Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-08-24
Besides what 2,

| have quite forgotten to look at The
tide and it may be quite near US fol
aught we know
Nonsense; we would hear it much
palmer if it were. What odd little cave:
those are in the wall; where do they LEAD
TOP
Tradition says to the center of the
earth; but that's humbug. Do come a.
way, now
But Ellie was headstrong, and insisted
on exploring every one Of the little fis.
surcs before she would quit the spot
even then she fingered, in spite of Ar
thurs efforts to hurry her.
How funny you look! she said
laughing. What are you in such a
state about? 1t would be great fun II
the tide had come inl'
Ellie you don't know what you are
saying, said Arthur, as, grasping her
hand tightly, he drew her forward.
What tiresome boy you are said
Ellie, half-lauehing, half-provoked. sWe
have only been short time in the cave
The time has passed much quicker
than you imagine. Hark how the sea
soundsi'
There was something in his voice that
startled Ellie, aud she no longer held
back.
80 Arthur! what is the matter she
said, as an exclamation of dismay broke
from his lips.
Look =
Ellie's face grew paler and paler as
she looked forth on the expanse of waters
that lay around them, only broken by the
rocks that here and there raised their
rugged heads above the tide.
40 Arthur. how dreadful! how eau
we get away?"
But Arthur did not answer. He was
looking eagerly from side to side. He
saw but too clearly the danger Of their
situation-all mode of exit cut off By the
deep water that washed the base of the
rock on which they stood. His look was
answer enough for Ellie; and covering
her face with her hands, she burst into
tears.
80 Arthur L have been very wrong.
If had not kept you so long in the cave,
we would have been safe. was very,
very wickedr'
"Hush, dear don't reproach yourself;
it is of no use; and I cant bear to hear
you: and don't cry so dreadfullyl Per-
haps We may be saved yet"
Ellie lifted her head and looked around
on the placid sea, dotted by the distant
sails of the many ships abound on their
voyage home"
"The water looks so clear and beauti-
fol, Arthur-it can't be so cruel as to
drown US! Oh! no, no-we can't be
drownedi"
Arthur did not hear her; he was ga
zing with compressed lips at something
on the rock by his side. It was small
piece of sea weed he put his hand and
touched it: it was damp, and growing to
the rock. Tearing it off with an impa-
tient jerk, he flung it into the sea; he
watched it unconsciously as it was washed
to and fro by the ripple; then he turned
and looked at Ellie. She was leaning
her little pale face on her hand, her eyes
fixed wistfully on. the distant cliffs of
France. He hastily swallowed down
something that would rise in his throat
as he looked at her; and, bending over
the rock, he watched the water with an
aching eagerness. Yes, it was rising !;
that was only too evident. He started
up. so EllieI Ellie If there was only
something could do-some way of es-
cape | could try for you, however dan
gerous! But it is maddening to stay do
ing nothing, and see those waters rising
higher and higher" And he stamped
his foot excitedly.
There was a few moments silence !;
then Ellie rose, and laying her hand on
bis arm, looked up in his face with an
earnest look in her blue eyes. @Don't
speak SO, dear Arthur / don't think God
viii let US be drowned. just as you
spoke, the verse / read this morning
came into my head: Why are ye so
fearful, o We of little faith -
Arthur was silent, and stood thinking
for little; at last he said: "Let US go
into the cave again, Ellie. There is no
chance Of escape here; perhaps we may
find some place in the walls to which We
can climb up. have heard that in some
caves the water only covers the surface
of the floor"
Ellie allowed herself, somewhat nm