The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1901-10-11
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FOR JEANS SAKE
BY GEORGE STAIR.


blow Gradually he realized what II
meant. "Jean," he shouted hoarsely,
"ls IT Jim you're watching for|
There was n strange wistfulness. al
cost an appeal, in the girls voice as
she replied so quietly that Andrew
scarcely heard the words.
"Yes. Andrew. 1t is Jim that I'm
watching for"
There was n long pause; both hearts
were too full TO speak. though with
far different emotions. Andrew )
frank. weather-bcaten countenance
was hard set as he stared vacantly be
fore him.
Jean" he said at last. II know
Jlm's a good sort, and / promise you
II he comes home safe tonight I'll
never bother you again as long as /
live"
The tears in the girls eyes were not
all due to the wind and salt water as
she replied In a trembling voice.
THANK you, Andrew. You're n
good sort, too. and-and-Tm sorry"
AT least. youll let me watch with
you tonight till he comes;" he asked,
trying TO speak cheerfully, though his
heart was aching.
If you wish. Andrew" she replied.
and the two sat silent, straining their
eyes TO pierce the darkness which was
every moment becoming deeper.
For half an hour they sat waiting,
and often the hardy fisherman won
dered how Jean could endure the wind
and the Icy spray which ever and
anon dashed up. He dared not, how
ever raise his voice again 20 protest.
AS he glanced at the girl so close TO
his side he realized with pain how
far she was removed from him.
Though he had often been rebulfcd
he had never until tonight given up
hoping that n love so strong as his
would one Cay be rewarded. As he
looked back on the last few years OF
his life and remembered how he had
always been toiling, tOiling, with the
single aim of earning enough TO give
Jean Il comfortable bone, he felt that
there was now great blank which
could never be filed up.
At last their vigil was rewarded.
out OF the darkness there suddenly
loomed the figure of ship. ON IT
came with the white foam washing
her deck, and at times hiding 1t al
most from their view. 1t was some
minutes before Andrew recognized the
outlines, and shouted to Jean:
Its the Daredevil this time"
Sean did not answer. Her heart
was beating wildly now, ana her tenn
pies throbbed with anxious excite
ment As the boat drew near the two
reckless OF the danger, rose 20 their
feet, and, despite the bulfeting of the
wind, stood watching its approach.
"Jim's at the wheel" shouted An
drew little latter.
Jean nodded without speaking.
AS the Daredevil swept on II seemed
evident that the steersman had her
unde esAwonderful control. Jim's quick
eye dartcd from the harbor mouth TO
the waves ut his side; often a quick
turn at the wheel to right or left
eyaded the onslaught of an angry
breaker, and kept the boat directed
towards the goal.
Suddenly. when the boat was only
about thirty yards from the harbor
mouth. the two figures on the outer
wall caught Jims eye. He looked at
them kecnly; then started violently as
he recognized who they were For II
moment the wheel slipped from his
hand. ana that moments distraction
spelt ruin. Ere he could recover the
Daredevil had pitched crashing into
the harbor wall.
With a Mortified scream Jean rushed
down the shore steps which led to the
quay below, Andrew following close
at her heels. AS they ran they saw
Jim thrown forward 10y the shock. AS
he tried to regain his feet the boom
swung round, and, striking him on
the head, swept him over into the
water.
"Oh. Andrew. save him! save him!
He's drowning" cried the girl, her
eyes starting in terror and her face
ashy pale.
For mon cnt Jim's head was visible
above the troubled waters, then he
sank beneath the foam.
Save him! For Gods sake. save
him. cried Jean again in agony,
| clutching at Andrews arm.
Andrew looked down the seethinG
cauldron beneath him and hpsitated
Then suddenly. gripping Jean by both
hands. he shouted in her ear. "Foi
your sake. jean" and next instant hC
had flung aside his sou-wester and
leapt off the quay.
As the girl watched. she saw An
drew's head rise again above the sur
face. lie was swimming on his back
and held the unconscious Jim by IN,
shoulders. Ii was soon evident tha
the fight was TO bc hard one. Utter
ly worn out 10y twenty-four hours con
slant work NJ sea. and weighed dowI
by his sodden clothes. Andrew coul,
hardly keep Jim's head and his owl
above water. Jim, stunned by th'
blow from the boom. lay a helpless
weight IN his arms. Yet he struggle,
on desperately. and inch 10y inch wOl
his way toward the quayside Jean
seeing how matters stood hastil.
climbed down the perpendicular iroi