The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-09-24
TIE DRUNKARD's DAUGHTER.
BY MRS. CAROLINE LEE HENrz.

lightning that slreumed through the sky, till her
eyes were almost blinded by the glare. She was
naturally timid, and had an unusual dread of a
thunder storm, ye,though the lightning ran down
IN rllls Of fire, and the thunder rolled till The earth
shook with lis reve beratons, she kept her post Of
danger, repeating she gazed abroad, Oh that
were boy, that might venture abroad in search
OF my father He will perish in storm like this.
Oh that were boy" she again pnssonatoly
eHc'aimed-whle the rain began to drive against
the easement, and the wind swept the branche
OF the trees roughly by the panes. She held a
young baby IN her arms (Which she had ust lulled
TO sleep, and har mother lay sleeping I a-hed IN
the Same apartment All slumbered but Kate who
ioi hours had watched at the window for her faith.
or 8 return. AT lcngh her resolution was taken ;
sho laid the babe by her mothers side, drew dow
the curtain to exclude the lightnngs glare, and
throwing a shawl around her, softly opened tho
door, and soon found herserin the street and in
the midst of thunder, the lightning, and the rain.
How strong must have been the impulse, how in
tense the anxiety, which could have induced
tlmtd, young girl to come out at that lone, silent
hour,on such night, without protector or guide
She flew along at first but The rain aad wind beat
in her face, and the lightning bewidered her with
Its lurid corruscations, Then pausing for breath,
she shaded her eyes, and looking Gaariully round,
ga2ed on every object, till her imagination clothed
it with its own wild imagery.
AT length her eye fell on a dark body extcn
ded beneath tree by the wayside. She approach
ed il trembling, and kneeIing down, bent over it,
ill she felt hot breath pass burningIy over her
check, and just then sheet OF flame rolling round
it, she recognized but too plainly her fathers tca
| lures. She took his hand, but it fell Impassive
from her hold. She called upon his name she put
her arms round his neck and tried to raise him
from the EARTH hat his head fell back like lead and
hoarse breathing sound alone indicated his oxis
tence.
''Father, dear father, wake and come home,'
she cried, IN louder tone, VI the thunder's roar
did not rouse him how much less her soft though
earnest voice ngain she called, but she heard on
ly the echoes of night repeating her own mourn
tu juration-" Father dear father! come home"
How long she thus remained, she knew not but
the wind and the rain subsidized, tbs lightning fash
cd with paler radiance, and at intervals the wan
moon might be seen wading through the grey, wa
terry clouds. She felt her strength exhausted, and
clasping her hands together, lifted her eyes stream
ing with tears, almost wishing bolt would fall
and strike them both simultaneously.
''My father is lost, said she, ''and why should
wish him to live Why should wish 10 survive
him ?"
The sound Of horses feet approaching startled
her The horseman checked his speed as he came
opposite tbs tree, where Kate still knclt her
father, and the lightning played over her white
garments, which being wet by the rain ,clung close
ly round her. she might we'll be mistaken foI
appartlon. Her shawl had fallen the ground,
her hair streamed in dripping masses over her face,
and her upiied arms defined the dark
background OF an engry sky The horse reared IL
plunged, and the rider dsm mounting, came as near
to the spot the lmpetuous animal won Id allow"
ooh Harry Blake, is it you ?" exclaimed Kate.
"rhen my father will not be left there to die -
"Die :" repeated Harry; 'what can have hap
penod Why are you both abroad such a night as
this?'
"AIas - SAID Kate, 81 could not leave my faith
to perish l sought HIM through the storm, aud
find him thus"
While she was speaking Harry had fastened the
bride of his horse TO tree, stopped down on the
other side of Mr. Frank lin. Hates first feeling on
his approach transport Of gratitude, now she
was overwhelmed with shame, for she knew as
Harry inhaled the blrning exhalation Of his breath
his disgracefu secret would bs revealed that seret
which her m other and herself had SO long in an
gush concealed.
"Poor Kate" Involuntary burst from his lips,
as he gazed on the PROSTATE and mmovabe form
of the man he had So much loved and respected.
Had he seen him blasted by the lightnngs stroke,
he could not have felt more shocked grieved
He comprehended in moment the full extent OF
his degradation, and it seemed as if an awful
chasm yawning beneath his feet separated
him, and would forever separte him, from his in.
structor and friend
"Kate," said he, and his voice quivered from
EN- otion ; ''ths is no place for you. Y GU are chill
led by the rainyou will be chilled to dealh,f yon
remain in your wet garments. Let me SEQ you
safe home, and will return TO your father, nor
leave him till he is in place of secnrity'
81 s'No, No. cried Kate, 81 think not of myself
Only assist me to raise HIM and lead him home
and care not what happens TO me- knew it
would come to this at last. Oh my poor father '
Harry felt that there was consolation for such
grief, and he attempted not to offer any lie put
a strong arm round the unhappy man, and raised