The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-01-28
AN OCEAN BRIDE.

from Japan, was becalmcd IN mid-ocean.
what land did you say that was, Captain
Lane ~ asked young Perley, the second mate
pointing to wild, picturesque'lookin island,
lying less than league and half Oft their
lee bow.
"Uno of the Society group. By my chart
that should be Morley Island. Let's see, you
said you touched there for water the year be-
fore last when you were on the Atlas did you
not, Jack?"
SAY, ay, sir" returned the old tar, quickly;
land lively time we had, too. We seed the
purtiest gal thar that ever lived, I'll bet But
Lori she was as wild as gull"
"A beautiful girl on that island?" cried
Robert Perley ncreduousy.
LAY, ay, Mister Perley. And I'll bet my
sou -wester agin' my head she wore none OF
the black .and.tan natives, either. We wanted
to go back and look for her ag'ln, but the old
skipper wouldn't believe us, nor say but she
war an lnjun gall
Captain Lane, | am more determined to go
ashore than ever" exclaimed the mate, in q
lever of excitement, what do you say, Char
lie 2" he asked, turning to the supercargo, a
good-lookn ing young fellow of two.and.twenty.
81 am with you. We can get back before
the breeze comes up
"Oh, yes; I'll warrant you are both dying
to 60" muttered old Captain Lane. Just say
there Is purity girl on that island, and all the
sea-lions in seven seas couldn't keep you away.
Well, you had my consent before, and l shall
not withdraw. But look sharp for the cut.
throat savages there, and return the minute
sound the trumpet, if you don't before
In less than fifteen minutes the young Off
GERS accompanied by four sailors, were fairly
flying over the water toward the Island.
Touching upon sandy beach, they drew
up their boat in cove nearly hidden by over
hanging trees, and started inland.
"If we wish to see the gal, we have got to
be purity sly, for she's wild one,' declared
Jack. Then we must be on our lookout for
the natives too, for they're beastly set as you
ever saw"
After an hours weary tramp, however, they
were beginning to think they should have to
return to the ship in disappointment, when as
they paused for moment to gaze out upon the
sea, the tone of some one sweetly singing was
waited to their ears.
When they had listened until the song was
finished, cnraptured with the melody, Charlie
Weston exclaimed, joyously:
at must be she!"
"Yes; and she must be a fairy to sing like
that. Come, boys let's go down there. But,
tor your life, don't disturb her"
Advancing cautiously, until they gained the
line of thick shrubbery that skirted the beach,
they parted the foliage to behold the loveliest
vision their gaze had ever met.
Standing in the shallow water, that laughed
and played at her dellcately formed feet and
ankles IN high glee, while she was engag-
ed in fastening her waving mass OF golden
hair, which fell far down her waist in pretty
braids, was a beautiful maiden of scarcely
sixteen summers.
Her form, hablted in wel-fitting garb made
Of the inner back of the sea island willow, was
faultless; and her features were perfect in their
outlines, while the purity of her complexion
seemed only enhanced by the straightforward
hue that lite of exposure TO tropical sun
had given 1t.
Isn't she beautiful - exclaimed Robert, lost
in admiration.
Yes" whispered the supercargo in reply,
equally fascinated with her appearance. But
see, she is going to sing again"
Again the air was filled with the sweet notes
of her song, and until the last notes had died
away the entranced listener did not dare to
even breathe aloud for fear of breaking the
spell.
There is no Indian blood in her VEINS" de.
clared Bob lowly, as she ended her song, and
they continued to gaze upon her IN wrapt won
der Her features and the tone of her voice
are English"
"And look; she wears a chain and locket,
which tells that she has not always been in
this place"
His companion started with renewed sur
prise as they discovered gold chain and lock
ct suspended from her neck.
II would give year of my life to know the
mystery of her existence here!" exclaimed the
mate, impetuously. 81 am gong to speak to
her"
Sultlng action to the words, he stepped light
ly forward, and addressed her in clear voice.
But rs the first sound fell from his lips, she
turned in alarm, and catching sight of him,
fled like a frightened gazelle.
Seeing that 1t was vain to think of Oyerak-
ing her, they could only watch her out of sight
with looks of wonder
I'VE must ind her, boys" declared the ex-
cited mate, and his words being heartily sec
onded by the supercargo, the others were moth
ing 10th to join in the wild chase.
Away dashed the sailors on the course OF the
fugitive maid, but finally they W, re forced to
abandon the chase as a fruitless one.
Hush! AT that moment, high and clear ov-
er the mile or more of intervening sea, came
the clarion tone of the captains trumpet.
I'VE must return to the Si uow; but | am
determined the vs ,.yerly shall not leave these
waters till we know more of that"
.'Hough throughout" broke in wild, discord-
ant yell upon the mates speech. Then half u
hundred furious natives rushed toward them
from every quarter.
Six against fifty III an open fight! The sail
ors were brave men, but in less time than we
could describe 1t they were hurled to the earth
and overpowered.
Instead of putting them to death then and
there, however, the savages bore them away
with eXultant cries.
Finally a valley teeming with tropical
growth was reached, and the prisoners saw the
rude huts under the cocoanut trees that com
prised the home of their captors.
Here they were met by motley throng Of
old men, women and children, who crowded
around with anxious gaze, and anon uttered
startling yells
But ourirIends looked i'll vain for the island