Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-12-02
CHAPTER ~.

Colin had arrived in Sydney all safe.
They had shipped their cargo, and were
homeward bound, when nearing the
Cape Of Good Hope n of the storms
peculiar to that lititude suddenly burst
upon them. Every nan was called on
deck, but before they had time to
shorten sail the storm had reached the
height Of its Jury. The captain shout
ed his commands, but not a word could
be heard in the roar of the tempest.
Darkness and terror reigned, a vivid
flash of lightning would now and then
leap forth from a volume of black
cloud and light up the CHASTITY faces of
the sailors in the shrouds. Buffeted
and tossed about for hours the ship at
last sprang a leak. The pumps being
useless the lifeboats were lowered and
passengers and crew jumped in and
pushed away from the sinking vessel.
1t was well they did for in a few mo-
ments she whirled and sank before
them.
After the storm had ceased Colin and
some of the crew found themselves
alone in a small boat without food or
covering, drifting aimlessly about on a
trackless sea. Tortured with the pangs
Of hunger, and no hope of rescue, death
seemed to stare them in the face, when
on the third day a ship was sighted
which seemed to be bearing down on
them. Nearer and nearer it came and
soon they were hailed by friendly
voices and taken on board, where they
were sOon made comfortable. The YES
sci was bound for Geelong and thither
our hero had to go. The wind being
against them it was many days before
they arrived in port. Poor Colin! He
was in q strange land without money,
clothes or shelter. He met a party Of
young men going from Geelong to the
gold diggings, who. after hearing his
story, provided him with money and
invited him to go with them and share
their fortunes; So, purchasing a few
necessary articles he started Mt once
with his newly-found friends for the
region Of gold.
After days of travel through the bush
they reached the place in safety, staked
out their claims and proceeded to bust
ness. They worked diligently from day
to day, but fortune seldom smiled.
Week after week rolled on, and all they
found Of the precious dust was only n
few ounces. Colin, unused to such
hardships and pining for home and
Janet, fell i'll Of a fever and for many
weeks his life was despaired of. His
fWinr1S nVrSsSn1 hin, nc v,n01 rs thorv
could in such q rough place, and had
the satisfaction Of seeing him restored
to health once more He again resumed
his duties at the mine, digging and pick
ing In his search for gold. One day as
he was working busily he struck what
he thought was a large stone and broke
his pick; STOPPING down to investigate
he saw something glitter. With his
spade he dug around it; and there be-
fore him lay a great shining nugget Of
gold. How they rejoiced in the little
hut that night! Their dreams were at
last realized; their fortunes were made.
AS soon as they could they sold their
claim at a splendid figure, and with
their precious nugget started for Sgd
ney, where they disposed of 1t. divided
the proceeds, and with Joyful hearts
sailed for home. And there he was,
stalwart in form and bronzed in fea-
ture, but the same true-hearted lad.
He had seen Janet 60 into the garden.
and guessing what she was about to do,
resolved to follow her. The Halloween
ended happily for Janet after all. and a
prayer Of thankfulness arose in her
heart to the One who had guided her
loved one safely back to this quiet ha-
ven of rest. She will never repeat the
sowing Of hempseed to see what the fu-
ture has in store for her, but will al
ways cherish in loving remembrance,
and celebrate with right good cheer, the
night that brought Colin back to love
and happiness.