The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1901-10-11
T was a wild night on the Bani1'

Dor Of the small fishing town Of Port
SOY the entire population stood mud
died together. Anxious faces, tear
streaked faces, and a few grim, stern
set faces might be seen amid the
thrOng. Sometimes the crowd was
hushed and still; sometimes the silence
gave place TO an excited babble or
voices, or was broken by the hysteri-
cal wall Of an overstrung woman.
Above all sounded the wild shrieking
of the wind and the laundering roar OF
the pillows as they dashed upon the
outer harbor wall or upon the rocks
around.
The fishing feet was returning
home. ON such a night II was impOs-
sible for the smacks TO live at sea;
there were but two alternatlves-to
be wrecked upon the rocks, or TO run
the harbor," that Is 10 say, 20 let the
boat run freely before the storm and
steer straight in through the harbor
mouth. a cool head and steady
hand. with perhaps little luck, meant
safety, n trihing error Of judgment
the miscalculation o4 a few feet,
meant almost certain death. II was
little wonder that on such a night
mothers, wives, sisters and brothers
strained their anxious eyes 20 pierce
the twilight which was closing In upon
the tossing sea.
On the top Of the outer wall, close
by the harbor mouth, girl was
I, Inn fss
any one TO choose. Often the spray
dashed over her. the hands with which
she slung TO the outer edge Of the
wall were blue and numb with cold.
The wind had shaken free her hair,
and ii streamed wildly behind her. Yet
the look in her eyes showed that she
felt neither the cold nor the wet, nor
the wind; her whole soul went forth
eagerly, anXiously, into the darkness.
Two boats had already arrived in
safety, and now third sail hove in
sight. For a few moments the girls
heart beat madly, but soon she rccog-
niZed that it was not the one she
looked for Still she watched ii with
a curious interest as, borne on the
crest of n gigantic wave. it came
rushing swiftly on. Ere long she
could distinguish the aged fisherman.
Robert Bramond, standing calm and
collected at the wheel. His knee eye
was fixed on the harbor mouth, and
his hands held the spokes with a grip
OF iron. On rushed the boat with
breathless speed. The crowds on the
shore quivered with excitement as
they saw 1t dart toward the harbor
mouth. Then a cheer rang through the
air as the wheel was whirled round
and the boat swung safely into the
haven. Ropes were quickly flung out
md made fast, and ere one could
realize it the danger was over.
\ strange little scene followed. Old
BramOnd, as he left the wheel, paused
for moment, doffed his great SOU
wester, and raising his eyes TO heaven.
muttered a few words Of thanks TO
God. The watching crowd was awed
into an impressive silence, which how
ever. soon gave place 10 shouts OF wei
come and congratulatlon.
! There were two persons by whom
this incident passed unnoticed. The
one was the girl on the outer wall,
who was already staring out again
over the water; the other was a young
fisherman from the boat which had
just arrived. AS soon rs the boat was
safely moored he had lept ashore,
and, having avoided his relatives and
friends, was already making his way
round the outer harbor In few
minutes he had clambored up beside
the girl.
JEAN" he shouted in her ear. "Jean.
what are you doing hereT
The girl started and looked around.
"Oh. it's you. Andrew" she said
carelessly.
Yes he replied. its me. But
what on earth are you doing out here
on such night? Why, you might be
swept off at any minute"
"Oh, I'm all right" she answered.
"Pve been here for an hour already.
and | mean to stay until the Daredevil
comes home"
Its Madness" he shouted back;
you're doin' no good to any one and
dom a lot Of harm TO yourself. why.
you must be drenched TO the skin.
Look here. jean" he cried. almost an
grily, as his words appeared TO have
no effect, I've come out here to take
you back. and you must come"
Il must come. must II" and even
over the roaring Of the storm her voice
sounded scornful and indignant; "and
pray, Andrew Fairweather. what right
have you to talk TO me like thatg"
For a little while Andrew was
silent. His voice was hoarse. and
trembling when lie spoke again. with
his mouth close to her ear.
jean" he said, "it's n strange, wild
place to talk of love. but you know I
would give all have in the world 10
gain the right of taking care OF you"
The earnest passion in his tone made
the girls face soften a little. but her
reply was firm.
Il know that you love, Andrew. and
/ wish-I do wish that II wasn't so
i have often told you often-far to,
often-that IL can never be-"
Andrew was silent for n long time
md look OF gloomy despair settle,
on his face. At last, however, h,
reused himself.
ANY way. JEAN" he persisted. I"
don't sec what good you're doin' ou
here. The Daredevil will cJme in nj