Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1860-11-17
that could be gathered from life Of rural

freedom.
Strong at the oar, uncrring in the aim
at the .arget-shot, and siuewy in the leap.
ing wager, he had become quite favor.
ite. as we'll as the ehvy of his contempt.
! raries.
In all Of his manly feats, Helena Heath
was the first to praise; aud while her
pride Of his masculine requirements was
increasing, she could not but also feel ad-
miration for his mental attainmen nts, which
after all, found something kindred and
congenial within her own bosom.
One afternoon, as young Clifford was
strolling along the shores Of the stream
above mentioned, he saw the favorite OF
old Heath, the trapper Wilson, push of
in skitf: Having frequently been bro,
in contact with him, while pursuing their
favorte feats of strength, Clifford out OF
friendship, walked to the waters edge, and
wished him q pleasant voyage.
1t catnot but be pleasant such day
as this. Come, try hand with US at an
oar this splendid weather, returned Wilson.
The temptation was too great to be
withs,ood, aud Clifford stepped into the
boat, which in moment shot out upon
the water, rising and falling with the
waves, and yielding to the pressure Of the
sturdy oars. For a long time the skif
continued to move out upon the stream
a. last the breeze stitfened, and the two
! companions rested upon their oars, to en-.
JOY the movement of the boat, as it tossed
TO aud fro. The sun was sinking slowly
in the west, and darting his horizontal
rays across the troubled waters. At last,
Wilson said, with smile:
at is now sunset at eventide. / have
an engagement-let US return to land"
Certainly replied his friend !; espe-
cially if your redezvous be of an interest
ing nature; psrchance with lady.'ove."
You are good at guessing was the
reply.
"You have, then, an evening tryst?'
Yes; with the pretti.st girl in the
country
Clifford though! Of his beautiful Helena,
and wished only that MS friend possessed
one as fair and true. For few moments
both were silent, and then, as they ap-
preached the land, again commenced the
conversation.
my fair one is very fair Thougb am
but hardy pioneer, I know how to value
qualifications like hers"
"Ah,' replied his companion; you are
happy then; but tell me who this fair one
is ?"
ut is secret; none but you have been
allowed even the whispering of such re.
velation,' said Wilson.
A secret, sweet and precious replied
Clifford, laughing
But !, too have teart. rt.idol-one who
is very kind-and pure as the Virgin Ma
ry-and | dare speak HER name. Now
for a mutual exchange of secrets confess
your ladylove and you shall know my
own"
"You would force q confession" re.
marked Wilson. "Very we'll; but as
have sworn not 10 utter her name, had | y
scrap of paper would write it, aud then
We would exchange"
Clifford produced blank leaf from his
memorandum, drew his pencil, and wrote
the magic word. Wilson did likewise,
and then they exchanged papors. Wilson
read on his " Helena Hcalh;' Clifford the
same on his, Helena Heath Their
eyes met; Wilson was embarrassed, GiE
ford pale with agitation and anger.
Very WELL" Wilson a. length said ait
seems that our mistrssses are one and the
same"
Impossible! know Helena Heath too
well, returned Clifford. "All you have
said Of her is false
Wilson had all the subdued spirit of the
restless adventuer Ills embarrassment
vanished, and be became furious. "False?"
he echoed tiercely.
"Yes-an infamous .lie' responded
Clifford.
stung to the quick, Wilson grasped All
oar with both hands, and leveed a blow
at his companions head Clifford eyaded
the blow, and sprang upon his enemy like
a tiger. Wilson dropped the weapon, and
the two were elapsed in furious embrace.
They struggled, rose upon their feet, and
falling, were plunged head long into the
stream. Tho waves rolled over them, and
the skif, half filed with water, slowly
drifted out to sea. In moment both
arose to the surface, still clasped in q
fierce embrace. The shades of nigh.
were closing around them, but there was
yet ligh. enough for them to glance a,
each other, and gather fresh courage Il.
the sight. Wilson oosed hold of his an.
tagonist, to level blow at his head, Tut
Clifford parred it, and grasped him by the
throat, aud once more both disappeared
beneath the surface Of the water. Gif-
fords energy seemed the most powerful,
and the pioneer seized the jack knife tina.
his right hand purioined from the pocket
Of his enemy, opened it with his teeth,
and plunged it into the bosom of the young
lawyer, who, with bubbiing cry, released
his hold.
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