The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1899-05-05
LIFE FOR LIFE.

A N afternoon Of mid-September,
~ bright as dream, warm as a
4 Il reality, glOwed over the north
Irish coast. Young Constantine was
watching a game between three wild
and beautiful beings. The three were
14-year-old Ruby Merritt, her new pony,
and the Atlantic. Miss Merritt's Lon
don groom, on a powerful bay mare,
from the edge of the wet sand surveyed
the horizon line with a bored and rigid
eye.
The scene changed. Ruby and the
pony made a madcap dash far forward,
and suddenly the pony threw the girl.
Stunned and snatched along in the ir-
reslstible retreat of the Atlantic roller,
her senseless body was borne out to
sea.
Mad with terror, the groom, no swim
mer dashed at the mare, and, crying
for help, tore like the wind up the bank
and round the rabbit warren in the d.
rection of Port Barry. Constantine ran
swan.
Aided by two fishermen, whom the
cries of the groom had brought to the
spot In time to see Constantine stagger
up the sands with his burden, the
young man conveyed the girl to Sea
view house.
He fingered long enough to learn that
the doctor, who was staying In the
house, had said Miss Ruby would do;
then he lounged home.
Early In the afternoon Of the follow
ing day the Seaview house party, la
dies and men, were grouped on the
small leveled bit of green in front of
the house, waiting for the carriages to
come round. A mans figure was seen
approaching along the brow Of the
hill.
"My dear" said Mrs. Merritt to her
husband. ITS the young fisherman who
rescued Ruby. He has put ON his Sun
day Clothes" she added.
Mr. Merritt, as the young man came
up. felt In his walstcoat pocket.
Constantine lifted his hat to the la
dies.
Il should be very glad" he said, adj
dressing Mr.. Merritt, Ito know how
Miss Merritt Is"
Certainly, certainly" said Mr.. Mer-
rift, with an affable air "Miss Merritt
is progressing most favorably. The
doctors orders are that Miss Merritt
Is to keep quiet and see no one but her
nurse, but that is precautionary meas
ure. I'm sure-hum-sure-y con-
duct-most creditable to you. I'm sure
-I-hum-hadn't time toto speak to
you yesterday. and myself and Mrs
Merritt would like"
He handed Constantine a So gold
piece.
The young man looked at It curiously.
Then his eye darted over the pursy
figure and pasty face of Mr.. Merritt.
II wonder now" said Constantine,
"what your forefathers were doing
while mine were feastlng kings and
marrying kings daughters in this ISL
andY
Mr.. Merritt started back and almost
choked.
Constantine glanced toward two
fisher lads who were standing a good
way or with a big crab in a basket.
The gold coin was spun In the air and
was caught by Andy Nell.
''There. boysw said Constantine.
'YOull drink the health OF the English
gentleman"
He smiled again. saluted the ladies,
turned, and, with a slow, saunterlng
step, walked away.
"WhO is hep exclaimed Mr.. Merritt.
A little man. the parson OF the near
est church, stepped forward.
That Is Malcolm Constantine" he
said. ITS quite true he is the last OF
very old family. But they were to-
tally ruined in his great grandfather
time, and the young man hasn't
penny"
'Impudent beggarr said Mr.. Merritt,
tuning.
'SuppOsing he had been a fisherman,
my dear" said Mrs. Merritt meekly;
Il thought you would have made It
E25."
No one perceived at a window above
their heads a handsome little listening
face with brown hair falling round It.
Ruby had witnessed the whole scene
heard every word.
-Four days later came Sunday. Con
stantine was sitting alone by his peat
fire, which the creeping chill In the air
made necessary, when there came a
knock. The old woman who looked
after the house for him was out. Con
stantlne went TO the door, and there
stood Ruby Merritt.