Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-12-27

as she cast her eyes up in his face from under
her veil.
..God bless you, my child Z, said he, in 9
stifed voice.
81 rejoice I'm happy,--only one request"
eESpeak-quickly.'
That my child be brought on tomorrow,
| that may see its sweet, dear face once more;
sec it from the flames - said she.
.sThou shalt see it. God bless thee. nay
| daughter-fa meet again.
| This conversation, no one had either heard
or noticed, and, in a moment, yalens was lost
in the crowd.
| On the opposite side of the square, there
was a low, black building, built Of rough, un-
hewen stone, and destitute of all architectural
taste or ornament. It had no windows in
front and but single door or entrance, of a
low circular shape, and which opened into a
dark, narrow, vanlted passage.
AS the soldiers approached, the circular
door was suddenly thrown open from within,
and fierce. savage looking monster, with a
pale blue light in his hand, stood in the vault
ed passage. Selling Fiducia roughly by the
hand, he dragged her hastily along it, the SOL
diers following closely after.
The passage abruptly terminated in fight
of black, damp stone steps, leading into an
underground apartment, consisting Of rows
of cells or dungeons, dismal and filthy beyond
conception.
Into one Of these Fiducia was thrown, and
secured around the body by fastning in the
wall, there to await,-Oh! Who can tell with
what emotions,-the fsted hour.
Who, However, viii say that radiant glory
did not fill the doomed ones cell,--tliat the
weary head OF the poor captive did not that
night rest on the soft, warm bosom Of some
angel visitant; or that, had some midnight ear
bent at the barred. massive door, the sweet
praises of God had not been hesra sung in
glad, joyful strains.
V,slenz hal remained lingering ontside till
the soldiers retuTag, snst !ss saw the cipassser
door SccursI Igaastened, and the crowd dispers-
ed. Then, with quick step and sad sor-
rowfGl heart, he turned III the direction Of his
home.
Itis hardly necessary to say, that his fami-
Iy had beer. waiting his return with the Ut
most anxiety Since lie left, Valencia, had
been in her private apartment, while V-aldinus
and vertitia were in the hall, in the greatest
possible distress.
OF course, he had periled his life, and ten
chances to one would fall into the hands Of his
enemies. Hence his return was awaited with
an intense, brcathless interest, especially by
his poor, dear wife, who, as have said, was
ali the while in her ehamber,-now on her
100. -; ,-ar o,,,l now 4l,a flopr ~,
state OF mind almost bordering on distraction.
But if he succeeded in the object of his peril
Gus adventure, and could only bring back with
him any tidings of the sslost onc,'' good or
evil, it would be some consolation. So othought
the distracted mother-so thought the sorrow
ing brother and sister.
ssThere! there!" exclaimed Vertitia. spring
ing from her seat sstheIe's father" as the
sound OF footsteps was heard at the door.
Instantly it opened, and Valens entered,
with a strange palor spread over his manly
features, and an evident struggle to conceal
his emotions.
Valencia, hearing the door open, had rush
ed from her chamber, and, almost frantic,
threw her arms around his neck, while Valdi-
nus and Yertitia, standing before him, gazed
into his face with inquiring, sorrowful looks.
s'Fiducia! Fiducia!" exclaimed Valencia,
wildly, and scarce knowing what she said.
''Heayen is merciful, /" said Yalens, bursting
into tears.
''Quicllly o, tell me, quickly p again ex-
claimed the impatient, almost demented moth
er.
esGod be praised! saw her-talket with her''
but his choaking grief would allow him to
say no more.
She yet lives then 20 said Valencia, more
calmly.
Tomorrow at ten O'Clock she will cease
from all her earthly sorrows, and rest in Jesus
arms,'' said Vaens, with a Frightened counte-
nance.
ooh, my daughter my dearst Fiducia -
sobbed Valencia, her head reclining on the
shoulder of her husband.
s.Tn the Forum did mine eyes see her,-saw
her receive her sentence without murmur or
a tear. God be praised for such child, = said
he with look of resignation.
s.Where, tonight 81 said Vertitia, whose
eyes all the while had been fixed on her father,
with strange wildness.
ssIn the old Tower. Oh, God have mercyl'
said Yalens, again bursting into tears
ssThen L shall see my poor, dear sister no
more 20 said she, turning away in an agony of
grief.
ssShe desires one more sight of her child,
and heaven will grant dying mother prayer y
said Valens, as he walked towards the door of
| the hall.