Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-06-04
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lI5j| [6j||

ESy Eu before an atrocious litho-
graph of the Madonna. The fog-horn
had been growing all morning, and
her father and her lover were out
with the fishing fleet. For every Ave
she offered UP for Louis, the lover,
she offered two for her father, the
Padrone. Every one connected with
the fishing industry in San Francisco
knew the Padronc, and his advice was
the law Of the fishermen. Even those
who had incurred his disfavor ut times
bore him no ill-will for the heart of
that gentle, gray-haircd giant was as
soft as his biceps We're hard Nita
loved him as only pettcd but un.
spoiled child could. Even Louis was
not half so dear to her as the father
her method of praying showed that
Just at that time Louis and th2
Padrone Were greatly in need Of
prayer. or perhaps more material as
sistance. A tug g-boat-ccrtainly steam
ing much faster than the half speed
prescribed by law for vessels in the
fog-had made matchwood out Of their
little boat. Louis and the Padrone
plunged almost simultaneously into the
cold water just in time to avoid being
entangled in the debris. The tug may
Or may not have returned to investi-
gate the damage. At any rate, it did
not find Louis or the Padronc, who
We're left houndering in the sea.
Boots off. Louis" called the Pad
rome, almost cheeriy; "w@ must swim
lifts" He wanted to keep the younger
man from realizing how hopeless was
their condition. In Il short time they
divested themselves of their boots and
their outer clothing. for they were both
good swimmers.
This way. The Fara!!ones are this
way. Follow close. but save your
strength" said the Padronc. lie was
completely lost, but there were vol
umcs Of confidence and hope In his
voice. The men struck out. hrcasting
the waves with strong. sturdy strokes.
They swan for several hours, but
the fog did not lift or thin in the least.
Louis began to tire. and the Padronn
heard him gaspinC for breath. "Cour-
age. boy, for Nita,' he cried. But
Louis's strength was fast giving ont.
Put your hand on my shoulder
venturcd the padronc; II can tow
you"
NO" painted Louis; Il can not last.
Save yourself
at is for Nta. boy. You must be
saved" said the Padronc. sharply: "in
the name of God listen. the breakers.
There is land ahead
The young man struck ont doSper-
ately, and the Padrone. swimming be-
hind. with one powerful arm pushed
him forward. holding him by the hair
and the other hand a heavy roller
caught the pair, hurting Louis up on
an exceedingly small area OF sandy
beach. But the padronc was not so
fortunate. He was dashed against Il
high rock on one side of the beach,
and though lie managed 10 crawl over
to Louis, his left knee was painfully
crippled. They lay breathless on the
sand for some time.
Apparently they were in little
gully, with walls running pprpendicu-
lary, and the floor slopinS upward at
a sharp angle.
"Holy Mary" whispered the Pad
rome Out of the mist above came
| the sharp bark of the seal. Louis
was too much exhausted to realize
what it meant But the Padrone knew
| The seals would soon become alarmed
and come sliding down that narrow
! slope seeking the water. after their
custom when alarmed. Several more
| commenced to bark. The Padronc
| looked upward in despair. Several
feet above. on one of the walls. q little
ledge of rock juttcd outward like a
| shelf.
THANK God"' muttercd the Padrone:
II can save you for Nita. Yes. the old
man will save her Louis for his little
girl"
He dragged himself quickly to his
feet, though the sharp pain in his knee
made him vince. The seals We're thor
oughly aroused by this time. Rapidly
gauging the distance with his eye,
the Padrone seized the unconscious
young man in his arms and tossed him
softly up on the ledge.
The Padrone could hear the sound
Of the seals flppers as they began their
descent He bowed his head TO re-
ceive death, with a prayer on his lips.
! But in the kaleidoscope flashes Of