The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-08-01
pTEp ".

Cfta1l En- 1 v.
DO YOU think that any damage has
been done, papa?"
II cannot answer your question, Kate.
Until have seen McDermott and been
down to the shore"
''There Is no doubt but that there was
a slight earthquake, IS there?'
mo doubt whatsoever: and | shouin
say that there had been a tidal wave,
by the sound Of the roaring water. IL
was so dark that 1 could not see any
thing. Tho wind howled for short time,
and expected blow. but 1t suddenly
ceased, and I went to bed, knowing tllat
there was no use In attempting TO 90 any
thing until morning
Mr.. Archibald Montague raised the cup
of coffee to his lips which he had been
holding during this brief conversation,
and. finishing 1t, lighted cigar as he
said But we shall find out nothing by
sitting here. and none of those lazy ne
groes will think of coming up to report
so let lis go down to the sugar-house and
see for ourselves"
He rose and picked UP his hat from
chair on the broad verandn upon which
they had been seated, and. followed by
his daughter. started down the path at
the side of the house.
The incline was steep. and the path
and underbrush. only to be found in tho
tropical ATTITUDES. AS they came in sight
of the buildings, of which we have
spoken, tall, fine looking negro was seen
emerging from the door of a small house.
He stretched himself and then catching
sight of the figures of the Montagues ap-
preaching, he stepped forward hat in
hand. ~
II expected to see you at the house
when I was dressed McDermott," said
Montague why have you delayed 2
II ask pardon. sab" was the respect.
ful reply. II oversight myself. sab. l
was up late.'
What has happened" asked the other
quickly.
Nothing that I know OF as yet sah,"
answered the colorcd man. Oar was a
slight earthquake las night, an feared
trouble. so l sat Zip. 1t was very slight
but thar was a great roaring of de wa
ter. Dat mus have been a tidal wave,
but 1t was too dark to see what was
going on
mo damage to the buildings. then, by
the quaker" asked Montague anXiously.
"No, sub: none dat could find las
night. and I go all ober dem with Ian
tern"
Let us go down to the river bank and
sec II there are any signs Of it there.
You have not been?''
mo, sab, I just wake up. had but
tree hours sleep, sah.'
WELL we'll, that is all right. A man
can do but Just so mucn Come along,
Kate; we will go down and see what
there Is to be seem"
They moved off past the main build
ings and turned into the road leading to
the shore.
Good heavens" exclaimed the planter.
as he paused on reaching the brow of
the slight incline which led directly to
the waters edge. What is that? a
vessel?"
He stopped short. as did the others.
for he could scarcely believe his eyes.
nor realize that the sight in front Of him
was not an illusion.
It was at this moment that Jennings
had caught sight of them
"a vessel on the island!" exclaimed
There mus have been a
tidal wave. sab! Her topmas has gone.
sab, an dey is two men on her. sab.
See, sab! Dey has seen us, an is wavin'
dere hans
The three hurried down to the waters
edge to where the boat usually was,
carried 1t away.
What shall We do?" cried Montague.
1--WE must get to them. They have no
boat that I can see"
"Dcre is a dugout UP In der shed.
sab. will get couple Of hans an
bring her down to der bank" said Nc
Dermott. as he fastened away.
but papa" said Kate. still gazing
with wide open eyes at the brig, chow
could so large n vessel be carried up
onto the island?'
She was brought up In the tidal
wave, child; that is simple enough. 1t
is wonderful that she was not smashed
into kindling wood. Her rigging and
spars have suffered as 1t is, and her
boats have been swept away from her.
There must have been more than two
men on her originally, SO 1t has evil
IDENTIFY been much worse with her than
with us. We must have had the end OF
tho storm. Perhaps the slight earth
quake had some effect. It is beyond me,
l must admit"
McDermott and two negroes, followed
by several others. now appeared coming
down the road at a rapid pace carry
Ing the dugout between them She was
soon launched. and Montague and Kate
were taken across the shallow river by
the two men. who waded alongside.
AS they approached the other side OF
the stream, the occupants Of tho brig
vessel as this seemed to be the easiest
method Of gaining the ground.
Montague and his party landed, ana
met them midway between the wreck
and the shore.
II have come" said the planter, Ito
offer you any assistance in my power.
BY what strange means did your vessel
reach the spot where she now is? was
she borne there on a tidal wave"'
LET me first thank you for your offer
of assistance, which, as far as the brig
is concerned, Is, as you can imagine,
quite useless. It Is very kind of you,
however, to come so quickly to our aid,
and we thank you for IT. AS to our
arrival here. 1t Is an undecided question
in our minds" and Rivers proceeded to
briefly relate the circumstances of the
night before.
'You can see" he said In conclusion,
that our ideas upon the subject are
somewhat indefinite"
Are you aware that there was an
earthquake last nlght?" asked Montague,
MOI replied the skipper THAT
would account for the tidal wave, and