The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-06-07
Chapter VIII.
THE VOYAGE.


That tall young lady with fair face. who
read her brothers letter between smiles and
tears, kissing the signature at the end-was
she the Alice Tudor of the woods? That
grave, quick look was the glance Of one ac-
customed to the world and dts hazards. That
mild reserve was the result of much expert
ence, even at her age. Yes, it was Alice; cut
the woman. not the girl.
So Alice Tudor sailed for Boston. and all
the men on board watched her for the sake of
her pure, fearless beauty. She was approach
able by all, admired by many. loved by at
least one, Major Harley, whose spirit crawled
on the deck before her.
What does she like?" asked some. Mel
sher wine, nor cards nor merry talk" But
the few unspoiled boys, the honest, lonely
major, and the astonished sea captain found
her tastes to be for simplicity, honesty, and
Tor healthy, questionable amusernents.
Alice had been a horsewoman in London.
How they clustered around her when she
rode! But the close air of the cardroom, the
restless anxious spirits at the tables sick
ened and repealed her. Out on the ocean she
would be on deck, would breathe the abr,
watch the ship, and welcome each portent OF
the sea. The porpoises and whales, the flying
fish. the distant bergs and sails-these were
for her. Not the low, dusky cabin, the pack
Of cards nor the ships wine.
Health and good living, these she loved.
These others loved in her. They were un-
usual; so much the more to he priced. None
of your finicky ladies' whispered thu mate
'tShe eats the food and finds no fault. y
'Egad" said the captain aside to Mapor Har-
lev Watch her as she sways with the ship.
See the coor-the blowing hair. Were l
twenty years younger
Were ten years younger" thought poor
Harley.
And sometimes as to all sterling natures,
came to Alice the great melancholy OF the
sea, its eternal breeding. She would stand
at the shrbuds and gaze, with the sadness OF
centuries in her eyes, lovely SPHINX, KNOW
ing no answers to her. own questions AT such
times Harley and the captain. or the mate,
stood guard lest any should disturb her.
Her maid reused Alice that last morning,
moor sick Christie, in whose voice for the first
time was cheerfulness. Boston harbor is IN
sight"
deck Her FIRST view from the companlonWay
was land, a low, green hllock rising from the
water She looked from south to north.
Thera scattered along were more fiat hills
IN Rroups or singly. Close at hand rose UP
IN sharp contrast some rock isets. On one
OF them was a lighthouse. Beyond. channei
opened The ship was making for the en-
trance.
The soldiers were already on deck; some
were even part way up the shrouds. One
nv one the officers CAME up on the quarter,
hut Alice did not see them. She stood at
the bulwark, holding to stay, and hHeo
her eyes upon the land. She saw the grasses
waving, she smelt upon the breeze the odor
of new hay. Island after island opened 10
her view as the ship beat its way along the
channel Fishermen in boats were close az
hand. Cattle grazed upon the hillsides. II
was peaceful, lovely, almost English.
The minutes passed unnoticed. Inc OF
ders Of the seamen lacking ship; the nap
ming of the canvas the crowd or gesuculat-
ing soldiers, glad Of land at last; even tne
old delight of wind in her face, OF the rush
ing ship-all this made no impression She
thought no more of the coming reunion with
her brother, ignored the group OF othcers
behind, nay, at last even her whereabouts
passed from her mind.
This was mot regret; it was not memory
she lived again in another time, and saw
,ts scenes. A black forest standing in white
snow. all distance lost amidst trees, the Sky
uhut out. And there on the snow was 8
Young man toiling, famished to snade
faint u1.to death. A dream, nightmare Of
devotion, unselfshness. sacrifice A test o.
other men by which they failed.
The roar Of cannon shattered ner Vlsion
and brought her to herself
Thay reached the upper harbor. little
fortress was saluting, there were warship'
at q short distance, and sailboats moved OF
the water near at hand. The soldiers on INT
foreeastle began to cheer. Alice looked BE-
yond ALL and saw rising from the wate'
ybarves and houses, cupolas. trees ant
spires, Her bosom rose and fell; her eye'
shone. Boston!
The officers crowded behind her, pointed
estad and talked. There was the flagship
there the battery. She did not hear. Tit
noble ships of war she did not see. For no
was only the town, where Frank mad lived
rhara we're his brother and his friends. sh,
razed. and could not have enough.