Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-06-22
The steamboat lay nan,inn and n,,fIi.

wharf and the boat, and Susy was reiuct-
antly following, when the sound of a
voice behind her-the very voice she was
longing 10 hear-started her. She turn
, ed 10 look round, and missing her footing
, fell into the river
Another instant, and Charles had
thrown off his coat, and calling out loud
ly, Tell the captain not to allow the
wheel 10 stir, and to lower me rope -
he sprang into the river But of her
whom he was risklng his life to save, he
was unable TO perceive a trace
/ Judging that the current of the river
1 might have carried her little forward
he SWAIN around the wheel, but still he
saw her not, and despair seized his heart
as he conJectured that she might be un-
der the boat He strained his eyes to
see through the water, and at length dis
cerned, far below the surface, what seem
ed to be the end a floating garment lodg-
ed between the wheel and the rounded
bottom of the boat.
If this were indeed the unfortunate girl.
! the least movement of the wheel must in
evltaby crush her, and Charles, in his
terror, fancied it was already beginning
! TO turn. He dived and clutched at the
garment, but missed ii. He rose painting
and almost exhausted but scarcely wait
/ ing TO get breath, he again plunged be-
low. This time his efforts were reward
ed with success, at least SO far that he
was able 10 bring Susy's form to the sur
face of the water but she seemed totally
lifeless.
| Charles was now so utterly exhausted
{ that ha hoI only, s,,G, +
mind left to clasp Susy convulsively TO
hlm while he kept himself aiioat by hold
ing on to the wheel.
But this, his last hope of support, seem
ed to fail him soon. as he perceived tha.
1t was now really beginning 10 turn slow
ly 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 so something touch
ed his head, and his hand grasped a rope.
New lie seemed now to infuse into him.
He gathered all his energies. and fasten
ed the rope round Susys waist-consci-
BUSINESS then entirely forsool him. In the
meantime the Witnesses of the scene, af-
ter giving Charles instructions TO the cap
tain, had watched his struggles and exer-
tons with breathless interest. The friend
ly rope had been flung TO him again and
again, but IN the excitement of his feel
lngs, and his seml-InsensibIlity, he had
been capable of availing himself of the
proffered aid.
At last, perceiving that he was quite
exhausted and must inevitably soon letgo
his hold on the wheel, and then probably
sink TO rise no more, the captain Judged
II best to run the risk Of moving off. SO
that d small boat could be sent 10 the re-
scue.
The result of this hazardous expert
ment was sucr essful. Susy was raised
by means of the rope, and boat reached
Charles IN time to save hlm also.
Both sufferers were taken on board the
steamboat, which now moved off to make
up for lost time.
And thus, when our hero regained his
consciousness, he found himself manv
miles from home. OF course his first
anxious inquiry was for Sosy, and when
informed that she was rapidly recovering,
his happiness seemed complete He
showed his cCntentment by falling into
deep, quiet sleep.
About sunset a message came TO him
that Miss B desired to see him.
He found her lying on a sofa in the
captains state-room, which had been Civ
en- up 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.
d" Charles" she said, without offering
a word of thanks. .: / want to see a clergy /
man Is there one ON board p
81 will go aud see" said Charles, NOV
ing to the door; but dreadful thought
striking him, he turned, exclaiming,
. Susy, you DO not think that -
4" That | am going to die 2" said she.
anticipating him. No, Charles, hut |
want to see clergyman.
Charles went, and soon returned, ac-
companied by minister.
81 thank YOU, sir, for coming to me,
sand Susv to the latter as he entered.-
have a strange request to make to you.
Would you object, sir, IN the presence
and with the consent of NV mother, TO
unite me to that gentleman g.
If the minister was astonshed at this
request, Charles was infinitely more so.
. What did you say, Susy 2" said he,
Did hear aright2'
=. | believe So" said Susy, smiling at
bis eager anna cement. s' Does the scheme
meet your approval g
=" 1t was heaven-inspred - cried the
poor fellow, frantic with ioy-but shade
/ coming over his radiant face, he added,
gravely. q But. Susy, have you consider
ed : 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 tenderly through her tears; " he as
sured YOU have them both, and had the
first long, long before you had the last"
. But, u sy, you said only yesterday
that -
% Never mind what l said vestc day."
I interrnnted SuSr rrifh snraf. Of her old