Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-03-25
cHArTER xr

j CRATER NI,
As we have pursued the existence Of the
White Fawn until she has attained the years of
maturity, and we find her in the enhancing bliss
of loving and being loved, let us leave hsr a
while and follow the path Of the unfortunate
Werner and his friend Joe Hardy, whom we
isst saw en- route for Santa Fe.
Many years have elapsed, and we again dis
cover them, still pursuing their unwearicd
course, with but one aim in view, and that re-
venge! Having travelled 'hr ough New Mexico,
and from thence TO the far Off South, and strobe
in the ancient halls OF the Montezumas, and
witnessed the wonders and relics of Mexico.
they are now vending their way back. and we
see them taking up their abode in little village
among the mountains, where q few American
traders are almost constantly found.
"ttere, Joe" said Werner, "let us stop for a
while, at least. feel as though my wanderings
for the future were limited, and secret feeling
OF quietude has taken possession of me- can
not tell why, but feel like some important
event was about to occur to me. What, | cam
not imagine. ! can but hope for the best, for il
has been many long and dreary wear since.
felt as calm and resigned aS since our arrival
here"
"Well, my friend' said Joe, "you know ey
cry place is alike 10 me, and we might as
well sojourn here as anywhere bu! | eI-
pect you are gittin' sorter religious, and these
convent walls and churches arc inspirin' YOU. :"
"No! l fear not; however, feel like taking
solitary ramble, and while you are engaged in
taking care OF our mules, and getting us perma-
nent lodgings will stroll alone in solitary COM
munings, for can only think of the past NV
heart is not with me, now, and fain would be
alone"
Very we'll but return by sunset, or shall
feel uneasy" ...
They parted, and Werner, with heart too
full for communication even with his friend
Wandered forth, absorbed in his own meditations
which were somewhat subdued by the camness
and beauty of the declining day. Involuntarily,
lie walked to the outskirts of the town, and
found himself under the walls of an old convent
Not Jar from him stood the little chapel whose
loud toned organ first aroused him from his rev.
erie. The devotees had assembled thore 10 per-
form their evening service, and the vesper
hymns of praise were already ascending
The spot was wild and romantic, and he was
filled with awe to hear the worship of God as
eending from such wilderness. He was stand
ing, gazing in wonder and admiration at the
scene around him, when, in sweet and meod-
ous voice, the following song TO the Virgin, in
pure English, struck his ear:
| lIarkl the Vesper bell is peang!
How sweet its music 10 my ear,
Through woods and m.adows softly stealing,
To bid each pilgrim bow in prayer;
Ave Marie! list oh listen,
Holy Mother, hear crave,
And while thy tears of pity glisten,
Thy erring children save, oh save.
! Now, while we bow the bended knee, ...
! We ask thy AID, oh! Holy One;
And wait our sshs and tears 10 thee
To bear them upward to thy Son
Then, Holy Mother, list, oh listen;
Be thou our guide, DER lifs's rough wave,
And while thy tears OF pity gIistsn,
Thy erring children save, oh save.
Oh! Holy Mother, list, pray thee;
One boon there is | vish TO crave;
Ny lsyed and lost, oh! whittier stray they?
Their wandering footsteps guide and save.
ThSu vast q mother, Holy One;
A mothers love didst fill thy breast;
Then, when our hOpess journeys run,
Unite US in home of rest.
Now, the twilight o'Sr us closes,
Sweet evening bells haze ceased to chime;
The pilgrims prayers, like psrfumed roses,
Are offered, now, before the shrine:
Then Holy Mother, lis,, Ieravs;
Be thou our guardian and our FRIEND
And guide uS sSfe o'er deaths cold save,
To where all earthly end.
Long before the song had closed, poor Wer-
neT was almost brcathless with wonder and de-
light; for he felt assured that he could not bC
mistaken in the loved tones Of his own wife
whose voice he recognized in the sweet anc
pnintve notes TO which he had listened
ooh! my God! can il be that am once more
to meet the idol Of my heart!"
J In a moment more and he was with her
But, alas! how changed were each, for nearly
fifteen years had they wandered ''many weary
! ,,aay," and now, by the intcrposition Of kind
providence, they were again united almost mi
! raculousiy. Joy, surprise and gratitude were
Zee much for the happy Emma, and she swooneC
into the arms Of her husband. Hc carried hel
to the convent gate and, after proper explana.
tion he was admitted with his precious burthei
and received the congratulations Of the kind sis.
terhcod, who had so long and so earnestly sym.
pathized with their unhappy charge. She was
soon restored. TO consciousness, TO fud herself
with her long lost husband, and while neither
, could scarce raliIe the happy event, they lis
tened in brealhless wonder 20 the story Of eael
! others wanderingss When Werner learned TN
4 misery and wretchedness which his poor wifi
! had endured, he almost sunk beneath it, and th
idea that his own child was still captive, any
Iadopted among those horrid creatures, whom
n with him Il had become second nature 10 ab
: Ihor, made him almost frantic.
v "How," said he, ''can hasten TO where sh
!, lisp. By what means rescue her and bring he
!. lor.oe more to your arms, my beloved EnnaG"