St. Charles Republican intelligencer. (St. Charles [Charles City], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-02-12

not tell the strange interest he had
felt in the young girl who had Sec
ond time eluded him, was, to him, I'M
accountable.
Shall give her up so ?" he ask
ed himself, as he stood, irresolute af-
ter a pause, he answered,
MONO g.! l must see her, and
know who she is. She must be some
where close by ; somewhere within
half block of the spot on which /
now stand, and surrounded by circum-
stances that may require the instant
interposition of friend. Yes-she
needs friend A young girl, inno-
cent to all appearance, weeping alone
in the streets of large city at night
fall, needs friend and she shall have
one if Joseph MARYLAND can find her"
Saying this, the old man walked up
Callowhill street, looking intent1y at
every house, and trying to make up
his mind, from the appearance of the
different dwellings, which Of them
most probably contained the individ-
ual Of whom he was in search At
length, he stopped before one that,
somehow or other, seemed to him most
likely to reward with success his
search. Knocking at the door, he
awaited anxiously an answer to the
summons. In few moments it was
opened by an old woman, with sharp,
wrinkled face, from which looked out
pair of small, glittering, black eyes.
Her skin was dark and dirty-her
dress soiled and in disorder.
"Well, sir?" was the salutatior
with which she met old Mr.. MARYLAND
looking at him, as she spoke, with 8
kind of defiance in her manner. Some
thing in his appearance did not seen
to please her.
"Did not young woman enter here
a minute or two ago ?" he asked.
"No, sir ;" and the door was in.
stantly shut in his face.
Humph I! She is here, no doubt
but if in the keeping of that old bag,
it is the lamb seeking shelter of the
wolf"
This was said by Mr.. MARYLAND as
he slowly turned from the closed door,
and walked away, disappointed, and
undetermined what to do.
" And yet, she may not be there"
he added, in slightly changed voice,
pausing, and letting his eye run on
several houses near by another was
selected and at this he knocked. The
application was answered by a young
woman, to whom he put the question
did young girl enter here, lit
tie while ago?"
Eyes, sir" was the reply, with {
look of surprise.
"Can | see her ?"
"Yes, sir walk in" This was
said after slight hesitation.
Do you know who she is ?"
"Oh yes she is my sister,"
"Your sister !" with surprise and
disappointment.
Yes, sir have you any thing par
ticular to say to her? The young
woman paused as she asked this ques
ton, and looked into the old gentle
mans face more intcntly. They had
already entered the passage
| should at least like to see her ;
she may, Or she may not be the one OF
whom | am in search"
Il should think she was not. But
walk into the parlor, sir, and I will
call her down."
In few minutes light feet were
heard descending the stairs. Then {
young girl, not over sixteen, entered
Mr.. MARYLAND rose, and looked her ear
nestly in the face f; then recollectine
himself, he said
Pardon the seeming rudeness O
an old man did not see you going
along Second street a little while
ago?"
The girl shrunk back at the manner
and question of MARYLAND, while her
face became suhIused
" Yes, sir" she said "but why do
you ask"
Did l not see you last evening,
about nightfall, in Seventh street, near
Washington Square, standing alone
neaSa lamp"
70, sir" was the prompt and in
dignant reply
"Then pardon me I have been mis-.
TAKEN" returned the old man, in dis
appointed tone.
No reply was made by the astonish
ed girl, nor was even the low, respect
full bow of Mr. MARYLAND returned, az
he gained the passage and retired
through the door.
(To BE CONTINUED.