The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-05-03
Her lust Dessert.

On the Maine coast, in the Town of
T, lived Ruth Hill and Jack Howard
KUN was a beautiful girl, and Jack a
brave young fisherman. These young peo
pie were happy, for they were lovers en-
gagged TO be married
Little did they think OF anything COM
ing so soon TO mar their happiness.
1t was summer, and among the few Wis
itors IN town was Paul Adams, the son Of
retired merchant. He was pleasant
hammered, good looking and rich. but had
a selfish heart, for after having met Ruth
and Jack, and learning of their engage
ment, he resolved TO win, if possible,
Rutn's company for his stay in town. Day
after day, while Jack was away fishing,
Paul would call at Ruth's home, and do
all in his power to win her favor.
Is IL strange that Ruth was attracted
to him? She had lived in the little coun-
try town all her life, and was not accus-
toned to the ways of the world; so gradu-
ally Paul crept into her heart, filing the
place Jack had held so long. II grieved
Jack to find the one in whom he had put
his trust so different from what he mad
expected
Across the way was a wooded island
where the villagers held their annual pic
MICS. These were one of the prominent
events OF the season, and everybody plan
ned 70 go. They were to cross the bay in
a small steamer.
The appointed day arrived, and although
there had been a high wind the night be-
fore. the morning dawned bright aud
clear, the wind having abated enough to
insure safe trip.
When the island was reached there were
games to be played, music to enjoy. and,
in fact, everything had been planned to
hn dow ri t..
caring to join in the sports, wandered
away in the wood alone
he was sitting on a log, thinking Of the
last few weeks, when ne heard the sound
OF voices close by. He instantly recos-
nized Ruth's voice, and heard her say:
1 know, mother, that Jack kis good
fellow, but Paul is richer and much bet
ter looking" He could hear no more,
but that was enough.
presently he arose and went back to the
merry crowd. The day passed; a pleas
ant one for some but not for Jack At
o'clock they boarded the steamer to
return home
During the afternoon the wind had
freshened. and now quite a sea was run
ming. Most of the people went inside or
on the upper deck, but Ruth and Paul,
wishing to be alone, went to the stern of
the lower deck. They saw that the waves
were high and sometimes almost came
up TO them but they knew Of no danger,
and were not afraid.
All went well until the steamer got
from under the lee of the island, when 10
the terror Of all a sea boarded 1t! The
little craft rose nobly to the surfare again
and people began to think no harm had
been done, when the awful cry of
Overheard, for Gods sake save he-! I
vtT17f'
In an instant every one was at the rail.
Jack saw in the angry waters the blue
hat he knew so well, telling him who
was beneath. His mind worked rapidly
Would any one dare to save her? He
thought Of his own strength and expert
enceS in rougher waters than these, and
then, what if he did drown, he had moth
ing to live for now. Throwing off his coat
he plunged into the sea. Instantly COM
ing to the surface he struck out for where
he thought Ruth would rise
All had been confusion a few seconds be-
fore, but now all seemed to be struck
dumb. Remembering the scriptures, they,
too, wondered what greater thing a man
could do than lay down his life for an
other, for it seemed sure death to plunge
into a sea so rough.
The steamer was now backing. huge
wave had hidden Jack from sight, but
soon he appeared again, and what IS
that he has hold OFFS Thank God, it is
Ruth" came the cry The steamer was
soon backk to them, and the difficult task
Of taking them aboard in the rough wa
ters was accomplished.
Ruth was taken to the cabin, and willing
hands did what they could to bring her
back to life. Slowly she regained con-
seriousness and when the wharf was reach
ed was quite able to be taken home.
The next day she sent for Jack to come
and see her. He answered the summons
in the evening, and found her waiting for
him in the little parlor. AS soon as he
entered the room she rushed to him.
and, throwing her arms around his neck,
cried: 80, Jack, how good it was Of you
to save my life after I treated you so
badly! VIII you forgive mess 1 have
learned that I have done wrong. for I
know I care for only your Seeing he
made no response, she asked: why.
Jack, what is the matter? Don't you love
me nOw?"
He gently took her arms from around
his neck, and answered: mo, Ruth, you
passed me by for good looks and riches. 1
want some one who will be true 10 me
forever. Boston Post.