The Delta independent., 1902-05-16

AT lWeHly-lOuT Laura hlThtou uau
tired of adulation and social victories.
of meaningless compliments and inane
small talk, of blase men of the world
and envious women, of "fanneled fools
at the wicket and muddied OATS at the
goal" She had drunk of the pleasures
of society TO the dregs. Her wealth
and beauty had insured her high
place in the -Four Hundred" which
her talent and wit adorned.
At first, of course, she enjoyed 1t.
but after the novelty wore off and she
saw all the hollowness and heartless-
ness, the hypocrisy and sham beneath
the bespangled surface she sickened
and tired of it. And so she had come
down to this remote village on the sea
shore, far from the fashionable re-
sorts to rest from the crowds of VAN
ity Fair, and to commune with nature
and live among simple folk who
rounded out their lives in hard toll
and simple pleasures.
She sat in the winuow of the little
cottage listlessly reading novel.
The wind was blowing too strong to
render the porch comfortable. Pres
emily she threw down the book impa-
tiently and exclaimed:
why don't we see men like this in
real life? What's the use of reading
about them in books when they don't
exist? Authors are dreamers. and
they write their dreams. Heroism is
dead. The heroes are all between
the covers of the histories and ro-
L. To
man, just once-not shallow. insin-
cere, selfish sensuaiist. but a man
capable of great sacrifice and o: abso-
lutte honesty of purpose"
She glanced out at the great waves
dashing madly upon the shore and
noted that the gale had increased in
fury. Her eyes sparkled.
How l love the ocean when 1t is
aroused. 1t is SO grand. so powerful.
If were man l would want to be
like the ocean and conquer all things
that came in my way"
A bell changed fur1ously and people
came running past the cottage and on
to the little government life saving
station. She opened the door and
called to one of the runners:
What's the matter?"
Vessel goin' to pieces on the reef,
came back the painting answer.
She caught up her hat and cape and
Joined the hurrying throng. Here at
last was something real and thrilling.
The life-saving crew, eight in num-
ber, were dressed for the coming bat
tie with the sea and stood about the
great, clumsy boat. oars in hand. They
looked like grim giants, but as Winni-
fred looked at the angry sea. they
became as pigmies with paper boat.
where's Captain WIZ" asked one
Of the crowd.
"Over to his fathers" replied one
of the crew. Hell be comm runnin'
in a jiffy."
A tall, athletic figure bounded,
through the group. knocking people
right and left in his haste. and in an
instant was in his sea togs.
What do you lake it?" he asked
one of the crew, who was gazing earn
estly through glass.
Small steamer an she's goin' to
pieces fast" was the reply. Seems
to be seven or eight people aboard.
one woman s near as can make out.
The captain seized the glass and
took quick look. Winnifred sur
veyed him curiously. He was per-
feet specimen of physical manhood;
tall, sinewy, compactly built ana alert.
His blue eye was steady and piercing.
The poise of his head was confident
and commanding. His cheeks were
bronzed with exposure and clear with
perfect health. He dropped the glass
and gave quick word of command.
The men sprang to their places
"Ye can't git through that sea. Cap"
remarked the weatherbeaten fisher
man.
Well try" replied the captain.
cheerily, and in an instant the boat