The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-03-12
CHAPTER Nv.
(Continued.)

This suggestion was acted upon 'm'
mediately, and the tenants Of the
nearest cottage gave them ready ad'
mittance and assistance. Every one
an the island was awake and fearful
On that terrible storm. No one could
sleep or rest with the roar In the heaV-
ems and the thunder Of waters on the
beach, the lightning glaring as though
che heavens had opened with hre to
swallow the world.
But, interesting though II might be
Tor Graham to be petted and fattered
and cared for, II was but ten minutes
st most ere he was thoroughly recov.
cred and declared his intention Of re-
turning to the hotel In spite Of every
objection. .
'My wife win be anxious" he said.
quite steadily and smiling. 1T Is q
rather unpleasant night In which to be
out. and she will be certain to think
that have been offered as sacrifice to
Nepture~
-Ncnsense." retorted Gregory Ben
sonhurst. with prompt decision. doing
his utmost to detain his friend. that
he should be entirely recovered after
his bra-e struggle. We'll send word
ND, Harold! Do be sensible and wait
tili the storm passes. there's q good
FELLOW! 1t IN abating very much now"
But the good fellow" would not be
persuaded. He shook his head, smil-
ing.
Don't be ridiculous, Bensonhurst!
he said lightly. There Is nothing the
matter with me. Come! Mr.. Earle Is
safely cared for here until morning
and the rest Of the party are all right.
save for the wettipg and the scare.
And well 60 up to the hotel. The
Grants have been very gracious to this
lot Of shipwrecked sailors, but we'll
not infringe upon good nature. There
b one thing. however, that / wish to
say, and I shall think you no true
friends Of mine II you do not agree
with me: It II that I wish you all to
promise-all Of you. remember-that
you win withhold from those who are
not present tonight, that I saved
Palmer Earle! have my reasons.
They are good reasons, too, as you will
acknowledge tomorrow. cannot
make the matter more clear to you
now, but I must have your promise"
Gregory Bensonhurst looked at his
friend as though he thought him be-
reft Of his senses. He and Graham
were alone for the moment, as the
others prepared to 60 up to the hotel.
His eyes were keen and steady, search
ing the others face; but SO were Gra-
hams eyes, and q new sternness was
about bis moutht.
.sComer' he added. impatiently.
sDon't tell me 30 plainly that you are
not my friend. Bensonhurst. have
my reasons for requesting this prom
ise. You viii understand-to-morrow."
"Why not tonight. Harold?:
"Because"-Graham moved away ir.
sitably. o frown on his face-"because
tonight It Ia nothing to you. Benson.
hurst. Come! Give me your promise.
VIII you? Or shall I 60 without it
and know TINT your friendship Is not
strong enough to stand trial:"
Gregory Bensonhurst laid his hand
upon the arm Of his friend to detain
him as he was passing to the door. His
face was very grave. His memory
was keen with the words ofswarning
uttered by Leland the previous after.
noon. Why should this man speak so
strangely Of tomorrow?
Look here, Harold" he said. quiet
u; II call myself your friend. II 1t
ID q friends duty to give you this
promise. I do 50. You Gun trust me.
And II ever there Is other need to try
my friendship-try me~
A peculiar change struck Harold
Graham's face. but he grasped the 9th.
eT's hand warmly.
"very well." he said. II thank you,
Bensonhurst. I shall try you sooner
than you know. perhaps. Lei us 60"
They Joined the others in the hall
and upon the piazza-a group Of
drenched men, with their coats Well
buttoned up about their throats and
their hats pressed close down on their
heads. Few would have recognized
among them the half.dozen fashiona-
hle young men idlins through the pre-.
vious day. The yachting party We're
with them. save Palmer Earle. the
bouts owner and the one most Sc
verely injured. The storm had some.
what abated and they could reach the
hotel without such difficulties rs they
met in starting ont. They pretty well
dlled the cottage and were unwilling
longer to trespass on the hospitality
Of the Grants. Mr.. Earle was well
cared for and comfortably asleep. the
stimulant ordered for him leaving him
little time before siumber. His friends
could safely leave him and secure their
own comfort ut the hotel.
They looked considerably mystificd
when informed Of Graham's wishes
regarding his share In the rescue: but
most Of them assented readily enough.
with q skeptieal shrug of the shoulders
and uplifting Of the brows. 1t was
none Of their business II this man
chose to hide his bravery. II he had
reason for his reticence. was 1t for
them-sone Of them the men he had
helped to save-to bruit his business
10 the world?
The group in the hotel parlor had
learned sone time previously that
their friends were among the rescuins
party upon the beach. and II IL were