The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1899-1900, 1899-07-05
CHAPTER VII.


CHAPTER VII.
OF THE GREAT STRAIT WE FOUND
OURSELVES IN, AND HOW THAT
SUBTLE ROGUE, THE MATE, SEEMED
STILL TO TRIUMPH.
By this time some showing of what
the captain had prophesied as to
change of weather began to appear.
The sun was now pretty high, but it
did not strike down with its usual heat,
a thin, whitish, almost imperceptible
haze floating between, and presently
{ noticed that the northern sea line
was little Sarkened, so that the hori-
zon itself was ret 20 sharply cut as it
bad been. The air, too, aad changed
feeling-a little dalnper, as might say,
and with more of the ocean smell in it.
L now surmised that we were to catch
a bit of a blow, though not a hurri-
cane, and that the wind would pres
emily shift to the north. What sort CT
business we could make of it Heaven
only knew, and it was with no little
stirring of apprehension that finally
gave over my studying and directed
n more general look around. The long
boat was still travelling southwest, and
no other sail was to be seen. There was
the same easy sea, not so deeply blue
as before the thin veil came over the
sun, but raising scarcely a crest' and
swinging and sinking in diminishing
water hills and valleys. The raft
climbed up and slid down in the fash
don that such contrivance must, dash
ing bit of spray over us now and
chen, but yet making some headway,
and in this sort we continued for per-
haps two hours. BY that time we had
all thought il best to get into our oil
skins, Mr.. Tym likewise discarding his
wig, and in lieu of it drawing on little
emit cap, like nightcap, and when at
sast 1t was quite a bit past noon | got
out and served dinner. OF course, it
had to be eaten cold, but we added
little brandy and it relished well, and
after this nothing happened till early
night.
The wind had swung little into the
north, giving token Of what was TO be
expected, and the sea was coming up
a bit, but as vet had made no heads
of dangerous size. The sun was setting
red, but with topping of gray clouds,
and the air was growing chilly, though
II could not yet be called cold. ! swept
the sea line once more for a sail, but
without success, whereupon, feeling
weary and bit discouraged, ! flung
myself down and drew piece of canvas
over me. heard Mr.. Tym stir about
a little-I say heard for ! had covered
my head for the moment-and pres
emily knew that he had gone aft to
relieve the captain at the helm. had
a strange sort of quiet, secure feeling
come over me, then, in way as though
I had no further care of this business
and scarce needed to feel fear. and in
moment was lapsing from that into
a browse. was called back to myself
by loud tone of talking, and on throw
ing back the canvas found Mr.. Tym and
the captain on their feet and looking
with great seeming of eagerness to-
ward some point in the western sea-
board. flung the canvas wholly from
rme and sprang up.
The sea had darkened even in the
few moments had been under the can
vas, and only pale, lemon-colored
streak in the west remained of the
sunset. The raft canted and made its
downward slide just as l got steadi-
ness of my legs, and could only whisk
my eye, so to speak, over the shoulder
of the crest, before we had dropped
Ento the duskiness Of the hollow. But
tu that glimpse saw what it was that
my companions had discovered. Against
the yellow western band stood out a
Tblack dot, which could only be sail!
My heart gave a great jump, and l
could have shouted, but in the end !
Sontented myself with saying two or
three times profoundly: Thank
God!" and with that stood quietly on
-my straddled legs, waiting for the next
rise of the raft. My companions had
given. over their talking, and seemed
20 be holding themselves in patience,
as l was, only that. think, Mr.. Tym
spoke to me as l stood about Cor my
balance, and so drew his notice. The
Caft swung to the top Of the crest, and
as it tipped for the next slide we all
fOoked eagerly for the black dot.
There it was, as distinct as ever, and
Beyond any manner of doubt the mar
row-wise view Of ship! We cried out
Sn kind of cheer, and then fell to
asking with eagerness how long she
bad been in sight.
81 raised her but a moment since,
answered the captain. "She showed
first RS you see her, and must therefore
'be bows-on. But, pray you, pass me
my glass, and will see what further
D.. can be made of her"
hastened to fetch his glass from his
= box Of instruments, and when the next
{ Ezft Of the raft was he brought it tc
bear. v
Mr.. lynn and hung on his WORDS
f. GOr 1t was an anxious moment, and
I presently felt vast relief when he
aE5roke out:
ayes, large ship, and bows-on. She