The Elbert County tribune., 1918-03-29

tnwart behind you; better tie II to
the lock. Good; you'll make a sailor
yet Now listen: work your boat over
until you can get grip on the rudder
chains, and hold her steady-yes, to
your right; use one Of the oars. Now
hang on-Tm going to send the lady
down; stand by to give her a hand"
He did as / bade him In a fashion,
but was SO awkward about 1t, won
dered the boat kept upright. Satisfied,
l glanced aside.at my silent companion.
mot very easy gangway. but the
best we have. Are you afraidr
She smiled.
"Not in the least, Mr.. Hollis; these
skirts are nuisance. but can climb
like boy. Help me keep my balance
on the rail-"
She was over so quickly can scarce
ly recall more than clasping her arm
and she went down the rope hand over
hand, rs lightly as a sailor. By the
time she reached the boat, her body
was half submerged In the water. but
McCann gave her his hand, and assist
ed in dragging her in over the side.
II am all right, Mr.. Hollis" she
called In her clear, steady voice. "Now
you come-come quick"
AUST a second more" 1 answered.
Here is the line; haul 1t in. Get out
your oars, McCann, and pull. Don't
wait, or youll be sucked down when
the yacht sinks. Never mind me; I'll
jump from the rail-. and swim out to
you"
climbed onto the rail. gripping an
Iron stanchion for support. and poised
myself for the plunge. The boat, sur
sounded by its little circle of light,
drifted away, McCann awkwardly
struggling with the heavy oars. The
lantern rays fell full on the girls up
turned face. and once she held out her
hands In pleading gesture. 1t could
scarcely have been a minute hesi-
tated. yet suddenly beneath me came
a sound Of rending wood, muffied ex-
plosion, and the deck reeled as though
burst asunder. leaped straight out
ward, and went splashing down into
the sea.
must have sunk deeply, for I felt
no swirl Of the waters, no suction, but
when came again to the surface
nothing was visible but the bobbing
lantern on the dinghy. The Esmeralda
had disappeared. A faint cry reached
me, and answered it, striking out
strongly toward the guiding light. Five
minutes later. dripping and a bit ex.
hausted-for had been ashore a long
while-I managed to Chamber in over
the stern. Even as rested breathless
on the thwart, realized that the girl
had crept aft, and her hands sought
mine.
"Oh, am SO glad" she sobbed, al
most Historically. II was afraid; L
l thought you went down with the
yacht"
"No such luck. jumped just as hel
decks blew up. Is there anything ir
sight?"
IL haven't looked; but there is nc
sound, no light anywhere. Do yor
suppose the steamer has really lef
w?"
but stood up SO as to see about NOR,
clearly. "They supposed all who livet
had been picked up, and then continued
on their course"
My eyes ranged the horizon, but
found nothing. We were alone on tn,
great ocean in the grasp Of the blacl
night. sat down again dazed for tn,
instant by the immensity of the wa
ters, the utter loneliness. and the sud
den realization Of the nttleness of thi
cockleshell In which we fioated. He
voice aroused me to a comprehension
that alone was a sailor. and that oil
me depended every chance for life.
do you know. Mr.. Hollis, where WI
are2"
mot exactly. l heard the captain
state the position of the yacht yester
day noon, about one hundred and fift,
miles east and south of Montauk; W,
have drifted some SINCE"
"Are we In the steamer lanesT
mot OF the north Atlantic liners
they would pass farther eastward.
cannot imagine what that fellow VIII
rammed us was doing up In here 80 IA
out Of his course. Yes. that was
liner; could see the lights Of he
ports. The only vessel passing aloni
here will be coasters, or. by luck, pos
sibly some tramp bound Boston way
Now let's see what IL OF board; try tn
locker forward; and Miss Vera, yo'
might examine beneath the stern sheet
This boat has never been inboard sine
| we sailed"