The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-09

Sliii lnt Same ringing tones OF command
CaMe out from the circle of yellow Lantern
lght where Raymond Grant stood alone an(
II seemed to Hilda that from that strong con
noent voice came all the courage and calm
that sustained her among the horrors of the
scene
She saw Castor lower madame into the
shlps side, and then plunge wildly down him
SELL and as if his example were infectious
some others, who had stood quiet until now
sprang quickly after
The boat crashed ominously against the
vessel for few seconds, then the oars pushed
ers sight
Only one more remained, and this there ha6
peen great difficulty in lowering; even now il
hung from the davits some distance above
the water, and every effort was powerless t.
release it.
Inc sailors were passing life belts round
among those who remained and as an omin
Gus rush was made toward the boat Hilda
louno herself swept EDWARDS among the rest
Hlua-stay! came a hoarse voice from
penlnd her and starting, she turned back
man brown hand was on her shoulder
dark face bent over her, and the hurried
voice went on
Don't go with them; and I will try to save
you! You will be trampled to death there
Come with me.''
AND as Raymond took up his post again or
the wreck that lay piled up against the buI.
Warks, where he could watch the efforts OF
the crew and strove to calm the terrors of the
passengers he drew her with him and point
eu 10 d seat close at his feet
Tne fa1ntneSS that had crept over her dur.
ING the last five minutes left her as she sank
ooWn into the shadow, and felt the firm hanc
lightly touch her head and hair
New life seemed infused into her tired
frame, nope and confidence into her heart
After giving a quick order, and with keen
alert eyes seeing it promptly obeyed Raw
mond stopped to her
You are very quiet" he said, with a note
of admiration in his voice; land I am goino
to ask of you a proof of courage such AZ few
women-or even men, perhaps-would care
to give"
"Yes?" she said, calmly expectantly.
1 am going to ask you to stay here not tc
attempt to reach that boat, but to trust to
me" -
Hida stretched one white hand out into the
darkness, and another clasped quickly over
Il do trust you,' she said, quietly; then she
locked up into the face she could dimly see
above her, and said, in whisper: land
your"
Must be the last to leave! You know
am in command now that poor old Lane is
gone, and will see the last of the Tantalus' >
He stood upright again, and with voice and
gesture urged ON the men, who worked at the
still refractory boat, until, in a few moments
1t rushed into the water with great clank-
ing OF chains: and Hilda covered her Ice
with her hands to shut out the sight and
sound OF the eager struggle her instinct told
her was taking place above~it. -ef e.ssa-
She heard Raymonds keen whisper
Don't move, will come back and felt
him spring down among the men; then, fol-
short space, she heard no more
She leaned her head against the broken
woodwork and waited in patience
1t seemed an hour before his touch aroused
her, although it was scarcely three minutes
in reality.
She shuddered little as she looked rornd
the deserted deck and noticed the silence that
had fallen now where noise and clamor had
SO lately reigned.
M cria
ness of the sea, but the great ship was de-
serted by all save themselves, and only two
dim lights were now burning on the deck
Something cold struck her foot and lookino
down, she saw the faint CLEAN of the water
washing over the plankS, even where she sat
Climb up little higher" said the voice
beside her, and hand was held out to aid
her The vessel is going down. but we have
still minute or tWO-and [ feel sure I can
save you'll"
Can do nothing?'' asked Hilda, simply
You can take care of this; don't lose it. for
I am going to make a sort of raft and shall
want both hands free; and you can hold the
lamp for me-, said he quickly as he thrust
a bag of p-biscuit into Helen's keeping and
handed her a lantern.
She had heard him give strict orders that
water and provisions were to be put into
every boat as it filled up with passengers. and
she knew he had been obeyed
Now she watched with feverish eagerness
while he pulled out such pieces of wreckage
as he needed, and uncoiled ropes with deft
swift hands, and unerring fingers
Presently he came beside her
Il am ready now,' he said in a low voice
and it is time. l must ask you not to delay
Miss MarSton; give me your hand and follow
me-"
thrill crept over Hilda's heart, and a
warmth to her cold cheeks, when she heard
that simple Miss Marston:" it comnensated
hundred-fold for her old lovers desertion
for Madame Legrand's cool negligence of the
girl placed in her care, and for the forgetful-