The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-04-22

was pouring in soon we would be beyond
the reach of human aid i
shall never forget that hour as long as
live.
Fanshaw, livid with fear, crouched in the
bow of the boat and never uttered word.
Mrs Langley wrung her hands and alter.
nately shrieked and moaned-now praying,
and her voice drowned IN sobs and tears.
Kathleen sat like statue of stone, her hands
folded and her eyes bent on spot FAR away.
crept to Kathleen and put my arms around
her.
"Kathie, Kathie!" l cried. I'VE must die 1!
Is II not dreadful"
There are worse fates on EARTH" she an.
swered her pale lips scarcely seeming TO move
and still her brown eyes watched that tiny
speck as 1t grew larger-a man in boat,
man bending all his energies to meet us.
A strange smile touched Kathleen's lips.
"Ray," she muttered, as though she had for.
gotten our presence, "kay, knew you would
come"
1t was indeed Ray Sanford, and he was
rowing with all the strength of giant and
the energy of man determined to WIN or
die
He reached us at last-not second too
soon. aroused Mrs. Langley from fit OF In.
coherent sobbing and calculating, and pointed
to our rescuer.
He stood up in his boat, and had Kathleen
in his arms in an instant. Then he turned to
Mrs. Langley and me. Fanshaw followed US
and soon we were all safe in the bOat--ssved
from daeadful death.
Not word was spoken during the long
run home Kathleen never looked AT Kay; che
seemed unconscious of his presence.
When we reached the shore she dropped
from the boat unassisted, IS though she did
not see the young mans proffered arm.
Fanshaw, safe on shore was himself again.
Turning to Sanford, he took bank note from
his pocket and offered 1t to the young man.
Here" he said IN cold, insulting tone,
"you've helped US out of scrape, allow me
to-
But he never finished Ray Sanford knock
ed the money from his hand, and then, with.
out word, strobe off down the SHINING beach,
After that we saw him no more.
The time for our departure for home drew
nigh.
Kathleen had grown pale and thin during
these days. Her eyes were unnaturally bright,
and her cheeks wore hectic flush there was
something wrong about Kathleen.
1t was the evening before our intended de-
parture that we two walked along the beach.
The sun was setting, dropping slowly down
its golden ladder into fieecy banks of scarlet
and amber Up and down we paced, neither
of US speaking. So the sun set and the twi-
light gathered.
Suddenly tie torn of man rose before as
IN the gray twilight. He came straight up 10
Kathleen and held out both his hands.
She laid both her own within them. There
was sweet smile on her lips, aud her eyes
were luminous
as 1t good-bye?" she said
Never" he cried, fiercely. Tell me, kath-
leen, is it true, are you gong to marry that
man--that Fanshawg"
A sneering laugh fell upon our ears. Fan
shaw stood beside US.
"A pretty scene" he sneered "a Irritation
between my betrolhed wife ana common
fisherman
With face like marble and eyes flashing
like diamonds Kathleen slipped her engage
ment ring from her finger and laid 1t in Ar
thur Fanshaws hand, saying, coldly:
II have worn it too long, Mr.. Fanshaw."
Ere Fanshaw could recover from his amaze
ment, Ray Sanford spoke.
And who told you, Mr.. Fanshaw, that |
was a common fisherman? Not that attach
any lgnominy that vocation, which has been
followed by some Of the nOblest and grandest
heroes on earth; but unfortunately, have no
clam TO that title. am merely passing few
months on the Florida coast roughing 1t, that
might regain the health and strength that
had unaccountably deserted me. l leave soon
for my home in the north. You have heard
of Hugh Sanford, Of Boston,"
"a merchant prince" calculated Fanshaw,
| beginning to move away.
ale Is my father" said Ray Sanford, cool.
lly; and bending over Kathleen, who stood
clingng to me, he continued, while Fanshaw
skunk on through the evening shadows, "kath-
leen say you forgive my unintentlonal decep-
ton had known you week before real
lied the fall extent of my guilt. Forgive me,
| tor love you So"
| Her head was on his shoulder, his arm
around her waist They had forgotten all
about me, and | went home alone.
| An hour later Kathleen came 10 my side,
her eyes shining like stars.
You'll he my bridesmaid, cherie," she
whispered, kissing me with tears in her eyes.
"pm the happiest little woman alive. And the
best OF it is | loved HIM just as well when l
thought him a poor fisherman as do now
that know he Is of a wealthy and aristocratic
family tell you, cherle (another kiss), pride
is a very good thing in its place, but true love
is always and ever the best"
The Ta,no Au,uutor