The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1881-02-09

fore them the heavy, somber clouds. Assur-
ing himself with regard to the boats safety,
Will set out TO ascertain the condition OF
his domicile.
His clothes being heavy with the sea-
water, and his limbs aching from long ex-
posure. this was no easy task ut first. How
ever, the bouyancy of youth, and the thought
Of seeing the loved ones soon, gave energy
to his inclinations, and so, with a sort OF
bOyish whistle, ne set out on his tour OF
discovery.
He was on an island, standing, alone in
Long Island Sound. In length it was prob.
ably mile, and half that distance across
1t was not inhabited, for these bits of land
are only used for the scanty timber they
afford-the soil being too poor and sandy fol
cultivation
In all his search Will could discover nc
signs of fresh water. and this fact caused
him 70 little anxiety, though he hoped to
find it in the locker of the Nancy.
The morn being but just born, the cold
air sent the most intense chills through his
whole body.
''Ah, the Nancy" exclaimed Denbeigh-
dear, old thingl-must certainly have some
matches stored safely awayr'
Suiting the action to the thought, he hur-
ried to the boat, that now lay ingloriously
grooming with the outgoing tide. 1t was
not without some trouble that the mast was
removed and the boat hauled up on the
sands.
A sharp blow large stone soon brought
to sight the contents of the little pantry,
consisting of a number of thoroughly
soaked biscuit, a can of tomatoes and peas,
two potatoes and kitchen-knife. These
were not found without some disappoint-
ment on Wills part. His quick eye, how
ever, discovered a similar closet in the bow
of the boat.
This was forced open the same summary
manner as its companion.
Matches, matchesl" cried Will, bring
ing forth from a tin-box, along with NICE
new fishing-line, the much-coveted lucifers
"Such a prizeT cried Will, joyfully, hur-
rying into the woods and returning with a
load of dry leaves and wood.
The tomatoes and other things being put
among The bers, he dried his garments
and warmed his shivering limbs before the
jolly, rollicking flames.
No boy never enjoyed a fire as he did
this. He laughed, he whistled, perhaps
cried little; at any rate it was treasure
fit for King, he thought.
His next move was to make some sort
Of shelter from the wind, which was cold
and damp; not that he supposed his people
would not rescue him, for all the time he was
busy in securing the water for some sign of
assistance.
Selecting well sheltered spot, he pro-
ceeded to build a lean-to familiar to all who
have. that doubtful pleasure of camping
out"
Its just like Crusoe," he said, surveying
the result of his labor with no little satisfac-
ton. "If Frank was only here to enjoy itl'
The thought was a painful one, for he
instinctively turned from the sight of the
water with sigh.
By the time this was accomplished the boy
was very tired, and was forced to sit before
the fire and rest. The sun disappeared,
followed by twilight, and then everything
was bathed in obscurity.
All that day not single drop of water
had passed his lips, and now he felt the first
burning of thirst. This, in measure, was
allayed by the tomatoes and some black
berries he found during the afternoon.
Replenishing the fire with fresh fuel, and
giving one farewell look at the silent
waters. Will crawled into his leafy shell
ter.
There are times that the best of us can
not slumber, when our hearts are heavy and
respondent, and though weary with the
days work, its cares and its sometime pleas
nres, we would fain seek repose, we are
by the conflict of emotion to toss
and fight with the wild flight of feverish
Tired. overworked, and exhausted with
ex oosure, Will could only toss and sleep by
turns.
How long he slept thus he could not re-
oniy he started up with the idea
that his friends were near. He thought he
heard football on the sand without. His
heart stood still for very Joy. Not a word
could he utter. for his tongue chung to his
mouth. Breaking off the spell, with a wild
bound he cleared the intervening ground
and stood on the shore, looking mp and
down; with heart full of pent up grief.
"FatherI fatherl Frank Helpl help"
The waters only answered, and gray
owl overhead in the bushes hooted at his
despair.
"Oh, Merciful Father am to die here of
thirst2 Have not suffered enough2 Waterl
one drop of water Waterl'
Throwing himself recklessly among the
wet grass, he lay there sobbing out his grief
-sobbing till the tears refused to answer.
Consuming with fever beyond description
aud driven almost to madness with the
cravings of Unsuitable thirst, he rolled and
tossed ameng the wet heritage. This furn-
ished some reliefs and filling his mouth with
the short grass, cooled his burning mouth
for moment.
Suddenly, away in the distance. lying low
with the water, was a dim light. 1t was
miles sway--not house, not light-ship;
no, for it wavered and scintillated over the
waves as only a moving body could. 1t
was the headlight of ship.
"a shipl shipr' cried Win, mad with
Joy and hope. ga ship Tor me-meI"
Every moment it was growing brighter
and drawing near. At first the boys limbs,
so racked with pain and exhaustion, refused
to move.
With a bound almost superhuman, he was
beside the campfire. Filling his arms with
leaves and wood, he proceeded to built the
fire-signal. This he continued until three
huge piles were erected at short distances
along the shore, Immediately in front of the
camp.
The advancing steamer, for such it was,
was now not more than two or three miles
distant. The signals were flaming up,
and lllumined the water at a great
distance.
Willis quick eye never for moment left
that beacon of hope at the steamers mast