The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1905-12-20
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THE NIGHT PURSUIT.

BY ROGER STARBUCk,
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| IF So" said Leila, in answer to her
fathers last remark-"if the island
ers are really turning against us, had
we not better quit the island?"
THAT is what | have been thinking
OF. l feel that delay is dangerous in
this case"
Yes, papa. These people have
fearful passions, when once they are
aroused, in spite Of all your teachings,
and shudder to think Of what might
be the result of our staying here.
Good Heaven!" she suddenly added,
drawing back. "Oh, papa, somebody's
| at the window"
Mr.. Sturges glanced toward the win
dow just in time to see the hideous
face OF a savage, which had been
pressed against the pane, hastily with
drawn.
He rose and moved to the door,
which he quickly opened, peering out
into the gloom.
At first he could see nothing, but
he finally made out number of dark
forms gathered on the beach, appar-
emily holding council. Through the
gloom he could family distinguish, in
the phosphor light from the white
waves, a number of long spears and
heavy war clubs carried by the party
Leila" he whispered, quickly re-
turning, I'VE must fy!"
The young girl turned as pale as
death.
Keep up brave heart, Leila
Heaven will help u.s."
She caught the CLEAN of his benig-
nan eye and her spirit seemed nerved
with almost superhuman resolution.
In moment she had thrown on. her
bonnet and shawl, and was at the side
of her father, who had donned his cap
and coat.
He cast a wistful eye at his books
in rude bookcase in the corner; but
there was no chance or time to take
them with him.
Even as he moved toward the back
door with his child, savage yell
broke FORTH and the tramp of ap-
preaching feet was heard.
He rushed out with his daughter; at
the same moment something whist
ling past his head, proclaimed that he
he'd been seen. 1t was spear which
just grazing the side of his cay, lodged
in the trunk of broad fruit tree be-
yond.
The missionary hurried along until
he reached thick clump of shrubbery
growing by the side of the path, when,
with his child, he ensconced himself
therein.
The tramp of feet drew nearer, but,
thanks to the darkness, the fugitives
had not been seen to hide themselves,
and soon the natives, believing that
they had kept on, rushed past them.
Heaven is helping u.s." whispered
Mr.. Sturges to his child. I'VE will re-
main quiet a few moments longer
then we will endeavor to get to the
beach unobserved.'
| They remained motionless, hardly
daring to breathe, until they felt sure
the savages haa gone some distance,
when they emerged and made for the
beach at spot where, in small cove,
Mr.. Sturges kept his own little canoe.
Just as they launched the frail ves-
sci another yell proclaimed that they
were again seen, and through the
darkness they could dimly see the
forms of the natives as they came on.
Quick, my child" cried Mr..
Sturges, as he helped his daughter in
to the canoe; I'VE must paddle out to
sea, and may Heaven keep our canoe
from swamping in this STORM"
A shower of spears whistled round
the fugitives; but, fortunately, not one
touched them. In a moment they were
in their canoe, padding far out upon
the dark waters.
The wind roared and shrieked
around them-lne great seas tossed
their little boat as if it were an egg
shell, and it seemed at times as If the
little craft must certainly roll over.
Leila resolutely assisted her father;
but she felt as if escape from their
present peril were impossible-felt
that they must eventually be swallow
ed ythe mad waves.
The fury of the storm seemed on
the increase. The seas rose higher,
and the spray and water at times en-.
Cllfed the canoe, filling it.
Mr.. Sturges, however, by rapid and
expert bailing, still contrived to keep
the little vessel afoat.
What is that?" leila suddenly in.
qutred, pointing toward something