The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-07-14

| uced by the guard, or the seutineis on dutv
As Joseph was still gazing with deep inter
est on the lovely Mabel, who ever pressed
he weeping Arthur close TO her side. word
came from the commaDdant that the prison.
ers mustbe taken TO Savannah directly. with
a guard of ten men. Poor Mabel could hard
ly restrain her tears at this bitter news, and
TO add 10 their misfortunes. they were all to
60 on foot and still hand cuffed for il seemed
the comnandant considered them as impor-
taut prisoners. One thing only gave them
little comfort. The brutal officer was not TO
take charge ofihem, but in his place was a
mild and rather amiable looking young man,
who seemed to be humanely disposed towards
them, and offered them some relreshment,
which they declined however.
| As Joseph turned away from The prioners.
his heart grew even sadder and sadder. and
he thought TO himself, i shall certainly die,
il | don't do something for these unfortunate
people. Poor lady so young so beautiful
and in such vile hands must do something.
or shan't live long. / can't bear it, And
he walked slowly and thong htlully away.
Ia half an hour afterwards. Joseph and
Thomas Barry had taken solemn and affec-
tionate leave Of each Other. hardly hoping 10
meet again, perhaps foryears.
The sun was slowly descending the ives
tern sky. and his slanling beams poured
through the trees. and lay in golden bars on
the rich green that bbrdcred a little spring,
whose bright waters ever sweled up fresh
and clear and sparkling. and making the
grass around its rocky basin ore perfect eme-
raid. Under the old trees, and near their
roots, sprang up gorgeous and brilliant
flowers of the most glowing hues. The
stiffness that reigned here was deep and tran
quill. Ii seemed as though The lovely spot
was abandoned by man, and yielded TO the
rule Of fairies. and wood nymphs. The soft
murmur OF the waters, the gentle rustling Of
the oak and hickory leaves. aud the cool
waving ofihe palmetto. the signing of the
dark pines. and the low hum Of the wild
bees. all disposed to languor and delicious
enjoyment. But had you passed few PAGES
from the spring side, and entered ,litIle
deeper in the woods, and looked behind the
enormous trunk of a lofty Lir:odenron, you
would have seend cOUnienaDce full ofsOr-
SOW. OF anxiety, and expectation. Leaning
againt the trunk. and listening earnestly to
every sound that broke the stiffness of the
woods, unarmed and alone stood our friend
Joseph. awaiting the arrival oflhe prisoners
and anticipating, with reason, that the COM
pany would halt at this spring. He had, on
parting from his brother, taken a short cut
through the woods, aud arrived at tie spot
about an hour before.
AT length the sound ofa2proaching steps
was audible TO his keen ear, praciiced to de-
tect the slightest noise. The sounds be-
came more and more audible; the steps
drew nearer and nearer. Cautiously and
siealthily Joseph drew nearer the spring
still keeping in shelter OF the trees. Secu-
ring favorable position he watched the
movements of the soldiers. as they marched
their prisoners into The small opening. ia
cob sat down with his back against a large
tree. close by which eight of the soldiers
stacked their guns. The other two mount
ed guard over The caprves, who were seated
at itIle distance from the spring. Weary
. with the toll Of long march, the delicate
Mabel. accustomed to every luxury, still en-
deavored 10 look cheerful, that her husband
might not be more distressed on her ac-
count. Poor Arthur, the moment he sal
down, laid his head on his mothers lap
and fell asleep, overcome with heat and
fatigue. Marion sat beside her mistress, s al
and respondent. Arundel, with compressed
lip and naughty caImness, regarded the SOL
diers. who, seizing their canteens. dipped
them into the cool waters, and drank freely
Of the pleasant dranght. Joseph, meantime,
was obliged to make a detour in order TO es-
cape the notice of the guard. and while
stealing along, he incautiousy caught his
foot in projecting root, and stumbling, fell
with slight clash; sufficient, however, TO
cause one Of the guards to turn towards The
spot: but fortunately Joseph was concealed
from the view. aud he lay still as possible.
why don't you fire. Davy!' said the OH
er guard, laughing. May be you'll shoot a
DEER
Il cannot afford TO waste my powder-ii's
getting low. besides l might get fired at
myself for breaking orders. Otherwise ]
would like TO take fair shot. for there's
no game laws here. However, that want a
deer. rn certain
I'll bet YOU pound it was though
IN be shot if | make such BET, Self, for
I've hut FIVE pence TO live on for month
|, We'll, whatever it was, deer or fox, ii has
gone by this time. How long they are drink
linz. / should think they were drinking old
lJamaisy, b, the way they burn their noses in
Their canteens. However, I'm in no hurry
+ for my turn to come
Poor fellows! They knew not how near
the time was when they should learn the
MYSTERY Of The thickei.
Jose phi erept along the ground short DIS
lance, then rising cautiously. ne stole ON MI
he stood behind the tree against which leaned
Jacob. by which stood the muskers. lie
drew from his pocket knife. opened it, and
with extreme caution slipped it along till II
r touched Jacobs knee. Well that il was Ja-
cob who took that position by the eel
Without moving muscle Of his face. though
inwardly startled, Jacob con'rived TO glide
his fetrered hands TO the knife, and in an in
slant his feIfers were severed IN twaln-he
was free He sprsng not to his feet. he die
not stir for an instant, hut then moved care
fully within reach Of the muskets. Joseph
! had watched every movement, and at the
same instant. when Jacob rose. and snaiched
gun, he also laid his hand Oh one. Both
aimed, fred. and the two guards fell, one
, dead, and the other MORALLY wounded. In
an instant more two other muskets were
:eveIIed at the soldiers, who were rushing
forward to seize their arms. uitering loud
Icry Of surprise. With dexierous motion Of
Il, - he hi ,y.flin ach