Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-10-26

before him in the few seconds Of concious-i
ness which attended his first knowledge
OF their danger. Then came along lapse
ofinsensibility. from which the rain falling
on his unturned face aroused him. He
found himself stunned and bruised, but
not seriously hurt, and half raising him
self he called aloud TO his companion
No answer was returned. The darkness
was almost impenetrable. and it was only
by CROPPING cautiously about that he dis
covered Lena was lying near him but
whether dead or living. he could not de-
termine. 1t was impossible to discover
the extent of the ledge on which they had
fallen, and he dared not move, lest he
should be preceipitated still further among
the rocks. He was helpless and alone,
with delicate girl, requiring immediate
attention and care. He felt deeply the
peculiar position in which he was placed,
and, bending over the senseless form be-
side him, he exclaimed, bitterly
"What dark fate impels me forward.
and thus seems to link my destiny with
this young girls ? The principal events
in our acquaintance have been marked
with danger, and threatened death and
sometimes when look into her dark eyes.
l am impressed with the idea that il will
be thus to the end-the end. what viii 1T
be go
Thus soliloquizing, Robert heard voices
and the tramp of households on the road
above him, and collecting all his strength,
he sent it forth in one long cry OF desola-
tion. There came no answer, and the
voices and footsteps passed out OF hear
ing.
With an effort, he drew Lena to his
breast, and strove to impart to her chilled
frame some portions of the warmth which
still fingered in his own.
Moments, which seemed like hours 10
to him, thus slowly passed away, when
some noise on the road above caused Ro-
bert again to shout for help. Silence was
his only answer, and clasped Lena close,
to his aching heart, and he again mur-
mured-
In what must this all end ?''
The glare of lantern fell at that in
slant full upon him. and Harvey Hale an
swered, in his gruffest tones
disappointment and death"
Robert shuddered but raised his eyes to
their deliverer's face with glance full oI
earnest gratitude
els the girl dead. then ?'' asked Har-
vey, as he approached and looked upon
Lena's face.
i" Pray Heaven she be not." returned
Robert, glancing tenderly down on the
upturned face.
Harvey fixed penetrating glance up
on the speakers countenance, as If he
would read his immost thoughts, then ask
ed him if he was able to return home.
" can, if you will assist me 10 carry
this poor girl,'' was the answer, and Ro-
bert reached her toward him.
"Stand back !'' almost yelled Harvey
as he sprang madly few PAGES away
" Stand back, 1 say Let her but once
rest in these arms, and if she be not dead,
she would receive a different embrace
from that which you bestow upon her
Such an one," he added, snceringly, in a
low, earnest voice, i" as the bear gives his
victim, or the boa constructor its grasping
prey. But here" he continued, produ-
cling bottle of cordial, as the remem-
brance of his promise to Alice crossed his
mind, give her of this, and she will re-
vive.
Robert eagerly took the bottle from his
hand, and poured portion of its contents
in her mouth.
AT length, deep-drawn sigh gave sign
of returning consciousness the dark eyes
unclosed, and Lena raised her head from
the breast which had so fondly pillowed
it.
After few minutes delay, she was able
to stand upon her feet, and, supported by
Roberts arm, the trio proceeded to the
with Ralph in attendance, was awaiting
some news from the lost equestrians.
Harvey found Mrs. Freeland in state
of great alarm respecting her daughter,
but by assuring her she was safe, and car
ed for in his own cabin, her fears were
again quieted, and Lucy was directed 10
return with the old man, to attend her
young mistress and take to her some ar
ticles of her wardrobe.
Lena was provided with dry clothing.
and Ralph, the groom, assisted her into
the carriage. where Robert was invited to
follow her. and both were borne to their
respective homes.
Lucy returned with Harvey to the
mountain top, where they found Al
ice still sleeping heavily from the effect Of
the potion which had been administered
to her But as the drawn began to steak
the east. she, after few moments Of rest
lessness. opened her eyes, and looked
wildly about her.
Old Lucy was at her side in an instant.
Bress your heart, Miss Alice" cried
the old woman, " do tell as if you's bet
ter? A wOrryn' night we've all had Of
it, sure you"
" How came here 81 asked the young
girl, pressed her hands upon her temples.
and not needing the inquiry Of her old
nurse.
81 cannot remember clearly, but some.