e
they should be reached. There was still terrible danger; but there was,
at least, one chance of escape.

So the minutes went by. The rocks grew plainer to the watchers until it
seemed to them probable that they were passing over the outermost ones.
But, if the boat could round the point before her without striking, it
would find a smoother shore beyond.

With the brightening of the prospect Elizabeth had drawn away from
Archdale, and they had joined the others who had revived a little in the
new hope. All were breathless with suspense, for the next few moments
were more full of instant peril than those that had gone before. At any
moment they might strike, and then--half a mile or more of foaming water
between them and the shore, while the two frail boats that they had to
make the passage in would not hold them all.

The storm on shore was remembered for years as something nearer a
tropical hurricane than had been known ever to have visited New England.

The boat swept on. Once there came a sound that made the listeners
shiver, but the keel grated and passed over, the point was rounded, and
they entered calmer water, wild enough, however, and found the wind
still falling and the place more sheltered.

But it was not for some time, and not without great danger in the
passage, that all the party stepped again upon land.

They were miles away from their homes, and must find present shelter,
and such conveyance as they could.

On the way to a farm-house that had opened its doors to them, Archdale,
who had been helping in getting the company on shore, joined Elizabeth.
He took the shawl that she was carrying and threw it over his arm,
making use of the opportunity to say a few words to her in an undertone.

He never forgot the expression with which she looked up at him.
Embarrassment and amusement threw a veil over her gratitude for their
safety, and over that new force in her that danger had revealed.

"You would not have had everything all your own way so readily," she
said, "if--if--I mean, I--I should not have"--She stopped.

A terrible fear seized upon Archdale.

"You regret what you said? You did not mean it, Elizabeth?" His lips
were dry. He spoke with difficulty. It had seemed to him too wonderful
for belief.

She gave him one swift glance that set his heart aglow. She slipped her
hand into his proffered arm, and went on demurely in the drenched
procession.

END.

FOOTNOTES:

[E] Copyright, 1884