Wichita eagle., 1888-09-08

out OF an adventure merely because Of unfore-
seen accidents, and trusting TO Mr.. Lorne's
assurance that they could easily return by 8
O'Clock, she decided to go, with her aunt's, Il
not her mothers full approval
So when all was ready they walked boldly
down to the beach and took their seats in the
little boat, calmly trusting themselves in the
hands OF a single gloomy, wooden faced
sailor. During the first half hour Miss
Rosanond's attention was divided between
the porpoises and this grim boatnan, whose
green, expressionless eyes concerned them
selves with the sails or industriOusly scanned
the sea, but never rested on her even for a
moment, which struck her as quite extraor-
binary. Her companion, who talked con-
stantly, addressing her in low, suggestive,
lover like tones, must have been little
daunted, meanwhile; but later she entered
more into what he was saying, and the trivial,
low toned conversation flowed on delight
fully. Lorne told himself that he had passed
few more pleasant afternoons, and the light
ship doomed up big and close at hand ali too
soon for him, though it was later by two
hours than he had anticipated.
Tt was now ssen that to return to shore by
S o'clock, or even by 9, would be i'm
possible, but Miss Rosamond was not afraid,
being occupied by her surroundings, which
were of a nature TO interest her greatly.
The sun had quite set and the ocean was
wrapped IN dusky haze when they were as
sisted on board the weather worn old ship,
whose great beacon light aloft, burning its
steady signal TO the mariner far out at sea,
seemed TO quicken and intensity the surround
ing gloom
They were politely received BY the keeper
or captain Of the hghtship, who ordered a
meal served TO them in the cabin, which,
being supplemented by bottle Of Madeira,
was well worthy Of their attention. The
wine proved TO be so good, in fact, that Lorne
was moved 20 propose a toast to the health
of their host, to which Miss Rosamond re-
sponded with much enthusiasm. They also
drank to their safe return TO shore before 10
o'clock, and were very merry daLying over
the table longer than they knew. Finally
Miss RoSamond asked if they ought not to be
going, and Lorue then rose and went on deck
in search Of the captain, whom he found at
the traffrail, looking intently through his
glass toward the south.
Very sorry" he began, before the young
man had time to speak, "but id if l amt
afraid you'll have to bunk with US tonight.
Squat comm up-strike Us in less n an hour. p"
He raised his arm and again looked through
the glass. Eyes, sir-ee,n he added, you'll
have TO lay over tall mornin'."
Talcott Lorne was thunderstruck s'Why,
it's impossible" he exclaimed. Where's our
boatmans We must geto at once"
Hes gone below-fx'n' to stay over
night"
SsTb, 70 in to 1,,y-r la
that!n
You couldn't git him in that boat to-
night" declared the captain. a hint of laugh
ter in his tone.
'.But we must go ashore" persisted Lorne,
earnestly. THAT young lady-you see your
self
Yes, hits a pity, specially as there amt
no women folks on board; my wife amt
h'yer tonight, ner TIE other one, nair one.
But eff you try to go ashore n that boat to-
night, you're goin' to the botton-I tell We
right up and down.
Lorne was in despair, but be made one
more effort; could he not have another boat,
larger one, with men 10 man it; he would
do or pay anything in turn. Quite impos-
sible, the old captain declared, decisively
the only boat strong enough TO make the
trial was already on shore. I'm sorry for
you, sir" he added, with genuine sympathy
Its pity you didn't make the trip in thu
morning"
. Lorne returned to the presence of Miss
Rosamond with such disturbed countenance
that she at once inquired in alarm: why,
what is the matterl"
"A storm is coming up, and they say We
can't leave the ship before tomorrow"
''Oh! why-why, what viii they thinka
Mamma viii be distracted. Oh, We should
never have Gomez
''No, we shouldn't I was reckless, IN
thinking beast to have led you into it,"
at was not your fault she said, gener-
osfsly, as soon as the first shock of horror had
passed and left her more calm II consented
TO come-I wanted to come"
They were still talking about it when the
squau struck them, and the tough old ship
began TO heave and strain at her anchor
This increased their uneasiness, and Lorne
soon excused himself il order TO have an adj
ditional word with the captain. Partly
Is a result Of this conference, the
captain came below as soon as he found it
possible TO do so, and, with many smiles and
pleasant words, and great show of polite
ness, conducted the anxious young lady to
the apartments which she was to occupy for
the night.
But, where's-wherc's your Miss
Rosamond looked around expectantly.
"My wifei-oh, she's SICK" said the old
fellow, looking very blank. I'm mighty
sorry. She'd be hyeR right now, but she
amt able to git out'n her berth"
.'Indeeds hope it is not seriousT'
Putty bad off-putty bad" was the ready
response, with a rueful shake Of the head
II went TO her jes' now to see eff she couldn't
jes' speak word to you 10 make you well
come, for l know mighty Well there's nothin'
like hayin' women folks around to make
things pleasant when strangers come, 'spe-
cially ladies; they always has heap TO say
long with one mother 'fore they sit settled
But Polly said she coUIdnt-no use talkin' Of
1t; but she was mighty sorry, and she sent
her regrets"
Il am glad she didn't try to get up," said
Miss Rosamond sweetly, II can do very
we'll"
And the other ones gone ashore" pur-
sued the captain, TO which Miss EoSamond
made no rejoinder, though she wondered who
the ''other one7 was
Aren't you from the Georgia coast~ sha
asked at the door Of her sSateroo;l- Your
Accent
Il am that! I was born aud raised in
Chatham county. And so was you, ehF'
lie laughed almost with the delight Of q
child Mr.. Lorne told me- you was from
Savannah. and l Up an says TO him, 81,
shes the mistress o this ship jes' as long as
she's mind to be- ST, an / mean il, Miss
RCsamoa'."
Thank yoa ever SO much"
''Why. Miss Rosa-noa', I've known Of your