Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-01-01

stood and was ever sympathetic, he
went his way unhesitatingly and thank
fully, though, like the rest OF the
world, he had his fits OF depression
and relapses. And Helen, she thought
very much the same; IL seemed to her
then a privilege, which she scarcely
deserved, that one little gentleman,
however poor, however Insignificant,
should love her more than life itself.
"And we are the best of friends" she
used to say, land, though we may
never be able to marry, yet no poverty
can come between us here" Nor did
it.
Paul was not In any way brilliant,
and industry and perseverance,
though they eventually come forward
to greater or less extent, have to put
up with a long apprenticeship; so the
years passed by with his financial posi-
ton scarcely changing, while mutual
relationships remained unaltered.
At the end OF four years Paul al
lowed himself a holiday. 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 ii was on that
ill-starred vessel, disabled and rapidly
sinking, that Paul and Helen found
themselves one summers night. Tom
had disappeared-whether 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 it backed
off slowly into the darkness, apparent
ly sinking too, and then 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
1t was almost 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,
Paulp"
He shook his head. mo. 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, toop"
"Once you are safe, / can save my
self-easily."
But meant for all these Others"
and she shivered little, while her
eyes filled with tears.
He followed her eyes and felt some
thing Of her fear, though he tried not
to show it. 1--WE can only wait-and
hope"
They had not to wait long; before
many minutes there was 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 chance OF safety
before them panic set in.
Before boat was ready to be
lowered there was rush of ten
for every vacant place; the hope OF
life, newly awakened, carried every
thing before it, and there was u 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.
81 will not 60, Paul." she said once
vehemently, "let these others go first"
but he dragged her forward fiercely.
"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
cam"
She looked up at him with swim.
ming eyes. II am glad / did not go,
Paul. Think, If Inhad gone, / should
have taken some ones place-some
one would have been left to save me"
Don't, Helen" he said, agonizedly,
''you don't know what you are saying.
Is this to be the end of all our wait
lngP"
What would you have done, Paulp"
she said, unheedingly, "if l had gone
In that boatp"
81 should have tried to save myself,
for your sake-if it came to the worst
10 keep aAoat on the chance of being
picked up"
"Then that is what you will do now"
she said with lightened face.
II don't think l unde.s tand you,
Helen"
II mean you have duties-not here.
Your mother and sisters-what will
they say, what will they dop' You
must think of them before you think
of me-"
He only kissed her upturned face.
Remember that saw all it meant
for you-that it was harder for you TO
live than for me to die. Won't IL be
enough for you that l understand and
sympathizep How could wrong your
mother and sisters so, and let you
throw away your life for me- who
an so unworthyp"