Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1899-09-22


to the water, but on the whole we
thought it best otherwise, and 50
fetched yet again to the right, this
continuing till the land once more
widened. when noted with joy that we
were close upon the jetty.
It seemed lighter here. The space
about US was more open, and the clear
stretch of water lay just before. The
jetty appeared to be deserted Indeed,
it was an old one, little used), and
as far as could be seen not a person
was in the neighborhood. The stars
made some show in fetching out the
eNpanse of the bay, which gave wider
boundary seward than one would
have guessed, and on the left there
was a quickening to more and bright
er lights, where the ships and small
craft lay. I could now give some at
tention to the wind, which I found
was off the land, though as yet, it
seemed, not confirmed, and in strength
hardly more than a small stir. There
was a moderate swell on, as I could
tell by the slow rising and sinking of
the ships, and the air was warm, with a
kind of tropic smell and heaviness.
By this time we were all upon the
jetty, Mr.. lynn and the captain wait
ing a bit till my companion and
could come up.
Tell the senorita she can take a
long breath now" said Sellinger cheer
lily. "I will but fetch the sloop, and it's
good-by to this hell-hole!"
The captain now left us, and 1 sug-
gested that my companion would do
II u L
able place to do by spreading her cloak
upon the planks.
While looked anxiously in the di-
rection whence the captain was to
be expected, a gray, square outline
broke out of the obscurity, and i'm
mediately' growing proved to be the
welcome patched sail.
I uttered some exclamation of salts
faction, and bona Carmen was quickly
on her feet, crying: ooh, the blessed
boat!" and we FASTENED over.
All was now quickly managed. The
tide had considerably declined, leaving
the sloop low and awkward to get at,
and the swell churned her up and
down, but we passed the senorita safe
ly aboard, and Mac Ivrach, who came
last, tumbled in and showed off. As
the bow swung round the captain gave
q pull at the sheet, and Immediately
the boom yerked out and the sail filed.
We took long dip and slide, and OH
looking back I had the satisfaction of
perceiving great gap open between us
and the jetty. So much of the business,
at least, was assured.
The captain now hauled in his sheet,
ho would not TOO
near the ships Git is doubtful if any
the city fell. The purposes of the st DRY,
however, require the Introduction Of
a few, and we began to run to the
west. We did, indeed, give the ships.
as well as all the lesser craft, wide
berth, upon which Sellinger seemed
satisfied, and, coming about, the
sloop's nose pointed at last seward.
BY this time we had made consider
able distance into the bay, and the
outlines of the shore had gradually
sunk to an even duskiness and in
distinctness.
All seemed to be going to our minds,
and, having concluded these observa-
tons, turned to have word with the
senorita. She sat in her former place,
anxiously regarding the shore, but
turned, Frightening a bit, upon my
speaking.
'''All favors u.s. I said in a cheerful
tone. But brief while longer and
our safety is assured"
"Gracias, senior, youput me in heart"
she answered, with little smile. She
took off her great hat with kind of
feminine prettiness, as she spoke, and
laid it beside her. I could make out
her features better now, and their
wonderful perfection struck me with
the former sort of wonder.
She moved a bit toward meas l
might say in a confding fashion-and
went on:
"But, after all, senior, I should scarce
dwell so much on my own good for
tune. Think of my poor friends! Holy
Mother, was not theirs dreadful fate!
They were slain-slain before my very
eyes. But you knew it, senor?'
Eyes, lady" I said with a sigh, 'I
knew it."
The boat slipped along, and still we
perceived nothing alarming-that is,
no sign Of pursuit The lights behind
US fell to little twinkhngs and final
~ to mere streak of pale radiance,
and the ocean with it's vastness-long-
heaving and CLASSY under the stars
opened up. The breeze was still light,
but constant, and set US sliding stead
lily on.
81 think" said Mr.. lynn, after lit
tie, that we may now venture to set
the watches. We know not what
strain may be put upon us, and we
should rest while there is opportun-
ity."
True" said Sellinger. Therefore
do you three lie down, and will take
the first watch. 1 will call one of you
at four bells"