Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1894-06-21

tiers as they were and view the situa-
ton with that calmness and compla-
cency that Pat exhibited. But that
same storm which wrecked the first
vessel delayed the mail steamer and she
arrived three weeks behind her time.
III.
1t is a beautiful summers morning
The clear waves fall softly upon the
beach though they are leaping at the
lighthouse out at sea. The cattle are
browsing upon the rich pasture in the
distance and on yonder hill is the rec
tors UNCOVERED church, beneath which
rests his lost wife. The old man is
upon the shore; his daughters arm is
within his; they are watching the tug
that has been to relieve those watchers
at the lighthouse. Mabel's beautiful
face is deathly pale and one little hand
is claSped to her heart. THIS is her
last hope and she feels how weak it
lis.
Some of the passengers in hat i'll
fated vessel may have gained the light
house.
Presently boat is lowered, men leap
in her; their oars flash in the sunlight
and TIL. boat speeds toward the shore.
The rector places his arm round Ma
bells waist and she sobs aloud. The
fishermen walk from them and watch
the boat draw near. But they know
too well there is TO hope.
At last the news arrives None land
ed at the lighthouse that stormy night,
every soul was lost Mabel hears it
i,,l. L. G.,4l
man places her upon The grass fnd
knecling beside her, with claspcd hands,
pravS with all the fervor of his soul.
His faith is strong still and as those
rough lnen look upon that old mans
face, turned to the silent heavens. they
learn Il lesson that even his words could
not teach them.
Days pass by. The moon is rising
over the rolling sea, flashing over the
waves in Il myriad lights. The earth
is very beautiful this peaceful night
Strolling along the shore are father
and daughter, but Mabel is sadly chang
ed and the old man looks older. He
is talking in that soft hopeful voice
that somehow always brings Mabel
comfort in her grief. His hat is in
his hand and his silvery hair waves in
the gentle wind Mabel thinks he is
very beautiful; and so he is, with that
brave faith which no trouble will
shake
Mabel, for the first time in my life
| feel how weak my words are. | feel
that were your mother in my place she
could comfort you as l can never hope
to do. Yet even your dear mother
could not sorrow with you more than
l."
Papa, You are very good. No one
could comfort me more than you; but
there is no comfort for me. All hope
is gone now. Oh, Herbert, why did
| love you so dcarly?"
"All will come right. 1t will; indeed
it will"
You bid me have faith even now,
papa"
Il do. l bid you have faith and hope
See, darling! Look at that glorious sea
and the earth. Their presence should
always raise your hope and faith"
But papa, what are they to me,
when | have lost Herbert? Oh, it is
cruel. 1t is wicked"
Hush, darling! You do not know
what you say in your grief. Kncel
down, my child; and we will pray that
he shall come to you"
Softly the waves break upon the
shore and the moon streams over father
and child as they kn2el side by side,
uttering their silent prayer. Then Il
step falls upon the ground, a voice
breaks the silence:
Mabel
Mabel springs to her feet The next
moment she is clasped in her lovers
arms, her lips meet his and she lives
again.
The silvery light of the moon falls
upon the lovers clasped within each
others arms and upon the old mans
upturned face, as he kneals beside
them.