Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-03-14
CLEARFIELD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH Ia, 1855

is the same voice that heard in the old Queeh.'
Conviction flashed upon Roland's mind. Yes
he was sure he had heard those thrilling tones
before, and he met that sweet pale face. 'ESed-
ley-yon beautiful being is certainly guardi-
an angel by my side. Is it not strange that
fortune should have singled ME out as the he
ro of romance like this-I would give my
good sword TO know what the end will be-
4 gondola is gliding swiftly DER the blue
waves, and the moonlight is giving silver
CLEAN, and the sof. evening air just curling
their surface-strange that evil thoughts should
have a place in such a scene of lovelineSs.
ssAntonio, / tell you that twice, thrice l have
faiedsthat girl is my bane. l verify believe
that there is an evil spirit in that beautiful form
to circumvent my designs. Before her only do
I'qnail. Take her Off my hands, and gold, aye,
gold beyond your thought shall be yours
ssRdgley, have told you love the girl, and
I will be kinder to her than her own father
but she hates me, read it in her eye''-
s.But nevertheless shallwed thee tomorrow,
Antonio, she shall be yours. And then, when
you have borne her afar, you, boy, shall know
the depth of Ridgley's hate.
The gondola glided onward, and those dark
spirits formed their plans for the morrow.
Silence was in the streets of Venice as
Ridgely entered his temporary dwelling. A
young fair girl had laid her weary head upon
her arm by the open window, with only her
own clustering ringlets for a screen from the
night air. The step reused her from her slum-
bers, and springing up she stood erect before
him.
e:Lelia, have blithe news for you. To-mor-
row, ere the goes down, you will be the
bride of Antonio Montol; am l not kind ia
ther to provide so well for you?''
The beautiful being before him raised her
eyes to his face. The rich color that had ting
ed her cheek faded away, and gave place to
marble paleness. There was smile On her
father lip that the maiden too well understood.
In moment her resolution was taken.
ssFathcr, for naught have 1 to thank you,
save for scnGing me to the convent where
early learned lessons of Christian love and du-
ty. For the education there received, l do
thank you for it has fitted me to fulfil higher
duties than falls to one of my station. But,
father you have revied and tormented me-
You have turned the sweet waters of affection
to bitterness. l have borne all in silence, but
father, henceforth our destinies Sundered
for ever. will not give my hand to your
match-I will die Sooner-no force shall COM
pei me. Father, farewell for ever.'' And size
turned to go forth a wandcrer from the home of
him who should have shielded her from hahn.
But the passions of the parent were reused,
and he sprang forward and grasped her fierccly
by the hand. There glitter of something
in the mooushine-but with powerful effort
she burst away.
Mrs. Sedley was anxiously awaiting her hus-
bands return, when her servant ushcred into
the apartmcnta muffied figure. She started up.
ssLady, fear nothing said low sweet tone
that thrilled to her heart. s'Lady, l claim your
projections and whilst she held one hand
pressed to her side, with the other she flung up
the veil, and discovered the features of Flor
cnce Ridgley,-Mrs. Sedley uttered an excla
nation of wonder.
ssIady, am alone in the wide world, and
throw myself on your protection. My strength
is fast failing mel am wounded, and by my
fathers hand.''
She sunk upon couch pale as death, and
Mrs. Sedley saw with horror that her hand and
dress were stained with the dark current that
was oozing from her side. In terror she des-
patched servant for her husband and medi-
cal attendance, and then applied what means
she had within herreach to staunch the wound.
1t was not deep, and after dressing it, the Eng
lish physician, who had attended Cranstoun.
enioined strict quietness and having admins
tered an opiate, left them.
Two days went by, and Roland was impa-
tient to breathe the fresh air of heaven. Sis
ter Theresa came not, and the third, in spite
of Sedley's remonstrances, he determined to
accompany him in bis carriage to the e-Fil-
la, which he had hired during his stay. His
foot was already on the step when the click of
a pistol fell on his ear, and axball whizzed past
him. Involuntarily he started back-it saved
his life, for in another moment William, his
faithful English servant had caught another
from the hand of the assassin, and fired it; the
man fell with groan, disclosing the dark fea-
lures of Ridgley. He was conveyed into the
very room in which he had attempted to poi
son Roland.
A priest was soon sent for, at his own re-
quest, to shrive the dying man, and Cranstoun
bent above him.
He raised himself up.
ssThe sands are running low, my son." said
the holy man, crossing himself. sis there
aught on thy conscience ~
He replied not, but turning to Roland with q
look of undying hate, hearsely cried-ssDo
rau renernher the snnuro olar,s care hv me SEA