The Newtown bee., 1888-10-05
THE HARP0oNER.

the tranquil waves of the North Pacific, whaling fleet. She was built more for stowage than speed, with bluff bows and could lay away more oil in her hold than most ships of her class. She was noted on all sides as vessel which could find and strike whales when others were un- lucky.
 The sailors used to say that they would sooner be before the mast in the old Arc tic than mate of another whaler, because they could make more money.
 A man was standing near the forecas- tie, shading his eyes with his hand and peering out ahead. He was tall and strongly built, his face marked by the tattooing instruments in use in the north seas. Yet he was an American and had the air of a model sailor, as indeed he was, Nat Myers, harpooner in the cap tain's boat and king of the forecastle. No man of all the crew had more influ- ence, but it was not the influence of fear, for the men loved him. With the strength of an OK, he had the calm, even temper so often seen in men of giant build, as if, knowing his strength, he would not use it against his weaker brethren.
 Standing upon the forecastle by his side was boy about l2 years of age, a beautiful lad, with brown, curling hair, sunny blue eyes and delicate face.
 ''How do you..feel since you have been in the Pacific?'' said Nat.
 ''I get stronger every day"
 'sYou've been coddled too much and swallered too much candy and such truck. Once let me git you so you can eat salt horse like man and you are all right"
 George Betts was the captains nephew and the doctors had said that the only thing which would save his life was a sea voyage and they gave him in charge of Capt Jacobs. That worthy passed him over to Nat Myers.
 ''Take care of him, Nat," he said.
 At first Georgie fairly hated the old salt, who forced him to eat salt pork and bolt through corned beef, dignified by the name of 'salt horse" and "mahog. any," when it was almost impossible foI him to eat. He complained to his uncle who grimly said that he had nothing tc do with the matter.
 ''But he'll kill me, uncler'
 "No, he won't, my boy. He'll make { man of you"
 As the days went on and George grew more accustomed to life on board ship he really began to like his tormentor He had gained so much strength that h' could run up the rigging like cat ant the smartest men on the ship could no catch him when he was once upon tn ratlines. And by the time they had pass ed the Sandwich Islands. although del icate looking boy, he was stronger thai he had ever been in his life.
 s'Lookee here, we are going to hay the biggest storm you ever see."
 "Pshaw! There never was faire day"
 ''Lookee, my son" said Nat in threat ening manner. Member what tol, ye about conterdicting me?'
 Three hours later, when the first mat had the deck and Nat was standing O. the top-gallant forecastle, with Georgi by his side, the squall burst upon ther with sudden fury. The first wave whic came aboard crushed in the rail an swept the decks and Georgie Betts wa carried out into the boiling ocean.
 It was broad daylight and Nat, with cry like that of wild beast robbed c her young, hurled himself over the rail holding in his hand a light plank, the or ly thing which he could seize. They saN him rising on top of a great wave an then George Betts came into view be yond him, struggling for his life.
 ''Bear up, my lad" they heard him CT through the roar of the tempest, 'Ol Nat is coming" .....
 The boy, who, slight as he was, was strong swimmer, tossed his head in tf air as signal that he heard.
 The crew of the Arctic could do notl ing, for it required all their strength an skill to save the ship. A dozen voic, together volunteered to man boat.
 ssNo, lads,' said the captain, sadl. ssNo man can love his nephew bette than do mine. I will not risk half dozen lives for two. Besides, the sh would run boat out of sight in half a hour, even if we could lower one. Be; a hand on the braces. Meet her, me, her, you at the wheel; don't let her ia off!'
 And the Arctic sped on before the a, full gale, leaving Nat Myers and Georg Betts at the mercy of the angry sea. IT old sailor struggled on and at last, vii cry of joy, he saw the boy clutch u end of the board.
 ''That's right, my son." he sai "Cheerily, cheerily, lad''
 1.-The ship is away,' said Georgie sa ly, as he saw the Arctic rush on befo the wind.
 ''Never you moind, sonny" and passed his arm around the lad and, stri ping off his belt, raised the boy so tn he lay upon the board and then boul him to it, face down, but in such pos ion that he could raise himself foot more from the board. He was swil ming beside the board, pushing it befo him.
 'Why don't you get on board, Nat said George, uneasily.
 ''Never you mind me-" replied Ma ssI'm all right, you see."
 Bnt, although he spoke so bravely, < felt in his heart that he had made last voyage. The weight of his hea sea clothing was dragging him down a