The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-05-20
WEST BY SOUTH.
BY LEN.

tul line showing 10 aQVanCagea as Sne mOVeu
occasionally in unison with the ripping
wavelets that seemed anxious to caress
her. Tomorrow would see her scudding
away from jealous rivals and winning all
the honors of the day, as she had done
many times before. Mints of money had
changed hands on the pet, the beauty, of
the club, and her owner and sailing mas
ter, Frank Burgess, loved her as women
only are usually loved and worshipped;
and she had never disappointed him.
The sun set, leaving crimson glow on
the leagues Of emerald waves that rip.
pied through the Narrows. The windows
n the island homes still reflected rain
, Dow-tinted hues, OF where the last rays
fingered, sparkled and glowed like da-
monds. The whole scene was lovely,
and as twilights advanced guard, tho
mellow, creamy radiance enveloped land
and sea.
| Frank Burgess, who was leaning on tho
bow, gave sigh of satisfaction, not only
for the present loveliness, but for the
prospect of fair day with a sailing
breeze on the morrow. The crew had
| gone ashore, and he was monarch of all
lie surveyed. Just recovering from a
long illness, he had invested what little
money he possessed in this yacht and so
| far she had been good investment, for
health and strength were fast returning
with the help of the revivifying sea
breeze.
Burgess was handsome fellow and
| great favorite in society; his family be-
!onged to the "four hundred" but his
means had obliged him to withdraw from
its expensive precincts; he hoped, how
ever, great things for his next race, for
Hebe was favorte and sure to win.
Night came on; the anchorage light
glowed like gem on the dusky waters.
Frank, now busy with rod and line,
catching fish for the morrow's breakfast,
Shore lights beamed, twinkled and faded
out; he was just drawing in his lines for
the last time, for the small creel at his
side contained many shining beauties,
when he heard the dipping of oars and
the soft swish of boat cutting through
the water:
AS it came nearer he hailed it, but re.
ceived no response; he called again-still
no reply. He opened the cabin door;
the light streamed out on the water as
the boat stopped alongside and a girl
stepped on board. Frank looked his
| amazement before lie found speech to
say:
Good EVENING" What can 7 do fol
gou, madam"
She stood with her back to the snugly
reefed sail, tall and fair, with well cut
features, and mass of soft golden hair
coiled under little felt cap; her dark
blue eyes were shaded by dark lashes and
brows.
"Pretty, extremely so," thought
Frank.
But her eyes wore a frightened, yet
withal pleading look; Frank repeated
mis- question before her answer came, low
and sweet:
"Steer south!"
"Steer south? What for?" he asked
in surprise.
II don't know, but you must follow
me; he is so ill-so I'LL" she said, shud.
dering violently. "He will die if you
don't come"
Where is he, and where must go?'
asked Burgess.
steer SOUTH" she said again.
She had entered her boat and was row.
ing away into the darkness before Frank
could decide whether she was an escaped
ianatic or if there really was some one
who needed his assistance.
"It's queer 60, he said aloud, "but
will follow and see what she wishes me
to do. / can not be kidnapped for my
money, and don't know of any one who
wants to fracture the sixth command.
ment on my account"
He stepped into the boat, unfastened
the painter, and took up the oars. His
visitor was quite q distance ahead, but
she evidently thought he would follow,
for she called, steer south" and Frank
answered, SAY, Ay!" as sailor should
under orders.
On the boats went, tho girls stroke
was even and steady, and Frank won.
1ered at the speed she maintained. Sew.
eral Coney Island boats passed along,
their tiers of colored lights reflected in
the calm waters. The low lying sandy
peach lComed ahead of them, the girl
steered for it, and Frank followed.
The boats grated on the sand together,
and the girl sprang ashore. Frank did
the same, pulling the light boats up and
fastening them securelyi then without
ono word his fair guide walked up the
beach and reached well worn gravelled
path that led to small cottage built for
summer use
A light burned In a room leading from
The hall. Entering this. the girl pointed
to the only occupant the chamber con.
tained, crying, Save him!" and fell halt
fainting in chair. Frank approached
the bed, where lay man whose CHASTITY
face and dim eyes gave evidence of ap.
preaching death.
Are you doctor?" he gasped, as if in
pain.
"No, said Frank. "Shall go for one?r
"No, mott is only question of time
with me now," he answered, and look
strangely like smile of satisfaction
passed over his ashy face.
The girl who had struggled to her feet
with some difficulty, now approached
the bed. She did not seem to notice
Frank. The sick man said something to
her in a low tone, and she left the room.
She did not return, although Burgess re-.
manned with the sufferer for some time.
When he at last departed, he promised