Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-12-24

perceived that he had been asleep. les,
he had actually slumbered. standing on
that dizzy point, suspended dover that fear
full abyss.
Am really hereT be asked himself.
as he awoke; or is it all frightful
dream that l have had while lying in my
bed?
A cold shudder passed through his
frame, followed by a burning heat, and
he grasped the pinnacle with a convulsive
tightness. A voice seemed to whisper
in his ear;
Fooli this is death. that unknown
anguish which no man shall escape. An
tisipate the momehs, AID throw thyself |
down.
Must I then die ? murmured Gabriel,
while the cold sweat started from his
brow. Must die while life is so pleas
ant? o, Annie, Annie! pray for me :;
the world is so beautiful, and life is SO
sweet
Then it seemed as if soft white wings
foated above and around him, while a
gentle voice whispered:
|. Awake, awake! The night is far
spent, the day is at hand. Lock up, and
be comforted.'
Wrapped in the banner, whose weight
helped to preserve his equilibnum, ia
briel still held on with his numbed arm,
and, with a sensation almost of joy, watch
| ed the first dawn lighting up the roofs of
the city.
For below, in the sacristan's dwelling,
the old man sat, fondly clasping the hand
of handsome, sun burnt youth, his long
lost son, Arnold, who had sat by his side
: the livelong night, recounting the adven-
lures which had befaIlen him in foreign
: lands, without either father or son feeling
: the want of sleep.
At length Arnold said:
e I am longing to see Annie, father.
dare say she has grown fine girl How
is my friend Gabriel, who used to be 81
r fond of her when we were all children
: together?
Il The saeristan sprang from his seat.
Gabriel! Holy Virgin! had quit,
r forgotten him.
d A rapid explanation followed. Mas
,e ter JOSS and his son hastenad towards th
cathedral, and met Albert on their way
Where is Gabriel?' cried the sacris
ID tan.
an I don't know; I have not seen hin
~ since he climbed through the trap-door.'
But who helped him down.?
- Why, you, yourself, of course, re
;, piled Albert, with look of astonishmen
y Lawrence told me, when we came dowr
that you had undertaken to do it,
- 'Oh, the williams. the double-dye
" scoundrels! Now | understand it all
y groaned the old man. Quick! Arnol,
" Albert Come, for the love of God
Come, for the love Of God; look up, loo
4 up to the spire.'
L. Arnold rushed towards the squar
and his keen eye, accustomed to look Of
l. at great distances at sea, discerne
through the gray, uncertain morning tw
VI light something futtering on the spire.
"Tis hei 1t must be he, still Twin.
ng 20 God > cried Master joss, whe
are my keys? Oh that we may not
ed too late
The keys were found in the old mar
nd pocket; and all three, rushing throu;
the cathedral gate, darted up the stat
ith the sacristan, in the dread excitement
an the moment moving as swiftly as
Dol young companions.
Albert, knowing the trick Of the ira
get door, went through it first.
Call out to him, lad exclaimed Ms
lad ter joss.
the a breathless pause.
ast, hear nothing stirring, said Albe
ink nor can see anything from this.
rell climb over the rose
has Bravely did be surmoont the perilc
the projection; and after few moments
intense anxiety, he re-appeared at
gay trap-doOr.
no There certainly is figure stand
.ad- on the rose, but 'tisn't Gabriel-'ti
the ghostP
els "A ghost! you dreaming dunderhea
wil shouted Arnold. Let me up A
he began to climb with the agility o
sin cat
Presently he called out. Come
An come on, as fast as you can. ] HI
him, thank God! But quick time
lex precious
Speedily and deftly they gave him :
ne a and at length, half-uuconseious fig
4