The Mena weekly star., 1908-11-19

must be mistake; am sure that if it is explained to papa" Yes: we'll cable papa tonight. Meantime. we've something else to do Suppose you two get hustle on your selves. and scrape up something to eat I'm going out to see whats left of that blamed old tub
 Surely you'll not venture to swim out so far," protested Winthrope. T saw the steamer sink as we cast of f.'
 Looks like a mast sticking up out there. Maybe some of the rigging is loose.''
 But the sharks! These wa srs swarm with the vile creatures. You must not risk your life."
 Cause why? If do, the babes in the woods will be left without even the robins to cover them, poor things But cheer up!-maybe the mud-hens will do it with lovely water-lilies."
 Please. Mir Blake. do not be so cruel!" sobbed Miss Leslie, her tears starting afresh. "The sun makes my head ache dreadfully. and I have no hat or shade. and I'm becoming so thirsty,"
 And you think you've only to wait, and half dozen stewards will come running with parasols and ice water Neither you nor Winthrope seem to we got your eyes open. Just suppose you get busy and do something. Win thrnna ohaea yorroatf .,,o.. tk. .s...a and get together mess of fish that are not too dead. Must be dozens, aft the blow. As for you, Miss Jenny, I guess you can pick up some reeds and rig headgear out of this handFer- chief Wait a moment Put on my coat, if you don't want to be broiled alive through the holes of that peek-a- boo"
 But I say, Blake" began Win thrope.
 Don't say-do!" rejoined Blake; and he started down the muddy shore
 Though the tide was at flood, there was now no cyclone to drive the sea above the beach, and Blake walked a quarter of mile before he reached the waters edge There was little surf, and he paused only few mo ments to peer out across the low swells before he commenced to strip.
 Winthrope and Miss Leslie had been watching his moyemsnts; now the girl rose in little furry of haste, and set to gathering reeds. Winthrope would have spoken, but, seeing her embarrassment, smiled to himself, and began strolling about in search of fish.
 It was no difficult search. The marshy ground was strewn with dead sea-creatures, many of which were al ready shriveling and drying in the sun Some of the fish had familiar look, and Winthrope turned them over went so far as to stoop to pick up a large mullet: but shrank back, re- pulsed by It's stiffness and the unnat- ural shape into which the sun was warping it.
 He found himself near the beach. watching the black dot far out in the waterfall that was to be seen of Blake. The American, after wading off-shore another quarter of mile, had reached swimming depth, and was heading out among the reefs with steady, vigorous strokes. Half mile or so beyond him Winthrope could now make out the goal for which he was aiming-the one remaining top mast of the steamer.
 By love, these waters are full of sbarks." murmured Winthrope, star ing at the steadily receding dot until it disappeared behind the wall of surf which spumed up over one of the outer reefs.
 A call from Miss Leslie interrupted his watch, and he hastened to rejoin her. After several failures, she had contrived to knot Blake's handkerchief to three or four reeds in the form of a little sunshade. Her shoulders were protected by Blakes coat. It made a heavy wrap, but 1t shut out the blis- tering sun rays, which. as Blake had foreseen. had quickly begun to burn the girls delicate skin through her open-work bodice.
 Thus protected, she was fairly safe from the sun. But the sun was by no means the worst feature of the situa- ton. While Winthrope was yet several yards distant, the girl began to com plain to him I'm so thirsty Mir. Winthrope Where is there any wa ter? Please get me drink at once, MT. Winthrope!"
 But, my dear Miss Leslie, there Is no water. These pools are all sea water. I must say, I'm deuced dry myself. cant see why that cad should go of and leave us like this, when we need him most"
 Indeed, it is a shame-Oh, I'm so thirsty! Do you think it would help If we ate something?
 Make 1t all the worse. Besides. how could we cook anythings All these reeds are green. or at least wa ter-soaked"
 But MT. Blake said to gather some fish. Had you not best--'
 He can pick up all he wants. l shall not touch the beastly things"
 Then suppose there is nothing to do but wait for him"
 Yes, if the sharks do not get him.
 Miss Leslie uttered a little moan. and Winthrope, seeing that she was on the verge of tears, hastened to re