The Forrest City times., 1898-08-19
THE PEARL HE WON
By HELEN BEEKMAN.
nIWoNDER where on earth Belle

WONDER where on earth Belle
 Rives gets her beauty from!" This was the remark so commonly made that it had almost become by word in the little hamlet beyond the hills where she had developed into such bewildering loveliness. The sur prise readily was accounted for, as on Sunday morning she was seen striv- ing 10 walk slowly and demurely beside the dark-browed, weather-beaten cap tain, whom she called father. No sign of resemblance could be traced in the delicate skin, deep gray eyes and small mouth shaped like Cupid's bow, to either parent or grandparent, but the result was so bewitching one soon lost sight of their wonderment in admira- tion. How often she stood gazing out on the dark blue sea and felt an in- finite longing to know something of that outside world which, it seemed to her, that stretch of water shut from view.
 "Sea-gazing, as usual" said voice behind her one morning, in the midst of her reverie. What are you think ing of now, Belle? That tomorrow my ship will be bounding over those breakers, and that whole long year must elapse before I again shall stand by your side?" And Bert Rogers words somehow sounded hoarse as he completed the last sentence, and she turned with blush and smile to greet him.
 "So soon? Do you sail tomorrow anything, anywhere. to go beyond this narrow life. I am tired-tired of 1t all"
 Poor child! It must grow weari- some, indeed, but to me, Belle, it is a haven of rest. I love the sea. It is home to me, and if. as you say, you could go with me, I should not care how constantly I lived upon it. Did you mean that? Would you go with me, go as my wife, Belle? have long wanted to say this to you. and oh, this year will seem so short, so happy. if at Its end may come to claim you.'
 The girls head had dropped lower and lower until, his voice ceasing, it rested on his shoulder; and the frank, handsome young face bent and looked into the eyes, which hid themselves be- heath their jetty lashes, where tear drop trembled.
 So Bert won her promise-a promise which he made her put in fond, en- dearng words, which he sealed lip to hp and heart to heart, which seemed written on his soul, as the next day his gallant ship unfurled her sails, and he watched through misty eyes the land gradually lost to sight.
 It all seemed more drear, more deso- late than ever to the graceful figure on the shore, as she saw fade away in the distance the ship which bore from her her sailor lover. She could recollect no time when he could not have claimed that name. From her babyhood she remembered his devotion to her, but now it was so different, and a year Was so long to wait she thought, until she could once again look into his happy, laughing eyes and hear his voice say: II have come this time, Belle, for my wife"
 Nhc was SurpTlseu-t 10 HHu ntIseii at The cottage door. For moment she hesitated lest her red eyes should give suspicion of the truth, then she gath cred courage and in another moment stood within the room, but started back, amazed at the scene before her. Ky the freside sat her mother, her head bowed, her frame conyulsed by sobs. and standing near her father, with face pale and drawn by suffering. Opposite a man of tall, soldierly bear Ing and commanding presence was talking eagerly, but as she entered his voice died away, and look of rapture erept into his eyes as they turned upon her
 Tell her. cannot" she heard her father say.
 Then the stranger, speaking low and rapidly, broke the momentary silence.
 Years ago the ship commanded by Capt. Rives was wrecked at sea, and The lives of almost all on board were lost. Among the passengers were lady and gentleman with their little child of IS months. In the confusion they became separated. Both were supposed lost. The little child was res