The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-10-09

wv alIel TO the boat, WHICH WAS
following the course of the
barrier reef, seeking what |
knew they would not find-an entrance
to the lagoon and thence to the Island /
The lagoon narrowed in places. until
had it not been for the roar Of the
waves in the reef hail could easily !
have carried am ashamed to say
that | used insulting gestures on CO.
casion. whereat some of them stood up
in the boat and shook their fists III our
direction Although | was sure they
could not reach Us. their presence was
a menace and 'bII Tier to us After
they had rowed the length of the Is
lard they gave it up and went back TO
the ship which had followed their
course.
BY this time the day was far spent.
We retraced our steps and came to
the place where | had hauled up the
dingy We We're hungry. The pro-
visions we had taken with us we had
eaten during the journey. The hr>t
business WIS supper | had noticed
some cocoanut trees and other strange
tropical fruits. SO | had no fear "f
starvation. We could live on the Is
land indefinitely: therefore | was not
sparing with e.proviSions. We KIN
died fire and made shift to boil some
coffee We had neither milk nor sugar.
but the taste of civilization did Us good.
For the night capsized the boat
and drew it close against the coral
wall. spread the sail and boat cloak
upon the clean. dry sand. gave her one
blanket and babe her take her rest. 1T
was snug. dry and comfortable.
But you:" she asked.
II shall do very we'll here with my
boat cloak and one of the blankets. and
| shall lie across the stern of the boat
between it and the cliff. out of sight
but within touch or call if You need
me-
Il am afraid" she said softly.
Nothing can come to You except
over my body. and | am light sleep
er. ANYTHING will rouse me-" said
reasSuringly.
Il would not have you harmed
either she persisted
Il shall not be-"
There may be wild beasts.
! II do not think there is an animal
on this island" | laughed. land we
| have seen no signs of man. The snip
| certainly would have attracted the at
tention of some one had not the island
! been deserted
But those men out thereE
"You forget the rampant that God
has flung about Us. Now. madam. you
can 20 to sleep in safety. assure you
"Refore that" she said. dropping
i down on her knees in the sand and
motioning me to follow her example
which did awkwardly enough hope
| am not a mocker or disbeliever. but
confess that didn't often bend the
knee-"we will have 9 prayer TO
gether."
She had slipped a little prayer book
within her dress. and she now DIRE"
it forth from her bosom and by TIT
light of the fire read the Psalm of Da
vid. which begins: Out of the deel
have | called unto thee. 0 LORD Lord
hear my voice" And then she prayed
using some Of the old collects or tn
church and adding one of her owl
making in which she besought God Z
care for us further while she thanked
him for having raised up a defens
: for her in my poor person. only she di'
not so describe it. listened very hum
biy. saying a heartfelt Amen" at tn
end.
There was a silence for a little spac
| when she had finished. and in that s.
| lence | devoted myself before God t
her service again. and then she ros
J and gave me her hand.
j You have been true knight an
I gentleman she said softly. her eye
y shining, "and | thank You.
I could only take it dumbly an
stare mt her like the great fool | was
, whereat she smiled brightly. althoug
i her eyes suddenly filled with tears.
: And now" she added: God kee
you Good night.
T. | then kissed her extended hanC
t which she suffered without resistance
!. sat for long time before the tir'
) thinking and making plans for oui -
t cape The ship didn't give me mn''
concern. because was sure sh
: couldn't come ut Us and in the end SD
< must 20 away and leave US.
, A long time | sat there until
: finally fell asleep. | must have sleI
: some time and soundly for / wa
wearied. 1t was she who awakene
me- When | opened my eyes and sa'
her sweet face bending over me An
beard her dear voice calling me d.