The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-09-11
CHATTER IL.

The result of the consultation was a
determination to extend their line stlu
further to the right and left, and return
part OF the way down the mountain, for
in this manner they would sweep ground
hitherto uneyplorcd.
Its most unlikely said John Brown,
who had particularly urged this chance,
that they could have straycd even as far
as this, in direct course, when night set
in; after that, they'd be apt to sit down
somewhere, afraid to 90 on, or too tired
to do so. Besides, even if they tried to
keep atoot, its most likely they went
around and around, as people in the woods
mostly do. It's my opinion, that we'll
find thcm further down the mountain, off
somewhere to the right or left
These views met general approval
But the utmost hope which they inspr-
cd was that the dead bodies Of the inno-
cent sufferers might be thus recovered.
Even the father appeared now TO look for
nothing more favorable than this.
You've done all that can be done he
said in reply to a question whether he
was satisfied that the search had been
carried sufficiently high up the mountain,
'and God bless you for it. he added in n
trembling voice. Il shall never be able
to repay YOU for your kindness. But il
ever you also lose two darlings, you'll
know how fathers heart longs to find
even their bodies, its only, and here
his voice broke into sobs, If its only to
be sure that the wild beasts haven't de-
vourcd them
He covered his face for moment with
one of his brawny hands, as he spoke.
Then without looking back, strobe away
in the direction which had been agreed
upon. The rest minutcly followed.
The rain had now ceased entirely
But the woods were rs wet as ever, the
darkness was almost rs great, the cold
was us keen and penetrating. Each man
as he moved along the line kept watch
on his neighbor's torch to see that he did
not wander from the true direction, all
the while scrutinizing every bit Of brush,
each shadow under the tree, and any i'll
equality in the ground, that might escape
hasty observation. Now and then one
or another halted awhile where the for
est was particularly thick, in order to be
sure of not overlooking some hidden COW
crt. Occasionally also there would be n
shout raised, and waiting aftcrward in ST.
lcncc to hear If there was any reply.
But every effort proved abortivc.-
Many hours hadnow passed in the search.
Even the hopes Of discovering the
bodies, at least till daylight should ena.
bic the search to be conducted anew, had
disappeared. Besides, the most vigor-
ous were now becoming exhausted. All
were wet through. The majority had
passed the preceding day in labor. The
further prosecution of,he search wa, be-
coming therefore physically impossible
Even the father was impressed with these
convictions. Calling halt, he proposed
with resignation that the party should re
turn home, at least until morning. Bu'
how meet the mother and break to hc'
the sad certainty! ..yH
Il will help. you. God will help VI
both was. the reply.
Thank you. You're right, John, h'
said. And he added, Il own ncighbor,
am as weak as child, bu, ! can't hell
it, and making convulsivc effort Z
master himself, during which they conl'
see him by the torch light, choking dow
the gricf till the muscles in his throa
swclled to bursting, he continued, 'th'
blow unmans me. ! shall want some on
to give me courage when get back, or
shall not dare to meet the mothers fac'
/ told her so certainly We would brin
them back. ee
He han jus. lifted hi. head again, aftC
these words, and was preparing, with "a
resignation, to lead the way towards III
road, when suddenly, from the outskir'
the exploring party, came a quic
glad shout.
Instantaneously every face was turnc
J eagerly in the direction Of the sound