The progress., 1905-03-04
lcepsftk6t, isol. By Daily story Pub. Co.,

tcopyriE6t isol, By Daily Story Pub. Co.,
NON was the first to reach the
AV, wrecked steamer; but then ten OF
Cons IA years had been spent mostly
on the great south bay. and he was
pore familiar with it than the life
tation men themselves. His little
cooter was only large enough to
hrry two besides himself, but he had
ken three loads to the Long Island
,ore before the first of the other
ooters arrived. Then they all
prked together as rapidly as posi-
le, for the vessel was sinking.
The last woman to leave was one
Con had noticed several times as he
loaded his craft with women or chill
dren; she had been conspicuous
among them, encouraging and help
ing, and insisting that all the weaker
ones should leave before herself Now,
as he swung his scooter alongside the
vessel, whose rails were almost to
the waters edge, she came straight to
him, assisting a tall, powerfully built
man, whose pale face and languid air
proclaimed him an invalid. AS Con
saw him he caught his breath sharp
ly and made a motion as though to
spring forward. Except for his pale
face and slightly stopping shoulders
the man seemed an exact counter
part of his own father.
Can you take us on your-scoot-
orr" the lady asked, with an amused
accent on the word Scooter" II have
noticed you number of times, and
like your wsy of doing things We
will be very glad if you can take u.s."
Thank you, and l shall be glad,
too," answered Con, heartily. II have
heen hoping that you could be my
passenger. II noticed you num-
bel of times, too, and liked your way
o. doing things"
The lady laughed as he reached out
to assist her, but motioned for the
man to take his place first. Then she
allowed him to place her in the
scooter.
1T seems a case of mutual liking"
she said, as she watched him jibe his
craft into the wind and grasp the TIL
Ter. But think / was as much at
tracted by your resemblance to my
brother-in-law here and to my hus-
band as to your way of doing things
They used to do things in much the
same manner, long ago." her eyes
growing far away in their gaze and
her voice wistful.
1T seems strange" she went on,
presently. that after all these years
| should come across the ocean and be
wrecked again at almost the very
place where they were lost"
Constance" said the man, gently.
"Yes, l know what you would say,
brother; but you need not fear. have
schooled myself to the first great
grief: else l could never have come
lore again, as l have been wanting to
so many years. shall not break
down. | owe that much to you, who
lave been so good in taking this long
journey Just to indulge my whim. I
Il think / will be ready to go back
on the next boat and live out the
rest of my life quietly" Her gaze re-
turned to Con. wistfuly, with tears in
her eyes, though her lips were smil-
ilg.
"You are very young for such dan
|eer," she said.
I'm A." he answered. "and there |
isr't nearly so much danger as people |
think-or if there is one gets used |
TO it ard don't mind. You-you spoke
of being wrecked here twice." trying to |
make his voice reassuring; but there
isn't the least bit Of danger now. I'll
have you on shore in 20 minutes"
Il was not thinking of the danger,
my boy, but of other things" she re-
turned with sad smile. And shall |
bot forget you and your scooter after
I go back home. But you must tell |
be your name, so that | can feel / |
know you more personally"
Its Connamore-Fernald Gonna
b.ore," he replied, Just like my faith
kr's. There's only just us two, and
we've lived around here ever since
was a baby Fathers in the life
saving station"
The lady had half risen. startled
look Of inquiry in her eyes But the
man drew her back gently.
I'VE have many kinfolk over here"
he said, "and Fernald is a common
family name. 1t is an odd. coinci-
hence; but not at all remarkable. or
Father impossible, l might say"
When the scooter grated upon the
beach. there were willing hands to
|elp them out. But as the lady went
rward TO inquire after some of the
/ jbf1en. and children the man turned
Quickly to Con.
"It Is. remarkable coincidence
about our names-an astounding one
I might say" he began hurriedly. II
did not wish my sister-in-law to get
excited. She has been through A
great deal Now what sort of man is
your father? Does he-he-" The
gentleman hesitated, seeming at a
loss for words, adding rather incon-
sequently: THE men around here
drink quite a good deal, suppose?"
Eyes, sir, some of them"
"Of course! of coursel Most sea-
faring men do. And your father"
Cons shoulders squared, and his
eyes blazed.
my father never drank anything
stronger than water" he burst out,
i'r9t even coffee. All the other men
fthe station, when they come back
rom wreck chilled and exhausted.
(hke something to revive and
etrengthen them. But my father
would never touch a drop. and he did
more work than any of them"
Il beg your pardon. my boy; no l..
harm was meant" the gentleman
FASTENED to say. IL wes half ex- !
rtcting, half hoping for a miracle" .
There was keen disappointment in his j
face and voice. Il was thinking of
a man / once knew, one of the best
nen that God ever made. / believe,
except for this falling. He was a ,
hard drinker, IA perfect sot at