Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-12-17
THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER II, 1857

T>eyes TO sec through the water, and at length
discerned, far below the surface, what seemed
inc end Of floating garment lodged between
me wheel and the rounded bottom of the
boat.
If this were indeed the unfortunate girl, the
least movement OF the wheel must inevitably
crush her, and Charles in his terror, fanced
was already beginning to turn. He dived
and clutched at the garment, but missed it,
he rose painting, and almost exhausted
but scarcely waiting to get breath, again he
| plunged below. This time his efforts were re.
Nnrded with success, at least so far that he was
able to bring Susy's form to the surface of the
water but she seemed totally litclssS
Charles was now so nearly spent, that he
bad only sufficient presence of mind left ia
clasp Susy convulsively to him, whilo he kept
himself atioat by holding on to the wheel.
| But this, his last hope of support, seemed
also to fail him soon, as he perceived that il
was now really beginning to turn slowly round.
BY desperate effort, he struck his foot against
one oil the paddles, so as to push himself as
lar irom the danger as possible. As he did SC
something touched his head, and his hand
grasped rope. New life seemed infused in
to him. He gathered all his energies, and tas-
tened the rope around Susy y'swaist-consciouS
1ess then entirely forsook him.
Stf-eho IHcanrime tho witnesses OF the scent
\ after giving Charles instructions to the cap
tain, had watched his struggles and exertions
with breathless interest. The friendly rope
had been flung to him again and again, but in
the excitement of his feelings, and his semi
nsensibility, he had been incapable of avail
ing himself Of the offered aid.
AT last perceiving that he was quite exhaus-
ted, aud must inevitably soon let go his hold
On the wheel, and then probably sink to rise
no more, the captain judged it best to run the
RISK OF moving off, so that q small boat could
be sent to the rescue.
Tho result OF this hazardous experiment
was successful. Susy was raised by means of
the rope; and boat reached Charles in time
to save him also.
Both sufferers were taken on board the
steamboat, which now rapidly moved off to
make up for lost time.
And thus, when our hero regained his con-
sciOusness, he found himself on the Mississip-
pt river, many miles from home, bound for
New Orleans. Of course his first anxious in
quiry was for Susy, and when informed that
she was rapidly recovering, his happiness
seemed complete. He showed his content
ment by turning over, and falling into deep,
quiet sleep.
About sundown, message came to him,
that Miss B-desired to see him.
He found her lying on sofa IN the captains
state-room, which hal been given to her,
Her mother was sitting beside her.
She looked very pale, and somewhat suffer-
ing, but she hell out her hand to him very
gratefully, while the tnars stood in her eyes.
"Charles," she said, without offering word
OF thanks, ,"I want to see Clergyman. Is
there one on board 2"
&c will go and see,' said Charles, moving
to the door, but a dreadful thought striking
him, he turned exclaiming,
"Good God, Susy, you do not think"
THAT am going to def No, Charles,
but want to see clergyman"
Charles went, and soon returned, accom-
painted by a minister of the gospel.
&C. thank you, sir, for coming to me-" said
Susy, to tho latter, as he entered. 6 have
strange request to make to you. Would you
object, sir, in the presence, and with the con-
sent OF my mother, to unite me with that gen
man 2"
II the minister was astonished at this re-
quest, Charles was infinitely more so.
What did you say, Susyi Did hear
eager amazement. ...Does -s>.a,..--I4--I-.
your approval" 2"
"It was heaven-inspired 20 cried the poor
fellew, crazed by his joy-but a shade coming
over his radiant face, he added gravely,
But, Susy, have you considered Re-
member, want your love, not your gratitude
will be satisfied with nothing less"
edo not be concerned about that, dear
Charles" replied Susy, gazing at him ten
derly through her tears. "Be assured you
have them both, and had the first, long, long
before ou had the last.''
But, Susy, you said only yesterday---"
"Never mind what said yesterday" in-
terrupted Susy, with some of her old spirit
breaking out. "Just mind what say to-day.
II was a fool once, is that any reason must
be one alwaysi But indeed, Charles" she
added more softly, s' have always meant to
be your wife-thc only scruple have, is, that
am not half, nor quarter, good enough for
you."
1t is needless to say how this discussion
ended. The reader has already OWNED that
Charles continued his journey to Havana
And thus, in the course of one eventful day,
he risked a life, and saved a life, made an i'm
.promptu marriage, and set out on most un-
expected wedding trip.