The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1899-10-26

pale. "surely you are not conscious oil
what you say"
In the sane cold, even tones came
the response: 'Trstrsct not word"
The door opened, letting in great
cloud OF snow, which the shrieking
wind MAS driving along in its fury,
Immediately closed, aud Duncan
passed on through the storm. half
dazed aud unbelievipg what had &C.
Cured.
The men who had been ummoned
were surprised at his delay, but there
was no time to explain. Had there
been suspicion, h,weyer, in any
mind Of his unwillingness to attend
them on their perilous mission such
thought was instantly dispelled when
il was noticed with what energy ami
daring he threw himself into the work
OF LAUGHING the life-saving boat and
tie almost superhuman strength with
which he handled the oars.
One boat load vas brought to shore
in safety, and it was necessary to re-
turn for those who still remained
They had almost succeeded in launch
Ing her for the second trip, when n
| tremendous wave swept III, hurting
boat AID brave life-savers back on the
beach to try all over again. In spite
, of the thunders Of the storm old Joe
swore to himself that he heard groan
from one Of his companions with
! Il, L. tat,
oval, / don't much blame yer for
Gavin in," said he; 'it's a mighty
tough night"
Bother the night" replied Dun
can; II sprained my wrist when that
last big wave smashed rs up co."
'Ho, men, shouted Joe. Nights
we'll let up-Duncan's broke his arm.
Have to let those other fellows out
there go to Davy Jones locker
Hold on, cried Duncan, II hav,
one arm left. Now then, shove he,
off. And though maddened with
pain lie was again with them, fighting
their way TO those half-frozen, des
pairing victims Of the wreck. The,
had secnred the last man and were
again making their way 10 shore VIII r
one oar suddenly stopped is brave
work and Duncan, unconscious frou
pain, fell, and from hoarse throat'
came the cry, "Man overboarl.'
Tor a second only did despair pos
sess those heroic hearts, then rescued
turned rescuers. Those who war'
not too benumbed by their long ex
posture on the doomed vessel gave
hand and after severe battle will
the waves Duncan's inanimate form
was recovered and the shore wa
gained where the exhausted one
were soon cared fer.
Through the binding storm littl
muffled figure crept up to Joe and in
quired in voice which was half
moan: ''Duncan-where is hep"
Guess they carried him home,
came the thoughtless response, as i
wonderment he flashed his lantern in
to the face OF the inquirer. For n
instant he saw the white face wit
.. eyes dilated in the agony of comprt
hension of the dreadful truth, the
without cry, without a sound eli
!. fell at his feet in tine drifted snow.
All that night lights burned in or
cottage home, where Loving hand
I, worked increasingly to restore to co.
seriousness him who had so nearl
lost his own life in saving the lives {
=, others, and when that long, dar
: night had vanished and with it til
4. storm, leaving portions of wrec
" scattered ont on the shining sands.
the morning CLEAN as the tide we,
:, down, the tired eyes slowly opene
and look OF recognition came in
=, them, dispelling the terrible anxiet
=, of those who had through the cree
- ing hours watched for signs of retur,
y iEg life and filling with hope Il
= y heart Of the weary-eyed forlorn lit
Dora, who dropped by the bedsi(
with cry Of Joy.
;. A troubled expression passed ov
y his features, and with an effort
" murlnured: my promise-I brol
my promise--can you forgive me?"
ooh, Duncan" she sobbed, sit
II that am to be forgiven. "-Bost,
n Post,