The Island Bride — page 96: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

= 100 CAST AWAY. | ‘ Minnie sprung forward, and grasped his hands “ You saved ny husband’s life!” she cried ; “ Heaven hiess you for your nobie behavior to us both when—" “ Not another word, madam,if you please!” he interrupted, . smiling. “I simply did my duty and no more.” “But why did you go off with those ruffians when they took to the raft?” inquired Harmon. “ Why did you not sta apon the island ?” : “My principal reason was that we three were lcagued tc gether by a foolish oath, made aboard the transport ship, From the moment my sentence was pronounced, however, I had made a firm resolve to Jead an honest life after my tie was up. That resolution, d’ye see, I have stuck to. When my time was up, I went home, and shipped as mate in a whaler—the vessel you see lying yonder. The skipper was killed, soon after we sailed, by falling from aloft, and I was obliged to take his place; so I am now captain of the craft. Finding myself near your latitude, I determined to pay you a few hours’ visit before going to the right whale-grounds,” “A few hours? You must stay with us several days, my friend !” cried Weldon. | “My duty to the owner won't allow it,” he answered. “TI must take advantage of the fair wind.” And go, after he had admired and petted little Harry to his satisfaction, and con\“qd a couple of hours with the parents, Choke took his departure. | His boat was soon alongside of the ship; the vessel’s main yard was braced forward, and she rapidly bowled along upon her course, A few more words in conclusion. Harmon Weldon and his wife, as I learned a few weeka ago, from an old whaleman who saw them during his last voyage, are still living upon the island. Four children—the eldest is now thirteen years of age--« have been added to the population of the “ Ocean Paradise.” | CoOmicloooks. conn 7 eas AS