The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-07-15

the end of floating garment lodged between
the wheel and the round bottom Of the boat.
If this indeed were the unfortunate girl the
least movement of the wheel mast inevitably
crush her, and Charles in his terror fancied 1t
was already beginning TO turn. he dived and
clutched at the garments bat missed it. BE
rose painting, and almost exhausted, bot scarce
ly waiting to get breath he again plunged be-
low. This last time his efforts were rewarded
with success, at least 90 far that he was able to
bring Susy's form to the surface of the water,
but she seemed totally hfeless. Charles vas so
nearly exhausted that be had only sufficient
presence of mind left to clasp Susy convultive-
ly TO him, while he kept himself ahoat by hold
ing on to the wheel.
But this last hope of support seemed also TO
fail him soon, as he perceived that it was now
really beginning to turn slowly round. By
desperate effort he struck his foot against one
of the paddles so as to push himself as far from
danger as possible. As he did 80, something
touched his head, and his hand grasped q rope.
New life now seemed infused in him. He
gathered all his energies, and fastened the
rope around Susy's waist-consciousness now
entirely forsook him. In the mean time the
witnesses of the scene, after giving Chares's in
structions to the captain, had watched his
struggles and exertions vith breathless interest.
The friendly rope had been thrown TO him again
and sgain, but in the excitement of his feel
ings, and has semiinseneibility, he had been
incapable of awaiting himself of the offered aid
At last, perceiving that he was quite exhaust
ed, and must inevitably soon let 90 his hold on
the wheel, and then probably sink to rise no
more, the captain judged it best to run the risk
of moving Of, 30 that q small boat could be
sent to the rescue,
The result Of this hazardous experiment was
successful Susy was raised by means Of the
rope, and the boat reached Charles in time to
save him also.
Both sufferers were taken on the steamboat,
which now rapidly moved Of, to make up for
lost time.
And thus, when our hero regained his con-
sciousnees, he found himself many miles from
home. Of course, his 6rst anxious inquiry was
tor Susy, and when informed that she was rap
idly recovering, his happiness seemed complete.
He showed his contentment by turning over,
and falling into deep, quiet sleep.
About sunset, q message came to him that
Miss B desired to ace him.
He found her lying on the sofa in the captains
state-room, which had been given mp to her.
Her mother was sitting beside her. She looked
very pale, and somewhat suffering, but she held
out her hand to him very gratefully, while the
tears stood in her eyes.
"Charles," she said, without offering word
of thanks, g want to see a clergyman. Is
there one on boerd?"
Il win go and see," said Charles, moving to
the door; but a dreadful thought striking him,
he turned, exclaiming "Susy, do you think
thai" -
That am going 10 die ," laid she, sutici-
pating him. No, Charles, but want to see q
clergyman"
Charles went and soon returned, accomps-
MED by o minister.
81 thank you, sir, for coming to see me-"
said Susy to the latter, as he entered. g. have
strange request to make to you Would you
object, sir, in the presence and with the consent
OF my mother. TO unite me to that gentleman ?"
1.-THE minister was sstonished at this request,
Charles was infinitely more 30. "What did you
say, SusyP" said he. "Did hear Alright 2'
81 believe So" said Susy, smiling at his
eager amazement. "Does the scheme meet
your spproyal?"
1t was Heaven.isspiredI" cried the poor ftl-
low, frantic with joy-bu. shade coming over
his radiant face, he added, gravely, "but, Susy,
have you considered Remember, / want your
love, not your gratitude. / will be satisfied
with nothing less
"Do not be concerned about that, dear
Charles" replied Susy, gazing at him very ten
derly through her tears; " be assured you have
them both, and had the FIRST long, long bsfore
you had the last"
10 But, Susy, you said, only yesterday
Never mind what / said yesterday" inter
rupted Susy, with some of her old spirit break
ipg out. "Just mind what say 70 day. If 1
was a fool once, is it any reason why must be
one always3 But indeed, Charles" she added,
more softly, I" have always meant to be your
wife-the only soruple have is, am not half
good enough for you"
1t 10 needless to say how this discussion end.
ed. The reader has already OWNED that
Charles continued his journey; and thus in th"
course of one eventual day be risked q life.
saved life. made an impromptu marriage, and
set out on q most unexpected wedding trip.