Presbyterian College - Pac Sac Yearbook (Clinton, SC)

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THE COLLEGIAN. I7 There was a sharp turn where Jack was not expecting it, and he ran into the wall. This knocked him back somewhat, but he soon picked himself up, drew the girl, whom he was now almost carrying, closer to him and,hastened on. Not ten feet ahead was another flight of stairs, which they quickly mounted. At the head of this was a door just like the one to the room in which Jack had found the precious burden that he was now carrying away with him. He stopped in despera- tion. Suppose he could not open the door! They could still hear the watchmen coming and knew when they were found that it would be instant death. After a moment's trial the door yielded to some hidden spring which Jack never knew when he touchedg but they both sprang through, and quick as a Hash the door was back in its place. They found themselves in a large room. The room seemed to be used as a sitting room for a little dwelling which was situated on the sea coast near the landing place of the vessels. The secret door was seen to be a panel in the wall, just as in the room of the castle, and it was invisible now. This long' underground passage had been unknown to any people of the island for a long time until it was suddenly found by Jack. The distance traversed underground by jack and his com- panion was from the centre of the castle to the very coast, nearly a mile. But they could not stand there, and already they heard the- approaching pursuers, who might be able to work the door, and when freedom seemed so near, it might be taken from them. They saw no one in sight except. an old man in front walking on the beach. They went to him and he, thinking they were some of the leader's friends, for he never saw pris- oners out like that, was quick to do their bidding. Jack caught the old sailor's attitude and made good use of it. He said they wanted to leave the island for a few days and asked if he could take them. The old sailor hesitated, but at last think- ing they were friends, told them that he could take them to the coast of the Acklin island in three days. They at once said that that was where they wished to go, and the old man, being

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16 THE COLLEGIAN. and then pursuit. That would never dog he had no means of defense whatever. Once as they were picking their way in the dimness, the girl stumbled and when she looked to see what the obstacle was, found it to be another skull. A cold shudder passed over her and she clutched Jacks arm that held the candle, but would have fallen had he not steadied her with his other. She soon regained her courage, however, and to- gether they proceeded for some thirty feet and then came to a steep stairway leading down into seeming utter darkness and space. After a 111011161165 hesitation they went down, only to find another lonff passage before them similar to tie Hrst. rf 1 Z5 It was very damp and slippery and they heard water dripping 6 from the ceiling to the floor. The girl shuddered and came closer to Jack. He tried to encourage her with kind words and helped her over the little pools of water which they found now collected on the floor. lt was very damp and cold now, and Black carefully wrapped his coat around the slight form of the girl, who was trembling perceptibly. She gave him a grateful look which repaid him for what he had done and more too. As they were crossing a much larger puddle of water he dropped the candle. lt sputtered a moment and then went out. The darkness was oppressive. Fortunately the pirates had not robbed the prisoners of their personal posses- sions or clothing: so he had a match in his pocket, and after some delay he succeeded in persuading the candle to light again. Then they proceeded. After some half-hou1 s walk they came to a steep flight of steps which looked very dangerous, but they tried the ascent. The hope of freedom was always urging them on. Jack had almost to drag the tired girl up the steps. VVhen they reached the top and paused for breath a moment they were still in a dark passage with seemingly no endg but it was not so damp or cold as below. Then jack heard something that chilled him to the very heart. Away down the passage, at the foot of the stairs, he could hear voices loudly talking and swearing, and feet splashing through the water. They were being pur- sued. He grabbed the girl and started down the long passage.

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I8 THE COLLEGIAN. captain of a small ship which lay at anchor in the harbor, did not hesitate to order it out at once to Asklin. The couple Went aboard the little vessel trembling with joy and hope. Could it be true that they were at last free from the dreaded pirates? But they would not hope too much until they were Well out at sea. The girl nestled back in a great steamer chair while Jack was tucking the robe a little closer around her. The night, though beautiful, was a little cool. They had learned each other now and after their perilous escape together they felt that they understood each other better than they could if they had just been friends for a long time. The stars were beautiful. There was nothing to mar the beauty of the scene. The moon was just rising and sent its rays softly over the calm sea. Jack stood with his arm over the back of the girl's chair while they both gazed upon the inspiirng scene before them. The prayer of each was that their lifeis sailing mi ht be over a sea as calm and as beautiful s Q and as hopeful as the one on which they were now sailing. ' K. A. .-..-...Jlll-. A Pipe Dream The world is wrapt in rays of sinking sung 'Round metheir benediction dwells, Gentler than faint farewells of Wearied nun, Vtfhen soothed to sleep by evening bells. l I stand again close by my sweethearfs side, In a far away Southern land. The roses bloom like blushes of a bride, And cast their petals o'er the sand. I see the evening iight upon her dress- The girlish bloom upon her cheek. I'm lost to the world in this dream's caress- In happiness no Words can speak. I feel again her trustful hand in mine 5 Across my face, the Zephyr wafts