Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1939-05-20

trying 70 see through the pane
He was subject to bronchitis and
dreaded exposing himself TO the wind
and rain. But the moment came when
he could endure waiting no longer. He
pulled on his macintosh and cap and
went out TO face the gale.
The wind caught his breath from
MS mouth as he stumbled over the wet
! cobbleS. The beating rain had brought
on an early twilight. The steep street
/ was deserted, but on the shore he found
/ a group Of village people staring out 70
sea where the lneboat had disappeared.
( 4ney were all fishermen, but Judith
/ VINO stood with hair blown back and
lace set, like q fine Morse figurehead
OF q ship.
( Bose went 70 her and threw her rain
coat about her shoulders
/ l brought you this" he shouted.
she saw by his mouth that he was
speaking. She pushed the raincoat inn
patiently from her intimating bv a
gesture that she was already too wet
lot II 70 be OF use. Bose felt angry with
her Tor so exposing herself The wind
was very cold. He had a sense Of disas-
Ter as he stood with the huddled group
staring out 10 sea. Memories Of ship
wrecks IN his boyhood came back 10
nm. The scene became desolate. tragic
and grim. He wondered how even a
young Martin were droWnedl He put
his arm round Judith and held her
close
A breaker towering above the others
arched its crest. white foam flying be-
hind 1t, Judith smiled suddenly into her
fathers face.
White horsesl" she formed the words
with her lips. Bose wondered how she
could smile. He felt that she did not
realize the nearneSs OF tragedy.
He turned TO an old man beside him
and shouted:
What sort of ship is it?"
"A yacht. sir. We think there's not
more than five aboard"
The squall lessened. A shaft OF pale
light fell across the sea Through II
they saw the lifeboat returning, now
poised on the top Of a wave, now al
most hidden behind the green wall Of
the next. A cheer went up from the
shore and an answering one was heard
from the lifeboat.
The rain was ceasing. The brightness
In the sky returning color to the dim
med scene. Now they could be heard
without shouting.
They've got EN-, sure enoughl" eX-
claimed the old man. Three OF emil"
Another cheer went up. Judith's girl
voice rose among the mems.
Grand, isn't IT." asked Bose. press
ing her close, but she disengaged her
self and before he could stop her had
run. out into the sea TO meet the life
boat.
Young men were with her, splash
ing through long, flat, receding wave,
then being all but swamped by the on
slaught Of fresh one. But they strug-
gled on, their bodies bent in primitive
postures, fighting their way through
the surf TO the lifeboat.
A rope was thrown TO them from its
bow. Bose was proud to see that 1t was
Judith'S slender hands which first
grasped 1t. Then they came struggling
back TO the shore, stumbling over the
rolling stones, one of them falling and
scrambling up again, now the oars be-
ing shipped the lifeboat rushing with
grinding keel to safety.
Men hurried forward to give help to
the three survivors of the wreck Two
could walk, but the third had 10 be
carried. One had been washed over
board.
Judith, Bose, Martin and little Tom
made their way up the steep path. A
clear pale light gave an air Of new
to the scene, a sunset CLEAN
touched the small-paned windows Of
The cottage. They had made the ascent
IN silence except for the small boys
excited talk. He was proud Of his broth
n and stretched his legs to walk In
step with him. Judith chung to his
)ther side while Bose walked behind.
Outside the door he laid his hand on
Martins shoulder. He said:
1T was a fine rescue, Martin. Great
scott, what seal And what did you
.hink Of our Judith?"
Martin gave him strange. shy smile.
He looked at Judith's face without an
Iwering.
1T was a grand flourish TO end her
asst day with" said Bose.
Stu Martin did not answer. But JIl-
nth wheeled suddenly and faced her
ather
But it isn't my last day. I'm going
o stay here" she said, clasping Mar
ms hand In hers. The lnuckies showed
White on their cold briny hands. I'm
,oing to stay here and be Martins
wife"
You are not" returned Bose angrily.
You are not going TO do any such
hing. I'll not allow it. You're coming
lome with me tomorrow"
No, father, I'm going to stay here"
You don't know what you're saying
you imagine you could be happy IN
his life you're sadly mistaken. You've
cen today what spring can be like.
AN you imagine the gales of winter
! fiSherman's cottage. with damp
'alls and a smoking fire?" He turned
, martin. i m sorry, Martin. can't
low it. 1t would mean misery for you
9TH"
Don't be sorry for me- cousin" an
wered Martin judith and are mar
ed and don't think we're going to
e miserable. I think she's happier
ian she's ever been before"
Married" shouted Bose. do you
~ married?"
Yes" exclaimed Judith, two days
90"
The door Of the cottage was thrown
zen and Mary came out She threw
er arms about her boy Zachary was
flowing them from below. Bose turned
him with a gesture Of despair.
These two are married, zacharyl
hat are we to do?"
''Nowt but leave EN- be-" answered
achary. They'll get along fine,
exon"
Judith" said Bose, you have done
very reckless thing. I hope you'll
It suffer for it. Or Martin, either"