Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-01-10
life. And I'll do it, too, because ]

life. And I'll do it, too, because L
love her"
Glove her, you ?'
Just now you said | was a man."
said VIII, quietly. Lay hold on that
cask, you. What are you shrinking
for; can't we talk and work, too ?''
A strange smile came over the face
of the old merchant, and they hurled
the cask into the water, and assisted
the men working at the fall in raising
it.
"Don't think I'm a fool, Mr.. Vane,n
said viii. off | lived thousand
years and saw her every day, |
wouldn't tell her as much as I've told
you. And what's more-you wouldn't
have heard me say it if it had not
come out before | thought"
Mr.. Vane said not word and Will
Clay was silent. They worked hard
to save the steamer, but the flames
gained upon them i h by inch and
drove thCm aft.
Give it up, capt;iin,' whispered
Will. "Get out the boats and pro-
vision them Take time for all you
wart, and we will fight the fire"
The sailors worked with will until
they saw the beats drawing uD to the
gau@way and the passengers taking
places. when they left their work and
srrarg for the boats. The passengers
made a rush at the same moment, but
as they neared the gangway they met
Will Clay, a pistol in each hand, and
his eyes flashing fire.
" Stand back there - he cried. "Do
you call yourselves men? DO you
want to swamp the boats and spoil
our only chance ?"
"Get out of the way. ~ hissed a
gigantic SwG de raising his heavy hand.
"Out of the way or | will crush you
with single blow. -
A pistol cracked and the man fell
beck, shot through the shoulder. The
crowd recoilcd before this determined
young man, for even in an hour like
this men fear sudden death.
Keep back, | say - repeated the
Young mate. Pass along those ladies
first, for they 90 in the first boat"
The order was promptly oheyed, and
then six of the crew, called out by
name. went into the boats and pulled
away from the gangway, under com
mand of the first mate. Boat after
boat pulled up to the gangWaY. re-
ccived its load and pulled away. There
was no more rushing, for there was
death in the eyes of the young mate
and captain, who had taken his place
by his side.
Only dnughter is not in the boats,
,o~rg man. said Arthur Nane,
lea sell.
Nil Vane," said Will, "you can
cCmc now"
Mabel who had been standing apart,
hurried forward Mr. Nane stepped
into the boat and the last of the crew
followed. Then panic seemed to
size them and they pu he'd off. leaving
the captain and mate upon the doomed
steamer, as long tongues of flame
leaned out toward the boat.
"Stop"' cred Mr.. Vane. "You
have left the captain and Mr.. Clay.'
The men looked at him ficrcely, but
the steady eye of the old man awed
them, and the two were helped into
the boat, the captain supported by the
strong arm of his gallant mate. The
boats pulled away together, while the
column of flame which shot into the
air announced the fate of the Gray
Eagle They reached the islands safely
after week had passed.
There is Young man who sails q
steamer from Lor don to Alexandria,
whose nam" is VIII Clay. and he is
married. The name of his wife is
Mabel: for Arthur Nane, having
" found a man" knew how to make