The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-05-08


them-some OF them the men he had
helped to save-to bruit his business
to the world?
The group in the hotel parlor had
learned some time previously that
their friends were among the rescuing
party upon the beach, and If it were
possible for their fear to increase. it
was then increased. Alicia endeav-
ored to retain her brave face and COM
fort her companions with her words
Of cheer; but it was q difficult thing
for her to do, knowing that her hus-
band was in the storm. Many women
would have been still more terrified,
knowing Of the burden upon his shoul-
ders that might make him reckless
Of his life.
You are such dear, sweet, brave
thing, Alecia," said Kathryn Franklin.
admirinsly, nesting nearer her friend
upon the sofa, and patting one of her
hands tendcrly. Il don't see how you
can sit here telling us so quietly not
to be afraid. when you know that your
husband is in this horrible lightning
"You must be fatalist, Alecia,"
A!thea Dunraven cried, with sudden
animation Though l don't see how
you can believe that he Is as safe out
in the storm as in here away from II"
"Oh, but we're not away from 1t.
Althea," moaned poor little pretty Bess
Catherwood, with reproachful eyes.
Were just right in the very midst
of it! I'll never again come down to
the sea in summer-never. never, nev-
er! It's too dreadful"
You'll forget all about it tomorrow
when the sun Shines" said Leland,
comfortingiy, in an undertone. But
you're not to forget, wicked little
Bess, that you have given me your
promise tonight"
ooh, DEAR she cried, wretchedly,
"dear, dear, dear! If you'll keep me
safe through this, Lane Leland, I'll
never be bad to you again! I'll just
love you forever and ever! am so
afraid"
Well" he said, calmly, 81 shall re-
mind you OF this, if you do forget,
Bess. I cannot be patient forever, you
knoww
But she could rot quarrel with him,
for she was too terrified, and only
lifted those great black reproachful
eyes of hers to his with 4 grieveC
curve to her red lips, that gave him q
deplorable feeling Of base ingratitude,
and caused him to be infinitely tender
to her for that time.
II am not a fatalist-no," said Ale
cia, smiling, in reply to Althea's re-
mark. 1T isn't that, my dear, but if
there is need for him to go l would
not keep him. l would not have him
a coward, you know, even 10 save his
life"
That's like you," said Clara Brad
ley, softly. II never saw another
woman to equal you, Mrs. Graham!
But I'm not brave, and l don't want
to be in such a horrible storm. Just
think Of our being cut off from home
by all that water, with no way of get
ting there should we wish, and the
hotel liable to be washed away"
There is the lighthouse" said
Alicia, quietly. If the worst should
come-which isn't probable-we could
go there, you know. That wouldn't
be washed away"
''Oh, but you don't know" protested
Miss Clara, frctfully. And, besides,
we would all be blown into pieces be-
fore we could get there. I tell you it's
awful to be here in a storm"
Ill not let you come then, next sum-
mer, Clare" said Ninette, roguishly.
III tell Uncle Hallett what coward
you are. and he'll cut you off from
his will without so much as enough to
buy bonnet, and then what will you
do:"
What Go I care about bonnets" re-
torted Clara, with fearful eyes, "in
such 9 storm as this, Ninette Bradley ?
But you will be mean, mean girl If
you tell Uncle Hallet anything. l nev-
er do"
Her sister laughed They all knew
sufficiently well Clara Bradley's pas
sion for bonnets.
"Oh, this is simply DREADFUL" cried
Miss Catherwood, starting to her feet
with her hands over her ears. her
face deepening in paIlor with fear, as
a peal of thunder crashed overhead.
shaking the building, aud thundered