Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-31

IS5-- zz-ez==E -5sz=lE
 ON THE BRIDGE.
 the door of her stateroom, gave one hurried look round the room and then saying to the sailor: ''Take care of her," he was off to stop the ship. A moment later the bell rang sharp ly. The engines were reversed and the ship floundered helplessly, das.- gerously, in the trough of the sea. The boat-gang clattered up from bt- low and there was a faint, storm lnuff1ed shouting of commands as boat was being lowered.
 'Too late!" yelled the captain. "This sea would send us to the bottom! Noth- ing can be done now!"
 There was a moments pause in the noisy manipulation of ropes and tackle, then the sailors drew the boat back to it's place and fastened it there. The ships engines throbbed sluggishly and there was an attempt, perhaps only for the sake of appearances, to send the ship back in the vicinity of the spot
 
 given; but dangerous head-winds rem dered this impracticable. In a few min- utes the Cleopatra was forging ahead as if nothing unusual had happened. Mrs. Nolan refused to remain in her stateroom. She escaped the sailor when his back was turned and ran along the deck wringing her hands and wailing. A group of passengers had rpl tn Ia 4l !. stood shivering in the wind and spray. A woman in this group caught Mrs Nolan in her arms and tried to console her.
 Don't take on," she said. "You are not to blame. She was crazy as a loon. She told me to-day that the captain had been hired by some enemy to put her in irons. What did her folks mean by sending her over with just you--such a frail woman?"
 "Oh. l don't know, don't ask me!' cried Mrs. Nolan. She's dead, oh, she's deadi'
 The captain was approaching and Mrs. Nolan showed signs of mysteries again.
 ''I'll take her to her state-room," said the woman.
 T wish you would," said the captain, with an oath. She's as crazy as her mistress!''
 The woman who had proffered her kind offices accompanied Mrs. Nolan to the state~room.
 Now, try not to think of it." she said. q know it is awful, but the poor thing is better off as she is than to go hay cJro course, l mean if there was no cure for her, and there seldom is, you know.''
 Mrs. Nolan, now that she had such easy credulity to play upon, saw the eNpediency of getting rid of her visitor | so she calmed down wonderfully. When l once get to sleep I'll be all right she declared. ''I shall want the docr locked. l can't stand the idea of her. poor WOman-''
 I'll ask the captain to let me stay with you if you like" and the speaker i looked ro1nd at the elegant appoint ments of the comfortable room with a ! covetous look in her eyes,
 No, thank you. I'd rather be by myself. 1 was accustomed to being alone til sine and I left New York;
 "Oh, just as you feel about it." said the woman, slightly disappointed. Well, l think I'd better be going. If they know I'm here all the passeng gers i will want to flock round you.'' She had hardly left when the cap tain locked in. His face was deeply troubled.
 II shall want all the details about Mrs. Goddard. so as to make out report to the ships company and the authorities when we land--but to- morrow will do.''
 T shall have a better head then," | said Mrs. Nolan. q am awfully up set.''
 You seem to be blaming yourself" he said, in kind tone. q don't think you need do this. I was very much worried the day she spoke SC | peculiarly to me, but l supposed she l had recovered"
 '.She has been as rational as any body till today" said Mrs. Nolan, | wiping her eyes, which somehow | thanks to the spray and constant | rubbing--were wet and red. T was in my room there just thinking of 1 going to bed when she sprang up, and before knew it she was out on deck, ! and-oh, it was awful!'' l I"Try to think of something else" l said the captain; Sit seems to agitate x you. Good night"
 l She stopped him with a gesture. ] II wish you would not. let the pas ] sen-ers disturb me." she sIbirnuered. | xt