Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-09-10
CHATTER u-lCoptinued.)

CHAPTER H.-(ContinuedJ
A little crumbling path led round the
rock and along the edge of the raVine.
| chose it because from 1t l could see
all the fantastic shore, bending In semi
circle towards the isle of Breckhou, with
tiny, untrodden bays, covered at tnls
hour with only glittering ripples, ana
with all the soft and tender shadows OF
the head-lands falling across them.
was just giving my last look to them
when the loose stones on the crumbling
path gave way under my tread, and be-
fore could recover my foothold 1 found
myself slipping down the almost perpen-
dicular face of the cliff, and vainly
clutching at every bramble and tuft OF
grass growing in its clefts.
l landed with shock far below, and
for some time lay insensible. As nearly
as l could make out, 1t would be high
water in about two hours. Tardif had
set off at low water, but before starting
he had said something about returning at
high tide, and running up his boat on the
beach of our little bay. If he did that
he must pass close by me. 1t was Sat
urday morning, and he was in the habit
of returning early ON Saturdays, that he
might prepare for the services Of the
next day.
At last-whether years or hours only
had gone by, i could not then have told
you'll heard the regular and careful beat
of oars upon the water, and presently
the grating of boats keel upon the shin
gle. l could not turn round or raise my
head, but l was sure it was Tardif.
''Tardif!' l cried, attempting to shout,
but my voice sounded very weak In my
own ears, and the other sounds about me
seemed very loud.
He paused then, and stood quite still,
listening. l ran the fingers of my right
hand through the loose pebbles about me,
and his ear caught the slight noise. In
q moment heard his strong feet coming
across them towards me.
NAM zelle," he exclaimed, "what has
happened you"
1 tried to smile as his honest, brown
face bent over me, full of alarm Il
was so great a relief to see a face like
his after that long,. weary agony.
1--WE fallen down the cliff" l said
feebly, "and am hurt"
The strong man shook, and his han6
trembled as he stopped down and laii
it under my head to lift it up little
His agitation touched me to the heart.
'"Tardif," l whispered, sit is not yer!
much, and l might have been killed.
think my foot is hurt, and I am quit
sure my arm is broken"
He lifted me In his arms as easily ant
tenderly as a mother lifts up her child
and carried me gently up the steep slop
which led homewards. 1t seemed lon,
time before we reached the farmyart
~ gate, and he shouted, with tremendou
voice, to his mother to come and open it
Never. never shall / forget that night
could not sleep; but I suppose my mint
wandered a little. Hundreds of times
felt myself down on the shore, lying help
less. Then I was back again in my owl
home in Adelaide, on my fathers shee]
farm, and he was still alive, and will
no thought but how to make everythin,
bright and gladstone for me; and hun
dreds of times 1 saw the woman VIII
was afterwards to be my stepmother
stealing up to the door and trying to ge
In to him and me.
Twice Tardif brought me a cup of tea
freshly made. was very glad whel
the first gleam Of daylight shone into m,
room. 1t seemed to bring clearness t
my brain.
"Mam'zelle," said Tardif, coming t
my side. II am going to fetch a doctor.
But 1t is Sunday" l answered faint
ly. I knew that no boatman put out t
sea willingly on Sunday from Sark; an
the last fatal accident being on a Sun
day, had deepened their reluctance.
1T will be right, nam zelle," he an
swered. with glowing eyes. ~ have n
fear"
DO not be long away. Tardif," sale
sobbing.
mot one moment longer than 1 ca
help" he replied.