The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-08-11

and the others were all relieved from the
necessity OF preventing private conversa-
ton between us. OF course the entire party
understood something of the situation, and
II there was no engagement existing between
Lila and me, each hoped and believed there
would be before the voyage was over.
We had fine weather for weeks, and then
we were caught in dead calm. You who
have gained your sea experience on board
an ocean steamer, cannot imagine what 1t
is TO lie motioness day after day on
CLASSY sea- under a burning sun, utterly IN
capable of moving unless the wind rises,
while not breeze ripples the water or stlrs
the loose sails hanging dejectedly against
the masts. Everything about the ship was
dry as the desert and the forced inactivity
was almost intolerable.
One night under the tropical stars Lila and
l had long talk. Not tinge OF anything
but friendship warmed her COOL pure face,
and with heavy heart went to my state
room, half inclined to believe that she had
spoken truly in declaring love to be dead
past all hope OF resurrection. A strange
feeling Of depression possessed me, but L
soon fell asleep. l was awakened by some
one pounding on my door.
"Glennl Glenn! the ship is on frep'
Hurry up, old mani She's blazing aft"
he cried.
"The adies?' I asked
dressing. Get your valuables."
In belt made for the purpose, fastened
SeCulelY uIutT my ClUlIlUb, put my money
and jewelry. Five minutes later every one
was on deck.
The vessel burned like pitch; the we'll
trained crew had already lowered and pro-
visioned the boats; the women were white
with excitement, but fearless and calm. 1t
was growing intentionally warm where
we stood; a black volume of smoke rolled
up the gangway, when the cry, MAN the
boats - rang out.
Miss Jewett stood leaning against the
sail. watching the flames as if fascinated. |
went up to her
MY darling" l said, twill you trust me? ?"
She laid her hands in mine. More than
friendship shone in the brave eyes.
Yes, Glenn" she said.
/ bent over and kissed her solemnly, ten
DERBY.
Hurry up" cried Captain Abbott.
There were three boats; Mrs. Abbott and
Alice were already in one, and Lila was
speedily lowered to place beside Them.
The first mate took charge of the second
boat, the second mate commanded the third
They were quickly filed with the crew. /
Joined Lila, then Captain Abbott swung
himself down and we pulled swiftly away.
There was no moon, but the stars shone
as they shine nowhere except in tropical
sky. When at a safe distance the sailors
rested their oars, and we turned to watch
the ruin behind us. 1t was grand! Flames
were creeping to the tops of the masts and
running through the rigging like fiery SER
penis. The smooth water, rejecting the
flames, looked like sea of molten metal
Suddenly there was an explosion.
Powder" said The captain.
The mainmast fell with crash, sending
thousands of sparks skyward; the ship
rolled and dipped, then righted herself.
Evidently the force OF the explosion had
been expended upward, and had not torn
hole in the hulk.
At daybreak, having deyoured everything
to the waters edge, the fire suddenly went
out, leaving the charred hull floating, a
black specter on that shining sea.
With the rising sun came the wind and
black clouds. A few hours later the storm
burst with all the fury of the tropics.
The boats were separated. We could do
nothing but drift before the pitiess storm.
Suddenly vivid flash of lightning blazed
over the water. We saw the first mates
beat, just ahead of us, capsize, but were
pOwerless TO help. Arthur Halls tall form
was outlined second as the boat went
over. and as Allce's CRY, Arthur! Oh, save
him!' rose above the noise of the tempest
the water closed over the doomed man, and
the driving rain blinded rs.
Lila had involuntarlly hidden her face on
my shoulder, and with my arms around her
we waited Tor death. But swiftly as they
had gathered the clouds dispersed, the wind
Tell away to StIf breeze, and presently the
waves were breaking against our boat with
the soft ripping OF q child's laughter.
We headed Tor group of Islands known
to the captain and sailors. All that day and
the next n ght We rOwed. Alice, after that
one cry, had fallen back senseleSS in her
mothers arms, and now was lying in the
bottom Of the boat, delirious with fever
Mrs. Abbott and Miss Jewett bore the ex-
posure and fatigue wonderfully.
Late in the afternoon on the same day we
saw ship away to the vest. We made
frantic efforts to attract her attention, and
were successful y boat was sent out To
meet us, and soon we were taken on board
the American ship Columbia, homeWGrd
bound. Captain Abbott and Captain Leslie
were well acquainted, and tears actually
stood i'll the latter's eyes when he found
whom he had rescued. A sharp lookout was
kept for the other boat, and just before sun
set 1t was sighted, and we soon had the
pleasure of seeing It's crew also taken on
board.
Alice continued very i'll, and ten days
later, despite the utmost care and skill of
the ships doctor, she died. With many
tears Lila robed the beautiful girl in white,
and one clear Sabbath morning we gathered
on deck to listen to the sad solemn service
OF a burial at sea- Yet we felt. as the blue
water closed over the fair form, that some
time the sea would give I'D its dead, aud we
should meet her and the brave man she
loved so well.
At last We were nearing home, and the
day came when finally we cast anchor in
New York Harb0f. Lila and went straight
through to Phiadelphia, astonishing the
relatives beyond all measure, for, of course,
they had heard nothing Of our peril.
A month later we were married. The
day before the wedding l took my bride to
be in my arms, and asked:
My darling, do you love me now p'
Looking in my eyes, she said
With all my heart. Glenn. You were
right. True love cannot die"
Captain Abbot never crossed the ocean
again. He and his wife were heart-broken
because of the death of their only child.
Mrs. Abbott shuddered at sight of the sea,
and lie would pot go without her. They
relatives, and after few years the mother
went away 10 join her beloved daughter,
and the captain soon followed.
Fifteen years ago Lila and l went to Aus
trala on steamer. We have crossed the
ocean many times, but have never met
with another disaster.
CRIlSHE AMI RRQKEN