Payette enterprise. (Payette, Canyon Co., Idaho) 1909-1935, 1917-04-19
STORM AND STRESS
BY MRS. M. L. RAYNE.

ioASS III d ulSHI OF SUDDEN tempest was
I thrown helpless and at the mercy OF
wind and wave into the trough of the
sea by the breaking of a part of the
machinery. The panic-stricken pas
sengers crowded the deck and impeded
the action of the crew. They screamed
and sobbed and prayed. One man
who stood apart from the others
prayed silently with hopeless agony
In his face. A friend with him
touched him on the shoulder.
Cheer up, Edgar, we are not lost
yet" (he had sudden contempt for
the cowardice of the occasion) "at
least let US def die we must-like
men"
1T is not for myself 1 fear, Walter,
but for Miriam; she is so sensitive,
so loyal to those she loves; it would
break her heart to have her lover
drowned like this on the eve of her
wedding. She could never outlive
such tragedy"
"She would not be the only one left
to suffer. If we go down all these 9TH
ers perish with US. Think you, they
will leave none to mourn their loss?"
his friend, Walter Dickson, responded.
Theirs are not parallel cases. MI
riam will be widow, yet no wife. It
will be a cruel disappointment of her
plans for our happy lives. Walter, II
you alone are saved tell her that she
must learn TO forget me- Her sweet
young life must not be darkened by
unhappy memories. Promise me-"
Something like sneer distorted
Walter Dickson's face; he said with
bitter emphasis:
You have been blind, Edgar, blind
as mole. With eternity in view /
must tell you the truth. Come below
with me. If we are to die in this
storm shall ease your soul of itg
last fear. If We live you can prove
the truth of my words"
On the same night on which the
steamer with her precious human |
freight, was tempest-tossed in the
blackness of the tempestuous |
lake, young woman was walking the |
floor of her room, wringing her hands |
in lmpotent anguish as she listened to |
the storm without At last the strain
became unbearable, and she rushed
from her own room and sought that
Of an older sister.
The older sister sat up and scanned
the white face bending above her.
eli
is your wedding day! Miriam, you
will look like a ghost"
DO you hear the Storm" cried Mi |
RAM wildly. eff it RACES so on land,
how much worse it must be on the wa
ter, and Edgar is crossing tonight in |
the face Of this storm"
Miriam" said Margaret, gently,
''kneel here and let US say prayer"
Il have been praying-prayed every
this night l hope God will |
hear me and send the boat on which |
Edgar is coming to the bottom of the |
lake!"
Then it is true-I did not, would !
not believe it! You did not love Ed.
gar Ryerson and you do love his
friend, Walter Dickson?"
But Miriam turned away. sleep
again, sister, l am sorry disturbed |
you My wedding day is dawning and |
we shall soon know whether God has
my prayer"
A brief line in the morning paper
told the story. The boat had gone
DOWN in midlake with all on board.
Years had passed. Margaret had
married a wealthy sutton, and Miriam
spent part of her time with her. a
yale, silent girl, absolutely devoid of
interest in life. For whom was she
Mourning? She declared that it was
lot for Walter Dickson, that it was all
mistake that she had cared for him,
ave as friend. Margaret never no
iced the words of the little song so
ften on Miriam's lips:
How could 1 know 1 would love
thee afar
When 1 loved thee not anear?"
They voiced the cry of Miriam's
oul. She loved Edgar afar.
The fanily-including Miriam-was
wing a house party before closing
leir summer home on the banks of
lie lake. AS a closing entertainment
suggested masquerade and
fire of driftwood, as the evenings
ere cool. Miriam wore a mask and
'mino. On account OF the temper. 7
ure the driftwood fire was the first
traction. A Hindu uttered the
while others fed the fame.
81 see." he said, oracularly, "a sink. 8
g steamer. The men-comrades-
e with others upon its deck"
"Oh, this is shameful-stop him."
led Margaret. but her husband whis-
red something, and she waited, edg- g
g near Miriam, who in her attitude o
ght have been a statue
THE friend. is telling him lie, but
believes it, and when they two
e saved by miracle of the waterr L
} goes with him and makes no sign.
, believes that his love is faithless."