The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1910-12-08
The Irresistible

He sat with one arm on the win
dow sill, his ears strained to catcn
the sound Of the waves as they lash.
cd the rocks. He had built his cot
tage not far troM the edge Of the sea,
and always. at night. would he sit
thus, the dull roar of the water al
most benumbinr his senses with oe-
light. Sometimes be heard II with
placid content. but more often, End
particularly on stormy nights. when
the thunder OF the ocean deadened
every other sound. he was filled with
an 'oslstent craving to breast its dan,
gers on board some staunch ship. FOR
years the sea had been his only homo,
and Its call WAS within him.
Tonight It's demand was upon him
greater than ever. Unremittiugly
It came, at times gentle. coax.
Ing. and then. as II angered BY
his unresponsiveness. 1t became de-
risive and seemed passionately to
taunt him with his inconstancy. At
last. in agony. he buried his face In
his arms and sobbed like a child.
His wife came then-a lovely WON.
IN, gentle of face land knelt beside
him. John" she said, "you had bet,
ter CO." Her last word was whisper.
He started up. shame and amazement
struggling for mastery over him.
'Laura!" he gasped. "You knew!"
y"Yes. john" she said softly: "l
have known for year that you wish
ed to go back to 1t, but 1t has never
been clear to me what should do
I know now. You mrst 90. dear"
"And you and-Paul?" he managed
to say, Her eyes closed for r'o
ment. Then she looked up and smil'
ed. ; He did not notice how tightly
she gripped the arm Of his chair. u
shall pe happy knowing where you
are. John. And 7 suppose I shall sec
you, now and then. A3d Paul. shs
tried hard to keep her voice from fal
sering-"is too young to miss you--
very much"
The man sank back into his chair
mo. no." he half groaned. 1T would
be cowardly. If loved it thousand
times more, should not leave you
and the boy"
Aud do you no longer love US.
:ohn?" The wistfulress Of the Ques,
ton brought rears to his eyes. strug.
Cling as he vas with temptation
which seemed already to have con.
auered him. 1T is best to speak the
truth, Laura. do love you both. but
I am mad with desire to go back to
the old life. Forgive me. little WON.
an" he broke off. his voice pregnant
with contrition. as he noted the de-
spair In her eyes. Indeed, canuot
help It,"
Laura rose unsteadily. She seemed
to be very tired. There is no other
wsy, John. 1t is settled. and you are
not to worry about us." She moved
toward the door. and paused there.
clutching the knob for support. "The
Jasper Lane sails tonight, John.
heard Ned Lambert say her crew was
short, and you know your standing Of
fer with the skipper. You will have
time to see him and get a place.
will attend to your packins." He
made no response, and she disap'
peared into the next room. Not fully
did he realize the turn affairs had
taken, but sat In maze, listening 10
her footsteps as she moved to and
tro, hurriedly packing his trunk. OF
her own free will she had offered to
ct him 60 Could he. as man, do
80? The jasper Lane did not touch
that part OF the world more than once
q year. For year he would not see
her, the woman in whose eyes he had
once seen heaven. Eow she loved
hi-l! Never. he remembered. had her
devotion to him lessened, even eor q
moment And now he would leave
her-with the boy! The thought OF
the latter made him vince the more.
But she had said that Paul was too
young to miss him. And they woult
be wr!l provided for. Besides. he
could write to Laura once day. aid
then perhaps
Again she stood by his side. every.
thing is ready, John" she announced
quietly "you have but very little
time now. | have wakened Paul that
you might say good.by to him. Come"
She laid her hand on his arm. Trem
bling, he arose and followed her
Paul was sitting up In his crib. dig.
ging his little fists in his eyes to keep
awake. "You goin' away on boat. faz'
zer?" he asked. sleepily. paul wants
to be man and go away on boat
too."
"You see, dear" Laura whispered.
HE does not understand" The man
stopped and placed the tiny arms
around his neck "Good-by, little
son," be said. huskily. Take care
of muzzer, wont your" The boy
nodded cheerfully. his eyes brighten
Ing at the thought Of the responsible.
.ty placed upon him. "Oh, yes, faz'
Ter, will"
Laura smiled bravely at her son
and laid her hand on his bright hair.
In another moment her husband held
her in his arms. "Good-by. my own
girlie-and forgive me-"
"Good.by. John" He turned hastily
from her. and picking up his trunk. a
small affair, which be swung with
easy grace upon his broad shoulder,
be left the room.