The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-05-19

ing about like nutshells, more SECURE from
risk of injury.
But bark A dull, brief report resounds
above the din of the tempest and the tur
mol of the waters. This is no thunder of
the waves; it is cannon shot. We hear
1t once more, and then repeated at shorter
intervals. Men congregate at the harbor's
mouth, and large telescope is procured.
But no ship is yet visible; the horizon is
too circumscribed, Thus half an hour
passes away. All Allinge is on the alert.
People unite in groups to discuss the plight
of the devoted vessel. l find myself at
tached to one of these knots. Now-it
may be about 5 o'clock-something black
becomes visible against the back ground of
llammerberg. 1t draws nearer and be-
comes plainer-wc distinguish ship.
A sudden fash quickly followed by
report gives renewed intimation that the
vessel is in distress.
But who can render any aid ? The coast
is precipitous, and wild, uneven crags jut
out far into the ocean. The sea is so rough
THAT no boat could live in it. The danger
becomes more and more imminent. The
craft, a brig already bereft of its main
mast, must strike. 1t is hopelessly lost.
In the excitement of the awful moment
l had been unconscious as to my immediate
surroundings, spddeply, quite close to
me, 1 heard a cry full of despair, soul
stirring wall,
1t was Gudrun, who stood wringing her
hands, her fallen tresses prey to the blast
"The Nautilus-Gunnar p she cried in her
anguish. Hsave him-my lnve!"
The doomed ship was none other than
that which bore her betrothed homeward..
Men ran to ald fro with confused cries,
but no one ventured to the rescue. at
would only be tempting Providence" de-
clared venerable sailor; and he added,
nncoveFipg his head in all reverence aThe
lord of heaven and earth deliver them"
All the bystanders followed his example
and united in the prayer.
Gudrun rushed from group to group,
imploring, supplicating, wringing her hands,
but nobody veutured to court certain death,
Suddenly Captain Torstensen, her father,
appeared upon the scene wearing "sou'-
wester" and long sea boots.
"Who will come with me p he asked in
clear, resonant voice. He met with no
response. Some attempted to persuade
him from his enterprise, even resorting to
force, lhe most experienced sailors re,
garded 1t as madness to attempt to navigate
in such a sea.
"Then shall try it alone he declared,
hurrying toward his boat. Two young
men followed him, at first doubtfplly; then,
adiured by Gudrun, determined to join him
in the desperate venture,
A rush was made for the landing where
the boats were lying. Torstensen could
scarce stand upright in his boat, but for
all that he cast off the painter. And now,
Just as the men were in the act of pushing
off, Gudrun leaped into the boat. A cry
of terror rose from hundred throats
Many women were weeping. The boat
heeled over and the oarsmen were evident
ly striving to put back with Gudrun. A
receding wave, however, carried the boat
rapidly out of the harbor.
The crowd stood breathless; not a word
was spoken. All eyes were centred on the
boat, which appeared on the lafty summit
of wave only to disappear next moment
in the trough of the sea. Gudrun's fair
locks were floating in the wind like cloud
feck. The minute guns had long ceased
to echo from the brig.
Darkness set in, and they had not re-
turned, Nothing further was seen of the
ship. Night fell. The storm ragged on,
the waves still battled fercely, and out
yonder those who were meeting their doom
drew their last breath unheard Unheard?
No. There is one who listens and hears.
The people of Allinge passed sleepless
night, As for me, | pondered over Gud-
runs words of the previous day; "Do
you hear? Oh, know | shall die soon"
Once more day dawned, but the morn
ing was bright and sunny. The storm had
subsided. Men were searching the shore.
All that remained of the brig was shat
tered wreck wedged in between the rocks.
Here and there body was lying drowned
on the beach. Gudrun's father lay amongst
these dead. And about a mile west of
Aliass, on projecting rock, two lifeless
;otii. F5f IS were reclineksed in each Others
face arms-a maiden of passing loss and
a stalwart, handsome youth They
- Gudru1, the claiEyoyante, and Gunnar.