The Kanzas news., 1858-06-12

Early the next morning the hustle of depar-
ture began. SusY was going to accompany
her widowed and invalid mother on trip
for her health.
As they reached the wharf and descend
ed from the carriage, Susy's eyes made them
selves busy searching for one wished-for
face; but it was nowhere to be seen.
The steamboat lay painting and putting,
seemingly impatient to be let loose. Susy's
mother, aided by the servant-man who ac-
companied them, had already crossed the
gangway which lay between the wharf and
the boat, and Susy was reluctantly follow
ipo. when the sound of a voice behind her
the very voice she was longing to hear
startled her She turned 10 look round, and,
missing her footing, fell into the water.
Another instant, and Charles had thrown
off his coat, and, calling out loudly, ''Tell
the captain not to allow the wheel to stir,
and to lower me rope!'' he sprang into the
river. But of her whom he was risking his
life to save, he was unable to perceive any
trace.
Judging that the current of the river
might have carried her little forward, he
swan around the wheel, but still he saw
her not, and despair seized bis heart as he
conjectured that she might be under the boat.
He strained his eyes to see through the wa
ter, and at length discerned, far below the
surface, what seemed the end of floating
garment lodged between the wheel and the
rounded bottom of the boat.
If this were indeed the unfortunate girl,
the least movement of the wheel must inev-
itably crush her, and Charles, in his terror,
fancied it was already beginning to turn
He dived and clutched at the garment, but
missed it. He rose painting, and almost ex
hausted; but scarcely waiting to get breath,
he again plunged below. This time his eff
forts were rewarded 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 ifeless.
Charles was now so nearly exhausted that
he had only sufficient presence of mind left
to clasp Susy convulsiyely to him while he
kept himself af1oat by holding on to the
wheel.
But this, his last hope of support, seem
ed 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 the danger as possible.
AS he did so something touched his head,
and his hand grasped rope. New life SEEM
ed now infused into him. He gathered all
his energies, and fastened the rope round
Susy's waist-consciousness then entirely
forsook him. In the meantime the witness
es of the scene, after giving Charles in
structions to the captain, had watched his
struggles and exertions with breathless in
terest. The friendly rope had been flung
to him again and again, but in the excite
ment of his feelings, and his semi-insensi-
bility, he had been incapable of availing
himself of the offered aid
At last, perceiviRg that be was quite ex-
hausted, and must inevitably soon let go his
hold on the wheel, and then probably sink
to rise no moress the captain Judged it best
to run. the risk of moving off so that 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 a rope 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
consciousness, he found himself many miles
from home 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 sunset message came to him that
Miss B. desired to see him.
He found her lying on sofa in the cap
tain's state-room, which had been given up
to her. Her mother was sitting beside her.
She looked very pale, AMI somewhat suffer
ing, but she held out her hand to him very
gratefully, while the tears stood in her eyes.
"Charles," she said, without offering a
word of thanks, 81 want to see clergyman.
Is there one on board?"
81 will go and see," said Charles, NOV
ing to the door; but dreadful thought stri-
king him, he turned, exclaiming, "Susy,
you do not think that-''
''That am going to die?" said she an
ticipating him. ''No Charles, but want
to see clergyman
Charles went, and soon returned, accom-
panied by minister.
''I thank you, sir, for coming to me-
said Susy to the latter, as he entered. 81
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?"
If the minister was astonished at this re-
quest, Charles was infinitely more So
''What did you say .Susy?" said he. "Did
I hear aright?''
s.I believe so," said Susy, smiling at his
eager amazement. ''Does the scheme meet
your approyal?'
cit was heaven-inspiredr' cried the poor
fellow, frantic with joy-but shade COM
ing over his radiant face, he added, gravely,
but, Susy, have you considered? Remem-
Der, want your love, not your gratitude.
will be satisfied with nothing less.'
s.Do not be concerned about that, dear
Charles replied Susy, gazing at him very