Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1885-09-04
THE WOMAN IN RED.
A Thrilling Italian Story Of the
Last Century.
by GEORGE w. II. REyNOLDS.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE VOYAGE ANp THE WRECK.

The little brig had been nj sea two
days. and thus far had made good
Roadway toward her destination, with
a fresh wind from the northward and
westward. But on the mOrning of the
third day the sun rose i'll a haZy at
mosphere, and very soon afterward
the scudding clouds foretold that
heavy weather was at hand.
The Fdic0R hal run down TO the
southwcstward, and was upon her
course 10 round the hcadland of Point
del Pincho. being the aim of the com
mander of the vessel 10 clear that dan
gerous vicinity. if possible, before
night rs he well knew the perils of the
waters near the island and reefs,
which show themselves in a clear day.
in that locality.
As the dav waned, however, and
the evening set in. the heavens We're
darkened by thick. black clouds. and
the whstling of the rushing wind
among the rigging and against the
light sails on board the Fdi"0R, was
evidence sufficient to the sailors that
/ they would have sharp time in get
ting round that headland. at best But,
/ as the storm increased. due caution
/ was exercised; and at the same time,
/ the wrcckers on the shore beyond were
moro and more delighted. for they be-
/ lieved that such gale must bring its
| booty landward.
The night proved one of those
wretchcdly gloomy ones. when not a
/ star could be seen; and a it heightened
that darkness deepcncd. The surge
dashed high over the rocks in every
direction, and the lookout on board
/ the FdicOR had been cautioned to be
especially wary. On sudden light
was discovered, and a cry of Land,
( no, light was quickly reported by
the watch.
where away?' asked bold voice
on the instant.
ITO the northeast. over the lee
bows.
Ii was Count Claudio who made the
query. for he had been upon the deck
for the twelve hours preceding. and
this announcement caused him anX-
iety.
The light was now clearly seen by
all hands, and the question arose
What was it?'
1t had been impossible during tho
day to take the customary observation
at noon. in consequence of the thick
weather; and both skipper and crew
were entirely at loss to determine
where they were. Rodolpho. however
entertained his own suspicious secre.
". but he did not utter them.
An attempt was made forthwith tC
wear ship and claw off the coast, bu
this was found to be utterly impracti
cable. from the violence of the gale
which was now rapidly increasing. 81
that sail could not be carried; beside.
this. the Fdicon being a heavy sailer
could not he readily managed. The
effort 10 lay-to was quite futile, and !
was clear that she must make a har
Dor or go ashore. I'm this dilemma
Count Claudio called the master aside
and in low tone. asked him if h
could divine or imagine where the
were. and what light it was they saw
so distinctly.
II know" said the skipper, witt
, some feeling. that we are to the nor
, ard of the point and that the light W
see Wonder isn't what Id Liz % see
, Then YOU suspect
: Il don suspicionize nothing con
tinued the old sailor. bluntly.
well, its n false light then?
at must be.
And we must go ashore. too
1 IL can see no other hope for us.
!, Captain, we have too precious
i burden on board your craft to sacritic
il thus without a struggle, continue
Count Claudio, with emphasis.
What do you propose. them
!. Il will give you n hundred douf
/ looms. in addition to your price for con
n ycying us TO our destination. If yo
C weather this gale in safety
And You think that the lives of my
self and crew are to be put into
:, money scale. do youP"
II NO. no. Captain.
% You so propose; for do YOU thin
/ won't do all that man can do unde
such circumstances as these?'
III Is well.
|, Breakers" shouted the lookout.
o "Breakers aheadl continued two G
IS three voices at the same time; for tn
crew had now become thorough
alarmed, AMI as thoroughly watchfu
- What's to be done now must i
Of done quickly" added the Captain
turning to the Count; were With
half mile of that Internal reef. an
then are iCaiiR0 for MS.
Il see it all. said Count Claudi,
"you have fire arms on board. has
!, you notp'
eYoa "