The Democratic advocate., 1908-01-03
zsTMNsTER, MD, FRIDAY AFTERNooN, JANUARY 3,

Aoasciy. lH6re ain a D0aC made that
could be launched or landed 10 that surf.
We've got the breeches buoy, but don't
know how we're going to get line to 'em
In this wind Come on, she NAV 20 to.
pieces any minute"
Jean shuddered, but in spite of herself
her heart gave a leap Of excitement.
The breeches-buoy | How many times she
had hovered around it in the life saving
station, getting Captain Trail to tell her
how it was that peoplercame ashore in that
little thing, with only rope above them
and a black and boiling surf beneath /! She
would see it IF human hands could do it
this night, she would see that shipwrecked
crew come ashore in it, one by one, over
that bowling tumult of waves. She was
almost crying with excitement as she looked
over toward the dim figures of her father
and the boys, and thought that they were
lending q generous hand to this fine work.
ANOTHER rocket wentfup from the dis
tresS vessel, and Captain Trail sent up
an answering signal from the shore, yolun-
teering the shouted opinion that she was
a three -masted schooner, and by her loca-
ton must be grounded and in momentary
danger of being pounded to kindling- wood,
but to Jean there was nothing but shape
less blot against the darkness. Ugh How
cold it was!
With terrible earnestness the men on
shore bent to their work. In the gloom
fho,r Hooao xyaro otro:naJ o,J ocv;o,,, 81
Captain Trail quick orders showed him
an entirely different man from the bluff,
good -natured sailor of the afternoon before.
One e-two-three- -four-fve life-rockets
scared out one by one toward the vessel,
but each time the wind sent the rescuing
line wide of its mark. Captain Trail shook
his head impatiently, and tossed the sixth
aside, turning his attention to
the hooked projectile which the life-sav-
ing mortar threw out. Perhaps that
would do better.
Jean shivered and drew her wraps closer.
The darkness was slowly beginning to lift,
although she could not yet distinguish the
outlines of the unfortunate vessel.
The snow of the afternoon before had
turned to fine sleety rain, which froze as
it fell; the waves were mountains of angry
foam, and flying spume cut the face like
needles. Little icicles dripped everywhere.
How terrible it must be for the poor souls
out there.
Suddenly the slender line was shot out
over the waves, and Jean strained her ewes
to follow it, but 1t was lost in the gloom. It
fell short, and at the second trial the wind
beat it back like a feather; but Captain
Trail set his teeth and waited for a mo-
mentary lull. Then there were few
seconds Of aching suspense, followed by
lusty cheer from the shore as the tighten
ing Of the line showed that eager hands
were fastening it to the mast. A little
more Of the good work and the first sailor
would be making that wonderful journey
toward land.
jeans heart was pounding with excite
ment, but as she moved nearer she heard
the words, "Perishing cold, poor souls p
jerked out grimly by her father as he
worked, and a sudden idea came which
nearly took her breath away. Less than
an eighth of mile away the light in their
kitchen window shone like a friendly
beacon. The sailors would be dragged to
shore drenched, numbed, exhausted. The
limited hospitality OF the life-saving station
was two miles away on one side, and the
village a mile and half on the other.
Her own home was the nearest, and She
she was hostess while her mother was
away.
Holding her lips tight for fear the good
determination would somehow escape,
Jean turned and ran for home, not daring
to1look back again at the buoy, now bob
bing out bravely over the crashing waves.
1t was still fairly dark, and bushes and
shadows took ON terrifying shapes, but
there was no time to be frightened. Into
the kitchen she darted like an impetuous
young cyclone, threw her wet coat on
chair and commenced to work energetically
at the fire.
1t seemed hours before the fire would
burn properly, and whole ages hefhre the
kettle finally began to sing, but all the
time she was rushing bpsily round, starting
up the fire in the chilled sitting room,
bringing out extra blankets, and doing
everything which could minister to the
comfort of half frozen guests. Once she
paused, between sob and laugh, and
wiped her eyes.
81 know I am too greedy and selfish to
live, but I did so want to see them bring
the crew ashore. I'll never get another
chance, never
When she hurried out again, the gray
Of wintry dawn showed the dismantled
hulk of vessel off shore, pounded by
huge racing waves which seemed about to
engulf her. The little group on the shore
was now much larger, re-enforced by
people who had hurried down from the
village, and they ali were gathered about
a drenched, storm exhausted group of
seamen. One of them lay fat on the sand,
with several people working over him. /
A few moments later her father and
Captain Trail, standing side by side, look
ed down in amazement at slender, breath
less girl, awaying under the weight Of a
kettle which gave out the most enticing
odor of hot coffee. Over her left arm she
carried several cups, strung by the handles
over bit Of string.
"You can bring them-all up-to our
house p she painted. "It's warm-and
beds ready--and here's some hot coffee for
them-for all of you. o Captain Trail,
have they all come in p
She laughed next day as she recalled
the desperate emphasis she laid on the
word CALI but Captain Trail had girls of
his own, and he understood in minute.
Her father patted her shoulder comfort
ingly, and smiled over her head at the
captain as he took the kettle away from
her.
gtNEk~