Evening star., 1915-02-28
FLOWER OF THE GORSE

centrating all its venom on that one tiny
adversary.
The marvel was that no one was swept
overheard. Nothing could have saved the
men on deck had the Stella lurched to her
beam ends without warning; but the fleet
ing interval while she was being carried
round on the pivot of her fore part enabled
them to guard against the expected shock.
Nine figures were visible, two standing on
the port rails of the bridge, and the others
on the deck rails, every man having braced
his shoulders against the deck itself. Masts,
funnel, and upper saloon were practically
vertical with the plane of the sea, and the
hull quivered and moved under the assault
of each wave Yet the very injuries that
would swamp the vessel instantly when she
rolled into deep water now gave her brief
lease of life The rocks that pierced the hull
held her fast. Her plight resembled that of
some poor wretch stabbed mortally, who
breathes and groans in agony, only to die
when the knife that causes his distress IS
withdrawn.
THE horror of the sight brought despair
ing cry to Yvonne's lips. "Peridot,
Peridot, can nothing be done?' she shrieked,
turning to the Breton sailor as though, at
his prayer, the sky might open and Provi-
dence send relief.
The boat was now nearly abreast of the
wreck, and running free before the wind.
The girls frantic appeal seemed to arouse
the three men from stupor Of helplessness.
4Look out, everybody shouted Peridot.
"We're going head on
1t was dangerous maneuver in heavy
sea; but fortune favored the Hirondelle in
SO far that no mountainous wave struck her
quarter as she veered round. All were
equally alive to the possibility of disaster.
Ingersoll, though he uttered no word till the
boat had reversed her course, was almost
moved to protest.
"We are powerless, he said, coming aft to
make his voice audible. Even if some of
the yachts people are swept clear of the
reef, they will be smothered long before they
drift in this direction. The thing was SO
unexpected that none of them has secured
a cork jacket, or even life belt.
"There is one chance in hundred, Mon
sieur," said Peridot, speaking SO that Inger-
soil alone could hear. "The point is-will you
take it? You and Monsieur Tollemache
would agree, of course. Will you risk Made
moiselle's life as well?'
"a chance? What sort of chance?'
aI know every inch of Les Verres. A little
inlet, not much longer than the yacht, and
pclHdpS lOIly lCCt NlllG, lullS III llOlll lliS
south just where she lies. Her hull and the
reef itself form a breakwater. We can make
it, and get line aboard
"Then for the love of Heaven why waltz
Zone moment, Monsieur. We have yet a
second or two for decision. You see how the
wreck lifts each time sea hits her The
tide is rising. If she shifts when we are in
there, goodby to the Hirondelle!'
The eyes of the two met, and Ingersoll
wavered, but only as brave man takes
breath before essaying some supreme test
of hardihood
"My daughter would never forgive me if
she knew | chose the towards path, he
said. go ahead, Peridot! Tell us what we
have to do, and it shall be done
cheerful chuckle was the Breton's an
swer as he thrust the tiller over to port and
sent the boat reeling on the starboard tack.
Once she was fairly balanced, he began to
below instructions.
"Within couple of minutes I'll put her
head on again, and we'll drift alongside the
ship yonder Monsieur Ingersoll and Mon
sieur Tollemache will each take sweep, and
fend the after part off the rocks. Made
moiselle will remain for'ard, and be ready
to drop the anchor as last resource if l
find the tide running too strong for the
sweeps to hold us back Leave the rest to