Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-10-28
a Gilded Hero.
BY Z. L. SABIN.

The steamer had been buffeted by
the stiff gale for twenty-six hours, and
when the second day dawned the wlnd
had increased to hurricane. The SKY
was a leaden mass, gloomy, inert, and
brooding, offering no hope of change
and no glimpse of the sun. Clouds
which have distinct outline look as
il they might eventually be driven
away; but sullen sheet OF gray is
hopelessly dispiriting.
The waves had attained tremendous
momentum, and were being piled
higher and higher by the storm. Gray
like the sky, they tumbled in savage
glee aboard the vessel, rushing tri-
umphantly from the forward quarter
aft. 1t seemed as If legions OF sea
demons were Fastening from all direc-
lions, riding upon the snow white
crests of the angry pillows, TO assail
the struggling ship.
But ocean steamers, such as the
Kaiser Wilhelm, are not easily daunt-
ed, and the stout craft was steadily
plunging ahead, the captain with dill
Guilty maintaining his position on the
bridge, the stokers in the depths SHOW
cling coal into the greedy furnaces,
and the cabin passengers trying to
keep right side up in their state rooms
or in the saloon. The steerage pass
engers were praying Cabin passen-
gers bray only in extremities.
Three days out of Bremen-three
days of NAL de mer and general un-
pleasantness; for who, even the most
seasoned mariner, could survive the
weather, and smile? One storm had
followed in the path of another. This
morning, the saloon was sparsely oc-
cupied. Ladies, save one, were either
ill in their berths. or with closed eyes
were languidly lolling in deeply cush-
toned chairs. Gentlemen, save one,
were either in their state rooms or in
the smoking apartment
The two exceptions to the rule were
Edith Petit and Roger Melton Thorn
son. Talking in low tones they sat
in chairs snugly established on the lee
ward side, so that the feet Of the sit
tiers could be braced in case Of an I'M
usually severe roll.
Edith Petit was what men and
women alike call IAN awfully nice
girl" There was rothing dainty or
ethereal about her. She was a healthy,
well-groomed American damsel, able
to play golf or tennis half the day, and
dance rather more than half the night.
The rays from the electric globes fell
on her abundant hair, light but not
golden, and her smooth cheeks, and
glistened on her even, white teeth
when she spoke or laughed. Perhaps
her chief charm lay in her gray eyes
full and clear, and as honest as could
be-a standing challenge to mankind
to win an approving glance from them
Thomson was little different from a
hundred other men you meet at the
club; regular features. brown mus
tache and eyes, hair of the same color
and brushed straight down from the
part in the middle; a wholesome-look.
ing boy, but not noticeably brilliant
He and Miss Petit were engaged.
ct don't know" he was saying, twist
ing a tassel on her chair, that l care
to have more of this weather. The
mater has not been out of her room
not stand my society much longer at {
stretch. Otherwise should say
BLOW, we breezes, blow"
ooh, any port in storm can b.
construed to read any man in storm
II I wanted to say something mean
Speaking in earnest, Roger, l do no
see what I should have done withou
you, as poor mamma has been so mis-
cradle. You have been so good ant
obliging, actually denying yourself t
the smoking room"
well, you have had an opportunit,
to find out how angelic l really an
When we are married you will be o.
the watch for wings to grow from m
shoulders" His voice had slight
bitter tinge as he concluded.
After our ups and downs Of tn
present, we can find anything smoot
sailing, I think, don't your" she re
sponded, smiling into his eyes as h
looked at her solemnly. "Shant 20
be glad to see America again, and dea
old New York;"
Edith, do you know rather drea
it-getting back? Here / have you a
to myself. There-well, I might q
well tell you, am desperately selfisl
Angels are, sometimes. Expect JAG
Dorr will be In town, won't he? II
was to have returned last month"
Eyes, very probably, but"
ct wonder II you will take offense
I tell you something" he went on, II
tsrrupting her, with q consciousness
49, -. w.s oh<,,< "a ook Get ha
not been blind. I am sure that II 70