The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1908-05-15

eyes defying hers.
She stepped aft. and his heart stood
still as she seemed on the point OF
descending the companion. But she
had another purpose in mind Throw
ing aside the gaskets, she stripped
the sail covers off the mainmast and
began with practiced hands 70 rcot
down to the third reef Then sho
went forward and did the same to the
forestaysail A minute later, hardly
knowing why or how, except that he
was helping Madgc, Gregory, like a
man in dream, was pulling with her
on tho halyards Of both sails Tho
wind Numbered in them as they rose;
the main boom jerked violently at
the sheet and dashed to and fro the
width Of the deck the anchor chain
frcttcd and sawed in tho hawsc hole;
the whole schooner strained and
croakcd and shook to the keeson
Gregory, in amaznmcnt asked Madge
what she was doing
Going to sea. Greg" she said.
"AIone?' he cried. "Aione?"
"Joc and l." she said
II was on his tongue to tell her
Joe was dead: but, though he tried,
he could not DO SO /. wasn't in
flesh and blood to tell her he had
killed her husband, lie could only
look at her helplessly, and say over
and over again: ITO sea-"
Greg" she said, Il moan to leave
you while l am bravc-whilc am yet
able TO resist-whIle l can stin re-
member / am Jocs w!fe!"
"Aad drown" he said.
What do care Il do?" she re-
turned what do l care for any.
thing"
III it's to be one or the other" he
said, III 81 myself With my big
schooner I'd have twice the chance
you'd have"
She put her arms round his neck
and kissed him
you sweet traitor" she said. you'd
play ne false"
He protested vehemently that he
would not deceive her.
Besides" she said II could risk
myself, but couldn't bear to risk
you, Greg"
lie tried a last shot. The words
almost stranglod In his throat.
And Joe?" he said. Have you no
thought Of Joe?"
Joe loves me-" she sald-"lOvcs
me a thousand times better than YOU
ever did. Joes man enough to
chance death rather than lose his
wife"
But l won't let you go!" said Greg.
DRY.
You can't stop me" she returned.
He caught her round the body and
tried to hold her, but she fought
herself free. His strength was
gone; he was as feeble as a child;
In the course OF those short hours
something seemed to have snapped
within him. Even MGdge was start
led at his weakness.
Greg. you're IN" she cried, as he
staggered and caught at a backstay 70
save himself from falling. He sat
down on the house and tried to keep
back a sob. Madge stopped and
looked anxiously into his face. She
had known him for two years as a
man OF unusual sternness and self
control, obstinate, reserved. willful
and moody. yet one that gave al
ways the impression of unii!nching
courage and resolution. 1t was mex"
plcable now to see him crying like a
woman, his square shoulders bent and
heaving. his slnewy hands opening
and shutting conyulsively
You're H." she repeated "Ill go
down and fetch you something"
This pulled him together. I'm all
right, Madge," he said, family. Il
suppose it's Just touch of the old
fever. See. it's passing already"
She watched him In silence. Then
she stepped forward, dropped down
the forecastle hatchway, and reap
peared with an AK While be was won.
derlng what she meant to do, she raised
II In the air and crashed 1t down on
the grooming anchor chain. 1t parted
at the first blow. and the Edelweiss.
now adrift. blundered broadslde on
to leeward.
Madge ran aft. brought the schoon.
err up in the wind, and cried out to
Gregory to get into his boat.
He said sullenly he wouldn't do any.
thing OF the kind.
She dashed the wheel and came up
to him.
81 mean It, Greg" she said
you are going TO your death.
Madge," he said.
Get into your boat" she re-
peated.
He rose, and slowly began TO obey.
obey.
you may kiss me good.by, Greg"
she said.
She put up her face to his; their
lips met. Then, with her arm around
him, she half forced, half supported
him to the port quarter. where his
hoat ,vas aInnninR against the side