The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-11-16

ter, above them the sky. beneath them
a grave. And both were young, and
in each heart the same voice was speak
ing; yet their lips were sealed.
Thus an hour passed, when suddenly
Roydon tackled.
What are you doing?a cried Fay,
in a tone of disappointment. Surely,
we're not going home?'
81 wish to God we were already
therer' answered her companion, with
blanched cheek. just as little breath
of wind, fresher than any they had felt,
blew upon them. Don't be fright
ened, Miss Fay continued Reydon,
assuringly. s'lt's one of those traach-
erous squalls. We're in for it, but I'll
do the best cam
Cant I help your
The man glanced up amazed She
neither cried nor groaned. There was
whittier than hers.
'Pshawl she does not realize the
danger" he said, mentally. ''Can
you hold this?' handing her rope as,
he spoke.
Tie next moment the squat struck
them. The little yacht lay fully on its
side, then righted itself.
Fay's lips were a little pale now, but
no sound escaped them, only she had
held so tightly to the rope, spite of it's
resistance, that it had already cut into
the tender flesh.
The storm was now fully upon them.
1t was fierce as it was sudden. They
were drenched with water. They could
no longer see each other for the spray.
Gay" cried Roydon. '.you are fright
ened.''
with you?" she answered. ''No,"
and her tone was firmer than his own.
The next moment the boat, struck
by a sharper blast than first, went over.
Both found themselves clinging to its
sides.
'.Fay, tell me-" he said, "that you
forgive me for this. o. child. must we
: die when life holds so much sweetnessP'
THE storm won't last long. We
may yet be saved" she answered, in
her sweet young voice; but, Roydon, if
l slip don't try to save me. 1t will on
ly lose two lives, and mine is not worth
as much as yours.
MY God! without you, what would
mine be?''
The words escaped him ere he real
lied their meaning.
'Live it, then. for my sake, dear"
Fay replied; "and remember, always,
had my choice, I would have chosen
to have died thus with you, rather than
to have lived on without you. My love,
goodbye"
The next instant the waters had
caught her torn and bleeding hands,
all cut by the rope, from their slight
hold; but Major Howard had spoken
words with no idle meaning when he
hadI asked her what his life would be
worth without her.
Quick rs the current in its hungry
greed for its beautiful prey. he threw
about her his protecting arm.
Then, as though heaven smiled, the
winds ceased as suddenly as they had
risen, and the sun burst from lis hiding
place, showing the rescue which was
bearing down upon them.
May | see you, if for but five min
utespn were the words scrawled on
card Fay held a few hours later, in her
bandaged hands, as she lay upon her
couch, very pale and exhausted, but
with heart full of gratitude for her
wonderful escape, awaiting him WHO
had penned the words.
How we'll she knew the quick. impa-
tent step which l.eralded his coming.
Her cheek flushed rs lie strobe Ini-
petuously into tie room.
Il could not sleep before seeing
you," he said. MY brave girl! how
little I knew you! [ thought because
YOU were beautiful there could be no
courage in your soul; that because
your hands were small and soft and
white, they Guild have no strength.
Dear little hands," taking them ten
derly i'll his own. They helped to
save our lives to-day. Fay, will you
give them to me, darling? Will you
be soldiers wife, and teach him, my
own sweet love, some of the bravery
that only such women as you can teach
to men?"
Il owe you my life" she whispered.
elf debt SO rich will receive payment
so poor, take it, Roydon; it is yours"