Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-04-24
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the last to leave the car and did so, slowly
leaning on a crutch. Then he looked
around. as if uncertain what to do next.
Mr.. Marley went up and spoke TO him.
Good evening. sir. Were You looking
for any one 81 he said.
II was looking for no one in particular.
But can you tell me if there is Mr.. Smith
preaching here ?'
Certainly. sir. certainly. | thought
You were the one | wanted. Come this
Way. and step into my sleigh, and | will
take YOU to Mr.. Smiths boarding place
II is a pretty cold evening"" he added, as
he pulled up the warm buffalo when they
were both seated. Then he took the reins
and Polly trotted off again.
Perhaps | ought to introduce myself,
said the stranger. Il am Abel M'April,
one OF Mr.. Smiths class mates"
Il am happy to make your acquaintance,
Mr.. M'April. NV name is Varley-Jona-
than Marley. | should not think you could
have been in the class with Mr.. Smith, you
look so much younger. But did you say
Your name is M'April? | wonder if You
are any relation to Joseph M'April, OF
HIapsdale ?''
II am his nephew" was the answer.
Then / am still more glad to make
your acquaintance, for | used to know Jo-
seph MApril. We were like brothers.
! shall want to hear all about him. But
how tired you look You must have been
sick"
"les, | was sick for long time. | am
getting along nicely now. though; only
am not quite as strong as | thought for
the long ride in the ears Jared me so that
| feel rather tired but shall he all right
tomorrow, after nights rest
''What was the troublc-rheumatic fe-
ver?''
Something of he kind, and a badly
broken limb which was not properly at
tended to at first
''How did it happen, if YOU do not mind
telling me ?" asked the inquisitiye deacon
''Oh. it was an accident that happened one
fearfully cold day last winter at Polar
Island, at the time vessel, the brig ely
tie, was wrecked
1.-The wreck of the Clyte off Polar
Island?" exclaimed Mr.. Marley. II know
all about it now. SO YOU are that young
hero we were so much interested IMP
do not hatter me, Mr.. Varley. ! only
did my duty
Maybe you are right but then it is not
every one who would consider it only his
duty. 1t was noble work you did that
night, whatever you say about it. But
must not run on this way. nor let YOU talk
so much either for see you are quite ex-
hausted. You'll not mind riding a little
further, though. will you? have taken
the liberty to drive past Mrs. Wards, for
You look too tired to go TO a boarding.
house, so | am going to take you right
home with me. My wife will take better
care of You than Mr. Smiths landlady
beside, she dosen't more than half expect
you"
THANK you, Sir; you are very kind !;
but as Mrs. Narley does not expect me
either, fear it will be too much to ask her
to take in a stranger said Mr.. M'April.
mot bit of it-not bit of it, You
don't know my wife. She will be de-
lighted to see you
So il happened that when Ruth heard
the sleigh-bells returning, and ran TO the
door, she saw a stranger with her father.
She left the door. and went to call her
mother to receive him.
Supper was soon ready, and while they
were at the table conversation certainly
did not flag, even after appetite did. AZ
ter questioning his guest concerning his
uncle, Mr.. Marley spoke of the disaster by
which the young man had been injured.
''Don't you remember the wreck of that
brig off Polar Island lust winter, mother 9'
he said addressing his wife.
''Yes indeed | do she answered.
There was a long account Of it in the
paper. How wonderful it seemed that so
many OF them should be saved in that ter
rible Storm
"Well, Mr.. M'April was the one who
saved them, and think we may be proud
to make the acquaintance of such "A hero
said Mr.. Marley.
'You give me altogether too much cred
it, Sir" said Mr.. M'April. The papers
were extravagant. You must remember
that | was not alone in the work, and my
friends deserved as much praise rs L. My
name was the most prominent because was
able to accomplish little more than the 9TH
ers, but that was only because was better
acquainted with ropes and saltwater than
one of them, and had more physical
strength than the other-for the light-keep-
er was nearly sick with the rheumatism,
''How was it that you, young college
Sluucnt, KNEW 50 ihutIl ABOUT Std asked
Mr. Varley.
We'll, you see. | did not decide upon a
profession Immediately after leaving col
lege, and while | was considering took
long voyage with an old friend of my
fathers and as there was sickness on
board, making the ship short of hands.
worked with the men, gaining some prac-
teal knowledge, and enjoying myself bet
ter for the employment. was studying
my profession when the accident happened,
and shall not complete the course till next
summer
at seems to me ii was Il strange time OF
year for you to be on that desolate island -
Said Mr. Marley.
"ferhaps it WAS. but the light keeper
was an old friend of mine, and went on
purpose to witness the lonely grandeur OF
nature at its very widest and dreariest' -
Il wish you would tell us all about it
the shipwreck. mean. and the accident
that is, if you are perfectly willing" said
Ruth.