The record-union., 1893-07-28
FORTY MILES FROM LAND.
A samoan's Long swim and Its Tragi,
Ending-Story of a Fan.

A Samoan's Long swim and Its Tragic
Ending-Story of Fan.
1t was not one of those dainty Partisan
fans, with edges of lace. upon which were
painted number OF charming figures of
shepherdesses and lads with a pleasing
pasture background, but it was crude,
barbarlc affair, composed of skillfully in
terWoyen reeds, circular in shape, with q
long handle, and artistically touched here
ana there with the bright spots Of color,
says the Detroit Free Press. 1t was
fragrant with the odor of the material
OF which it was made, and while OF no
practlcal service in modern drawing-room
days, was extremely decorative when
placed on the wall. 1t was one of those
| 1ans which are associated with a bronze
colored princess in a savage country. 1t
seemed especially adapted for the use Of a
dusky waiting maid, who, standing at
respectful distance from her mistress,
would gently wave lifelong handle to and
fro. IL was also associated with some
island in the Pacific, and looked unique
and strange as an article elaboration. 1t
made its entrance into civilized life one
bright day when a great Pacific steamer
was approaching the Samoan IsIauus.
The boat was nearly forty miles from
land, when bright spot was seen on the
water. AS the steamer drew nearer the
spot resolved itself into a swimmer, who
carried fan in his teeth. The captain
ordered the steamer stopped.
''It is remarkable how far these fellows
will swim out from the shore for the sake
of a trine," he said.
You do not mean to say that man has
swum all the way from the land TO us ?''
observed pretty woman who stood on
the deck.
YES" replied the master of the boat.
land pretty soon we will see lot more of
them. This fellow has ventured more
than usual.'
soon the man stood on the deck. He
was perfect specimen Of savage beauty,
and did not seem to be exhausted He
breathed hard, but otherwise showed no
signs of fatigue. The woman gazed at
him in amazement. One could not see
the land. ~ intend to buy that FAM" she
said, but there were other bidders. The
fan was put up at auction. The price rose
from $40 to So, as several gentlemen were
anxious to present il to their sweethearts.
Finally the pretty woman took ring oil
her finger. "Will you take this?" she
asked.
The savage did not know its value. All
the rings he had seen were alike, large
and cheap, with enormous, worthless
stones. lie looked at the ring, and then
smile crossed his dusky features. The
stone in the ring which was offered him
was so small. He did not know that it
was of more value than all the rings on
the island. But when he looked into the
earnest, pretty face the smile vanished
and he handed over the fan. He tried to
put the ring on his finger, but it was too
small, anu so he thrust it into his mouth,
alter which he plunged overheard. Then
the steamer moved slowly on. The pas
sengers continued to gaze at the swimmer,
who was quickly left behind. lie arose
on the waves with marvellous buoyancy.
Suddenly he threw up an arm and disap-
peared. They watched to see him reap
pear, but they strained their eyes in vain.
Poor fellow" said the captain.
When they asked his meaning he
merely replied: sharks" Then many
other swimmers drew near, and they like
wise had fans, while in the distance were
seen the bright-colOred sails OF the boats
that were coming to meet the steamer.