St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1910-05-11

WITH us human Ire1RQL QuuS IN reaOl-
ness for the lowering the remaining
spar of the Lord Nelson fell with a
mighty crash.
Remember the name of your ship
lads!' Captain Macpherson's voice
seemed to anticipate a movement of
panic among the seamen on deck; If
there had been any intention to rush
the already well loaded boat it was
stayed. 'Mr. Gillett. I'll be troubling
/ ye for the keys to the convicts' deck.
Mr.. O'Brien, get in and take charge.
Steer southeast with a bit of rag; it's
your best chance to get picked up.
Hold near the ship until the other
boat with the crew can come along
side. It's as well to keep company.
Are the lines clear? Let her CO."
The boat was lowered and at the
right moment touched receding
wave Captain Macpherson waited
until the chief officer called out that
they were safely away. then gave his
last order:
land now. lads. We can be lookin' to
yourselves!"
They did. The master turned and
with some difficulty made his way to-
ward the convicts' cells Suddenly a
number of mad. leaping human figures
issued with horrible cries from one of
the matches.
''The life rafts!' Shrieking, calling
down maledictions on the captain.
they ran about, when suddenly an
angry black wave swept the deck. A
few went overheard with the Missing
crest; several were hurled against the
bulwarks. limp. lifeless things, swirled
back and forth. One of their plumber.
a big fellow of unusual strength. was
shot toward the open companionway
leading to the main cabin AS he piung-
ed down he c1utcned at ana caught the
railing Considerably shaken. drip
ping with water. he pulled himself to-
gether, and, raising a face. sodden and
fierce, like beast brought to bay. he
looked around him. The light Of one
or two swinging lamps that had not
yet been shattered revealed dimly the
surroundings, the dark leather up
holstering, the little tables. Uncer-
tainly the convict paused; then sud-
denly his eyes Frightened: the lustful
anticipation of the drunkard who had
long been denied shone from his gaze
as it rested on sideboard across the
cabin.
"Bottlesp' he said, steadying himself.
rum! Well. guess there amt
much chance for any Of us. and
mans a fool to go to hell thirsty"
He had started toward the esideboard.
with it's bright cleaning ware and it's
divers and sundry receptacies Of spir-
look changed and his jaw fell.
"What the flow of choice bill
lingsgate, mingled with the sailors
equally eloquent Golden Gate. COM
pleted the sentence. The convict stood
stock STILL
From the door of stateroom at the
far end of the cabin figure appeared.
A great shawl draped the small form
The golden hair. furry Of tangles,
foated around it. Clinging to brass
rail that ran along the side of the
cabin, she approached, her eyes all
alight as if well satisfied with some
thing Amazed beyond power of &C
ton, the man continued to gaze at her.
at the tiny feet in the little pink slip
pers, at something she carried. by
the great horn spoon. the Christmas
doll!' he muttered hoarsely. Then.
forgetting his purpose. the bottles. he
lurched quickly toward her.
swat you doin' here?" he demand
ed.
ST slipped OUT said the child, hold
ing the rail tighter as perforce she
paused to answer. 81 thought it
would take only a moment"
Skipped out?" he repeated
"Of the lifeboat, l mean. 1t was
dark, and they didn't see me. / just
happened to think, and had to do it
II I'd told them they mightn't have let
me. It would have been very wicked
if I'd gone away and forgotten. Don't
you think so? And now I'm going
back. Only am afraid I've been
longer than / thought l would be.
The door of my stateroom seemed to
stick. and was few minutes getting
it open"
Beneath disheveled masses of thick
dark hair the british face continued
to study the fairylike one For the
instant words seemed to fail him.
do you mean.'' he observed. '.you
come back here for that measly dicky
bird?"
"It isn't measiy. and it isn't dicky
birdr' she answered Indignantly. And
I'll thank you not to call it that. It's
a love bird. and it's name is Dearie."
"Dearie. Ho. ho!'' The ship reeled
at q dangerous angie, but the convict
appeared not to notice His voice