The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1896-12-22


well sheltered was 10 that hc and Millis
were easily able 70 ascend, though it WAS
much sleeper here.
Half way up they stopped, and as they
sat In nook to rest they heard how fierce
the wind was now.
"How the wind is blowingl' said Mile.
"And what Is that boomf Don't you hear
itf" '..i
IT expect it's the breakers somewhere
farther along the shore"
"It makes mo nervous. Are you certain
that we shall get of all right before the
tide surrounds us?"
'If we DON'T" answered Ted, I'VE shall
all have rather interesting adventure.
At least ten Of us are on this rock. The
sea never covers IL. :"
at would be rather good fun" said the
girl little doubtfully.
When she was rested, they started once
more on the ascent. Ted did not want to
get to the top. He had not yet told her
his secret and he was determined to speak
before they left.
But fellow does not like to shout that
sort Of thing at the top of his voice. Mo-
ment by moment he put off the sentence,
and. as so often happens, he lost his oppor-
tunity, and they reached the top before he
had said the words.
Millie had to cover down, because she
could not stand against the wind, and 1t
was all he could do to keep his footing.
His hat blew of and was carried he knew
not where In q moment. Miles dress
amused him until she lost her hat, too,
when his distress amused her.
'How splendidly stupid we areP' cried
Millie, laughing gayly. "Can't you see
the others, Mr.. Rivers?"
"No, they're not up yet" Ted shaded
his eyes with his hand. 1t seemed to be
raining In gusts, for he was quite wet.
"There's a shower coming on, he shout
cd; "we must find shelter"
He found "a nook for her, and they
crouched down just as furious shower Of
rain drove down upon them. Ted got wet,
for there was room to shelter only one.
When the shower was over he went to
look for the rest again, entreating Millie
not to follow, as the rock was so slippery
1t was hardly safe to her. But she insisted
on following, and the result was that she
slipped and fell with a cry of anguish.
"No, no, it's nothing" painted Mile,
"and IL serves me right.
But when she tried To stand she found
1t impossible, and then she looked up at
Ted in terror.
"How can 1 get down this wretched
rock?" she asked, on the verge OF tears.
"When the others come, we'll manage
somehow" he answered reassuyedly, and
In his distress about her he actually forgot
the object that had drawn him here.
~ wonder why they aren't here now?"
he added He stood upon bowlder and
looked shoreward, and then he gasped.
Putting his hand to his mouth he ut
tered loud and piercing call, and then
he whistled shrilly, but the noise of the
wind was louder than his voice and the
sea gulls' shrieking drowned his whistle. /,
"What Is itS' asked Millie, taking fright.
"Why are you callingr' @
"It's no good, I'm afraid, he answered.
"They've given 1t up, and it isn't likely
they'll trouble about us. Most likely they
think we went home with the others"
"That means exclaimed Millie.
"That we must manage to get down as
best we can alone, Miss Lloyd"
Millie grew pale, but she set her lips
resolutely and said she was ready. With
Ted's help she managed to stand, but a
shoot of pain brought an involuntary cry
from her lips, and when she attempted to
take q step forward, though he supported
her, she could not bear 1t, and she sank
down, with short sob.
81 must go for help" said Ted.
"What! And leave mea Oh, I dare not
stay here alonel''
"Now, you must let me be your doctor, +"
he said, taking her foot in his hand and
cutting the shoe laces. He made bandage
with his handkerchief, soaked it in a pool
and bandaged the injured ankle capitally.
"Thank you very muoh," she said.
"That it so nice"
The tide advanced steadily, and now 1t
had completely surrounded them. A curl
Gus thrill of Joy ran through him. He
glanced back to where Mile sat, bearing
her pain patiently. She motioned him to
come to her.
"What do you seei' she asked.
1--WE are surrounded and will have to
stay here until the next ebb. Old Grice
finest weather, and now there's high soa
running"
"Are We safes" she asked, looking at
him in terror.
Perfectly. But it win be cold and wet,
and you are suffering"
"Not much, she replied bravely. "And
it Is all my stupidity. Do you think you
can ever forgive mef'
Ted was not able to answer, except
with a look that brought rush Of color
to her pale cheeks.
They sat In silence for long time lis
tening to the roar of the breakers A soil
tary figure appeared on the shore, but
neither of them saw It. 1t was an old man,
who stood looking toward the rock through
. pocket telescope. Then he shut 1t up
and chuckled
Blamed il don't believe they re there.
I'll 60 and tell missus to make some soup
for 'em, the young leddy'll maybe feel q
bit chilly, and doubtless he'l como of that
air rock feelin inclined to reward every
body all round, and me In partic'lor. +"
In order to be before any one else jack
returned to the shore and got ready his
boat and several ropes. Then he sat down
and smoked, keeping a lookout for any Of
the hotel folk who might be coming.
When he saw somo men running panic
stricken toward him, he pooketed his pipe
and pretended to be desperately busy with
his boat.
"They're as safe as II they was I'm their