The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-09-16
fe steamer struck q reef and hold

last.
As the keel grated along the rock
ridge all was confusion. but In III
midst OF the confusion osbon's voic
rang out clear.
mo dangerw he shouted, "You cal
get shlpwrecked without extra charge
and wen get our names in the pa
pers! There's desert island within
wading distance, and IL we have /,
wen all turn Robinson Crusoes.'
The Joke was inane enough, but 1
served its point. The confusion die,
down, and when II was found that tn,
boat was not sinking every one decid
ed to accept the happening as a hug,
lark.
One Of the boats put Off with men tc
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 good
four miles from shore. and the rest Of
the party cannot be taken or untll 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 well have some sup
per-" he declared us he motioned to
his man, and presently they were
lunching of 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 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 geo
humor had not failed him, and wher-
ever he passed he left a trail Of
smiles behind.
At the sight Of the mass OF rugs
borne by Esterbrooke's man 0shon's
ne frightened. and after seeing that
lefty was made comfortable the rest
were commandeered for the women
and children Esterbrooke venturei a
protest, but for once 0sbon forgot to
smile.
Your order got Us into this hole.
lie said fiercely. III hear another
word from you I'll throw you over
board"
He looked as though he longed to do
1t, and Esterbrooke subsidized with a
that was surprising.
The return Of the boats with such
stores as they could obtain helped to
essen the discomfort. 0sbon dea!.
out the supplies with careful hand
and CHEEKY word, and presently the
women and children sought rest on
The saloon floor. The men gathered on
he lower deck and smoked and slept !
rs their fancy dictated.
Esterbrooke, finding the situation |
at last engaged some Of I
he crew to put him ashore. When /
he morning sun began to paint tie
'ast and Betty came out of the cabin i
or a breath Of fresh air she found
)sbon leaning against pillar anl
the horizon for the smoie
hat should signal the advent of the
escuing steamer.
You have been up all night" she
.sked, with quick sympathy. (
Osbon nodded.
Il never did like to sleep in coal
in" he explained. This was harl
oal too"
"How did Mr.. Esterbrooke stand IT.
he asked.
He went ashore" explained Osbon
He felt assured that you would be
oOked after"
with you on board" assented Bet
y tenderly. "You were host In
ourseif, dear II guess love you
ven If you are not romantic"
Good humor s better than romance
he said softly as he took
cr in his arms. "But never thought
hat it would win you for me, dear"
Betty looked into the heavy lidded
yes, now glowing with affection, and
aw the man behind the boyishness.
I'm glad it did, she simply said
md to that Osbon added "Amen."