Middletown transcript., 1911-06-24
WHEN HOPE WAS GONE
LLIAM TILLINGHAsT ELDRIDGE

Blackburn went back to work,
and so did the other when rebel.
lion seized upon them.
Like a never tiring, restless
animal, Wendell paced up and
down by the half-fnished boat;
and the most work was accom-.
plished when he sang, and each
man joined with him.
At last the fish and turtle meat
was cured and packed aboard,
and the boat rolled into the
water.
Then they stepped the mast,
and finally hung the sail.
The sight of the boat in the
water and the mast in place
brought wild enthusiasm.
Then, as the day approached
when they were to start, a
strange apathy seized upon them.
It began as a question, but
grew until finally a surly hesi-
fancy was upon one and all.
Do what he would, Wendell
could not lift the feeling of de-
preston.
The island was Iand--on it were water
and food. Out there where they we're GO
ing was only the beating, pitiless sun, and
in which way lay safety none knew.
Wendell crossed the island, and for
whole afternoon tramped up and down
the sandy beach, trying to drive away bis
own fears.
From the rocky cliff be looked down to
where the swift current fohmed off shore;
and again he pictured Clarkson as ne died,
crying out for home. Then he tramped
back along the narrow, dirty path, and
sang as be went.
In silence they rolled the last water
cask aboard and went back to the shack
on the bill.
The following morning the men aWOke,
sullen and depressed, aud gathered at the
waters edge.
Seeing the mood upon them, Wendell
turned, angry and snarliDg.
Come or not, as you like, be cried.
Who'll go? On board with you'll The cow
ards can stay.
Amurmur rose from half dozen group
ed together.
Well not 20 now, Blackburn stepped
out. And you won't, neither. We're
safe here, and we'll wait while longer to
see what happens.
Stay, thenl Wendell cried, turning
angrily. Those who are going with me,
step out.
You amt going. No ones going, Black
burn cried. No one will take that boat.
We built it. Well go later, perhaps; but
not now.
Slowly Wendell turned, his face set,
bis fists clinched. The bundle in his arms
dropped to the ground, and he stepped
close to Blackburn.
You-BIackburn-go into that boat first
Go on, or-pll kill you, you dirty COW
ardl
With the snarl of wild beast, the
coal.passer leaped of the man before him;
and the two went to the earth, strnggl-
fighting mass.
The other men crowded in an instant,
and then drew back. They realized that
their fate hung in the balance.
If they stayed, there would be one lessi
if they went, Blackburn would remain
alone on the island.
With naught to tell Of their fury but
their deep, painting breath, the two men
struggled back and forth-one down,
dragging the other with him-then both
up, again down, and over and over they
rolled in the dirt and dust.
Each had grip upon the other, and
each clung desperately. Like two huge
wolves they fought.
Blackburn for an instant was on top,
and his fingers were about the others
throat. With wrench, Wendell pushed
himself clear, half rose to bis knees,
grasped his adversary, and with great
straining of muscles and a quick twist,
threw him on his back.
One arm went over and half round
Blackburn's throat, bis knees came up
under the mans back, while with the
other hand be gripped bis antagonists
, legs.
: Fight as be would, with all his brute
D strength, the man was held. Slowly the
grip frightened, the huge body bent as
a Wendell bore down on neck and legs
! and his knees sunk deep into Blackburn's
back.
Harder and harder he pressed, the
3 cords in his arms swelled like huge bands
and the sweat upon his brow stood out in
great beads, as with clenched teeth and
i wild eyes he threw all bis might against
the others struggles.
Suddenly the prostrate went limp, and
L Blackburn's mouth few open as bis jaw
dropped. His eyes grew big, then bis
Il head ierked back, and all effort to strug'
il gle ceased.
The circling men bounded forward
:, with cry, when upon the terrible still
ness and the gaping, wild eyed circle
q Came the echoing boom Of ships gun.
One instant the men stood staring; and
G then, with cry, they turned and raced
like mad for the hill.
= Wendell's eyes lifted:
He noted the flying figures, heard
y again the boom Of the gun, and then
with all strength gone, he dropped
Blackburn's limp form, which be helt
| in his arms, upon the grass.
It Poor Return For Chivalry