Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-05-02

| fparched, and her temples throbbing, it re
quircd no very experienced eye to see tha
, her condition was critical, and required atten
ton.
eyes, my dear, good NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
shall lie ?'' said Vertitia, with fiuttering
voice, her lips turning blue, and her face as
suming deadly palor.
ssIhere :" said the old woman, pointing a
one of the ricketty couches.
Yertitia attempted to rise to her feet, stag.
gered, and would have fallen, but for the
friendly arms of the woman and daughter
simultaneously thrown around her slender
form.
They laid her quickly and gently on the
| couch.
| She had tainted away.
In few moments, however, she revived
and, casting her sunken, misty blue eyes
around her, she at length fixed them wildly on
the woman and her daughter; then, closing
| them, clasped her hands across her breast,
with deep, heavy sigh. c.e
EsPoor thing ~ said the kind woman.
A tear stole down Letta' IS cheek.
Presently Vertitia opened her eyes languid-
ly. and, raising her trembling hand, waved the
woman and daughter from her side. She then
lay easy, and after little, fell into doze.-
She sighed, however. heavily-would start up
frequently, as if terrified at something-mut-
tered-talked incoherently. But, finally, her
sleep became more sound, and she rested qui-
etly, except, now and then, fetching a heavy
sigh or moan. aa
'SPoor thing" said the old woman to her
daughter, who had shyed off into the corner,
'sshe's got some great trouble on herr
s'Who in the world is she, mother ?'' inquir-
ed Letta quickly, tip-toeing up close to her
mothers side, with her eyes staring.
81 don't know, any more than yourself.''
',When did she come a''
'sLittle spell ago; bout break of day. I'd
got up, and was settin' here at the fire, not
thinkin' of any thing; when, first thing
knew, in. steps Dannus, and told me he'd got
pretty girl at the door, and that he wanted me
and you to take good care of her. y
''Lawful hearts was brother here ?'' ex-
claimed Betta; in utter amazement.
s' Deed was he, and brought that poor thing
with him; drove all night, too guess, through
rain and thunder, and every thing
'sAnd, did MT he tell you hate Of who she
was, and what he brought her here to us for?''
'sNo,-jpst brought her in, wheeled about,
and was off,
ssJist like brother; he's so queer,-always
at something but, I'll know, next time see
him.
EsHe gave me shis, as he left-we must do as
it says, said the mother, handing, at the same
time, Letta the scrap of parchment.
Letta reads slowly.
''iust MT ask her any questions i-that'H be
thatll be easy
'.Marcus who's that 7'' inquired Letta, in
a low voice, as she deciphered the signature
s'Somebody, L reckon, Dannus knows.''
F'I'll find out but it says, ask her no ques-
tions. But, can ask brother, you see he
knows, and he'll tell me- and Letta folded up |
the parchment, and handed it to her mother.
Just then, Yertitia threw up her arms, with |
a moan. Letta was instantly at her side; but
she was still in sound sleep.
EsShe looks better-lps not so blue-not |
quite so pale,'' said Letta, as she returned to
her mother.
1"Sleep'll be good for her, poor thing"
81 do wonder who she is,-it's SO queer;"
observed Letta, as she attempted to adjust her
disordered hair.
-ssWell, well; she'll want something to eat |
when she wakes; better have something ready, |
warm, you know" said the moth |
er.
s'Yes;'' and Letta was quickly righting up
the fire; while the mother walked quietly to |
the couch, and looked sorrowfully at the sleep
ing, suffering captive.
E-J rr. To be continued. |