Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-10-10
CHAPTER Nv.


When the Pranzos Numbered against
the silent sentiuels" every one at the
supper OF honor was thrown to the
roor many being pitched headlong
over the table. Senior Lopez. the only
one standing. was hurled against the
wall and rendered unconscious. aud
Jerry Chambers awoke from a mo-
ment's iusensibility "a ind himself al
the bottom OF a heap OF four or FIVE
persons. On all sides lay the stunned
passengers. few just beginning 20
realize what had happened. The nt-
tered ioor was al au angle OF almost
45 degrees. the vessel having been
driven between the rocks and pitched
10 position from which the continued
fury aud force OF the elements could
not dislodGe her. A great hole had
been torn IN one OF her sides. and the
angry waves were fairly ripping on
the timbers.
Many OF the crew had been swept
from the deck and pounded 20 death
on the rocks. and only a few OF those
remaining were sufficiently possessed
OF their faculties TO attempt the saliva
ton OF passengers and themselves.
While Jerry Chambers. bruised and
battered. was trying 20 extricate him.
self the captain Of the vessel dashed
through the saloon commanding every
one 10 go on deck. where he purposed
putting as many as possible into the
few remaining boats and setting them
out at the mercy OF the night. Jerry
by this time was on his unsteady feet.
and he plunged towards the narrow
stairway leading TO the deck. Before
he had scrambled up half a dozen
steps he heard a shrek behind him.
He turned and saw Senorita Mercedes
or her knees at the first step.
Save father!" she screamed. He
is not dead Save hlml"
Jerry never knew why he returned
10 the saloon, for his swimming mind
was intent only on getting TO the deck
himself. When he reached the base
OF the staircase the young woman stag
gered TO her feet and threw her arms
around his neck.
Save father! Save fatherl" she
cried, as Jerry tried 10 tear himself
away from her.
Where is hep" shouted he. I'VE
cannot wait! We shall all be dead!
We must save ourselvesi"
TRY to save father!"
jerry stared at her for an instant
and then pitched forward. rolling to
within foot of the girls father. Senior
Lopez was showing signs Of regaining
consciousness. and Jerry picked him
up and, stumbling, pitching, plunging,
dragged him to the stairway. Just
as he reached the first step his arms
lost their strength and the body OF
the great merchant fell to the floor
and rolled TO the side OF the ship.
Jerry's brain was whirling and his
eyes scarcely saw the flashes Of light.
ming that illumined the stairway. He
began TO reel and was about TO fan
when Senorita Mercedes caught him
and managed to place him on the
steps. Almost instantly Jerry's senses
returned. and the first words he heard
were:
"We-you and I-shall go togetheri"
In fash Of lightning he saw the face
Of the girl-a face that displayed
none Of the terror that was in his.
"Comel"
- ACW MINUTES ldtrT the Two were at
the top Of the stairs. he holding with
deathlike grip TO a part OF the re-
naming rail and she clinging to his
arm. After a great wave had broken
over them. she cried out:
I'VE shall go together-to the mast
first" An instant later, she sue
ceeded in tearing Jerrys hands from
the rail, and together they pitched to-
wards the mast; which Jerry barely
reached just as another wave swept
over the deck. Senorita Mercedes
was carried on the way to a part OF
the unbroken rail- on the vessels side
Jerry thought she had been swept into
the sea until he heard dimly above the
deafening roar:
We shall so together--you and II"
Jerry. after long Juggling. managed
to take coil OF rope from the trem-