The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-01-25
Frank Merivale's Temptation

reSlueu In Jne Guy, ana accordingly this
summer Frank had hailed with enthusi-
asm the plan for few weeks soiourn at
the seaside. He was fourteen years old,
and thought it high time that he should
have view of the grand old ocean, for
he had never been at the sea-shore,
though their New Hampshire home was
but few miles distant.
Mr.. Merivale's time was entirely en-
crossed with his business; and his wife
being an invalid, there had seemed to be
no opportunity to give their son this
pleasure before. But now Mr. Merivale
had selected quiet, old fashioned town
nestled close to the shore of the great
sea, with long, cool streets shaded by
grand old naples and quaint, angular
cottages thickly overhung with cluster
ing vines. Altogether, it was most de-
lightful summer resort, whose peaceful,
restful calm knew scarcely any disturb
ance. 1t seemed almost like paradise
to the Merivales after the hustle and con
fusion of city life
While his father remained Frank en-
ioyed his new life to the utmost. The
fishing parties and long moonlight sails
were celebrating and delightful in the
extreme, and he had never a thought of
WEAKNESS. But Mr.. Merivale's leave of
absence was limited, and after week Of
unalloyed enjoyment he very reluctantly
returned to his usual routine of business.
To avoid danger his parting injunction
to Frank was, My son, desire that
you should not venture on the water
alone, or without experienced and trusty
companions.
Now, this restraint was irksome to
Frank, for like most youth of his age he
considered himself perfectly competent
to take care of himself, and could see no
danger in the forbidden pleasure. There
were not many boys of his age in the
place, and these, it seemed to Frank, were
as lethargic as the tranquil old town
itself. Therefore he tired of the ceaseless
quiet, and earnestly longed for something
new and exciting. 1t came. One brig hit
morning. as he strolled down to the
beach, he espied light sail boat brought
in for repairs. The task was not arduous,
but the fishermen preferred to smoke
their pipes and tell their yarns under the
cool shelter of the rocks. So knowing
the boy s restlessness one of them proposed
that Frank should repair the leak, and as
a reward obtain the use of the skiff for
himself.
Frank entered into the plan enthusias-
tically. All his gloomy thoughts van
ished, and merrily whistling he Invested
himself of hat and coat, and began the
task. Noon came; and Frank FASTENED
home, to return again presently, ready
g. T. (o, IL 1,
he completed the task, which had taken
more time than he expected. At last he
was ready to embark. But just then his
fathers parting request required to him
with new force He strove in vain to
Danish it from his thoughts. A brief but
fierce battle between conscience and de-
sire ensued; but, sad to say, desire con-
quered. m no baby, he said, "to be
thus restrained. And then father really
did not command me not to GO
Did not the serpent say to Eve "Thou
shalt not surely die?" And like Eve he
yielded to the temptation.
So he sprang gayly in, waving his hat,
and cheerily responding to the sailors
blithe farewell as the boat glided from
shore. On, on, over the dancing ripples
and farther out upon the surglng waves
went the little skif 1t was grand, but
Frank didn t feel satisfied Here was the
longed-for pleasure, but it did not equal
his anticipations. His guilty conscience
rebuked him, and he began to wish him
self home. He was destined to wish it
more earnestly yet ere the night was
over. At first the western sky was aglow
with color, and the rejecting waters
shone like molten gold Then the sun
sank almost perceptibly, and the hazy
clouds spread, growing darker and dark
er, till finally they burst, sending down
heavy showers Of rain. Frank had turned
his boat toward shore but to his dismay
discovered that he had gone much farther
than he thought
The darkness grew more intense, and
Frank could no longer see his way.
Weary and disheartened he sank down,
letting the skif drift at the mercy Of
wind and waves. Suddenly there came
a shock-a heavy crash The little boat
had struck on a rock, and was dashed in
pieces, throwing Frank violently forward
into the waters AS he came to the sur