The Elbert County tribune., 1908-05-14

ness had passed.
He sat down on the rail instead, his
eyes defying hers.
She stepped AFT. and his heart stood
still as she seemed on the point OF
descending tho companion. But she
had another purpose in mind Throw
ing aside the easkets. she stripped
the sail covers on the mainmast and
down to the third reef Then Bho
went forward and did the same to the
forestaysail. A minute later, hardly
knowing why or how. except that he
was helping Madg9. Gregory. like .
man in a dream, was pulling with her
on the halyards OF both sails. The
wind thundered In them as they rose;
the main boom ierked violently ae
the sheet and lashsd to and fro the
width OF the deck; the anchor chain
fretted and sawed In the hawse hole:
the whole schooner strained and
creaked and shook to the keelson.
Gregory. In amazement, asked Madge
what she was doing.
Going to sea, Greg" she said.
"Alone?" he cried. "Alone?"
'Joe and T. she said.
It was on his tongue to tell her
Joe was dead; but. though he tried.
he could not do So 1t wasn't In
flesh and blood to tell her he had
killed her husband. He could only
look at her helplessly. and say over
and over again: ITO seat
Greg" she said, Il mean to leave
you while ! am brave-while l am yet
able to resist--while I can still re-
member l am Joe's wifel"
"And drown" he said.
what do l care II / dor she ro-
turned. What do / care for any
thlng?"
'1f it's to be one or the other" he
said. 'I'll go myself. With my big
schooner I'd have twice the chance
you'd have"
She put her arms round his neck
and kissed him.
you sweet traitor" she said. you'd
play me falsel"
He protested vehemently that he
would not deceive her.
Besides" she said. II could risk
myself, but couldn't bear to risk
you, Greg"
He tried a last shot. The words
almost strangled in his throat.
"And Joe?" he said. Have you no
thought OF Joe?"
Joe loves me-" shc said-'lovcs
nee a thousand times better than you
ever did. Joe's man enough to
chance death rather than lose his
wife"
But won't let you go!" said Greg
ory.
You can't stop me-" she returned.
He caught her round the body and
tried to hold her. but she fought
herself free. His strength was
gone: he was as feeble as a child:
In the course of those short hours
something semed to have snapped
within him. Even Madge was start
led at his weakness.
Greg, you're III" she cried, as he
staggered and caught at q backstay to
save himself from falling. He sat
down on the house and tried to keep
back sob. Madge stopped and
looked anxiously into his face. She
had known him for two years as .
man of unusual sternness and self
control; obstinate, reserved. willful
and moody. yet one that gave al
ways the impression OF unfinching
courage and resolution. 1t was inex.
| plicable now to see him crying like q
woman, his square shoulders bent and
| heaving, his sInewy hands opcninG
and shutting convulsively.
You're ILL.," she repeated. 'Tll 60
| down and fetch you something"
This pulled him together. I'm all
right. Madge." he said, family. Il
suppose it's just touch OF the old
fever. See, it's passing already"
She watched him in silence. Then
she stepped forward. dropped down
the forecastle hatchway. and reap
| peared with an ak. While he was won
dering what she meant to do. she raised
1t in the air and crashed 1t down on
the groaning anchor chain. 1t parted
at the first blow. and the Edelweiss,
now adrift, blundered broadside on
| to leeward.
Madge ran aft. brought the schoon.
| er up In the wind, and cried out to
Gregory to get into his boat.
He said sullenly he wouldn't do any
thing Of the kind.
She lashed the wheel and came up
to him.
II mean 1t. Greg" she said.
You are going to your death.
Madge." he said.
Get into your boatl" she re-
peated.
He rose, and slowly began to obsy.
obey.
you may kiss me good-by. Greg"
she said.
She put up her face to his; their
lips met. Then, with her arm around
him. she half forced. half Hunported