The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1860-07-25

party LutoIyS noOoItS GdTl OI Du0IeyI mao |
died, and his son, dsshing man of twenty.
Ave, having tired OF the old time quarrel,
proposed to settle the debate by single CON-
bat to be held on the debatable territory
then, in the fourteenth century, very COM
mon method Of settling disputes. Thus the
matter stood, and with conversation and
feading the three passed the evening.
After Alfred had retired, Agnes fingered
behind seeming averse to leave her father.
Sir Henry noticed her hesitation and putting
his arm around her waist, and stroking her
dark, curling hair, said earnestly {:
"Day after to morrow, Agnes, l shall
mount my good steed, and battle for my
rights and our home. II fall, as fall |
may, we are homeless. Should anything
happen to prevent me from engaging in this
conflict"
"But nothing can happen to prevent you,
father," eagerly interrupted Agnes.
"Noihing but sudden illness or death, my
dear child"
"Oh, father -
1--WE must look at possibilities, my dear
child, and trust you do not shrink. If, as
/ say, anything shall prevent me from fight
ing my fight, / know not what You will do.
A little money | have /; you will find it in
the ebony cabinet beside my bed. With
that you must 60 with your brother to our
relations beyond the border. Never mind,
my chid,A feel that you trembe. Well
only look on the bright side and now good
night"
Thus they parted with one fond embrace.
AS Agnes ascended to her chamber, her
heart was heavy with presentment OF com.
ing evil. About midnight Agnes was arous.
ed ffom deep though troubled slumber. 1t
was Margery, the old nurse.
"Oh dear, Miss Agnes Get up--wake
as quick as you can, for you are waEted."
There was trouble and despair in the old
woman's voice, and Agnes sprang from her
bed and began to dress as hastily as posi-,
Bile, while she engerly questioned Murgery.
"What is the matter, Margery g.
"Sr Henry. your father, is ill-taken
very suddenly"
with what I"
"Oh dear, Miss, don't know James
who always sleeps in the next room. heurd
kind Of grooming, and rushing in, found
my dear master in some kind OF fit"
"Oh mefclful heaven !! spare my father
10 me " exclaimed the trembling Agnes, us
throwing a shawl over her shoulders, she
few rather than ran down stairs. At the
door Of her fathers room, she paused and
turned to MurgerN who had followed as
closely as she could.
"Hns any one gone for the doctor ~
"Yes, James went as soon as ! could 60
to MASTER"
Agnes entered the dImly lighted chamber
and approached the bed where her father
lay, SO white and motionless, while the
frightened servants stood around mutely.-
Sir Henry LysIe was a good, Kind master
and the servants were devoted to him.
Summoniog all her courage, Agnes nearee
The bed. AT the FIRST sight she t'embled, fol
she thought her futher was dead. Bending
oVer him, she laid her hand upon his heart
and was rej,ced to find that It puisated still
though very family. Ignorant Of what t
do, Agnes bathed her fathers face, and wat
in deep despair at the failure Of her efforts
when the physician entered. DR.. Thomp
Son found it to be parulytic stroke, an,
proceeded to bleed the patient. Soon Si
) Henry opened his eyes, and seemed con
scious of all that was going on. He en-
deuvored Ii speak, but that being impossible
paper and pencil were brought him. Ii
large, irregular characters he scrowled
"Doctor, will be we'll enough to 90 cu
to. morrow /"
With wistful eyes he watched the physi
clan as he deciphered the chatacters, ant
his face expressed the bitterest despair
DR.. Thompson shook his head.
Again he wrote
II cannot meet Mortimer Dudley, and We
are lost, Agnes"
Agnes read the irregular writing, SO dif
ferent from the usual firm, clear words, ant
she could scarcely repress the tears bu
bravely mastering her feelings, she said
bending over the stricken man:
"Can you hear and understand what say
: father I"
: A faint nod was the answer.
"Then rest 10 peace, dear father, for
champion will be found, who will strive al
, manfully as you-and God grant that he
, may be as brave and faithful"
, A smile Of contentment passed over the
, sick muh's face, and he calmly closed biz
eyes. Too Ill to question or doubt, he be-
lieved his daughters words.
,l Towards the close Of .tat day, Agnes re-
turned from short bit rapid ride, and sought
: in the stable for old Arnold, her fathers
t trusty esquire. The old man turned as he
heard the clatter of the horses feet, and was
only in time to see Agnes spring lightly
from the saddle. He doffed his hat respect.
fully, and waited for his mistress TO speak.
"You know, Arnold. that it was my faith
sr's intention to meet young Dudley, at day
break, tomorrow I"
~ know-I know, Mistress Agnes ; bu
he 10 ill-stricken down-and casnot co.
|, nawo oPed the old aAFvitor IN n tnourn r.,