Читать книгу The Mac's of '37 A Story of The Canadian Rebellion - John Price-Brown - Страница 11
ОглавлениеMEETING OF LIEUTENANT STUART WITH HARRY THOMPSON.
"Heave slowly, men," cried the stranger, "or you'll smash your boat on the pier. The wind is terrific." He ran his skiff on the shore and, hauling it well in, stood on the little wharf to help with the larger boat. It came in with a sweep, then, shivering for a moment, bounded out again with the receding wave.
"Throw me your rope—now for your oar!" And seizing the wide end of the blade, the other being held by a sailor, the broadside of the lifeboat swung in and was fastened to the dock.
Marie's eyes were fixed upon the stranger. Suddenly she recognized him and, rising to her feet, she bounded out with the rug still wrapped around her.
"Why, Harry! Harry Thompson!" she exclaimed, in excited tones, for it was only now that his presumption in calling her by name was understood by her. "To think of you being here without me knowing it—and that we should owe our lives—Jessie's and mine—to Lieutenant Stuart and you. Oh, sir, this is an old friend from Fingal's Notch, whom I have not seen for years. Thank God, too, Jessie is alive."
The two men grasped hands.
"Let us lift Miss Stedman out," said Stuart, "she cannot help herself."
Consciousness had not returned.
"Carry her to my house," cried Ned, who was there in all eagerness ready to give assistance. "And you, too, Miss MacAlpine, it is only a step. What did I say? That storm was sure to come. Lord! to think you both were nearly drowned. And I, like a blamed fool, let you go."
"You'll never do it again," cried Marie, hysterically, for the terrible strain was telling upon her.
"No, I never shall."
"You can't. The Fawn is smashed. Oh, Lieutenant Stuart, what could we have done without you and Harry?"
"We only did what we couldn't help doing," was his answer as they carried Jessie.
"Come right in, Miss," cried Ned; "the wife will get some dry things for ye."
"And send at once for the doctor and to Bradley Hall for fresh clothes for Miss Stedman and myself," returned Marie, as she entered the cottage. The order was quickly executed, for a crowd had gathered round them and many offered their services.
The rain had ceased and the clouds were breaking as the two rescuers stood for a few moments together before parting.
"This is making acquaintance under unusual circumstances," said Stuart, looking keenly into the other's face.
"Yes, but I'm mighty glad we met," returned Thompson. "If either one of us had been absent, both of 'em might have been lost."
"I don't know but you're right. It was you that saved Miss Stedman anyway. Still," Stuart added with a smile, "it was your boat that smashed into the canoe and threw them off the wreck."
"Yes, that's true; but if a skiff could do so much damage dead against the wind, what would your heavy craft have done, bearing down upon the canoe in the very wake of the storm?"
"Ah, there you have me! Suppose we cry quits and declare that honors are even."
And again they shook hands.
"You are from the war-vessel," said Thompson, looking askance at the Transit.
"Yes, we arrived two days ago and sail east again to-morrow."
"Bringing in arms and ammunition to the fort," suggested Harry.
"Not necessarily so," returned Stuart, with equal nonchalance; "while on the lakes we've got to move up and down, you know. It would be against nature for a cruiser to lie still."
"So, true to her name, she roves?"
"Yes," replied Stuart, looking Harry again in the eyes, "and you, too, must be a rover, strayed from your moorings at Fingal's Notch?"
"True enough, I've been roving for two days, but in one direction, straight west from the islands; I only arrived yesterday."
"You'll take a rest then before you return?"
"That's scarcely optional; I've work here that will keep me busy for a little; upon it my movements depend."
"Knowing Miss MacAlpine, you must know her father," said Stuart.
"I should rather think so; that skiff is owned by him. It's as light as a feather, yet as strong as hoop-iron. If it hadn't been it could never have breasted this gale."
"True, indeed; Mr. MacAlpine is coming to-morrow, I believe. If he arrives early enough, perhaps I shall get a chance to see him."
"That's doubtful. He'll be here and away again, almost before you know it. Celerity of movement has always been his habit."
"His daughter has the same accomplishment well developed," said Stuart.
"She always had. Celerity and precision made her one of the best shots in the islands before she was fifteen."
"I knew she could swim and paddle, but I never heard that she could shoot."
"I've seen her take a partridge's head off at fifty yards with a small-bore rifle; and when the sportsmen laughed at her, she repeated the feat half-an-hour later under similar conditions with a black squirrel."
"She certainly has accomplishments."
"Accomplishment isn't in it. She comes of the Stuart race, sir; when she goes home the whole of the islands will be at her feet."
"And well they may," returned Stuart, his eyes flashing.
At this moment a carriage dashed down to the wharf to carry the young ladies back to Bradley Hall. Marie was already dressed and waiting.
"Miss Stedman will still need help," she said in much concern, as she appeared at the door. So the two men lifted her gently into the carriage.
"When shall I see you again?" Harry asked of Marie. "I must have a talk to-night; after all this time we have not had five words together."
"I would like to, but it may be difficult."
"But, Marie, I have many things to say."
"Well, Miss Bradley may object, but you are an old friend and I owe you much. Yes, I will see you at eight o'clock."
"And the man from the Transit," said Stuart, lifting his battered hat, which bore marks of its recent conflict with the elements, "will not impose his presence upon you again to-night; but to-morrow morning, if you will name the hour, he will ask in person how you both have fared."
"It is very kind of you," she replied with a slight flush. "Perhaps ten o'clock would do; and the girls, whose lives you have helped to save, will be delighted to receive their guest,—at least one of them will—but poor Jessie!"
With a chirrup from the driver the horses started, Jessie's head resting on Marie's shoulder. A few minutes later, they reached Bradley Hall, where Dr. Rolph, who had already been summoned, awaited their arrival.
