The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-05-20

deck.
The latter, pale with terror, wrung her
hands piteously. but her young eompan-
ion appeared 70 be more calm, although |
she, too, was much terrified.
"Oh Captain. is there no way to avoid |
those rocks?" cried the elder lady.
Il am sorry TO say, ma'am, there is
none answered the skipper, sorrowfully. !
SITS the bad weather that brought me
to this"
"will there be no hope for US when
we strike"
But the captain did not ike 70 answer
this question, for he knew there was
scarcely chance for anyone to be saved |
when the ship should be hurled and
shiyered to fragments on the rocks
He walked away to speak to the mate,
who was now bending over the rail, peer
ing intentIy through the rack thar half
obscured long, iutting promontory Of
the island to windward-
Forward and amidships stood the crew, |
silent and appalled,, awaiting the dread !
ed moment Of the shock which, it seem
ed, could not be delayed more than a
quarter Of an hour, 50 close was the YES
sci 10 the rocks.
I'VE are doomed, Langford," said the
skipper to the mate, who was still peer
ing through the rack 70 windwsrd. !
Nothing can save Us now"
@Ay,' answered Langford. "But, if ]
mistake not, there is boat with some
one in it making for Us, from the way Of
that promoutory yonder."
"You are right" answered the captain,
after brief survey. "WhAt can he want
at such a time >"
The boat-a good, strong one, contain 1
ing the stalwart form Of q young man
was headed diagonally, 50 that it struck |
the ships side a few minute later A /
rope had been thrown to the occupant, /
who cIambered aboard, revealing plainly
the compact, broad-shouldered form and
good looking, sun-browned face Of one
evidently familiar with the sea.
He east a quick glance about him, and
then looked ahead, ere he spoke to the
captain.
Il have come to save your ship, sir
he then said.
NO living man can do that now, sir
replied the skipper.
Il can do it." answered the stranger,
as he quietly shook the spray from his
! brown hair.
Gertrude and her aunt, who had. hith- /
erto been screened from the young mans
gaze by the cabin-house, behind which
they stood, now bent forward to look at
the newcomer.
He, turning at the same moment, met
the full gaze Of the girl.
Frank Marlin - she cried.
"what, Gertrude Wilson here?" he
exclaimed, a CLEAN of pleasure lighting
for moment his blue eyes.
Then a look Of sadness fell upon his
face, and bowling slightly. he turned to-
| ward the captain.
III, as you say, sir, you can save nay
craft, think there is no time to lose.
put her in your hands, cried the skip
/ per.
up helm Square yards" shouted
Marlin, n the voice of one accustomed TO
/ command.
He was promptly obeyed and now
with added velocity, the craft was driven
towards the rocks.
Marlin quietly waited until she was
opposite certain rock, when his second
order came
'Steady-steady as you GO"
1t now seemed as if, in few minutes,
the ship must be hurled crashing on the
rocks ahead.
But when she was within ten fathoms
Of it, Martins ringing voice was again
heard
/ Keep of, there at the wheel ~
I As the helmsman raised the wheel,
the ships bow pointed past the rock, so
that she now headed directly towards
foaming, tumbling mass of water, not six
fathoms off.
"Breakers 2" reared the captain to the
young man. ~You are driving the ship
straight upon them
And he bounded toward the wheel.
Marlin, smiling, caught him by the
arm.
"YOu viii spoil all, = he said-~wait7
A few seconds after be spoke the ship
plunged through that foaming caldron Of
white water, which the skipper had felt
was the sure sign of breakers, but which
proved 10 be merely sort of whirlpool,
and dashed safely on.
Steady, man; steady at the wheel !"
shouted Marlin.
Swiftly the vessel, rushing past high
rock, giided into bay, where she was
sheltered from the storm.
"Now you can anchor said Marlin.
The skipper gave the order, and the
ship was soon lying snugly at anchor
'-iou have saved rs. cried the captain
gratefully, grasping the young mans
hand
"Ay, sir because residence of seven
team months on this island has made me
familiar with every nook and corney Of
it,
"0h, Frank, aud have you indeed been
living here 50 long?r said timid voice
at his elbow, after the captain had walk
ed forward.
He turned to see the fearful, pleading
eyes Of Gertrude turned up toward his
face.
She thought she read encourage nent
in his loving glance, and, with a faint
CRY, she fell sobbing and weeping on his
breast.
so long so long" she murmured
shut it has come at last-the meeting l
have hoped for
sDo YOU then love me 50 much, after
all, GertrudeT'
"God alone knows how much" she
replied.
And will you be nv wife if 20 home
with yous You will be twenty-one by
that time
ayes. On, yes" she answered, in low,