Isabel Ostrander

“ I could not speak, but sat huddled there, clutching Laddie's limp body, my dishevelled, unbound hair clinging to my neck and shoulders, the stinging, salt spray dashing over my drenched, shuddering frame.
My eyelids seemed glued to my face, but when I could raise them I saw ahead of us beyond the tiny arc of misty light from the little boxed lamp before Gilbert's knees, only the limitless blackness of sea and sky alike, with the long feathery ridges of foam-crested rollers sweeping toward us as if to engulf our frail craft. ”

“ The wind caught my despairing cry and flung it hack derisively into my teeth, and as if in malicious mockery of my invocation, the engine slowed, with a queer rattling pounding sound somewhere inside. Our speed slackened and we were thrown violently apart, as the light shell of a craft pitched and tossed crazily about in the turbulent water.
I tried to steady myself, and clutched the side of the boat with one hand, while with the other I pressed Gilbert's side. He lurched sickeningly, and once his head fell upon my shoulder, but he straightened with a determined effort, and tried to smile. ”

“ As far as I could see the white-capped waves loomed before us and the engine puffed and throbbed slower and slower, and finally stopped with a hissing sound.
Gilbert released the wheel and bent forward weakly, fumbling with some wrenches and tools in a little case. We were drifting helplessly, quivering and twisting like a dead leaf on the water, and I could feel that we were slowly turning. The rain had ceased and only an occasional dash of spray was flung up in our faces. The wind, too, had diminished in velocity, as I thought, but the sea was as rough as ever. ”

“ Gilbert's lips moved, but I had to bend near so that my dank, salty hair brushed against his face, to catch the words.
"Thank God for that! I thought they had killed the poor little beggar. That brute called Alaric told me so, when he brought me some food this morning. Good old Laddie! Hold him tight, Maida."
Then at last the faintness of his tone brought to me a sharp realization that something was wrong.
"What is the matter?" I screamed out to him. "Oh, Gilbert, you are ill! What is it?"
"It's nothing," he smiled wanly, and took a firmer grip upon the tiny steering wheel. ”

“ He had not noticed, in his excitement, the bundle which I carried, and although Laddie was a heavy burden, I was too terrified and breathless to gasp out to Gilbert to take him, so I tucked him under my arm and ran as if indeed for my life.
The shouting came nearer, lights flashed behind us, and as we rushed out upon the dock, a volley of revolver shots rang out. I reeled against Gilbert and he steadied me, and said quickly:
"It's all right. Here we are, dear. Get in!" ”

“ Two hands were laid tenderly on either side of my face, and I felt Gilbert's kisses on my lips. "I dared not call to you, for fear the others outside your door hear my voice, but I knew you must be listening for me, and would not be alarmed. The French girl said she would prepare you for my coming. Only be brave, Maida, dearest, and as still as a mouse, and I'll soon have you out of this! You are all right? They have not ill-used you?"
"No," I whispered. "But I have been almost crazy with anxiety! Lorna told me you had been locked in the lighthouse. ”

“ I only know that some Hand, more steadfast than mine, guided the wheel and held back our puny craft from destruction; some Power, higher than the warring elements, stayed their wrath and shielded us in our helplessness through that terrible night. ”

“ If we also escape, they may never learn that I have betrayed them, but should I go with you, they will remember, and sooner or later they or their friends will seek me out, wherever I may be, and avenge themselves. ”