Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-03-14
thu Tough orange groves. The shadows of night
were beginning to fall ere he turned towards
his quarters. Suddenly sweet and thrilling
voice warbled clos, 10 his ear

| 5
And stars beam out in yon sweet sky
There's danger in the star-lit path.
The warning comes from one OF earth
| Startled, he darted forward to discover the
hidden songstress, but he caught only glimpse
of slight figure as it disappeared amidst the
grove of lines. The warning was evidently
intended for him; but he was perplcxed and
amazed. Who in this stranger land could do
him injury; and who, for the voice was that OF
female, should take this interest in his fate
But he was not long suffered to indulge his me-
citations. a bright weapon flashed before his
eyes and he found himself attacked by three
rufians. Determined TO sell his life as dearly
as possible, he drew his sword, and for few
moments kept them at bay. He had received
a severe wound in the shoulder, and was fast
losing strength from the effusion of blood; a
sudden faintness was stealing over him, and he
sunk to the ground; but ere the barred knife of
the taller ruffian had reached his heart, shout
recalled his aeeting senses, and Sedley and a
band of his gallant soldiers burst upon them.
One of the ruffians was killed, but the others
escaped. The body was recognized as that OF
a peasant, who was supposed to hold communi-
cation with well known brigand band. Grams
toun's wound was not dangerous, but was of
such nature as to prevent him from using his
arm for many months, and he soon obtained
leave of absence; though inwardly murmur-
ing that his proud hopes of Distinguishing
himself in the approaching strife, were crum-
bed to the dust. The laurel wreath he covet-
ed was not to grace his brow.
Home! home! was his thoughts and all pre-
parations being made, he was to start on the
morrow. He was sitting with his friends be-
meath the sweet moonlight, that resting on
the mouldering ruins of what was once pal
ace, belonging to some proud grandee, whose
very name had died on times records.
ssWould that too could see the faces of
mine own,'' softly whispered Mrs. Sedley,
through her tears. ssMother sisters you
will see them all, and tell them that their Flo
ras heart is often with Them"
ssBut still, my Flora would follow me to
share my dangers and privations,' said Sed-
ley. ssDoes she now repent? The soldiers
bride must give up much, but the soldiers
heart feels deeply her DEVOTION
s.Never, Horace! Your lot is mine;' and
her eye was lifted to his face, with look he
could not mistake. ssBut, even you some
times long for a sight of old England; and
Roland will soon see her dear shores.''
Turn turn from fair England, there death in thy
Tho her bowers may smile the fairest OF earth path
There's danger around thee,
Its meshes have bound thee,
And mourning shall be in the halls of thy birth.
Every one started up as the words fell upon
their ear, chanted in low sweet voice, yet
distinct enough for them to catch each sound.
They searched the ruins bat could find no trace
of any ones having been secretcd there.
..Strange - exclaimed Cranstoun. .sThat
have some enemy l cannot doubt; but from
whom come these mysterious warnings?
will stay and unravel this plot.'
.sDo not stay, Roiand," said Sedley earnest
ly. ssNor seek England either. Distrust not
this second warning; | will endeavor to find
some clue to this labyrin Ii. You must leave
cret and chosen band shall guard You be-
yond the reach of danger. l suspect Ridgley
has something to do with these dark doings;
for have seen such look scouting hate up
on his dark face, when his eye has been bent
upon you, as has curded my very blood.''
s.But why should he seek my destruction? I?
| know not the man, except as one who holds
aloof from all companionshp with his fellows.
Why should he thus pursue me!"-and his
naughty brow dalkened as he looked at his
disabled arm. ssCould but WELD my good
sword,'' he fiercely added, 81 would soon call
him to a dread acconnt.'
Mrs. Sedley laid her hand upon his arm i'm
MI CIR oIapJ Roland there
may be more listeners beneath these sweet
skies than You wot of now. Hush! for pity
sake, and let us leave this spot.''
sYes!" said her husband, ssfor you know
mine are only conjectures, We can bring for
ward no proof of this mans villiany. Let US
be vending to our own dwelling, and there
we can form our plans
And they lett the old ruin, with the sweet
moonbeam resting peacefully on the desolate
ruins OF halls, where mirth and music once had
been. Their forms were nearly hid from view
by the empowering trees, when dark figure
came forth from behind ruined arch ,and gaZed
after them with aficnd-like smile upon his face.
s:Ah! go forth Roland Cranstaun, with your
lofty brow and stately bearing. Go forth with
your sage advisers to 'scape me-Ha, hai my
coils are round thee, and will compass sea and
land for revenge. When your hearts blood is
red upon my blade, then. only then shall l rest
satisfied And he shook the barred weapon
tauntingiy in the direction they had taken.
Suddenly young girl sprung forth, and
knelt low at his feet. The shadows of six
teen summers could hardly have touched her
fair brow, and there she knelt,