
to, ut | won't promise"
Enraged by her obduracy, Hallan
sprang forward and caught the girl by
the wrists.
A struggle ensued of several minutes
duration, Tor Nell was strong and robust,
although no match for the sturdy light
house keeper.
Finally the brave girl was thrown to
the floor; but in gaining that advantage
her opponent lost for an instant his hold
upon her. and in fash she was on her
feet.
Herquick eye swept the room for some
weapon of defense.
In one corner stood Italians heavy
walking-stick.
, Nell darted for it, and, with men
acing flourish of her lusty weapon, held
him for a moment at bay.
But he was not disposed to be van
pushed by mere girl.
With a howl of rage be drew dan
gerous-looking claspknife, and rushed
toward her.
But the heavy stick came down with
crash upon his head, and he fell senseless
to the floor with the blood gushing from
his ears and nostriIs.
Although slcllened with the sight and
faint with the effort of the combat, still
Nell did not forget herfather's peril.
Selling the lamp she climbed the lad
der that led to the glass encased signal
box above, where she found the apparatus
in perfect order. Hastily lighting the
great lamp, she s.w the warning rays
struggle out over the dark waters.
Good grant that it may not be too
late!' she exclaimed.
Returning to the room below she
found Hallan still insensible, but showing
signs OF returning consciousness.
She knew that it was neces ary to keep
him harmless until morning.
A coil of rope lay in the corner.
With it she bound him securely, and
with great effort placed him on the bed.
Sincerely hoping that he would not die
of his hurt, she left him and started for
the village. 1t was still dark and the
storm had not in the least abated.
Nell made her way as she had done be-
FORE more by sense of feeling than of
sight, and reached the village tavern in
safety.
1t was about 8 o'clock, and she felt chat
many of the fishermen spent their time in
the bar room.
Her presence among them painting for
breath and her cheeks flushed with ex-
citement caused a small sensation.
As soon as she could she told them Of
her fathers danger and her own adsen-
ture at the light house.
"But I hope he won't die" concluded
Nell. 81 didn't mean to kill him."
There did not seem to be much ankle
ty among the fishermen upon this point,
and one of them chopped he would die"
Tfis startled Nell, who was terrified at
the idea of taking human life, and she
begged them to send somebody to the
lighthouse.
| In Difference to her wishes two fellows