The Yale expositor., 1894-10-05

For a moment they ignored their en-
nifty, and worked in concert to save
themselves from sinking until they
could gain the bank only half mile
distant.
But their efforts were unavailing.
Under the fresh gliding and gorgeous
paint, the boats timbers were old and
rotten.
They could make no headway with
the oars, and in three minutes after
Cavendish discovered the leak, they
knew they must sink.
One might reach the bank, but not
both. Their united weight was too
much for the fast filling craft; and any
bailing was Intellectual with only their
caps as substitutes for buckets.
"One OF us can save himself, Brad
ley. Tell me truly, does Cathie Faye
love you? Has she promised to be your
wife," Cavendish abruptly inquired.
"She is to be my wife; she loves me!
Do you intend to throw me overheard,
now you know IL! You need not try!
If either reaches the shore, l SHALL"
Bradley replied with evil meaning.
"You need not blacken your soul with
what you threaten" Cavendish said
quietly. II will relieve the boat Of my
weight at once. Cathie's happiness is
more to me thsn my life. only regret
cannot leave her to n better man"
If they had been less intensely ex-
cited, they might have heard oars.
AS Cavendish spoke, n clear, stern,
girlish voice fung through the resonant
air like the :lote of a bugle.
Don't JUMP, Sidney! l am coming
TO save yop," Cathie Faye called to
MIN.
The next instant her own boat
looming weirdly through the fog like
some unreal or magic vislon-shot
shot alongside the endangered craft.
The wonderful fact of her addressing
him inste!d Of his rival-indeed, or her
being tkere at all-held Cavendish
dumb for moment.
He was scarcely conscious Of the
icovement when h stepped into the
boat beside her.
Then BE suddenly recovered from his
bewildebment.
You are not going without your
promised husbandi - the man you
lover" he exclaimed in astOnish nent,
- she suddenly headed her boat for
the shore.
II dc not love him. and he knows It!
have this night refused TO be his
wife. What he told you moment ago
was wicked falsehoodw Cathie said
Indignantly.
In the peculiarly still air she had
heard Bradleys words plainly as sha
approached, herself unheard and un-
| seen.
"Cathie, Cathie! don't leave me like
thisT Bradley pleaded, in a craven
tone.
She could not have taken him, II she
would. Her boat was a mere cookie
shell, and it was already sufficiently
freighted for safety.
"Cathie. how can you be so cruel?
I shall drown, if you abandon me-"
Bradley whined, as the boat receded
in the mist.
But Cathie was inexorable.
"Oh. you're safe enough, now you
have the boat to yourself" she called
back contemptuously.
1t was the unerring instinct Of love
which guided her to the lake on that
tragic midnight.
She was suddenly beset with contri-
ton for having slighted and panied the
man size really loved
WIN the cOntrluon was mingled
conviction that she had wronged him
in crcditing Bradleys assertions and
insLnua lions.
"He persuaded me that you had long
beun bathrothed to another; and that
you tried with every pretty girl who
would listen to you," she said to Cav
endish.
And you could believe It? oh,
Cathie!' her lover said reproachfully.
"Aftcr you were gone" she contin-
uei pCnitently. lit all at once occurred
to me that Cecil Bradley had belied
yon. and that he might attempt 10
hacm you on the lake, where nobody
could hear anything. My fears would
nor let me rest. so / stole out of the
house and followed you"
My brave darling! You have saved
my life; and you have saved him, no
doubt, from a life Of remorse," said
Cav ep0ish, kissing her tenderly.
".AnG you forgive me for doubling
you?" she asked with tears.
y am so happy, sweet, knowing you
are mine, that / can forgive even Brad
ley ANY way, he sinned for love OF
you" the lover answered.