Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1882-01-26
Am 0rigiual Storg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE HOUSE ON THE HILL.
CHAPTER III.
BY HERBERT JOHNSON.

The gray light of dawn was already streak
ing the horizon. More than an hour-an hour
which had seemed like days-had elapsed, and
still nothing was known of the fate of the lit
tie boat, or the larger craft to whose rescue it
had gone. The latter, indeed, was now visible,
dim black mass defined against tn lowering
sky; but steady rain had begun to fall which
effectually blotted smaller objects from sight.
The guns had ceased to sound. Allwas silent,
save the dashing of the breakers and the moan
ing of the wind, that blew the spray, with
sharp force, in the faces gathered around.
'sThe tide is turning" observed one OF the
men, in a low voice. "It'll be easier for them,
comm back, than feared"
''Purvided they ever gets back" :" was the dis
couraging rejoinder of another.
''Hold your tongue, Sandy Wells,' said the
first speaker, sharply; ''you're always for
croaking without cause. There amt nothin'
to hinder 'em comm back"
''Purvided they've got where they was 60
in" finished the other, not to be checked IN
his doleful representations.
Captain Russell turned suddenly to the man
who had spoken first. ''Quick, Harper, your
glass. think see speck upon the water,
between us and the ship"
Harper hastened to hand him the glass.
The Captain, in his excitement, had forgotten
to bring his own. He took it, and tried to ad-
Just it, but his hand shook so that it was not
easy for him to do.
'Confound this rain," he muttered, lit
blows into my face so that I can't see; blurrs
the glass, too. Look through it, Doctor, may
I've you'll have better success."'
II Ithink,'' said DR.. May. after moments
inspection, 'sthat see the boat but 1 can't
tell whether it is going or coming"
''I'l look, sir, if you please said Harper,
respectfully 'I'm used to keepin' lookout
in most weathers."
The glass went from hand to hand Some
thought the object in view was the boat, while
the opinion of others was that it was piece OF
broken mast, or other fragment of the ship.
''We'll have to watt" said Harper ; 1--WE
can't tell nothin' for certain, yet"
At last, however, to their inexpressible relief
and Joy, the form of the little fishing smack
y as plainly discerned. 1t was approaching
the shore. Wave after wave alternately lifted
it upon a pinnacle and cast it down into an
abyss but fortunately, it had not to contend
against the tide, and the violence OF the wind
had also begun to abate.
''How many on board," asked the Captain,
trembling with anxiety.
''Two-four-six- -eight," counted Harper,
whose practiced eye and steady hand were
rarely at fault. "Eight see, and bundle of
some sort between 'em-looks like a prostrate
fgger. Somebody hurt, guess"
''Can YOU make Harry out ?" asked the Doc
tor, seeing that his friend wanted, but feared,
to ask the question.
s'Can't make nobody out clearly yet, Doctor.
II think, however, amt sure-that DO dis
tinguish him now. Yes that's him. know
him by his hat. Leastways, I'm pretty GER
tain; I couldn't swear to him."
A few seconds later, he confirmed the cheer
ing statement. ''It is him, for certain; see
him plain enough, now."
ssThank God !" muttered the Captain, de-
voutly. "And the others; are they there! -
''Joe Granger, I see, j" said Harper, still scan
ming intently, ''and Andy-yes, that's Andy in
the red shirt. IgueSs that other must be Sam;
though see two blue shirts, just alike One
on ems sailor off the ship, guess. So are
the others. Now I see what that fgger is,
layn' on the bottom. It's a man; looks like
he's dead but maybe he is only hurt some
way Here they come. Hooray hooray
They're all right now, for this trip, anyhow. "
''IIooray!'' went up in chorus from the
rough but kindly group, all hearts joining with
fervor in the glad thanksgiving to which they
gave no other utterance but this. Nearer and
nearer came the boat Soon it reached the
shore, and one after another the dripping crew
sprang out. Harry, white as ghost, with a
handkerchief bound round his brow, staggered
and would have fallen, but for his uncle's sup
porting arm.
"How's this, my boy you are hurt" ex-
claimed the old gentleman.
cts trihe, sir; an iron bolt knocked me
on the forehead, that's all. 1t bled little,
but Pm all right now.''
Captain, he's a trump" said old Hardy,
slapping him on the shoulder; "saved a man S
life-that fellow they are bringing off the
boat-and nearly lost his own. But there's
no time to talk about it now, I'm off for an
other trip. The ship'll settle after while,
but she'll hold out long enough for us to save
all on board, and maybe some of her cargo, if
we are lively enough. Harper, guess that
smaller boat can stand the water now the
storms going off. The two of 'em will make
quicker work. Come lads, who's ready for
trip number two? 20
The call was responded to in a twinkling.
All was hustle and excitement, and in short.
er time than it takes to record the fact, the
two boats were ready to start. Every one felt
that the worst peril was over; and with their
first great anxiety lifted from their breasts,
those on shore could turn their attention to
the person whom Harry had so bravely rescued
from drowning, and who was still in helpless
and almost unconscious state. He was mid
die aged man, handsome and weli-dressed, and
evidently a gentleman had he been otherwise,
Dr. May would have given the same directions
concerning him, viz. that he should be carried
Immediately to his house, while messenger
was sent to forewarn Mrs. May, and desire hel
to have a room prepared.
'sDo you come with US also, my lad, and III
see to that cut of yours" he added, kindly, tc
Harry. ''There'S somebody at home that vii
be glad enough to welcome and congratulate
you, though she doesn't even know what yor
have been about, yet"
1t was glad and thankful group that gath
cred around the Mays breakfast table that
morning though, in the excitement, which
still prevailed, every one felt more inclined tt
talk than to eat. Harry recovered from his
temporary exhaustion after a little rest anC