Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-10-28

est port, where MeeucoA9g.lSLLI7
be made to the bent propeller A rocky
coast line was already dimly deserted
in the distance
Eight bells had struck. Wan pass
engers had appeared on deck. Sud-
denly there was crash that made the
steamer shiver, and a sound of splin-
/ tered wood and of iron plates torn
asunder. Then the startled cries of
men came family from the engine
room. The steady, whiriing of the
screws ceased. The vessel listed to
/ port. The steerage was full of groans
and shrieks and appeals for divine aid.
Officers rushed below
Roger Thomson was among the few
i cabin passengers on deck. In the con-
fusion consequent upon an accident at
sea, he ascertained that the steamer
had broken shaft, and that the hull
had been badly damaged by the mighty
piece of mechanism when it snapped.
Then the voice of the first officer was
heard.
"The captain requests that all gather
together their valuables and prepare
to leave tie steamer. There is no i'm
mediate d,nger, but the boats will be
launched and the passengers taken to
the shore, which is only a few miles
distant. Please carry only necessary
clothes, and remember, there is no i'm
mediate danger"
This message was repeated in other
parts of the vessel Thomson turned
to Edith and her mother
Don't be frightened he said. "The
captain is only taking a proper pre-
caution. Better get your things, and
[ will wait for you, unless I can help
you down there. No? All right
Make haste!"
Boats were quickly lowered into the
water, and the RATS were flung over
the Sides Passengers were scurrying
in every direction, ending by tumbling
into the crafts as best they could. Ed
it'll and her mother appeared.
"Here you are" cried Thomson.
Mrs. Petit, shut your eyes and trust
to the Lord. There you go. Now,
Edith"
But she had vanished. Hurry up!"
came the hoarse cry from the only
waiting boat. Roger saw that he was
alone on the deck. Even the captain
had embarked. Disregarding the
summons, he ran in mad haste to the
Pettits' state room. Edith was there,
searching frantically underneath the
lower berth.
ooh, Roger" she exclaimed, chat
little satchel containing the deed! Did
mamma have it?''
Eyes, I saw it. For Gods sake,
hurry on deck, Edith! We shall be
left Where's your life preserver"
81 couldn't find another. Everybody
seemed to grab them, and man
jerked the one had out Of my hands"
By this time they were at the >rail
again. The boat had drifted away
slightly, but was not moving. 1t was
damned with human beings, and the
crew were afraid to be so near the dis
abled vessel.
Edith, take this" said Thomson,
strapping about her waist the life-pre-
server he had been wearing. "Close
your eyes and lips. You can't sink.
They will pick you up
"And you, Roger" she asked, cling
ing to him.
sI'll be all right I'll follow you.
can swim. Oh, my darling" he whls-
pered, as he lifted her and held her
tightly for moment" it is for the
best that you have not loved me. You
and Jack think of me, sometimes
With a sudden motion he threw her
over
Gasping, strangled, it was number
! of minutes after she was hauled into
the boat before she was able to look
around
where's Roger" were the first
words she uttered
"Pull away, pull away strong, my
lads!" shouted the boats officer stern
ly.
Edith. in spite of her mothers re-
straining arms, stood up. How low In
the water the Kaiser Wilhelm was!
And there, there on the deck, lone
silhouette against the sky, was Roger.
She knew him at once.
ooh, Roger, Roger she called, as
though her voice could reach him.
mo use, miss" said the officer; He
told me yesterday that he couldn't
swim, and, any way, the suction will
draw him under, poor fellow
But afar, as if Edith's tones had
sounded on his ear, the mute figure
waved his hand. Then, in an instant,
the steamer was blotted out, and only
sea remained.-The Puritan.
A Fortified Foot.
While digging for bait with which
to go a-fishing the other day, little
! Johnny Regain, Of Lenni, Delaware
Il r,aol ctnnQ lar