The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1860-06-29

AhC tOhdS ildiI Was Tue IlESL 10 enter .
1t was necessary that he should to keep il steady
while the others were taking their placrs-
MRS. Stanton next stepped in, and then her lite
nePaew. As the young ladies were approach
ing, saw the stranger take something from
side pocket and place it in the hands of the
eldest she paused, as if in conversation with
h'T, and II was not till the others were all sea-
ted that she moved forward and entered the
boat and even then she moved slowly, as if
With reluctance.
The stranger loosened the rope that secured
the sklf, and abowing again to the ladies, re-
fnaIned standing on the vprandah.
AS they floated rapidly away, ii was evident
that they must descend the river considerable
distance while making the passage, and that
they would land at what was called the lower
la0dIng, about half mile below where we
were standing. We all walked down IN that
direction. The rain began to fall, accompa-
n1ra with heavy wind-the light faded rap
tdty away, as the storm increased, and it was
aliJl0't as dark as night when the sklff came to
iaRc- The passengers were welcomed with
loud cheers, and assisted into carriage which
had long been waiting them. They were thor
oughiy drencheh, and seemed nearly exhausted
VITA fatigue, anxiety and lasting they had ca
tea nothing for thirty-slx hours. The rain beat
fuTiously and PiilIessly upon US as we has
teRei back 10 our lodgings. At supper the
subject was discussed, and there was much
wondering and inquirlng about the stran-
ger.
As was describing his personal appearance,
the landlord remarked
"He must be- the stranger who stopped here
last nIght"
Ireplied that did not see him at the table
either IN the morning or at noon.
"No," said he, she did not come down till
late this morning, and did not come to dinner
at all''
Il was concluded on all hands that he was
doomed man-the utter imDosslbilty Of his sur
wiring the night was evident.
The storm continued with terrible fury the
rain fell 10 torrents, and the wind blew almost
hurricane, attended with !ncessant flashes of
lightning and mingled with the loud roaring
of the wind was a continuous roar OF thunder.
1t was the most terrible storm of that stormy
year. II was long past midnight when it ceas-
ed and the tumuIt Of the storm, and the agita-
tion occasoned by the interest felt in the fate of
the unknown traveller, prevented sleep for many
hours.
The next morning was calm and bright
Long before sunrise the crowds who. the preVi-
Gus day, had thronged the bluffs, were hurry
ing along the streets and sidewalks to learn the
fate OF the stranger. 1t was soon learned. The
river was higher than on the previous day, and
every veStIge of the island had disappeared.
Nothing but broad eXpanse of dark, wild, rush
ing waters was visible, hurrying on in fierce,
relentless tide.
A thrill OF lnexpressibIe horror, mingled with
a strange feeling OF admiration, filled every
heart, as the eye first rested on the spot where
the brave young stranger had yielded up his
Iiie alone in the storm and darkness, and gone
down to his unknown ard notreSS grave
sWhy should he do il z" was the question on
every tongue and in every mind. 'sWhat was
his motive Why should he go down to Ger
satn death for the sacrifice of strangers, when
their own friends Shrank from Tie sacri-
flee o.
While was standing alone, looking out up
on the river, after tie spectators had with
drawn, a carriage came up. 1t contained
Mr. Stanton and his family. They looked
earnestly upon the river for some time IN ST.
itace.
''NaS 1t possible ior MN 10 escape. uncle
asked the eldest of the two ladies'
Mr.. Stanton had deScenSed from The car
rage and was standing at the door, which
was open. He shook his head sadly, as he re-
piied
a think not, DelIa-I think not"
Della was very pale, and leaned her head a
gainst the side of the carriage, as ii faint and
weak. Sne was really brautllu-a blonde,
with rich auburn halr and clear brown eyes,
Her forehead was high and broad, and all her
features were regular and delicate. The whole
party remained silent for several minutes. She
was the first TO speak
SI an, rlad to have you al saved - she said .