Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1858-06-17

voice UcHluu uct--tHc very voice Snc WAS
longing to hear--startled her. She turned
to look around, and, missing her footing,
fell into the water.
Another instant; and Charles had laid
off his coat, and calling out loudly. Tel
the captain not to allow the wheel to stir,
AMI TO lower me Il ropeo he spran5 into
the river. But of her whom he was risk
ing his life to save, he was unable 10 see
any trace.
judging that the current of the river
might have carried her a little forward, he
swan around the wheel, but still he saw
her not. and despair seized his heart IS he
conjectured that she might be under The
boat He strained his eyes to see through
the water, and at length discerned, far be-
low the surface, what seemed to BE- the
end of a floating garment, lodged between
the wheel and the rounded bottom of the
boat.
If this were indeed the unfortunate gi.l,
the least movement of the wheel must in
evilablv crush her, and Charles, in his hor
ror, f,ncieI that it was alreaiy beginning
to turn. He diyel and cu.ched AZ the
garment, but missed it. He rose, painting
and almost exhausted; but scarcely SEEM
ing TO take breath, he again plunged be-
low. This time his efforts were rewarded
with success, at least 50 far that he was
able to bring Susy's form to the surface
of the water; but she seemed totally lie
less.
Charles was now SO nearly exhausted
that he had only sufficient presence Of
mind to clasp Susan convulsiyeY to him
while he kept himself aloat by holding on
to the wheel.
Bu. this. his last hope of support. seem
ed to fail him soon, a. ne perceived that 1t
was new really beginning to turn slowly
around By desperate effort he struck
his foot against one OF the paddles 50 as to
push himself as fsr from the danger a.
possible. As he did 50 something touch
cd his head, and he grasped a rope. He
gathered al his energies, and fastened the
rope around SusY's wai5,-colsciou5ness
lhea entirely f1rsook him. Ia the mean
time witnesses OF the scene, after giving
Charles instructions to the captain, had
watched his struggles with breathless in
terest. The friendly rope hal been flung to
him again aaI again, but in the excite
m,nf oi his feelings. and his semi-insen-
si5ili.y, he had been Incapable Of avail
iag himself Of the offered all. At last,
parccivinr that he was quite exhausted
and must inevitably soon le. 50 LIS hold
on the wheel, and then PROBABLY sink to
rise uJ more, Tie captain juI1s. it best to
rua the risk Of moving o., 50 tia. 4
small boat could be sent 10 the rescue.
The resal. Of this hazardous expert
ment was successful. Susy WAS raised by
means Of rope, and a boat reached
Charles in time 10 save him al5o
Both sufferers were taken on board the
s:eamboat, which now rapidly moved OF.
10 make up for lost time.
All thus, when our hero regainad his
consciousness, he fouui himself many
miles from home. OF course. his frs
anxious cnaniry was for Susy, aad when
informed that she was rapidly recovering,
his happiness seemed complete. He show
ell his contentment by turning over. and
falling into deep, and quiet sleep.
About sunset 4 message came to him
that Miss b - desired to see him.
He found her lying on a sofa in the cap.
tan's state room. which hal been given
up to her. She looked very pale, and
somewhat suffering. but she held out hel
hand to him very gracefully, while tears
stood in her eyes.
Charles, saiI she. without Offering y
word Of thanks, Il want to see a clergy
man. Is there one on board?'
Il will - and see, sail Charles. MOVING
to the door; but a dreadfll thought stri
king him, h. turned, excllimng, 'Slsy,
You 10 no. think that
That | am going to dep said she, anti
cipaiing him. M. Charles, but | wish
to see n clergyman
Charles went. and soon returned, ac-
companied BY minister.
Il thank you. sir, for coming to me.
said Susy to the latter. as he entered. Il
havo a strange request to make Of YOU
Would you object. sir. in the presence,
and with the consent Of my mother, To
unite me with that gen,lema?'
If the minister was astonished ut this
request, Charles was infinitely more 50.
What dil you say, Susy?' said he, Did
hear ari5ht?'
Il believe So. said Susy. smiling at his
eager amazement. Does she scheme meet
your approyaI?'
1t was heaveninspired!' cried the poor
fellow, frantic with JOY; but a shade
coming over his radiant face. he added
sravely, But Susy, have you considered?
Remember, | want your love. not your
gratitude will be satisfied with nothing
less
DO not be concerned about that Charles,
replied Susy, gazing at him very tenderly
through her tears. be assured you have
them both, and had the first long before
you had the last
But, Susy, you said only yesterday
Never mind what | said yesterday.
Interrupted Susy, with some Of her old
spirit breaking out. Just mind what |
say too day. If | was a fool once. is that
any reason | must be one always? But,
indeed Charles shc added, more softly,
Il have always meant to be your wife-the
only scruplc I have is, that | am not half
good enough for you
/ I Al