Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1842-12-03

thing was visible; for The speakers were
close under the house, and not even the
smallest tio. end of the coat skirt OF one
of Them was visible. Poor Mary. she
stood on ,lptoa, and even on the chair, but
sill those uulucky caves thrust themselves
be,wecn her and the object OF her wishes.
She vent back 10 her char, and sat her.
self down. wondering why they built such
nnr,inIy old caves aud cornices, which
were fit only to annoy people, and wonder
inc why no one came TO tell her that Harry
was there and wanted her. He was uncom-
meuly patient that day--provokingly so.
Fiye-ten-6lieen minutes elapsed
There was something like tear in her
eve; for she certainly was veIy i'll used.
she threw her work from her, and deter
mined to 90 down to him, but to make him
nav I'D for his backwardness. Opening
The door, she went to the head Of the stairs,
and assuming as careless an air as ifthere
were no Harry Blake in the world, was
going down them, when the voice of her
father, who was Standing below, arrested
her.
"Don't come down here, Mary" said
he.
There was something in the tone of his
voice, and in his manner and even in this
Injunction, that caused Mary TO stop, as if
she did not understand him.
"Go 10 your own room, my child,we are
very busy here"
Mary half turned to go,for she saw that
he was much agitated; but as she did SO,
the name OF Harry escaped her lips.
ale is not here" said her father.
"IIas anything happened to him.? ask
ed she, in faint voice.
ayes, yes" replied the old man.
"He's in trouble; but he is well. Go to
your room. and Twill be with you in few
moments"
Mary got TO her room,she scarcel yknew
how, and threw herself on her bed, drown
cd IN tears. "Hs's well--thank God for
that" sohbeG she. 81 am sure Pm very
grateful that he's not livery grateful
poor Harry--in trouble, too, and ], like
good-for- nothing mink as was, have been
thinking all the morning of nothing but
teasing him. lie was too good for me-
They all told me $3.50 patient, so kind,
so northumberland -I'll never forgive
myself--I everwill-never!" She buri-
ed her face in her pillow land snbbed there,
until the door opened, and she felt her ia
theirs arm around her.
"Couroge, Mary, courage,my little girl"
said he, in tone which certainly was not
model of what he recommended. "Show
yourself TO be a woman"
"Yes, yes, father, will, l will" said
she, and Ivy way Of verifying her words,
she threw her arms about his neck, and
wept more bitterly than before.
"Come, come, my dear little girl" said
he. in a ,remulous voice; ''sit down, and
hear what havelo tell YOU"
As he spoke, he again placed her IN the
chair, and took her hand.
"lfyou are notable to listen TO me now,
! will defer what have to say to another
time" said he.
lie probably could not nave hit upon
better method of recalling his daughter
who had small spice of curiosity In her
nature and who Just then recollected that
she knew nothing definite OF the evil
which threatened Harry Blake.
II can hear 1t now, father" SAID she
eagerly. Tell me at once, what has nap
pened to him, and where he Is." =.
.sHe has been arrested land ism prison.
said the old man watching her pale tace,'s
she she sa, with her eyes fastened on hls'
unl the tears still on her cheeks.
lis tina, all?" said she in halt Whisper
Tel me all-~hy is he thereY
Ale has been arrested on very setr
GUS charge" SAID The old man slowly
and bv his manner endeavorlng 10 pre-
bare her mind for the communication 10
make.
win it affect his life?" demanded she,
n, once ca,chin at the heaviest punish
ment of the law. "WlIl it affect his lie I
Tell me that" =,
ali it is proved, it will" replied the old
man. e.,
"Whs, is it? what is in" said the g'rl,
rising and grasping his arm. "Father, tel
mo, charge you, and on your word' tell
me truly"
al. stands accused Of murder"
"Murder!!" CALCULATED she faintly,whilst
her hands fell TO her side. enlarged with
murder! WHY, Harry Blake would not
harm worm"
She ex,ricated herself from him, made
something like step, and had not her
father caught her, would have fallen. She
Lad tainted.
The old man Rugged her to his bosom
again anu again, kissed her lips and checks
aud called her by name. =, :.
81 knew il would kill her! said it
would kill her! My own dear, darling Ut,
,,;.I NJ N,ry. sneak 10 your old