Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1918-03-02
Through
Deadly Peril
By ELEANOR cARLS

Thus said Martin Rowe, the lawyer,
but Virgil Duane raised his hand with
excitement and determination.
''Nor' he said. IF she cares no
longer for me it would be folly to think
of our ever getting on peaceably to-
gether. But if we separate she cannot
have the children-that is, both OF
them"
''What do you suggest?"
THAT she have the girl and myself
the boy"
That way the high-tempered dis
putes of Virgil and Marcia Duane,
welded ten years, were adjusted. Mrs
Duane demurred at first, but finally
validated the legal contract whereby
little Eva, five years old, was to live
with her. Roland, aged three, was
given over TO the charge of his father.
Gossips stated that this was prelimi-
nary TO divorce, but as time went on
no move in that direction was made
by either husband or wife. 1t was
after a lapse of time that Marcia Du-
ane began to wonder If she had not
ONSh anu ulJOSA-
He had been q convivial, reckless
man, and that had led to the quarrels
that had disrupted their happiness.
His business required long-distance
travel and at times sojourn in other
cities than his home one. His mission
was to secure construction contracts,
mainly through political influences.
- III afnn a
group where high living and careless
morals were prevailing elements.
To his credit be 1t said that, while
he at times skirted the perilous abyss
of riotous dissipation, he was innocent
of OBJECTIONS later laid to his charge
and which, aggravated, led his wife
TO a state of unforgiving resentment.
Virgil Duane made liberal provision
for his wife and little Eva, for he pos
sessed substantial means, and Marcia
felt drawn towards him when she
learned that he had settled down with
little Roland and a nurse in a quiet
town in Florida, had cut off all ac-
quaintance with his former reckless
associates and, a changed man and a
sOrrowful one, was living a secluded
life devoted to reading and the con-
slant companionship of the child he
loved.
He had given up all hopes Of re-
union with his wife. She was too
proud to make the first advance. The
years went on and the secret solace OF
the husband was, as he learned
through correspondence with his law
yer, that she had no idea of securing a
final legal separation from him.
1t was at dusk one summer evening
that Duane, with little Ronald, stepped
aboard the steamer Patriarch, bound
from a Florida port for New York city.
1t was an hour later and he had put
Ronald to bed in their stateroom and
had sought camp chair in the shadow
of the side of the steamer when his
ear caught the echo of a voice that
thrilled him through and through. A
lady was kissing her child, a sweet
faced little girl, goodnight, and was
about to hand her over to a maid to
put to sleep. Older, her face sadder
and thinner, but still lovely as of old,
it was his wife.
"And say dear papa and dear Rol-
and in my prayers-yes, mamma, i
never forget" the little one was lisp
ing.
Carried out of himself irresistibly,
Duane arose to his feet. AT that mo-
ment the steamer sustained a fright
full shock. There was a crash for
ward; the vessel careened. With a
shrek the maid dropped the child,
darling away and screaming out
"We've struck a rock-we shall all be
drownedI"
Duane ran to the side of his wife
who had caught up the child, her face
blanched with terror.
There's peril, but be calm" he
spoke. "Wait here while bring little
Roland" He was away, fleet-footed
and returned, brushing his way
through frantic groups. Marcia Duane
| did not speak. She crowded close &c
| his side The word had gone about
| that the ship was sinking. The life
| boats were lowered.
1.-TWO more here; bring those chill
dreny' commanded the captain, as the
boats were filling, and Mrs. Duane
with sob, released little Eva and hel
husband, with n set, stony face, al
| lowed Roland to be passed over the
side. Those two faced one another
Room for one mora woman =
shouted the captain.
"Goi" spoke Duane, urging his wife
| forward.
Not without you"
He stood spellbound, great paen OF
! exultation seemed surging in his soul
4 He put his arm around her and she
nestled close TO his side. A woman
servant of the steamer rushed TO the
side and the last lifeboat departed.
"WiIl you trust to met" whispered
| Virgil Duane.
cit is sweet to go down to deatf
with you-oh, my husband"
He felt as if inspired with the will
and strength of a giant. He lifted q
grating, flung it overheard, sprang
after 1t with Marcia In his arms and
struck out for shore.
Upon the desolate shore, finally
| gained in safety, those two felt not
| chill, nor exhaustion, nor the terrors
OF darkness and shipwreck-reunited