Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-04-28
HAPTER II.
ely, villain, or await thy doom"

The evening upon which the lovers met
upon the floating island Charles Kent was
seated in the elegant parlor. He was alone.
He held in his hand raPicr, and us he bent
the steel he mu,teredl
'McFal shall never again cross my path.
will have rcrcngc. The false Agnes has
given her heart to him. He shall die yes.
he exclaimed, as he hourished the weapon,
this shall drink his blood. Agnes shall
yet beg OF me to call her wife | will then
leave her. Ha ha p he laughed, but with
apparent effort. Mary Ferguson must die
also, then no obstacle can hinder my plans
remember McFail will meet her this
night upon the floating Island, then shall
she drink the waters Of Loeb Lomond. !
will await his return, and if he escape me
then curse my SOUL
He rose, and with hurried steps sought
the cottage of Mary Ferguson. He invited
her to sail on the lake.
Mary was all happiness, and her young
heart bounded with delight as she listened
to his words Of love. Poor Mary Ferguson!
As the sunny smile played over her iea-
lures, and love beamed in her eye, she said
to herself: He loves me then; fool that
| have been to suspect him. Happiness
awaits me-
With light heart she arranged her dress
then taking his proifered arm, she walked
to the margin of the lake. She heard the
sound Of the bag-pipe from the opposite
shore, and thrill of pleasure shot through
her bosom, as she thought that the lovely
shepherdess, with all her charms, could not
captvate her beloved Charles. They en-
barked. The sun sunk low behind the lof-
ty hills, and as its last ray disappeared, n
fierce dark expression settled upon Kent's
countenance. As Mary looked into his face,
the blood forsook her check, and she felt
that a mysterious and dreadful cause was
at work in his heart.
Darkness settled upon the waters, and
the storm burst in all its fury upon their
heads.
A long continued flash Of lightning lit up
the surface of the lake, and was quickly fol-
lowed by loud and heavy peal Of thunder.
Mary sprang from her seat, and sprang
into his arms as if imploring protection from
the angry elements. Kent seized her by
the throat, raised her above the side Of the
boat, and plunged her into the dark waters.
He heard the shrill cry and piercing shrek,
ere the waters closed over her. He repent.
ed not, but as if flying from himself, he
padded to the opposite bank.
He reached the shore, sprang from his
boat, and proceeded toward the house, creep.
ing stealthily along till he appeared at the
open window, as before related.
AS Mary disappeared over the side of the
boat, she shrieked for aid but in vain
With unnatural strength she swan to the
shore. Better would it have been for her
had the waters closed over her forever.
She seated herself upon an overhanging
clif, and looked upon the lake as the NJ ht,
ming Illuminated its bosom. Strange emo.
tons passed through her brain. She was
a maniac.
She approached the cottage then fled, and
concealed herself among the hills.
J She was often seen near Loeb Lomond,
but in vain did the kind villagers attempt
$ to restore her to her home and friends.
Q Kent left his home and travelled in Eng.
! land.
. The winter passed, and gentle spring