The Panola star. ([Panola] Panola County, Miss.) 1856-1857, 1856-08-13

ing within the shadow of the prison =,
of which she was to be the innocent VIC
tim.
'Jack,' said |, as we first caught sight
of her, 'you see that young lady as she
crosses Prune street, you must follow and
speak to her--insist upon accompanying
her-but mind what you are about, for at
the proper moment shall interfere, and
most probably knock you down; at any
rate, shall rescue the lady, and see her
home.'
"'All right' laughed Jack; depend on
me.'
'By this time the lady was quite near,
and instinctively quickened her pace as
she reached the gloomy building. 1t was
still quite light, but the neighborhood was
lonely, and the Potter's Field, now Wash
ington square, still before her. Jack
started on his errand, followed as closely
rs was prudent by myself. lie did his
work faithfully, and the young girl cross
ed and recrossed the street to escape his
opportunities. At first she had quicken
ed her steps, but overcome With terror.
they now began to flag, and fearing she
would fall, thought it the time to inter-
fere. Quick as thought sprang upon
Jack, and dashing him aside, flung him
upon the pavement; then, ovcrtaking the
young lady, who was walking trembling
ly on, | drew her hand through my arm,
saying
"'Pardon me, Miss; but will you not
allow me to see you home? Your road is
lonely, and night approaching. | think
have settled that fellow, but others may
modest you.''
She made no objection, for she was toa
terrified to speak, and am sure felt CRATE
full TO me as her defender; so, unreproved
| held my ground; talking respectfully and
constantly, to prevent her being obliged
to reply, though my heart was in almost
as great n futter as her own.
When we reached the cottage,-which
found without any direction from her,
Of course,-thc Mother herself came to
the door, and looked her astonishment to
see gentleman with her daughter. The
young girl essayed to speak, but still ner-
yous and frightened, she threw her arms
around her mothers neck and burst into
tears. Naturally the task Of explanation
devolvcd upon me; so with bold face
but a weak heart, told the tale, for the
sight of those tears made me feel like a
sad yillain-and when the mother asked
me in, and the daughter seconded the in
vitation with fearful blush, could not
resist, though felt like a coward in thus
taking advantage of trusting, unsuspect-
ing innocence. However, my bashfulness
did not last very long, for in six weeks we
were betrotted,
0 had been too much interested to no
tice that Aunt Lucy's work had fallen
| from her hands, and that with wonder in
her large eyes she was gazing at her hus-
band; but as he finished, glanced at hcl
| as she exclaimed
'sWhy, William''
With great burst of laughter, Uncle
William leaned back in his chair-the ex-
preston Of her astonishment adding fuel to
his mirth, and he laughed till the tears
streamed down his rosy cheeks.
'EAnd was it really you, Aunt Lucy q
asked l.
eyes, indeed, but never dreamed he
was such a deceiverH'
"You could ask Jack, but that he has
gone to Texas. lie often wanted to know
if had any more such errands to do"
"You ought to be indicted for getting
goods under false pretences," exclaimed
laughing.
.EShe came very near not getting me,
after all,'' said he, drying his mirthful
tears.
s.Do let me hear the sequelto this won
derful history" l said; but Aunt Lucy
looked up deprecatingly, saying
"Now William, don't be so foolishp'
But Uncle William, nothing daunted by
his wife's objection, proceeded }
"Well, you see, about three months be-
fore we were married, was engaged tc
take her to a party. There were several
friends going together, and a lady who
was staying with Lucy, was to go with
another gentleman. Eight O'Clock was
the time fixed upon for going, but some
business prevented me from being there
at the hour. The other gentlemen came
and they waited till near nine for me
then the gentlemen, becoming impatient
proposed to go without me, and let me
come after them. After much persuasion
backed by her mothers appreciation, Lucy
consented, leaving message for me. Ii
great haste, at half-past nine, dashed W
to the door, only to find the bird aown.-
disappointment, and some little self-accu.