The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-08-17

SlSltu EtI lilNu ait oSh-'VAe AAO osAS
named in her honor, the yachting
dress Of dark blue, fitting closely Z
the exquisitely outlined figure, an'
on the golden braids nestled a co
quettish sailor hat.
Fifteen minutes later a splendl'
breeze had carried them far out int
the lake.
~The storm has concluded to post
pone itself in our special favor,
said Rodney glancing up at the blu
sky, "or perhaps they don't thinl
soldiers should be too severely triet
as sailors. Which is it Miss Fay?
"Do you appeal to me as tn
spirit Of the storm cloud? III SO,
shall call on it to avenge me-"
He answered her simply by a look
but it caused her eyes TO droop.
She stretched the little whit
hand down to the waters edge
watching the current resist it as th'
boat sped onward.
$50" he unused, "am | resistin;
the voice Of my heart-so must
resist TO the end"
They spoke but little. They wer,
alone and together-around then
water, above them the sky, beneath
them a grave. And both were young
and in each heart the same voice
was speaking, yet their lips wer'
sealed.
Thus an hour passed, when sud
denly Roydon tackled.
"What are you doing?' cried
Miss Fay. in tone of disappoint
ment. Surely we're not going
home?"
Il wish we were already there,
answered her companion with {
blanched cheek, Just as a little
breath of wind fresher than any
they had felt, blew upon them
Don't he frightened Miss Fay
continued Royden, assuringly. Its
one of these thrcacherous squalls.
We're in for it, but Ill DO the best
can.
Cant l help YOU
The man glanced up amazed. ShC
neither cried nor groaned. There
was no tremorin hertone. His cheek
was whittier than was hers.
"Pshaw. she did not realize the
danger" he said, mentally. "Car
you hold this !" handing her ropC
as he spoke.
The next moment the squalI
struck them. The little yacht lay
full 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 its resistance, that it had
already cut into the tender flesh.
The storm was now fully upon
them. 1t was fierce as it was sud
den. They were drenched witt
water. They could no longer. see
each other for the spray.
Fay" cried RoydoE you afe
frightened?"
with YOU ?" she answered. mo,
and her tone was firmer than his
own.
The next moment the boat, struck
by sharper blast than al first, went
over. Both found themselves, cling.
ing 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
might yet be saved" she answered
in her sweet young voice, but, Roy
don, if ! slip, don't try to save me.
1t Will only lose two, and mine is
not worth as much as yours
MY God! without you, what
would mine be?"
The words escaped him ere he re-
allied their meaning.
Live it, then, for my sake, dear,
Fay replied, ''and remember, al
ways, had l my choice, | would have
chosen to die thus with you than to
have lived on withou you. My love,
goodbye"
The next instant the waters had
caught her torn and bleeding hands,
u cat BY the rope, from their slight
hold but Major Howard had spoken
words with no idle meaning when
he had asked her what his life
would be without her.
Quick as the current, in its hun
cry 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
forth from its hiding place, showing
the rescue which was bearing down
upon them. May | sce you, If but
for five minutes?" were the words
scrawled on the card Fay held a
few hours later, in her bandaged
hands, as she lay upon her couch,
very pale and exhausted. but with
a heart full of gratitude for herwon-
derful escape, awaiting him who had
penned the words.
How well she knew the quick, i'm
patient step, which heralded his
coming.
Her cheek flushed as he strobe
impetuonsly into the room.
Il could not sleep before seeing
YOU he said "My brave girl how
little ! knew youl / thought because
YOU were beautiful there could be
no courage in yoursoul; that because
your hands were small and soft and
white. they could have no strength.
Dear little hands, taking them ten
derly in his own. They helped to
save our lives to-day. Fay, viii you
give them to me, darling ? VIII you
be soldiers wife, and teach him
my own sweet love, some of the bra
very that onlysuch women as you
can teach to men ?"
A great light shone in the beauti.
ful eyes appraised to his.
Il owe you my life" she whisper.
ed. fla debt so rich Will receive
payment so poor, take it, Roydon
it is yours. "
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r-xCrriSps in Authorization