The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-03-08
TWO BROTHERS.

discovered it, no school of painting was
called after it, no one excepting a few fish
ermen and miners knew of its existence.
Nicholas Pentreath was the richest man
in Perran, for did he not own two fishing
smacks, besides sundry cottages, and had
he not banking account at Bolitho's
bank at Truro?
So his only daughter Mary was esteemed
an heiress, and the gessips in the little
village speculated wildly as to the sum
which Nicholas would give her when she
married one of the Tregenzas
All. There was the puzzle for the Ire
genza twins were both handsome, well
built young fellows, SO alike that their
own mother could scarcely tell them apart.
Rivals in love, the twins were rivals in
nothing else. They worked side by side in
the mine, shared each others pleasures
and sorrows and were as friendly pair
you could wish.
And even over love they would not quar-
rel, but, after talking the matter over,
drew lots to see who should ask the ques-
ton first. And when John drew the win
ming lot all he said was, 'Well, George, if
she won't have me, wish you luck, my
lad"
So George staid away from Pentreaths
John come in alone with a wonan's quick
intuition OWNED what was about to hap
pen. And when John, in his blunt way,
asked her to be his wife, she burst out cry
ing and said between her sobs: ST love
you, John, but I love George as we'll.
Please let us be friends as we always have
been. Let US all three be friends again, as
we were when we were children"
And while John, takon back by this I'M
expected reply, was wondering what to say,
her old father walked into the room.
why, Mary, what are you crying
about?" he began, but catching sight Of
John, he said: ''Have you been asking the
lass to wed your I suppose she's been tell
ing you she loves you and that she'll marry
you?''
you're wrong therei She loves both
of usl''
'Well, neither of you shall have her.
She isn't for the likes of you. Is the
daughter of the richest man in Perran 60
ing to marry a minerP I think not. Get
away and make money. I tell you neither
of you shall have her now. The first of
you who has 81 900 to his name shall have
her.
Tregenza landed at Melbourne. 1--WE had
better part here said John.
why, after all these years, - said George,
"are we to part nowP"
tits better SO, George. If we stay
working side by side, If one makes little
more money or has better luck than the
other, there might be envy and Quarreling
We must not run the risk Of that, even foR
Mary's sake
YOU'RE right, John. Goodby, old fell
low, and good 1uckl'
Early in the next year there was busy
scene in Melbourne docks. The Ocean
King was preparing for sea. John Ire
genza had been lucky at the diggings and
had made his fortune He watched the
ship for an hour, and then, thinking Of his
dinner, turned to go back to his hotel
He hadn't gone a dozen steps before he
started back, for there before him stood
George, tattered, dirty, travel worn.
John, - he said, II can see you've done
well. So had I, but my rascal1y partner
all the way from BallArat to try and catch
him, and 1 find he sailed for England last
week. Well, old fellow, give my love to
Mary when you see her. 1 don't arudge
you your good fortune
DO you think, George, I'm going to
stand that? Haven't we shared everything
together? Well do so now
"No, John. you've won the prize. I
won't take it from you.''
care you in earnest Geergs2"
eyes, old man"
"Well, If you won't share my money
with me and come back in the ship yonder
with me tomorrow, I'll give up my berth
and stay in Australia altogether. Come
now, and Wen get some toys and book
your passage And when we're home
again the girl shall choose. If she takes
me, SO much the better; if you, I shan't en-
Wy you. Love mustn't break our friend
ship, George"
1t was a dark, stormy night three
months later. Most of the passengers had
Ao1<~ T,r-%
the deck.
George, IookI the Perran 1ightsl''
Where can we be?'' said George. ''Ths
ship must be close in shore for us to be
able to see them q night like this
Scarcely had he said the words when the
vessel struck heavily and heeled to one
side, the great breakers beating over us.
Amid the awful rush of the next few
| moments George left his brother, but re-
turned in q moment, life belt in hand.
Its the only one left, John. You take
it. I always was the better swimmer
"Both together, George, or won't touch
| it, There was no time to dispute. They
| hastily dashed themselves to the belt and
as the ship gave its final lurch sprang from
the bulwarks.
The Perran folk stood anxiously on the
beach gazing into the darkness, trying to
see the sea s cruel work.
"Look out!' was shouted. "There'z
two dashed to belt
And as the great breakers dashed on to
the shore five or six stalwart fishermen
rushed into the sea and grasped the belt
Before they could get away the next great
wave dashed rescuers and rescued on the
| beach.
GA light here!' they called, and Mary
/ Pentrath, bringing the lantern, saw the
! dead bodies of George and John Tregenza.
Father" she said in a bitter tone
| gold has donel See how my own lads
| have come home to mep'
And now Mary Pentrath, an old WON
an, lives on Perran cliffs in a little cottage