The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1903-12-25

tore or my coat, flung It into Mikes
astonished face and jumped, ungrace-
fully enough, feet foremost, into the
darkness.
The tide was 1t its height and the
water at that particular spot las
heard later eight feet in depth.
I grabbed woman's dress and at
tempted to seize a projecting point in
the masonry, but the stone work was
too slippery, and l could secure no
grip. Moreover, the waves strove in
dustriously to dash us against the
wall. The adventure had more in it
than its promise, but l am strong
swimmer, and, fortified by the cries OF
the spectators, who each shouted differ
emit advice, won my way to the sands.
Here, awaiting me, were Mike and a
young. pretty GIRL could not help
laughing outright; it reminded me so
wildly of the chorus of comic opera
the 40 aforesaid members of the
American public.
rs she dead?" began the girl, in that
tone which always indicates the ap-
proach Of hysteria-
mo, Peggy; don't be silly, dear"
My burden, returning suddenly to
consciousness-'tis woman's way when
danger is past-spoke herself. I'm
wet through, though" she added, rue
fully, and shivered.
Where are you staying?" asked
Mike. He is practical mana sheet
anchor in moments Of emergency.
bay hotel" said his late companion.
Then, by George, Syd." he ex-
claimed, with the pride of happy in
spiration, well just borrow this boat
and row back for all we're worth.
Twill be quicker than walking along
shore. Hurry up, man. A good hard
pull will warm you, too, after your cold
bath. As for the destroyer, it's found
its bed on the rocks; let it lie on it.
We've other fish to fry just now"
AS We showed of, taking a couple of
oars apiece, the mob on the beach
raised parting cheer. The American
public is demonstrative animal But
Mike was good enough to take this ap-
plause as his own, and, rising, bowed
solemnly to the delighted crowd. That
he nearly capsized our boat in so doing
only intensified their enthusiasm.
was in dread lest these well mean
ing folk might proceed to the hotel
and give US another ovation on our
arrival. but evidently the stranded de-
stroyer was too strong q counter
"Syd, old boy. you're a lucky chap.
Dye know who the girl is?"
Haven't the remotest idea. I've
never seen either of them before, to
my knowledge"
Mike had dropped his voice to low
whisper. The other men in the smok-
ing room were cycling us curiously,
and half enviously, fancied. Surely,
| thought, no rumor OF my swim had
been carried here. II there's one thing
I dislike more than toothache 1t is
cheap notoriety.
Miss Peggy Burford, only child of
Millionaire Burford, an heiress, and
a. beautiful rs she is wealthy. I've
already interviewed her. on your be-
half, and she's just dying to thank her
heroic preserver in person"
stop that, Mike."-I cried, sharply.
There are some subjects unit for
levity. and that little-er-episode of
last night is one. Why, man, twas
nothing. You'd havo done as much
-"
only yon didn't give me the chance.
You were always hasty. Sgd"
growled inarticulately. I have no
objection TO saving woman's life
my prompt action went as |
ar - that-but did not want to pose |
y : hero on the strength Of 1t. Be
'ides. m heiress- probably . million
heiress!
II suppose, Mike, I'd better just |
~ her, and-hum!-ask her how she /
sels after her involuntary dip?"
Sure, and It's herself that's waiting
outside in the corridor now for that
IDENTICAL purpose"
went out. awkwardly enough. The
NO girls were standing at the hotel
loor. chatting and laughing gayly. AS
bowed. wondering how to begin, one
anne forward and held out q dainty
and.
Mr.. Weldon, / can never hope to
hank you enough for your bravery.
nut am grateful"
Our eyes met. and mine fell Instant
=. For in that brief flash OF time I
cad my fate.
And I could have groaned aloud in
itterness Of heart Ut the cruel irony
It Ia common scribbler-and she.
millionaire's daughter. l.
=
Despising myself for my moral weak
ess, almost ready to curse myself for
" folly. I-no better than my brother
len, worse. perhaps, than many
ounted henceforward that hour lost
which ! did not see, and speak to.
eggy Burford. A week had passed ,
lnce our adventure, and each day
lmost each hour-had brought to me
appiness and unspeakable pain that /
3uld not be measured in words. I,
But In my blindness, though could ,
eceive myself, there was one who !