Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1860-07-04

and the others will be wondering where we
are besides-'
"Besides what p
Il have quite forgotten to look at the
tide; and it may be quite near US for all we
know"
Nonsense we would hear it much plain
er if it were. What odd little caves those
are, in the wall where do they lead to %
''Tradition says, to the centre of the
! earth but that's humbug. Do come away
now.
But Ellie was headstrong, and insisted
on exploring every one Of the little tissues
before she would quit the spot; even then
she fingered, in spite of Arthur's efforts to
hurry her
GLOW funny you look p she said, laugh
ing. ''What are you in such state about ?
It would be great fun if the tide had come
in ~
Ellie, you don't know what you are say
ing" said Arthur, as, grasping her hand
tightly, he drew her forward
''What a tiresome boy you are" said
Ellie, half laughing, halfprovoked. owe
have only been short time in the cave"
''The time has passed much quicker than
you imagine. Hark. how near the sea
sounds"
There was something in lis voice that
startled Ellie, and she no longer held back
go Arthur what is the matter? p she
said, as an exclamation Of dismay burst from
his lips.
s'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.
80 Arthur. how dreadful How can
we get away %
But Arthur did not answer. He was
looking eagerly from side to side. He saw
buttoo clearly the dangszof their situation
all mode Of exit cut or 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
30 Arthur! | have been very wrong.
If had not kept you so long in the cave
we would have been safe. [ was very, very
wicked p
''Hush dear! don't reproach yourself;
it is of no use and I can't bear to hear you:
and don't cry SO dreadfully! Perhaps we
may be saved yet
on the placid sea, dotted by the distant sails
of the many ships f''boupd on their voyage
home"
''The water looks so clear and beautiful,
Arthur-it can't be so cruel as to drown US !!
OH! no, move can't be drowned !''
Arthur did not hear her; he was gazing,
with compressed lips, at something on the
rock by his side. 1t was a small piece of
sea-weed: he put his hand and touched it /:
it was damp, and growing to the rock. Tear
ing it off with an impatient 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
eagerncss. Yes, it was rising; that was
only too evident. He started up. 80
Ellie! Ellie if there was only something |
could do-some way of escape [ could try
for you, however dangerous! But it is
maddenins to stay doing nothing, and see
those waters rising higher and higher
And he stamped his foot excitedly.
There was few moments silence: then
Ellie rose, and laying her hand on his arm
! looked up. in his face with an earnest look
in 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 morning came into my head =
Why are ye so fearful, 0 ye Of little
faith 2"
Arthur was silent, and stood thinking for
a little at last he said: Let us 60 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 unwill-
ingly to be led from the fresh air back into
the dark cavern. Then shuttingAer eyes,
she learnt in silence against the rock, while
Arthur eagerly investigated the damp walls
''EllieD' he exclaimed, 'look here is the
very thing; do you see that sort of little
shelf in the rock p
eyes, but can we reach it?'
Il think so you know we are both good
climbers"
After little difficulty, Arthur succeeded
in reaching the crevice, and lay down so as
to stretch his arm as far down as possible.
'Now, Ellie, put your foot there; and take
hold of that stone, and raise your left foot.
and you will find another resting-place
Capital! Now raise your hand, and [ will
try to reach you-well done !"
Ellie drew breath of relief when she
found herself seated side by side with
Arthur, and asked him in a cheerful voice
if he thought they would be safe where they
were.
II cannottell, Ellie; we can only hope 50. %
This was not encouraging, and Ellie said
I y y