The Newport miner. [volume] (Newport, Wash.) 1899-current, 1908-08-13

fast.
As the keel grated along the rocky
ridge all was confusion, but in the
midst of the confusion Osbon's voice
rang out clear.
"No 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 if We have to
Wen all turn Robinson Crusoes."
The joke was inane enough, but it
served it's point The confusion died
down, and when it was found that the
boat was not sinking every one decld-
ed to accept the happening as a huge
lark
One of the boats put off with men 70
wire that the steamer was safe, and
Esterbrooke suggested to Betty that
they go with the boat. We can get
rig somewh here and drive into the near
est town." he explained, land get the
night express home We are good
four miles from shore. and the rest or
the party cannot be taken off until the
Champion comes along i'll 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 We're
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
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 comfortab BILE the rest
were commandeered for the women
and children Esterbrooke ventured
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
it, 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 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 q coal
bin," he explained. This was hard
coal too"
"How did Mr.. Esterbrooke stand it,"
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 host in
yourself, dear. II guess love you
even II you are not romantic"
Good humor is better than romance
sometimes" he said softly as he took
her in his arms. But I never thought
that it would win you for me. dear"
Betty looked into the heavy ldded
eyes, now glowing with affection, and
saw the man behind the boyishness.
Pm glad it did," she simply said.
And to that Osbon added amen"
Quaint Old Colonial Document.
4