Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-02-23


nerved to few energy, followed by the kind
hearted squire, hurried along the narrow
rock-margned path.
This IS terrible-terrible, muttered the
father in hollow tones, oh Grace, child of
my love, blessed darling, where are you?-I
SQUIRE he exclaimed, in startling tone,
: it is now w-oh, the thought, nearly three
days ago she has perished-starved may
be-starved,' and frantic light CLEANED
from his wild eyes.
Don't give up so,' said the Squire, as
Herman, trembling violently, leaned against
the ledge for support, but even as he spoke,
the latter uttered sharp, quick shout, and
bounding afew PAGES forward, caught the
fragments Of a veil-a green veil, such as
Grace always wore.
[ told you, SIR he shouted, almost over
come with joy, holding the shred before his
eyes,then pressing it tightly within his hands,
i knew God would not forsake despairing
father-he could not in my agony Courage
you have fathers heart think how mine
must bleed for that unfortunate child on,
ward, onward !! or 90 back if you will, must
continue to search.
Both kept in the vicinity of the rocks, al
most certain that every dark hollow conceal
ed the form Of the lost one. The fathers
heart beat alternately with hope and appre-
hension Should he find her living-or man
gled and dead The mere supposition of the
latter was madness. yet an humble trust in
the guiding care of the Creator nerved him to
90 forward.
Hark! what voice broke the stiffness of that
almost desert place, sending the blood like
lightnif1g through his heart Found found
found ? and the bleak rocks seemed to take
voice, and re-echo till they rang again
Found found found !
Springing in the direction of the shouts,
dashing wildly forward and onward, he met
the old squire painting with exertion, the
perSpiration streaming over his rubicund face
Well, Judge he articulated, eagerly,
reckon good sized fortune wouldn't make
me gladder than | am just now. Why, bless
the good Lord the girl is safe and sound
and sleeping quiet as an infant in its moth
er's arms
Herman was almost overcome at this an
nouncement he grasped the squire's arm
and was rather led along than otherwise. -
His soul just then was temple of thanks
giving.
| found little. out Of the-way opening
which, when | held my lantern in, seemed
something of a place beyond. Then, as
stood there, you see, kind Of fanced heart
a breathing. Iteli YOU, it gave me strang
feeling, chill and awful like. Actually I feI
the hair rise on my temples; but thinks
it's something mortal at any rate, and trust
ing in the good Lord, III go in. So in
went and there was your daughter, sleep
ing as prettily as if on a bed of down. Her
we are yes, the lantern burns yet. Max
no noise people in that state are easil
dstl rbed.'
In truth the fair girl looked charmingly
She lay upon the ground, her white arm
} flung above her head, the united palms jus
! touching her fair temples, troubled smil
! upon the features her bosom softly heaving
as if she were enjoying healthful repose.
The little cave which she had found j
: her rambles had apparently been visited NOR
; than once, for her wearing apparel was sea
i tered around, her work-box and basket stoo
n upon projection of rock, little looking
glass hung against the natural wall and VI
on narrow ledge lay combs and brushe
, with various little appurtenances belongin
t to the toilet. A clasp-knlfe and the sma
e remains Of loaf Of bread, which she ha
e probably taken from home, lay near he
u aud early wild flowers, formed into wreath
if were looped up here and there, as her fal
t tasy had directed her taste.
1t was evident that her slumber was r
e freshing. The distance she must have tra
a eled to and from the little French settlemel
e had fatigued her.
With how thankful heart the overjoye
Is father knelt beside the restored one, whi
1t the squire, with moistened eyes, stood nea
d Grace, whispered the Judge, in 10
', soft tone.
d There was no manifestation of conseiou
ness
Grace he said, louder and repeated
le The sweet slumberer stirred not jot.
e. How shall I Get her home 2 he excIair
'e ed If we could only convey her there
t; she sleeps
m 1t would be next to an impossibilit
i over these rocks. You might try, howeve
ye We have strong arms-at least | have )
III you look wearied out. Let me take her.
st She is light poor thing, and he lifted t
to insensible form. Do you 60 forward a
pilot me. We have still moon enough
he find the way
es Grace was thus conveyed home her hea
Isl slumber unbroken-an laid within her o.
is little room.
ais Everybody, far and near, rejoiced VIII
lis the news spread for who did not l.
ad Grace
as When she awoke in the morning. her fA
m er sat beside her, gazing with mournful e
ed nestness In her face. For an instant
glanced around, bqwildered, then spring.
to- up, she said, 1 am not at home carry
ial to my home.
a!k Grace said her father, restraining !
e,e you would not leave me, love do you
las see this is your own little chamber? To-
from the window, see the bill you love
iv well here are your pictures, your book;
NC this is your home, my child
lily No, no; tell you no it is not
home-oh, let me 60 quick; Horace will