True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-09-10

over, they were sent for. t ,r
Minnie was nervous, and almost afraid
to see Herbert but when, at last, she
ventured into the room, she seemed to be
horror struck at his altered appearance.
Herbert greeted her kindly, and asked
her to sit with him awhile, and tell him
other stay in the country. But SHE soon
grew weary of the sick rooms and hasten
ed away to the parlor, to practice some
new songs which she had lately re-
ceived. :
Five months rolled away, and Mr..
Warrener had almost recovered from Che
effects Of his Illness, and Minnie was
again his ever constant companion.
Herbert always spoke to me very kind.
ly, and endeavored 10 draw me into con-
versation. | was too conscious of nv
changing face and trembling voice 10 risk
myself 10 his notice.
Aunt Mildred relaxed her sternness
somewhat, and uncle's demeanor toward
me was changed for the better.
One day had wandered down to the
river which met the ocean but few rods
from the rocks, and, throwing myself
down on the moss in dense thicket
which skirted the river just above Cliff
Falls. | wept with unrestrained violence
A little white kitten, which had been
given me by kind old fisherman, had
followed me, and now she crept close up
to my side. and by her soft gentle put-
ring seemed imploring me TO accept her
corsolstion. She had made my life hap
pier since she had been mine. 1t may
sound strangely 10 speak thus Of simple
kitten, but let any one be, like me, cast
out on The broad ocean of life, in a lrail
bark, with 10 hand TO steer or arm 10
sustain, and they will be happy in being
loved by the humblest Of Gods crea.
lures. '.'
wept for a long time. tt'varo rolivrey
me-" Oh, God - cried in the bitter
ness of my spirit, cam | always to lIv,
this aimless life She who had deserted
him in his great extremity to be cherish.
ed in his bosom and soothed upon bis
heartv % The thought was dreadful In
the wild agony of my soul, wished she
might die. But as l looked upon the
calm, blue heavens, the eye of God seem.
ed gazing upon me, and | cast away the
thought as a great sin. .
A wild shrek startled me. 1t was like
that had heard FIVE years ago, in the
blank midnight, when a noble vessel was
struggling for life in the boiling ocean.
rushed to the waters edge, and horror
froze my blood as I gazed upon the spec
tacle !! There, in the tiny boat, which
had been kept for some time moored in 6
fsherman's dock, on the river, abou
three quarters Of mile above the Fall,
stood Minnie Warden, her eyes strain
ed in terror, and her hands raised 10 bea
ven in mute supplication. Instantaneous
y, the thought fitted through my mind
there isno mortal ear to hear her screams
no eye 10 see her deslruction--let heI
perish She has won him from yor
and. | babe Satan behind me, and
calculating the chances, | resolved TO res
cue her, or be carried over The Falls will
her. ...... ....
She was dear to him, and he woult
mourn if she would return to him a colo
corpse--l would save her. The chances
however, were but poor A weak girl il
a frail boat, launched up a rushing stream
but few rods from the rapids, which
terminated in an angry waterfall, ant
|, helpless woman, alone could cav,
her ss. #.. "a.
knew that my only chance was t.
intercept the boat in its way to the Falls
Just before the final fall, the river narrow
ed to but few yards in width, and
couple of rods above the fall was a poin
of land jutting out into the current, OF
which grew dropping beech. plungec
into the stream close in shore, and suffer
ed myself to be borne on toward tn,
point, when caught at the oyerhanginl
branch Of The tree, and awaited the mo
ment that was 10 decide the fate of boil
of us.
In all this horror, this near approach
Of death, l was perfectly calm not
pulse quickened-my heart beat firm ant
regular. ! reviewed, in moment, my
whole life. All my deep, Overwhelming
love for him, came over me. For an in
slant ! was tempted. Melicent Warder
was alone. No eye but that Of God saw
her, save mine--should | let her perish
He would be mine then. Should | stair
my soul with murder! No. no. no nj,
whole soul revolted at the thought.
On came the boat. In a moment, j
was driven abreast the point. With
quick movement, grasped the lonl
painter which still hung from the boat
and drew it with the feeble strength o
one hand towards me. By persevering ef'
forts, ] succeeded in drawing the boat
with tS>senseless occupant, into the it'll
pool formed by the narrow point.
I had barely gained the land, when al
exclamation Of mingled horror and sur
prise fell on my ear, and Mr.. Warrene
was at my side. A few hurried word
explained all to him, and we bore Min
ME TO Pinewood. .,,.s WAL.
ID III seemed that, tempted BY The 'bsaut,,