For Her Sake; or, Two Sailors and a Girl (1909)
Joel and Tom are shipmates, and no one is more pleased than Tom at the news that his chum has inherited a fortune from his uncle. Joel follows his letter to confirm the news in person, and in his delight Tom takes him to visit Mary Turner, whom some day he hopes to marry, though Mary gives him but slight encouragement. With Joel and Mary it is a case of love at first sight, and they almost forget Tom in the dawn of love. Tom feels slighted, but he does not realize that it is Joel who has won Mary's love. Joel becomes a frequent visitor at the Turners' and one day he and Mary go for a walk. Tom is left in the cold, and in a jealous passion he follows them and his worst suspicions are confirmed, for he overlooks their betrothal, and in a sudden accession of madness he attacks his chum. Joel and Mary are married and the only cloud upon their happiness is the refusal of Tom to be friends. As they come from the church he refuses to offer his congratulations to the happy pair and it is evident that his anger is bitter and unyielding. For eight years Joel and Mary are supremely happy. Joel has given up the sea and they have a charming home. Two children have come to bless their union and they have all that the heart could desire. Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky comes the announcement that the bank in which Joel's money is deposited has failed and that there is not the slightest hope that the depositors will receive even a portion of their funds. Joel looks for work, but the financial depression, which resulted in the ruin of the bank, has had its effect on the market for labor as well, and at last he is glad to accept a position as common sailor aboard a whaler bound on a long voyage. There is a sad farewell and Joel goes to join his ship, aboard which Tom is mate. Joel seeks to be friends, but Tom is unforgiving and roughly orders Joel to stow away his things and report for duty. The whaler encounters a storm and springs a leak. The pumps cannot keep the hold clear and the gallant little vessel founders. Tom makes his way to shore and presently encounters Joel, who has been washed ashore, but is unable to aid himself, since his leg is badly bruised. He begs Tom to assist him, but the hatred still burns and Tom passes on. With bits of wreckage Tom builds himself a rude shelter, some provisions have come ashore and Tom is very comfortable, but in the smoke of the fire his conscience paints visions of Mary and the babies, and at last he rushes to the shore. Joel is unconscious, but a swallow of the precious stimulant brings him back to a realization of his condition and with Tom's assistance he limps to the shelter. Two weeks pass. The leg is better and the old friendship has been renewed. A sail is perceived, and in answer to their frantic signaling a boat puts out and takes them aboard. Some weeks later Mary is astounded to hear the welcome voice of her beloved and turns to be clasped in her husband's eager arms, but Tom has come with him, in response to Joel's pleadings, and the sight of Mary's joy is full repayment for his renunciation, and her grateful kiss is more highly prized than would be a decoration for bravery. For her sake he has brought back her husband to her arms and the old bitterness gone forever, things once more assume their proper proportion.
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