Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-10-25

| sticking" about the shores of Water
island IN quest OF shell-fish, delayed
their departure for the larger island till
much later hour than usual. When
about halfway between the two islands
they encountered the full force of the
outgoing tide, ana found their progress
with the iull water-cask, to which they
were harnessed by ropes, rendered ex-
tremely difficult After half an hours
struggle. curing which very little way
was gained. Peters announced his in
t6ntion Of cutting himself adrift
O'CoEnell besoueht his mate to hold
On until the tide turned, but Peters,
drawing his knife, severed the rope
which attached him TO the cask. Short
~ afterwards nc disappeared in the
direction OF Copper island.
O'Connell. left TO himself. struggled
wildly for a time TO hold his own, but
the buoyant cask was towing him out
TO sea at an ever-increasing rate of
speed. and al last he was reluctantly
obliged 10 release himself BY this
time, however, he was an alarming
distance from the shore, and he saw
that mis- only chance was in remain
Ing afioat Until the tide turned. when
ne might nope, by its aid. TO reach the
land. The night was clear and bril-
liant moon was shining. Suddenly, to
his horror, an ominous triangular fin
broke the surface of the water no:
tEree fathoms' length from where he
swan. Another and yet another ap-
peared, and the unhappy man pres
eEtIy discovered that he was in the
midst of a school of sharks, Utterly
exhausted as he was, his position was
terrible one. In describing his feel
ings to me. he said that he should not
have believed il possible that any
com animation OF circumstances could
have reduced him to such state of alb
Ject fear as that on which he now
found himself. Already he seemed to
feel the cruel teeth rendering his ma
keG flesh, and he snudGered with utter
terror. The scene was as light as day,
ana the sharks were plainly visible as
they circled round him. He saw one
monster suddenly change his direction
and make straight for him. But OCon-
nell was like flesh in the water, and
drawing the sheathe knife from the
belt round his naked waist he lrew
his arms above his head and sank like
stone. AS he rose again some Sec
opds later he found himself directly
beneath he shark, and thrust his knife
up to the hilt in the monsters stomach.
The wounded shark at once made off.
and some ether prey possibly present
ing itself. the others followed its ex-
ample. 10 O'Connelrs great relief.
BY this time the tide was on the
turn, and after long and exhausting
swim O'Connell, shaken and weary.
landed On Copper island shortly after
daylight. having been eight hours in
the water. His companions had. of
course. given him up for lost. as ac-
ccrding 10 the account of Peters. who
had gained the shore in safety, he was.
when last seen. drifting rapidly out
II sea. OConnell proceeded TO the ten.
and pulling aside the flap. looked in
al the sleeping men. Peters was slum-
herring as sweetly as though he had not
i few hours before abandoned his mate.
OConnell picked up a piece of turf and
threw IL lightly on the sleeper's face.
Peters sat up, and seeing the boss"
standing there. dripping wet, thought
he lookel upon a ghost. and with a cry
of terror fell back in dead faint his
previous nights adventure having left
him in weak state.
The little colony was now in a very
had way, Icing without water save for
little which had been reserved in
kerosene tin. This lasted till the
eSening ii the next day. and then.
when O'Connell was seriously contem-
plating 4 return TO Water islanu"
with the kerosene tin. rain happily fell.
and all hands were at once engaged
u the important wCrK OF collecting it
The tent was pulled down and con-
vtrted into . canvas cisterr. and ev-
cry available vessel was filled.
Two lays later great excitement Wa;
cccasionsi in the little community. 50
strangely marooaed on this inhosDita-
lie iSlet. hy the appearance of a sa.
Ia the southwark. evidently bearing
IL the direction OF the island The
anxious miners gathered upon the
beach and brea;hlessly watched the
roaring crsft. They soon discovered
that II vas none other tuan DIS ov-
eIduc schooner. Presently boat was
lowered. and D himself. with a
crew OF three men. was seen approach
ing the STAND The miners met him
with 4 storm Of inquiries as to the de-
lay. but D. apparently mad no ex-
plaRation &c make-at any rate. he Of
fered none.
He listened 10 the story of their pri-
vations and the dangers they had
passed through VITA the most insulting
Indifference. You look all right. any
how" YVES all the comment he offered
and Immediately went CT to make in
qUiries as &c the success of their min
ing operations. The boat vas laden
With provisions. and presently he gave
orders 10 have these landed.
stop 4 minute" said O'Connell. who
mad hitherto spoken. DO you think
for a moment that after the way we
have been treated We are going TO re-
main here at your mercy again."
You Will stay here" was the brutal
reply. until your contract has ex-
Erred"
That certainly shall not" said