Friday, August 27, 2010

Installment thirty five.


At the end of our previous entry, a woman had fallen overboard.
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Installment thirty-five:

"Woman overboard!!!
"Who is it? Who is it?" was on everyone's tongue, but no one knew.
The two clergymen, Dr. Spaulding and Mr. Gregory rushed to the opposite
side of the vessel, reaching the rail just in time to see Harold Wilson emerge
from the main parlor, quickly lay down his Bible, take off his coat and plunge
into the sea.
"Ah, how foolish! How foolish!" exclaimed Dr. Spaulding. "It means two lives
instead of one. No living man can handle himself in the wake of this vessel."
"God help him!" was Mr. Gregory's response.
And God surely did help. The brave act of Harold was one of faith. Even while
he battled with the waters his thoughts went up to God for help. His prayers
were graciously answered.
His eye caught sight of a hand as it appeared for an instant above the waters
a few feet away. He threw himself towards the spot with all his might.
The drowning woman's dress was now in his hand. Deftly and quickly
he made sure of his human treasure and started toward the vessel.
"Thank God!" called out Dr. Spaulding. The passengers cheered and wept.
Meanwwhile Captain Mann had ordered the engines reversed; and the great
"Pacific Clipper" was brought to a dead stop. A lifeboat was lowered, and
Harold and the yet unknown woman were soon safely lifted to the deck.
Mr. Gregory pressed his way to the center of the scene, that he might grasp
the hand of the young hero, and be of whatever service possible. But as he
was about to reach for Harold's hand, the face of the rescued woman, now
partially resuscitated was before him.
His face turned pale. His strength gave way, and he fell heavily to the deck.
It was his wife!
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To be continued....

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