Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-11-01

bled by d formless shadow. 1t ban
ished from her mind all thought OF a
harmless Irritation with the good look
ing youngster who had brought blush
Of momentary embarrassment to her
fair face.
| How dreadful It would be to meet
| hunger with refusals! Perhaps there
were worse things In the world than
the midnight ordeal of an angry sea.
Indeed, when Pyne did join them in
accord with his intention, he soon per
ceived the extent of the new danger.
The stress of the night had only en-
hanced the need Of an ample supply Of
| food. Everybody, even the inmates Of
the hospital, was outrageously hungry,
and the common allotment was half
cup Of ten and half n ships biscuit.
For the midday meal there would be
two ounces of meat or bacon. one pota
to and another half biscuit with about
n wineglassful Of water. For supper
the allowance was half a cup of cocoa
and two ounces of bread. which must
be baked during the day. Not quite
starvation. this menu. but far from sat
women.
The Falcon. knowing the uselessness
Of attempting to creep nearer to the
Gulf Rock. had gone off with her budget
TO startle two continents. Stanhope's
last message was one OF assurance. He
would do all that lay in mans power.
The lighthouse soon quieted down to
state Of passive reaction. Pyne, refus-
ing TO be served earlier, carried his
own and Brands scanty meal on
tray to the service room.
The unweared lighthouse keeper was
OH the balcony. answering kindly sig
nal from the Lands End, where the
coast guards were not yet in possess
sion of the news from Pcnzance.
He placed the tray on the writing
desk and contemplated its contents
ruefully.
IL guess that banquet won't spoil for
keeping" he said to himself. '1'll just
lie round and look at it until the boss
quits making speeches by the yard"
A couple of minutes passed. Brand
was hosting the last line of flags. when
the American heard faltering footsteps
on the stairs
Don't follow SO close, Mamie" said
chllds voice. MY arm hurts just
huff for anything when l move"
A tousled head of golden hair
emerged into the light. 1t was one Of
the two little girls, whom Pyne had
not seen since they We're swung aioft
from the sloping deck of the Chinook.
iel, al
The child. aged about eight, recognized
in him playmate of the fine days on
board ship. She turned, with confident
cry:
II told you so, Mamie. 1t was up.
You said down. Here's the big glass
house Mr.. Pyne."
She Quckened her speed, though her
left arm was in a sling. Pyne, dread
ing lest she should fall, fastened to
help her.
"I's all right, Mr.. pyne,' she an
nounced. with an air of great dignity.
II make one step at time. Then
ketch the rail. Sce;"
you've got 1t down to fine point,
Elsie" he said. But what in the
world are those women folk thinking
Of to let you and Mamie run loose
about the placer"
Elsie did not answer until Mamie
stood by her side. Judged by appear
ances, Mamie was a year younger
Apart from the nasty bruise on Elsie $
left arm and shoulder. the children
had escaped from the horrors of the
wreck almost unscathed in body and
certainly untroubled in mind,
Mamie came TO my room for break
fast explained Elsie at last. "Wese
awful hungry, an when we axed for
mother bxit Mrs. Taylor she began &c
cry. An when l said we'd go an find
mamma she cried some more"
Yes. We'se awful hungry" agreed
Manic. An, please where's nam
map
Pyne needed no further explanation
The little ones had lost their mother
Her disfigured body, broken out Of al
recognition, was tossing about some
where in the undercurrents Of the
/, channel None OF the women dared tC
tell the children the truth. and it was
a heartrendng task to deny them food
SO they We're permitted to leave theil
refuge, with the kindly belief that they
would come to no harm and perchancC
.. obtain a further supply from one oil
these sweet faced girls who explained
, so gently that the rations must rur
short for the common good
Pyne glanced up at the lantern. Out
,, side he could see Brand hauling dowI
the signal. He sprang to the tray ant
secured his half biscuit and teacup.
"Come along, Elsie" he said. crook
: Ing his left arm for her. Follow close
Mamie. Mind you don't fall"
"Your mamma Is asleep" he assured
y them in whisper on the next landing
= "She just can't he woke up for quite {
long time"
Then he navigated them to the dool
i of the second bedroom, where Mrs
Taylor was. He broke the hard biscu
+ In two pieces aud gave one to eaci
: child.
Here, Mamie you carry the cup ant
: 20 shares in the tea"
II don't like tea" protested Mamie
t "If can't have coffee l want som
n milk
"Well. now, you wait little bit, AM
+ you'll be tickled to death to see VIVA