The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1860-09-26

You had better take Eare, Ellie. Il is
said Of a cave iI the Western Islands
that, whoever penetrate to the end, re.
turns without his skin =
Ellie laughed.
1T would be better to.ome back want.
ing ones skin than not TO come back at
sll. But, Arthur she continued, look
at the walls glitter! ID, knock ne of a
piece Of them =
Certainly, If had stone to do i,
with; but it is so dark here. Oh here
is one that will do. N,w, Ellie, we mus,
hurry back =
oh wait; here is s,ch pretty bit
do give it TO .ne !
True IL the saying, most haste worst
speed Arthur's efforts to be speedy on
ly made him longer.
| What is The matter Arthur Whv
have you taken such a,udGen restles fit 2
said Ellie, looking at iim with surprise.
We have been awaI a very long time,
and the others will be wondering where
we are ; besides
Besides wha: !?
i have quite forgotten to 'ook at the
tide; and it may be quite near US for all
we know.
Nonsense; we would hear it much
palmer il it were. What odd little caves
those are in the wall i; where do they
lead to
tradition says, TO centre Of the earth !;
but that's humbug Do cIme away now
But Ellie WAS headstrong, and insisted
on exploring every one Of the little fis.
sures before she would quit the spot; even
then she fingered, 10 spite Of Arthur ef.
forts to hurry her.
How funny you look! she said, laugh.
ing. What are you in such state for
1t " ouid be grea, fun ii the tide had come
in!
:Eilie you dou't know what you are
saying,' said Arthur, rs, grnspDg her
hand tightly, he drew her forward
What "A tiresome boy You are !! said
Ellie, half laughing, half provoked. We
have only been short time in The cave
The time has passed much quicker
than you imagine. Hark /! how near
;he sea sounds!
Tberc was something in his voice that
) artled Ellie, and she no longer held
back.
% Arthur! what is the matter I she
said, rs an exclamation OF dismay burs,
from his lips.
Look =
ElIiv's face grew paler and p.Ier as sue
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
% Arthur how dreadful How can
we get away!
But Arthur did not answer. lie was
looking eagerly from side TO side. lie
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; aud, cover
ing her face with her hands, she Lurs; in
TO tears
90 Arthur! have been very wrong
II | had not kept you SO iong in the cave,
we would have bean safe. WAS very,
very wi, ked
Hush, dear! don't reproa,h yourself :;
it is of no use and can't bear to hear
you and don't cry SO dreadfully ! Per
hsps We may be saved yet
Ellie lied her head and oDked around
on the placid sea, dotted 10y the distant
sails Of the many ships bound on their
voyag" home
The water looks so clear and beauti
ful, Arthur; it can, be so cruel rs to
drown US Oh! no, no I've cant be
drowned
Arthur did not hear her he was ga
ziug, with compressed lips, at something
on the rock by his side. 1t VAS small
piece Of sea'weed he put his hand and
touched it; it was damp, and growing
to the rock. Tearing il off with An i'm
patient jerk, he flung it into the sea; he
watched it unconsciously as it washed to
and fro BY the ripple; then he turned aud
looked at Ellie she was leaning her lit.
tie pale face on her hand. her eyes fixed
wisifuily on the distant cliffs Of France
He hastily swallowed down something
that would rise in his throat as lie looked
at her and, bending over the rock, be
watched the water with an aching eager.
ness. Yet, it was rising that was only
too evident. lie started up.
% Ellie Ellie If there was only
something could do-some way Of es
cape could try for you, however danger.
Gus But it is maddening to do moth.
/ log, and see those waters rising higher
and higher
And he stamped bis foot eIcitedIy.
There was few moments silence -
then Ellie rose, and laying her hand on
his arm, looked up into bis face with an
earnest look 10 her blue eyes.
Don't speak so, dear Arthur don't
think God will let US be drowned. Just
as you spoke, the verse ] read this morn,
ing came into my head why are ye
so fearful, o ye oi little faith 7
Arthur was silent, and stood thinking
Il l