The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-08-23

i
DADl"
"shc won't be comm over 10 the
church any more nuther.'
y hope You will reconsider" began
sIr. Doaue.
well. shan't II don't take me
long to make up my mind, and when
do It's fur good. Jestice Is jestice."
DelIlah had slipped away down the
path and leaned lIstlessly over the
gate She could not bear to hear her
fathers words. After what seemed
lifetime she saw MFR. Doane courte.
ously withdrawing In a manner which
politely suggested he was tearing him.
self away rather than fleeing from the
captains inyective and terrible accu.
racy OF statement Al the gate he gave
his hand kindly TO Delilah.
We shall be sorry to lose you from
Sunday school for a time." be said, bni
he added with hopeful smile: "No
doubt your father win think better Or
this by and by II you are in need Of
help, come TO me-"
The next few weeks were trying
ones for the girl Whenever she came
upon a group Of people talking earnest.
ly the conversation. which was inva
riably upon church matters, was immc
diatcly hushed She felt keenly the
looks which the young people cast W
on her. When kind neIghbor asked.
"How's your father feeling toiayT
she felt conscious and uncomfortable.
In each yard through the village she
found an unwelcome reminder. for the
people had utilized the old pews fci
garden seats. The postmaster had
placed his against the wall IN the OF
fee, where Il was speedily occupied BY
unemployed male Squanton. The chi
dren appropriated the silver numbers
and wore them jauntily In their hat
bands or. on their coat lapels 10.
badges.
The summer was nearly passed be,
fore the church was opened for wor.
ship. II was sad day for Delilah,
When the bell rang, she took her little
Bible and walked across the fields 70
the pine woods. Companlonship with
nature seemed to strengthen and exalt
her. Then she felt submissive and
forgiving for the first time.
On stormy day In November hur.
ricane ragged along the north shore, and
the little sea glrt town Of Squanton
was laboring with II. In the village
store the idlers- refugees from the hur-
about the stove and
agreed that the storm was 'peeler.'
'Its the kind that soaks In" ex.
claimed Captain Drew, rising to look
1t the blurred pane. Wouldn't keer
70 be or 'rhatcher's Jest now"
Settling back, he stretched his long
limbs toward the stove again with an
ldded sense Of comfort
The sound Of laughter and greeting
vas hushed suddenly, and there was
'erceptible backward movement near
he door to admit dripping figure. II
vas DeliIah, with a white, scared face
nd long hair blown In a tangle about
Ter head.
There's q wreck of Collins beach,
ad" she gasped "They say it's the I
iagnolia."
Captain Drew came to bis feet In. 4
family, with every man present.
How'd you know bout II, DelilyY'
g asked rs he buttoned his greatcoat. q
II was on the point looking at the
'aves."
you've no business to 60 prowlin
ound In sech Storm" he said, not Z
v
She drew him one side. 1.-THE minis. (
II Is on board, dad. He was coming q
own from Boston," she said.
"Well, we won't see him drown right 9
nder our noses, | guess, without try, a
to save I'm. You leave 1t to your r.
ther." q
In the teeth Of the gale they forced K
eir way to the shore. Above the
rrible roar Of wind and sea they u
outed to Captain Drew that the life.
'at had been manned and repeated CT
successful attempts made to cross t.
e channel. They told him that the st
forts to shoot the line across the yes pV
and thus bring It into communica- m
m with the shore had been fruitless. "
every face there was unapeakable o.