Слике страница
PDF
ePub

crucifix more than seven feet high, all gilt and painted, set up by the fishermen, and round whose foot was a whole cluster of praying women. Was there not here Jean's sister-he was in the Hélène

the wind like a stab, and told him there was a ship off the coast. Presently a motley crowd went down to the pier, and under shelter of a wall peeped out at the solitary vessel. It was now in far closer. Never is the struggle that rages be--and Paul's wife, and many more distracted tween man and nature brought to such a satisfac- creatures, and the captain's own wife, the most tory issue as in a storm. It is a fair battle, and in collected and confident of them all, looking out, most instances, if not surprised, man wins. The with her hands shading her eyes, to that eternal boat was drawing nearer and nearer, and a clever sheet of dull terrible slate, which was now and young fisherman, with sharp eyes, made out, as it again lit up with flashes of white? There was a had been suspected from the first, that it was the fringe of eager, painful faces, bent forward and Hélène, the cherished boat with Captain Muret on looking out into the storm, with clasped hands board. That news soon spread, and servants and strained eyes, thus getting into the front. rushing up-stairs into dismal little rooms, with a The present state of things was this: The brig dramatic tossing of arms and appeals to the "bon was in a poor way indeed, for there it lay, not two Dieu !" and tragic faces over the "poor children" hundred yards away, grounded on the flat Dieppe who were being "assassinated" on the water. shore, the bathers' paradise-a miserable black Tourlou, the oldest fisherman, said, confidently, tenement, now visible, now swallowed up and that in about half an hour or forty minutes it devoured by an overwhelming rush of waves, would be all over! which, when they retired, showed a black ragged Our Lucy was sitting in their little drawing-mast and a few figures like flies hanging on it. At room with her mamma. "Papa Harco" was in every disappearance there was a shriek and a wail bed, "not well; but I suppose it will end, one of from the shore; at every reappearance another cry these days!" He had "something on his chest," and wail. "Oh, they will save them-they must he thought. Vivian was there, as usual, now save them!" Colonel Vivian heard some one say reading, now talking, while Lucy and her mamma confidently, as they came up. worked. It was about four o'clock, and Papa Harco was "thinking of getting upon his legs," when, with tears pouring down her cheeks, the little landlady opposite burst in, and said that there was the most hideous misery going on down at the port; that the " poor children" were there in close on shore, perishing before our eyes; and that Jaques and the whole town were up there looking on, and could do nothing.

"What!" said Vivian, excited, "is she gone ashore?"

But the little landlady could give no details. "I shall go out and see," he said, rising. แ "One might give a little advice. The French are so dull in everything about the sea. I shall be back in half an hour."

He went out. Lucy sat at the window. Half an hour went by, and he did not return. What was the meaning of this? There was no one to ask; for the whole town had gone up to the port. As Vivian was going down to the port, he fell in with three sailors, whose dress, build, and bearing told him they were English seamen. They were coming out of the Nancy Baker, of Hull, who had brought coals for a factory that was some way from the town. They had just returned, and were going up where all the world were going. Vivian spoke to one, who proved to be the mate, a quiet, stolid young fellow, of about five-and-thirty, and whom he heard the men call John Davy. Davy said it was going to be a poor business, he was afeard.

But these attempts were of the feeblest sort. They had tried to launch a boat, though no one had volunteered to go in it, and it was smashed into firewood at one crash against the pier. "It is hopeless-it is madness," said the French sailors, gloomily pointing to the fragments. Others had brought a rope to the cliffs, and were going through a laborious show of flinging it out. There were preparations of the same description being made with the same elaborate show, and to an enormous amount of gesticulation and chatter. John Davy gave one rapid glance up and down, took all inthe broken boat, the ropes-" with half an eye," and said aloud :

"Well, of all the Jack-a-donkeys I ever see! Why, they might as well throw them out a spool of cotton!"

There was an official air over the whole, also, for here were gendarmes and the mayor fussing about and directing, though there was nothing to be directed, and taking notes for the "verbal process" of the whole, which he would address to the prefect. Why," said Davy, "the men'll be lost afore their eyes while they are busy with their packthread. There's another of 'em off. I give 'em twenty minutes, and where will they be?"

[ocr errors]

"In God's name!" cried Vivian, growing excited, "can nothing be done? You are English sailors-I'll do what I can, if I only, knew the way."

"Bill!" said Davy to his mate. "Our big boat might do it. I wouldn't be afraid to put her to it. They went along the wooden pier, past the large We might coax her along 'tween the piers. She's

broad and bluff enough; but there's only three on they had much confidence in the gifts of the

[blocks in formation]

"Well, I'll go too," said Vivian, growing more and In another moment Davy and his mates were more excited. "I could pull an oar with any man." running to the Nancy Baker, had cast off her

[graphic][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

"Faith, sir! I took off my hat, and prayed like a trooper !"

Some one gave a cry, and they were all on their feet again. The boat had been struck, as if by the fin of a whale, by a huge wave, and had filled. Here was an oar gone; one of the Frenchmen beaten nearly senseless; Davy waving his arms, the others stooping and trying to bale out the water. Again are the wistful faces and stooped figures bent forward. "They are lost! O, mon

But the Englishmen interrupt him bluntlyDavy with the oath of his country, and Vivian with : "Encore deux places !" And he pointed below Dieu! they will never accomplish it." They are to the boat.

at work again, now going forward a foot, now

There was a death-like stillness, not a motion beaten back a dozen yards, whilst Davy, who has nor a sound.

"You are brave Frenchmen ! we are four English about to try and save your countrymen. We cannot do it alone. You will help us, I know?"

become coxswain, watched to give notice of the coming waves. They were not taking the direct course for the wreck. Again were there cries, "They will miss her; they will be carried out to sea; they have lost control." But an old French There was another pause, a fresh stillness. salt saw what Davy's plan was to get to leeward Cowards! said Davy from the boat. "I of the wreck. At last, after about an hour's hard thought they were better men." work, they succeeded.

"Then we go alone," said Vivian, and turned to It had grown dark, lanterns were brought down; descend. but the spectacle was one of such absorbing inBut they were not cowards. A dozen fishermen terest that, had it lasted till midnight, the lookershad rushed forward. on could never have tired. The "Phare," faithless and theatrical guide, was blazing away, as if to

Vivian felt a light hand on his arm, and looked mock the poor lost victims. As the heavy boat round, astonished.

"You here?" he cried.

A gentle face, its veil blown about by the gale, was looking up into his. It was very pale and wistful.

"I would not stop you. Not for the whole world! It is indeed noble of you. I heard it all. God will watch over you and protect you."

"Ah," said Vivian, "if you were to know how happy and confident I feel! We shall do better now that you are looking on. Now! Come, friends, take your places. Davy, you pull stroke. I sit next you. You direct us.'

Was it not like a blissful ray of the sun, and a sudden lulling of the winds and waves, as the hapless figures on the wreck saw the little black speck emerge swiftly from the piers? But how many perils were before them! what chances! for all the cruel imps of death were between them, floating like sharks.

Lucy, her hands all but clenched together, and, indeed, not so much thinking of her friend as of the superb devotion and splendid sacrifice of the whole, stood following them with her eyes, and a little gasp on her lips every time they sank down in the waves. Turning round for a minute, she found herself all but alone; for the whole crowd was on its knees apart, at the foot of the great crucifix. With a swift flutter she had joined them, and poured out her little soul in the most passionate entreaties. Even Captain Filby was heard to say, later:

was carried within a few yards of the wreck, they were called on to throw themselves into the water, and were thence dragged out by hair, or hand, or any way.

Three were lost, but five got safely into the boat. It was so dark, those on shore could not tell what was going on, and indeed presently lost sight of boat and all. Then agitation rose. But they had to wait an hour more for the return. And th! when there was a rush of lanterns to the pier, and the clumsy craft, crowded with figures, came suddenly out of the darkness, and swept by on the top of a great green wave like a hill, actually on a level with the top of the pier, a shout was raised that reached to the back streets of the town. The rare, gallant English sailors! Though a thousand stupid things be associated with the English abroad, a thousand such heroic deeds as this have redeemed them.

If there were prayers and gesticulations before, what was there now, as the noble fellows, drenched and beaten out of all human shape, staggered up? But the two who came last had to drag up an insensible figure, the slightest and tallest. A girl in a black silk dress, pale with cold, terror, and anxiety, stooping forward in the crowd, as he was laid on the ground, saw that it was what she dreaded, and gave a cry of despair and agony. "The poor child," said a tender-hearted fishwife; "it is her sweetheart! But what is that to those who have lost brothers, fathers, and husbands on this terrible night?"

A PARENTAL ODE TO MY SON, AGED THREE YEARS
AND THREE MONTHS.

HOU happy, happy elf!

[BY THOMAS HOOD.]

(But stop-first let me kiss away that
tear)-

Thou tiny image of myself!

(My love, he's poking peas into his ear!)
Thou merry, laughing sprite!
With spirits feather-light,

Untouched by sorrow, and unsoiled by sin-
(Good heavens! the child is swallowing a pin !)
Thou little tricksy Puck!

With antic toys so funnily bestuck,

Light as the singing bird that wings the air

With pure heart newly stamped from Nature's mint(Where did he learn that squint ?)

Thou young domestic dove !

(He'll have that jug off, with another shove!) Dear nursling of the Hymeneal nest! (Are those torn clothes his best?) Little epitome of man!

(He'll climb upon the table, that's his plan !) Touched with the beauteous tints of dawning life(He's got a knife!)

Thou enviable being!

(The door! the door! he'll tumble down the stair!) No storms, no clouds, in thy blue sky foreseeing,

[blocks in formation]

A

OVERHEAD IN LOVE.

[From "The Doctor's Dilemma.” By HESBA STRETTON.]

WFULLY fast the time sped away. over to Sark to see Olivia once more.

As soon as

"When shall we have another run together, Captain Carey ?" I asked.

It was the second week in March II was married I would tell Julia all about her. passed in Sark; the second week in But if either arm or ankle went wrong for want May came upon me as as borne of attention I should never forgive myself. by a whirlwind. It was only a month to the day so long fixed upon for our marriage. My mother began to fidget about my going over to London, to pay my farewell bachelor visit to Jack Senior, and to fit myself out with wedding clothes. Julia's was going on fast to completion. Our trip to Switzerland was distinctly planned out. Go I must to London order my wedding suit I must.

But first there could be no harm in running

:

"Any day you like, my boy," he answered; "your days of liberty are growing few and short now, eh? I've never had a chance of trying it myself, Martin, but they are nervous times, I should think. Cruising in doubtful channels, eh? with uncertain breezes? How does Julia keep up?"

"I can spare to-morrow," I replied, ignoring

his remarks; "on Saturday I shall cross over to England, to see Jack Senior."

"And bid him adieu ?" he said, laughing, "or give him an invitation to your own house? I shall be glad to see you in a house of your own. Your father is too young a man for you."

"Can you take me to Sark to-morrow?” I asked.

66

To be sure I can," he answered.

It was the last time I could see Olivia before my marriage. Afterwards I should see much of her, for Julia would invite her to our house and be a friend to her. I spent a wretchedly sleepless night; and whenever I dozed I saw Olivia before me, weeping bitterly, and refusing to be comforted.

From St. Sampson's we set sail straight for the Havre Gosselin, without a word upon my part; and the wind being in our favour, we were not long in crossing the channel. To my extreme surprise and chagrin, Captain Carey announced his intention of landing with me, and leaving the yacht in charge of his men to await our return.

"The ladder is excessively awkward," I objected, "and some of the rungs are loose. You don't mind running the risk of a plunge into the water?"

"Not in the least," he answered, cheerily; "for the matter of that, I plunge into it every morning at L'Ancresse. I want to see Tardif. He is one in a thousand, as you say; and one cannot see such a man every day of one's life.”

There was no help for it, and I gave in, hoping some good luck awaited me. I led the way up the zig-zag path, and just as we reached the top I saw the slight, erect figure of Olivia seated upon the brow of a little grassy knoll at a short distance from us. Her back was towards us, so she was not aware of our vicinity; and I pointed towards her with an assumed air of indifference.

"I believe that is my patient yonder," I said; "I will just run across and speak to her, and then follow you to the farm."

"Ah!" he exclaimed, "There is a lovely view from that spot. I recollect it well. I will go with you. There will be time enough to see

Tardif."

Did Captain Carey suspect anything? Or what reason could he have for wishing to see Olivia? Could it be merely that he wanted to see the view from that particular spot? I could not forbid him accompanying me, but I wished him at Jericho.

her very nearly. The sun shone upon her glossy hair, every thread of which seemed to shine back again. She was reading aloud, apparently to herself, and the sounds of her sweet voice were wafted by the air towards us. Captain Carey's face became very thoughtful.

A few steps nearer brought us in view of Tardif, who had spread his nets on the grass, and was examining them narrowly for rents. Just at this moment he was down on his knees, not far from Olivia, gathering some broken meshes together, but listening to her, with an expression of huge contentment upon his handsome face. A bitter pang shot through me. Could it be true by any possibility-that lie I had heard the last time I was in Sark?

"Good day, Tardif," shouted Captain Carey; and both Tardif and Olivia started. But both of their faces grew brighter at seeing us, and they at once sprang up to give us welcome. Olivia's colour had come back to her cheeks, and a sweeter face no man ever looked upon.

"I am very glad you are come once more," she said, putting her hand in mine; "you told me in your last letter you were going to England, and might not come over to Sark before next autumn. How glad I am to see you again!"

I glanced from the corner of my eye at Captain Carey. He looked very grave, but his eyes could not rest upon Olivia without admiring her, as she stood before us, bright-faced, slender, erect, with the folds of her coarse dress falling about her as gracefully as if they were of the richest material.

"This is my friend, Captain Carey, Miss Olivia," I said, "in whose yacht I have come to visit you."

"I am very glad to see any friend of Dr. Martin's," she answered, as she held out her hand to him with a smile; "my doctor and I are great friends, Captain Carey."

"So I suppose," he said, significantly-or at least his tone and look seemed fraught with significance to me.

"We were talking of you only a few minutes ago, Doctor Martin," she continued; "I was telling Tardif how you sang 'The Three Fishers' to me the last time you were here, and how it rings in my ears still, especially when he is away fishing. I repeated the three last lines to him: 'For men must work, and women must weep; And the sooner it's over, the sooner to sleep. So good-bye to the bar, with its moaning.' "I do not like it, doctor," said Tardif; "there's

What is more stupid than to have an elderly no hope in it. Yet to sleep out yonder at last, on man dogging one's footsteps? the great plain under the sea, would be no bad thing."

I trusted devoutly that we should see or hear Tardif before reaching the knoll; but no such good fortune befell me. Olivia did not hear our footsteps upon the soft turf, though we approached

[merged small][ocr errors]
« ПретходнаНастави »