The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-08-06

the steamer struck a reef ana he'd
fast.
AS the keel grated along the rocky
ridge all was confusion, but in the
midst of the confusion Osbons voice
rang out clear.
mo danger" he shouted. "You can
get shipwrecked without extra charge.
and we'll get our names In the pa
pers. There's a desert island within
wading distance, and IL we have to
We'll all turn Robinson Crusoes"
The Joke was inane enough, but 1t
served its point. The confusion died
down, and when 1t was found that the
boat was not sinking every one deeid.
ed to accept the happening as a huge
lark
One OF the boats put off with men to
wire that the steamer was safe, and
Esterbrooke suggested to Betty that
they go with the boat. I'VE can get a
rig somewhere and drive into the near
est town" he explained, "and get the
night express home. We are a good
four miles from shore and the rest of
the party cannot be taken off until the
Champion comes along in the morning.
There is no steamer at this end OF the
lake"
Betty shook her head
I'VE will stay with the others" she
declared. and with no very good grace
Esterbrooke led the way back to the
upper deck.
I'VE might as we'll have some sup
per-" he declared as he motioned to
his man, and presently they were
lunching off the remnants of the ham
per's contents.
The evening fell, and Betty insisted
upon going below. Esterbrooke held
back as they entered the saloon. Here
was a babel of sound. Babies and
children cried through hunger and
fear, and tired mothers sought inef-
fectually to secure quiet.
Through the confusion Osbon passed
with the assurance that two rowboats
had been sent out to forage and that
food would presently arrive. His good
humor had not failed him, and wher-
ever he passed he left trail of
smiles behind.
AT the sight of the mass of rugs
borne by Esterbrooke's man Osbon's
eye frightened, and after seeing that
Betty was made comfortable the rest
were Communicated for the women
and children. Esterbrooke yentured
protest, but for once Osbon forgot to
smile.
"Your order got us into this hole"
he said fiercely. "If l hear another
word from you I'll throw you over
board"
He looked as though he longed to do
1t, and Esterbrooke subsidized with
suddenness that was surprising.
The return OF the boats with such
stores as they could obtain helped to
lessen the discomfort. OsbOn dealt
out the supplies with a careful hand
and a CHEEKY word, and presently the
women and children sought rest on
the saloon floor. The men gathered on
the lower deck and smoked and slept
as their fancy dictated.
Esterbrooke, finding the situation
intolerable. at last engaged some OF
the crew to put him ashore. When
the morning sun began to paint the
east and Betty came out of the cabin
for a breath of fresh air she found
Osbon leaning against a pillar and
searching the horizon for the smoke
that should signal the advent Of the
rescuing steamer,
"You have been up all night?" she
asked, with quick sympathy.
Osbon nodded.
II never did like to sleep In a coal
bin" he explained. "This was hard
coal too"
How did Mr.. Esterbrooke stand lt?"
she asked
"He went ashore" explained Osbon.
"He felt assured that you would be
looked after"
with you on board" assented Bet
ty tenderly. you were a host In
yourself, dear. II guess | love you
even If you are not romantic"
Good humor is better than romance
sometimes" he said softly as he took
her in his arms but never thought
that 1t would win you for me, dear"
Betty looked into the heavy lidded
eyes, now glowing with affection, and
saw the man behind the boylshness.
I'm glad it did," she simply said.
to +I,ot Oshot, oddnd HA mon -