Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-11-10

ruu-uOuuct III manu-, huu eOUu, lalucT anu
daughter, were climbing slowly up the
rocky pathway leading 10 their customary
walk.
The poor old man tried his best to win
Brenda's thoughts away from their constant
theme, and it was touching TO note the
many gentle devices to which he resorted
in his vain endeayor TO divert her mind
from the subject that was uppermost in the
minds Of both. 1t was no use. She pre-
ferred to be there rather than anywhere
else, and, despite her fathers tender care
and attention, she longed to be there alone.
At last relief came to her: tall. manly
figure approached them. 1t was Grannie
Saunders only surviving son, David. He
was the coxswain of the life-boat crew.
In his early life-he was now a man ap-
preaching his prime he had been to sea,
and for this reason Brenda had, since
Steenie's departure, much liked to chat
with him, almost always about the places
whence Steenie's letters had been dated, all
of which David Saunders had visited. He
was a favorite with the old lieutenant, too,
on account of his manliness and excellent
character, as well as on account of the
many tender memories the old gentleman
entertained Of David's mother, who had
closed his wife's eyes in her last sleep and
guarded his little Brenda so carefully for
him in her bereavement.
=" Captain" said David Saunders, touch
ing his hat in way that meant he was on
Duty" and venturing a slight bow to
Brenda" Captain, there's storm coming,
and bad one. Look yonder."
True, very true, David" replied the
lieutenant his eyes following the direction
indicated by the coxswain. ave have not
had occasion to use the life-boat yet, but
still we must be prepared in case of neces-
sity. You had better see that you have
crew ready. And, David" he added, for
the coxswain had already started on his
errand, 1--WE must put Sandy Keith in your
place if any thing should occur. You
must not attempt to 60 out yourself with
that bruised shoulder"
NAY, Captain" said David, in tone of
remonstrance, "ye mustn't say so. My
shoulders we'll enough"
"Why, David" interrupted Brenda, ait
can not be well yet, and you know you
must obey the Captain"
"Well, well, Miss Brenda" said David,
gratified by her womanly interest," know
I must obey the Captain; but David
Saunders can not ask any man to take his
place in a time of danger. The like o. that
isn't in me, Miss Brenda"
Every WE'LL" said the lieutenant almost
thankful for some excuse to leave Brenda
alone, "I'll 60 with you and see to it my
self.-Don't stay out long, Brenda. The
storm will strike us here pretty soon."
For half an hour poor Brenda stood on
the Lookout, which was the common name
given to the promontory, apparently calm
and quite motionless, but within her were
raging conflicting emotions-love, fear, and
hope. Her hopes were fast dying away,
and the poor girl was trying to nerve her.
self to brave that awful time when all hope
should be gone forever. At last she could
contain herself no longer, and with a
passionate "never, never! never can live
without any hope; I must hope or my
heart will break! " she sank down on the
rock, and the hot tears coursed down her
cheeks, and she. sobbed as if her heart was
breaking indeed. At last she grew calmer,
but still her thoughts dwelt upon the pain
full memories the anniversary had awak-
ened, when suddenly she was reused by a
sudden gust of wind, so violent that it
almost raised her from the ground, while a
few large drops of rain splashed on her
face. She turned northward, and beheld
one of the grandest sights ever, vouchsated
to man to contemplate "a gathering storm
at sea. No one could adequately describe
the sight, and we must be content with
chronicling the fact that while she gazed
at the fearful spectacle, so wrapt in awe as
to disregard for time her fathers caution,
her keen eye detected something which
Immediately awakened her to sense OF
the reality, and dispelled all thoughts OF
her own distress. 1t was the upper part
OF vessel under bare poles. A few
moments more and she thought she saw the
hull. In very few minutes all her doubts
were dispelled. A vivid flash of lightning
revealed large three-master, part of hel
rigging apparently cut away, driven before
the wind at terrific speed. She delayed
not moment. In second she was de
scending the narrow pathway at speeC
rendered safe only by her perfect famil
iarity with every foot of the ground. A:
she went down, half blinded by the nov
pouring rain, she almost ran against DaviC
Saunders, who was ascending the cliff will
a telescope to scan the horizon from tht
Lookout, as was their custom during {
storm. ...
Nay, Miss Brenda" cried David, "you
should be home, not here"
u, "Stop, David" interrupted Brenda !" moi
moment must be lost; there's vcsse
drifting before the wind, evidently in dis
tress. I suppose if they are driven on tt
this rock, nothing can save them"
Nothing, Miss Brenda" replied David
If they can not get by old Lookout, it's al
over with them, except for such as we may
be able to save; " and, while he spoke, ht
started down toward the life-boat station
leaving the pathway and leaping from rock
10 rock until, in half minute, thanks tc
his vcnturesome shortcut, he stood by the
station giving orders to the men to launch
the litc-hont and stand ready for orders
Then with lightning speed he again direct
ed his steps up the diff, telescope in. hand
to watch the course of the doomed vessel
He had scarcely taken his stand on til,
Lookout before several of the villagers
women and boys, as well as mcn---wcrc
climbing up he rocks. The news had
spread in less time than it takes to tel! it
that the lifc-boat was to be launched in
readiness to help vessel in distress, and
all were eager to see for themselves what
the real state of the case was; and, despite
the wind and the pouring RAIN, Il numerous
group surrounded David Saunders, who
stood firm and erect as flagstaff, his tcle
scope to his eye, ready for every flash oi
lightning that would reveal TO him the
position of the vessel. In few moments
more, Brenda and her father were of the
number. Despite his advancing years, the
old man was vigorous yet, and had insisted
on being at the post OF duty, as he called
it, and Brenda had been equally determined
to be at his side.
"Will she weather the rocks, David!"
asked the old lieutenant, aftera particularly
vivid fash Of lightning had revealed the