The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1895-12-20
SIHEKFYN

SNCH " Iit-
In utter simplicity ne had misunder-
stood her; her weakness was doubly re-
buked, and she felt him tower above
her higher than ever
1t is a strange game" he said, more
lightly, ''in which you and 1 are found
on opposite sides; but since were in it
let no one say we didn't play it out
But either way you lose!' she cried,
with despair in her voice and eyes.
MOI So" he answered, tenderly. Il
have won already, and received my
prize beforehand"
He drew her to hin as he spoke, and
again for a space the chains of their
iron destiny fell away from them. and
they fled together across shoreless seas
under an infinite radiance of sunlight.
She tore herself away at last, but only
at his urgent e~ntreaty that she would
rest. She promised with a sad smile,
knowing sleep to be impossible.
Outside stood tombstone. AS he was
about to lock the door again the colonel
came up and stopped him.
Wait a moment he said. Il want
to speak to Captain Estcourt."
He turned to Camilla, and added. be-
fore he went in. Il am sorry to trouble
him again, but must make it plain to
hi that his fate is none the less newt
able for any help you may have prom
ised him. | warn you, you are power
less in my hands: if you wish to save
him it must be by bringing him over to
our side, and not by DESERVING to his"
You may spare him your hateful
presence, then" retorted Camilla. for
L have made no promises.
The colonel looked incredulous.
oh she cried, ''how Should you un-
derstand? 1 would have given up all.
n gladly, too; but he cOnpels me to
do my duty in spite of myself"
The colonel looked a little uncom-
Portable, but his face cleared. Then L
may count on o to nelp me?' he
asked.
She turned upon him, her eyes blaz-
ing with unSpeakable hatred II con-
tempt.
Yes she cried, you may count on
me to help you and despise you; to
curse you in success ana to triumph in
your downfal1,"
The colonel turned away. He felt that
he was not appearing at his best be-
! fore ~Johnstone; and it was against mis-
principles to let himself be seen at a
disadvantage by a subordinate.
Camilla went to her own cabin and
threw herself into her berth. She was
worn out, but far too overstrung to
sleep. The wind was rising outside;
the ship moved violently, with sounds
of stra!ning timbers and OF heavy
masses thrown from side to sire.
Hour after hOur passed in this tur-
MOL, which seemed to match the help
less tossing of her thoughts. Sometimes
the shouting Of rough voices came to
her; sometimes the shrieking of the
wind was like the despairing cry of hu-
man agony. Her nerves Quivered, rest
less terror overpowered her reason, and
the most horrible fantasies possessed
her. At last she could bear it no longer.
Hardly knowing what she did, she rose
and went to the saloon.
tombstone. Wearied out by q long
watch on deck. was sleeping on the floor
beside the door.
She took the key from his pocket,
turned it in the lock, and passed softly
in. Ee woke as she stepped over him,
but seeing who it was sat still and eyed
her WatchfUliy.
SIlc SledutSu HSISSIl III Tie uODIWdy
and looked down the room. A hammock
had been slung across it near the mid
ole: there lay Dick, sleeping quietly as
a child: a single lamp was hanging
near, and the unsteady light threw
strange distorted shadows across his
face without troubling his rest.
She stood gazing for some minutes; a
deep sense of peace came over her; she
sighed and turned away, soothed and
strengthened.
tombstone, without rising, held out
his hand for the key. AS she went back
to her cabin, he muttered behind her:
"Ay. ay! my beauty; he'll be sleeping
sounder yet tomorrow night!'
Happily size did not hear him, but
went to her berth comforted and slept
for some hours in spite or the noise of
the hurricane, which ragged with in
creasing violence.
During the night the brig, after vain
~ attempting to anchor, had been driv-
en- past the island to the south, and
When Camilla came on deck il the
morning she thought at first that an
unhoped-fOr deliverance had nus been
brought about, for St. Helena was far
away IN the horizon, and the wind,
though it had moderated in force. was
still blowing almost dead against them.
She . o saw, however, that the ships
head was toward the island, and that
by repeated lacking they were already
making some way against the vino
The colonel himself came up to her
and pointed out this fact. BY sunset"
he SAID. we shall have comfortably
worked back to the north side of the
island, and our new guest will be on
board the S~peedwell soon after mid
night"
She looked at him with cold hatred,
and made no answer.
Il can not help seeing" he remarked,
that 1 have had the misfortune 70 in
cur YOU displeasure. But L hope the
Emperor, when he ONES will recon-
Gle US all"
She turned her back upon him and
went below. When she reached the
door of the saloon she found Jc:lnstone
posted there again. This time he Re
fused to let her in.
No, no." he said; your turn last
night; mine his morning. I've particu-
lar business with Captain E%stcourt to-
day, andfron his looks L should say it
would take us some time yet"
She went TO her cabin, and the long
day began to drag YEARLY on.