The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-07-09

sky, beneath them grave. And both were
young, and in each heart the same voice wa.
speaking; yet their lips were sealed. Thus an
hour passed, when, suddenly Roydon tackled
What are you dOlngW cried Fay in toni
of disappointment "Surely we are not going
homer"
III wish to God we were already there" an
swered her companion with blanched cheek
lust as little breath of wind fresher than any
they had felt, blew upon them. Don't be
| frightened, Miss Fay" continued ltoydon, as
suringly. ATS one of these treacherou'
squalls. We're in for it, but I'll do the best
can"
Cant help you?"
The man glanced up amazed. She neither
cried nor grOaned. There was no tremor in
her tone. HIS cheek was whittier than was
hers.
"Pshaw! she did not realize the danger" he
said mentally. "Can you hold this?" handing
her a rope as he spoke.
| The next moment the squall struck them
The little yacht lay fully on its side, then
righted itself.
Fay's lips were little pale now, but nc
sound escaped them, only she had held SC
tightly to the rope, spite of his resistance
that ii had already cut INTO the tender flesh OF
her hands
The storm was now fully upon them. II
was as fierce as it was sudden. They were
drenched with water, They could no longer
see each other for the spray
Fay" cried Roydon, you are frightened? ~
with youY' 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. Oh, child, must we die when
life holds so much sweetness!"
"The storm won't last long. We may yet be
saved :" she answered, IN her sweet young voice,
but, Roydon, if slip, don't try to save me.
1t will only 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 realized their
meaning.
Live it, then, for my sake, dear" Fay re.
Piled, "and remember, always, had | my
choice, would have chosen to have died thus
with you 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 Maj. Howard had
spoken words with no idle meaning when he
asked her what his life would be without her.
Quick as the current in It's hungry greed tol
the beautiful prey. he threw about her his
protecting arm Then, AS though heaven
smiled the winds ceased rs suddenly as they
had risen, and the sun burst forth from its
hiding place, showing the rescue which was
bearing down upon them.
May | see you, If but for five minutes"
were the words scrawled on the card Fay held
few hours later in her banuaged hands, as
she lay upon her couch, very pale and ex
hausted, but with heart full of gratitude for
her wonderful escape, awaiting him who had
pcnned the words.
How well she knew the quick, impatient
step, which heralded his coming. Her cheek
flushed as he strobe Impetuously into the
room.
al could not sleep before seeing YOU" he
SAID MY brave girl how little knew you!
thought because you were beautiful there
could be no courage IN your soul; that be-
cause your hands were small and soft and
white, they could have no strength. Dear lit
tie hands" taking them tenderly In his own
"They helped to save our lives to-day, Fay,
will you give them to me, darlingg viii 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,"
A great light shone in the beautiful eyes up
raised to his.
~ owe you my life, she whispered. "If a
debt so rich will receive payment so poor, take
it Roydon; it is yours"