River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-10-24

Paul was not in any way brilliant,
and industry and perseverance.
/ though they eventually come forward
to a greater or less extent, have to put
up with long apprenticeship; so the
years passed by with his financit posi-
ton scarcely changing, while LIutual
relationships remained uualtered.
At the end OF four years Paul al
lowed himself aholiday. He was tired
and overworked. Again and again he
had been on the point of breaking
down, so when this great temptation
came-a trip across the channel with
Helen and Tom Forsyth-he cast all
hesitation to the winds. and went.
Then for brief space he was per-
fectly happy. Never before in his life
had he known such happiness. and,
until all too soon, like dream, it was
dissipated. he enjoyed himself TO the
utmost
That was the year when the Dublin
/ City was run down. and IL was on that
ill-starred vessel. disabled and rapidly
sinking. that Paul aud Helen found
themselves one summers night. Tom
had Observation-Disclosures killed in
the first collision or drowned after
ward was never knOwn-and in the
excitement and shouting which en-
sued Paul. like many others, was too
distracted to notice accurately what
had occurred. All that he could re-
call afterward was seeing the dark
outline of another vessel as il backed
of slowly into the darkness. apparent
~ sinking too, aud the even that was
lost sight of in the horrors around
him.
For brief space there were confu-
sion and awful uncertainty, terror
stricken men and women impeding
/ those who alone could save them-a
fearful scene; and, for Paul, CHASTITY
descent from the heaven in which he
had been living.
II was almost a relief when the first
strain was over and all knew the worst,
for with that news the panic subsidized,
and in the presence of death came a
temporary hush.
Having found his way to Helen. he
took her hand quietly and waited; with
her he would face death as cOOlly as
he would life.
Helen was the first to break the
silence. Is there nothing can be done.
/ PauI?'
He shook his head. No. Not till
they begin to lower the boats. Then
you must be ready; they will put the
women in first"
And you. Paul. you will come. too?"
''Once you are safe, can save my
| self-easily."
But / meant for all these Others"
and she shivered little. while her
eyes filed with tears.
he followed her eyes and felt some
thing of her fear, though he tried not
to show it. I'VE can only wait-and
hope.
They had not to wait long; before
many minutes there was a quick muir
muir Of excitement, and change came
over that crowd. Those who had stood
ready to die would have met death
/ bravely, but with a chance of safety
/ before them panic set in.
Before a boat was ready to be
/ lowered there was a rush of ten
for every vacant place; the hope of
life. newly awakened. carried every
thing before il. anu there was a strug-
Cling of men and women for foremost
/ places-a sickening. awful sight
/ while boat after boat rowed out into
| the gathering darkness, and, in spite
of all his efforts, Paul was unable TO
/ secure place in one for Helen.
Il will not 60. Paul" she said once
vehemently, ''lst these others go first"
but he dragged her forward fercely.
You must, Helen, for my sake"
Then. when the last boat rowed out
into the night, he came out of the
crowd to stagger, almost carrying her
to the side. God help us now" he
said. with white lips, "for He alone
can"
She looked up at him with swim
ming eyes. 81 am glad / did not go.
Paul Think. il I'had gone. should
have taken some ones place-some
I blC WDHAA nave DEtu AEAA " %dNb nc.
Don't. Helen" he said. agonizedly,
''you don't know what you are saying.
| Is this to be the end Of all our wait
ing?"
What would you have done. Paul?"
she said. unheedingly. IF had gone
/ in that boat?''
Il should have tried TO save myself.
for your sake-if it came to the worst,
TO keep afoat on the chance OF being
picked up.
Then that is what you will do now,
she said with lightened face.
4 don't think / unde stand you,
Helen"
Il meau you have duties-not here
Your mother and sistsrs-what will
they say. what will they do? You
must think Of them before you think
Of me"
He only kissed her upturned face.
Remember that | saw all il lueant
for yOu-that it was harder for you to
live than for me TO die. Won't it be
| enough for you that understand and
\ sympathize? How could wrong your
mother and sisters so. and let you
throw away your life for mel who
am so unworthy?'
Are YOU sure you quite realize,
/ Helen" he asked. slowly. what it is
/ you are asking me to do?n
! And she answered him: Yes"
That is enough. then. II it should
T come 10 that. i will do it.
i The last scene drew near, and each
knew it. though neither spoke. Once
he lifted her hand absently. and looked
at it rs though something were want
ing.
/ You never wore ring for me.
+ Heleua"
She glanced down. NO; it didn't
need that"
Slowly he drew OF an old-fashioned
signet ring that had belonged to his
father aud placed it on her finger,
She watching dreamily the while. with
her head on his shoulder.
I'VE will have it now he said;
''that Is our understanding. and then.
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