The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-08-08
THE CLUTCH OF CIRCUM.
 STANCES

When the wind swept the boat across the waters, tossing it ta.a fro in a mocking and mad glee, Carter Starr had only the one thought-to save his companion and himself. The boatride was a made escapade on the part of both-a daring defiance of the old quar- rel between her unclef and adopted father, Belden Storms and his own family. But when the fates threw them together for a fortnlght's sojourn at the seaside hotel, the two saw a humor in the situation that drove them into follies and pranks undreamed4 of hefore.~ r
 He knew that she was pretty and an heiress. He knew that his own fortunes depended upon the caprice of his grandfather. She admired him with a woman's admiration. because he was forbidden to her by every tra- dition of the Storms family.
 Introduced by accident and among strangers, the two laughed into each others eyes and defied fortune and tradition. They met afterwards by those strange accidents that seem ar ranged for such cases, in the early morning dip in the sea, in the hooks of the long porticos at night during the pauses of the dance-and, on the island party over the bay, In the dance itself because it was safe enough. But this afternoon had been utterly without precedent. He had strolled away in his flannels for smoke and to read while the hotel people mapped after luncheon. And, in the shade of q great rock, he had chanced upon Floise Storms awake. alert, saucy and magnetic. An hour later they went out for a sail over to Idle Rock. That was the story-only they had not counted on what might happen.
 What did happen made them help less, their boat disabled in a few mo- ments, at the mercy of a wild sea. Then was the dreadful darkness of the tossing waters and blinding rain. Floises red parasol went to and fro toward the shore like a gay buoy at the first gust. And after 1t went her pique cap and his own soft felt, mere links in a chain of evidence in after hours.
 It was hard to say which was the paler face in the first realizations of the moment. But Eloise recovered herself with the courage of her race.
 We shall be carried out to sea"
 He looked at her with trembling lips
 '.I should have known better than to have brought you"
 She smiled bitterly.
 And I should not have come. We are even. Can we get through the storm?"
 He looked out to the infinite. om- nipotent sea. His reckless moods fell from him. The wind blew the girls brown hair about her shoulders. He could not sec'her face. He tried to keep a control of the rudder for long time but gave 1t up as useless. Out out into the darkness and tossing Wa ters they went with the receding tide Finally he crept along close to her and took her hands.
 You have been very brave-I think I will tell you that the boat may break up-later. It is an old one and leak ing horribly Here is a rope. l will tie it about you and mySelf as wei as I can and to the mast and deck piece Believe me, 1 will do all 1 can to save you"
 She put her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. Forgive me"
 For what?"
 Folly. I know better than to dare Fate so."
 l "So did l. You must forgive me A man should be wise" And woman discret. What would my uncle and aunt say now?' He was knotting the rope about her I've may never know. Now we cannot be separated. If one drowns the other will. It is just, is it not 1 And it makes chances"
 "I would not have it any other way Who wants to go into the Unknown alone?"
 He rose up suddenly.
 "Eloise. the worst is coming. Give ne vour hand. no, hold to me. See!"
 She looked seaward and saw thai which made her shriek and cling tc l him.
 Two hours later they lay somewhere on the sand, still in a terrible darkness
 Friday, LOVE AND THE LAW. b!