Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-05-05


close to the human weakness-and III
could not do a thing to help himself
He could pray-in his heart-fol
speedy rescue and a future; he could
thank God-in his heart-for the as
sistance which had so nearly reached
him. But he could do no more; he
could shout no more. Out from the
here-into the hereafter-he was 60
g-going-go-
He rose to the surface again-his
only power an ability to gasp fol
breath. The voices in the boat were
very near him-very, very near. Ar
oar struck the water a foot from his
hand-again, yard away-again, fur
ther away still.
Did he cry out then? He did not
know-he could not tell. He knew
that life depended on it: that it was
his last hope; and that he tried!
There was a confused murmur in his
ears, which grew into a thunder whose
sound seemed agony. Lights flashed
before his eyes-flickered-faded-
went out in utter blackness. And he
knew no more.
When Gilbert Sem came to him
self again he was on a comfortable
couch in the cabin of the Oceans Own
His clothing had been removed; he
had been rubbed dry; and ne was
snugly wrapped in hot blankets
Friendly hands were rubbing him
tenderly but with strong vigor which
was strengthening in its character
There was a grateful smell Of brandy
in the air of the cabin-or-or-was 1t
a taste, in his breath and on his lips
instead of an odor? He believed II
was.
Gilbert Sem was weak, but the IL
quor had masked his weakness for a
little time, and some one stood at his
side with suitable food, hot and savory
ready to give him all that it was pru-
dent to allow him to have at first. Sem
was thirsty, but there was fresh water
in plenty, with Jumps Of ice to grind
between his teeth with pleasure in the
slight effort required, or to suck with
keen enjoyment of the effortless ac-
ton. Sem had been sleepy, but that
was all gone now-the fact being that
they had worked over him for hours
after his rescue, and that he had gone
from the dangerous condition in which
he had been when they found him
dangerous alike from 'his weakness,
the result Of hunger and thirst, and
from his near approach to death by
drowning-directly into a refreshing
and dreamless sleep. He had remain
ed in that sleep for hours, carefully
watched and tended by Prier and Gull
lens. as we'll as by all the others who
could be spared from the management
of the vessel. One and all, they were
full of an emulation which spurred
each to an attempt to do more for the
rescued man than any other could do,
Sem opened his eyes. The last rays
of the setting sun-setting clear in a
bright sky and behind the rounded rim
Of a smooth sea-fell across his bed
He had been saved from death in the
darkness; he awoke to a realization OF
the fact in the light; counting togeth-
er the unconsciousness of stupor and
danger with the blessed period OF
saving sleep which had followed it, he
had lost a day-a whole day-out OF
his life, and had gained his life there
by.
Prier's was the first face upon which
his awakened glances rested. He put
aside the food which an anxious friend
friend, albeit he had never seen
Sem until last night-held ready for
him: he motioned to those who were
chafing his hands and limbs to stand
aside; he beckoned to Prier to come
nearer. The detective bent over him
Il can never thank you enough,
murmured the rescued man. You
have saved my life; you took me back
from the gates Of hopelessness when
was in articulo mortis. II can new
Ell thank you enough
Don't speak of thanks, Senn," said
Prier, brushing the too-ready tears
from his eyes with the back of his
hand.
But 1 must. l can never make you
understand my thanks; l can never re-
pay you. Fate seems to have made
my life strange one; this last event
Is the strangest of all; you are the
second man-the second brave man
to save my life. I-I-if could only
de- as much for you as L"
You would like to serve me?' in
terrupted Prier, STOPPING still nearer
and speaking earnestly.
Il would: God knows l would" re-
piled Sem.
Well you can: do one thing for me
and will call your account more than
sauared-I will call myself your deb
tor"
Il" began Sem.
But Prier raised his hand warningly
Make no rash promises" he said
solemnly; make no promise until you
know what | would have you do.
shall ask a hard thing of you-a very
hard thing Listen to what it is before
YOU pledge your word to do it,"
Very well. I will listen. l am ready
What is it?'
1T is this. Let me ask you one ques-
ton. Your promise to answer it tc
the best of your ability and in honor
and truth. Will you do that?"
Il do"
You believe in my hOnor?'
Certainly l do. viii you answer
my question:"
Sem lay in silence for many long
minutes. His face was very pale. His
ewes were closed, and the tears found
their way slowly from under their lids
His weak hands worked convulsively
among the bedclothes.
Prier waited long. He waited pa
tiently. But at last he spoke again.
will you answer my question:" he
asked. will you promise to answer
nv question:?