Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-09-30

him from its place at The bottom OF
the boat was carried off-felt, rather
than was conscious, that be was speed
ing 20 the Cliff followed b. the land
lord and halfa-dozen fishermen
Silent and GREATNESS they gained
the top, and stood for moment IN
certain; then LEICESTER saw one Of
them step forward with rope.
Now, mates, the old man said.
which OF US goes DOWN."
There was a moments silence, then
Leycester stepped forward and TOOK
up the rope.
81" he said.
II was but a gOrd. but no one ven
tured to dispute his decision.
Quietly and calmly they fastened
the rope round his waist, leaving "A
loop lower down. He had left his
coat in the boat, and stood bareheaded
for a moment The old man stood be-
side him, calm and grave.
Hold tieit, sir" he said; "and il
if-you find him, sling the rope round
him snd give me word
Leycester nodded, held up his hand,
and the next moment was swinging in
the air. Slowly and steadily, inch by
inch, they lowered him down the aw-
full depths amidst a deathlike silence.
Suddenly his voice broke IT, coming
up to them in one word
stop"
Breathless they waited. then they
felt the rope jerk and they pulled up.
A great sob Of relief rather than a
cheer rose as he appeared, bearing on
his arm the slight figure of poor
Frank.
Gently but swiftly they lnwound
the ropes and laid him down at Ley
cesters feet, md the old man knelt
beside him.
LEICESTER did not speak, but stood
painting and pale. The old man looked
up.
"Give me "a hand, boys" he said,
softly and sternly. He is aIive!"
"Aliye!" said LEICESTER, hoarsely.
alive" repeated the old man.
Eyes, sir, you have saved him, but"
LEICESTER followed their down the
cliff, followed them to the inn. Then,
as the thin, wasted figure disappeared
within the house. he sank on to the
bench at the door, and covered his
face with his hands.
Was It an awful dream would ne
awake presently and find himself at
home, and this dreadful nightmare
vanished?
Suddenly he felt hand upon his
arm, and looking up, saw staid,
elderly man. with doctor written
plainly on his face.
y beg your pardon, sir" he said.
You know this poor lad?"
LEICESTER nodded.
so / understand from a word you
let drop On the cliff. As that is the
case, perhaps you would not mind
breaking it 10 his friends?'
His friendS2" asked LEICESTER,
mechanically.
The doctor nodded.
They are staying at that cottage.
he said, pointing. They should be
here al once"
Leycester rose, dazed for a mo-
ment; then he said, in low voice:
Il understand. Yes, l will do it.
Without thinking he put his arm
1t was no great distance, but he had
not to traverse 1t, short as it was. Al
the turn of the road a slight, girlish
figure came fitting toward him. II
Wes Stella. He stopped irresolute,
but at that moment she had no
thought even for him Without hest
tating, she came toward him, her face
pale, her hands outstretched
"Leycester! where is he?"
Without thinking he put is arm
round her and she rested on his
breast for a moment
Stella, my Stella! be brave"
She uttered little inarticulate cry.
and hid her face for a moment, thin
she raised her head, and looked at
him.
Take me to him. she moanel,
take me TO him. Oh NY poor hoy!
my poor boy"
In silence he led her to the inn, and
she passed up the stairs. The fisher.
men gathered round the door drew
back and turned their eyes from him
with respectful sympathy, and he
stood looking out at the sea. The
minutes passed years they seemed 10
him. then he heard the doctors voice.
VIII YOU go upstairs, my lord?"
LEICESTER started and slowly as
cended the stairs.
Stretched on a small bed lay the
poor erring boy white and death-like
already in the shadow Of death Be.
side him knelt Stella. her hand clasp
Ing his her face lying beside his.
He looked up as Leycester entered
and raised thin white hand TO