The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1903-11-06

CO. Let's 90 for q stroll along The
beach It's a glorious night-mooa.
Etars and al that sort Of thing
Mr.. Michael NzcDernott-a younger
son Of an impecunious but highly re-
spectacle Irish peer. zho was endeav-
oring 70 earn living by la practice
in New York, and / had been chums
for several yearE-had besa ehuus
from the Izonent ~e Eet IN a plain
little restaurant where we beth made
practice Of eating late suppers
All right, Mike said. putting my
proofs away in a desk and locking il
securely. Il am not busy tonight"
You are always busy. lucky man.
be said. But all work and 10 play
you know the rest What's this nod
ding towards NY desk. the master
piece7s
Il don't know about that" replied
modestly.
Il entirely disagree with your argu-
ment," he said. as we went out. had
given him my proofs to read hide
pendent criticism is always valuable.
II 30 often induces us 10 leave in what
we were half disposed to strike out
Yes" | replied, this being the most
non-committal ejaculation a man can
utter when unprepared with a subtler
retort
o. he said, "a man who would re-
fuse to marry the woman be loved
and who loved him simply because she
happened To be an heiress would be an
unmitigated ass
Il would do H." interrupted.
Then you would be an unmitigated
ass, he replied. placidly. Unyarnished
candor is one OF Mikes most pro-
nounced characteristics. I'D Ike TO
have the chance. that's ALL
My dear Mike. | know you better
than you know yourself A man Of
my trade must be student of human
nature or he's no good. You'll marry
the woman you love, though she be
as poor as an Irish politician"
I'm not In love with any woman, ="
he declared. triumphantly.
No. Neither am l. Perhaps that
Is why We are both so positive about
what We should do in such a case
We strolled down TO the shore.
Then, suddenly, search light shot
across the water.
We're in luck, !" cried Mike. 81
didn't know the naval maneuvers were
being held of here tonight There )
going to be a night attack"
We clambered upon the seawall-a
sort Of esplanade with the lamps and
lounges omitted-and took our stand
to watch the coming maneuvers.
Three torpedo destroyers, We learnt
from chaity sailor, would pr entity
attempt 10 run the gauntlet Of those
fanlike arms of light which were now
sweeping the sea In every direction.
Presently a cry went up, Here
one" Then. simultaneously, a fash,
deep roar as Of thunder. from the
fort, and our sailor said-speaking, OF
course, in metaphor: She's done for
blown to smithereens. They soon
spotted her. didn't they? Humph,
Pity faint real. stead OF only make
believe"
For some minutes-fve ten they
may have been 15-time gaIlops when
the mind is at high tension-there was
silence. The guns. having annihilated
the first of the invaders. were dumb,
and every watcher began TO wonder
If the others were never coming. Then
the light just behind us swung sharply
shore, and close in. rushing through
the water like race horse, came an
other destroyer at full speed. Boom :.
hnnrps and again happ,F ha a
tecting the third, gliding stealthily. at
half speed. up midchannel under
cover, as its commander hoped, of his
comrade closer shore. took part in
this mimic battle
But, even as our sailor uttered wild
yell OF warning. there was a sudden
crash. the shouting of men, the whistle
of escaping steam, and another search
light. farther along the beach. played
on the second destroyer fast aground
in the grip OF ledge.
There's a pretty kettle OF fish" ex-
claimed MacDermott Then, ever prac-
teal, he made trumpet Of his hands
and beloved, DO you want any
help"
Send-fcr-coastgua came the
answering shout. and keep-searcA-
light-on us-will you?'
For once the American public-or
some 40 of that sensation seeking body
was in a fair way 10 be gratided
Even Mike rubbed his hands gleefully
and chuckled in my ear. sgd. this is
fne We came out for one show. and,
behold. here is an extra turn"
The gift of prophecy seldom descends
upon man. Ii was certainly In no self
conscious spirit of prescience that | re-
piled. Don't tempt fate too far Re-
member there is a saying. Never two
but three.
The words had barely passed my
lips, spoken In needless jest. when
there was a piercing scream, splash,
and that panic-stricken rush of people
which always ensues upon a serious
accident.
| guessed instinctively what had hap
peted In the eager throng of onlook-
ers messing too near the edge of the