Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-04-18

and threw their dark shadow far out into the
sleeping waters, low, warbling murmur, n OF
exactly like the carol of bird, but quite as
sweet and full of melody, fell on their ears !;
and instantly checking the tired horses, they
bent brethlessly over their saddles, and peer
ed down through the thick leaves, for the
sound seemed to proceed from their midst.
low, faint cry of wonder half burst from
Esther's lips, but her brothers. hand smother
ed the sound, while he pushed his way nearer
to the edge of the bank that he might have
more distinct view of the strange, wild crea-
turc thus thrust upon their vision. She had
grasped with one small, brown hand plant
branch of one of the trees that overhung the
dark waters, and swung herself from the slight
foothold beneath, while with the other reach
ing far up amid the clustering vines that wound
themselves around every limb, she was trying
to grasp bunch of purple grapes which swung
to and fro, constantly eluding the clasp Of
her slender fingers. Her large, wild, brown
eyes, with their thick silken lashes, were fixed
eagerly upon the capricious treasure, and her
full, red lips half opened in their impat:ence,
while the long, jetty ringlets of her hair in
their lavish abundance fell back from her
dark, high forehead, and hung trembling over
the deep waters. The same exquisite music
now came again from her full heart, for the ex-
treme peril of her situation seemed unable to
restrain its outgushiDgs of gladness and the
golden bird which had just lighted upon
fore pluming its wings for flight.
She was strangely beautiful, and as she hung
there with only that frail line for a support,
and the notes of JOY upon her lip, Oscar Dun
ham and his sister turned pale with terror.
She had just reached the purple fruit and torn
the rich cluster from its vine, when the bend
ed bough broke with sudden crash, and with
one faint cry the daring girl sank beneath the
dark surface below. She rose again almost in
stantly, and the next moment the strong arms
of the bold youth had borne her up to the
grassy hank, where he gently laid her with her
head in Esther's lap, The little hand still
grasped the luscious fruit, but the bright drops
dripped from the stem, and the smile had
hardly left the pale lip and cheek. Oscar bent
anxiously over the marble face, and rubbed
the cold hands with his trembling fingers, while
Esther kissed the lovely brow and put back the
wet hair, calling on her to awake. At last a
faint color came to the lips, the long Iashes
trembed upon the cheek, and then the brown
eyes looked up with bewldered gaze ; but
when they fell upon the eloquent pale face Of
the stranger youth. she sprang to her feet,
while crimson glow flushed the cheek and
brow, and a cry of fear trembled on her tongue.
1t was only momentary for when she turned
her eyes to the beautiful face of Esther Dun
ham, smile full of satisfaction and loveIiness
broke over her features, and she knelt down
by her side, clasping her hands in both hers,
and gazed fondly into her face.
ssWas it you who took me from those dark
waters ~ she asked; s'was it you who saved
the Young Fawn to her mothers arms ?''
sNot me, dear one, but he, my brother,' re-
piled the smiling girl. ssWe were passing this
way and saw your danger. 1t was Oscar who
brought you to my arms"
ssThen he has my gratitude, and I know my
dear mother would bless him, for l am her
all,'' and she extended her hand timdlv to
the admiring youth. blushing and hanging her
onA in h1r cD1n mt va han iny Ip
withdrawn.
ssI know l was Careless" she continued,
turning to Esther; ssbut / wanted the grapes
so much, and besides l have often gathered
them in the same way before without injury or
accident. Blu. shall be more wise in future,
for my mothers sake as well as my own.''
s'And where do you live ?'' asked her lis
tener, looking about her ssI see no signs of
cultivation, no house anywhere in this region.''
s'Oh, no, you cannot see it here" replied
the smiling girl, 'swe live in the dim, deep
forest, yonder over the stream, and our cottage
is just behind that ledge of rocks. Mother and
l dwell in those woods alone; but we are very
happy-at least am, only sometimes when
hear my mother sigh or tear in her eye.
She is very good, and love her very much.
l wish you could see her, you would love her
too.'
ssAnd is your father dead ?'' inquired Es-
ther, gazing delightedly over her amin ated
had been given her.
ssOh, yes. My father was q great chief-a
mighty king of powerful tribe but he was
long ago slain in battle, and since then my
mother and / have lived alone, though she Of
ten sighs for the dear friends of her childhood,
who she says are tar away, or perhaps dwell in
the spirit land.''
Alook of sadness crossed the eloquent young
face, and she brushed tear from her cheek
but it was quickly followed by smile as she
added, ssMy father used to call me the Young
Fawn, but mother prefers the name of Nora,
because she says it has been in her heart from
childhood, though she cannot remember from
whence it came.''
ssNora % whispered Esther to her brother,
sour mothers name."
elf it were not asking too much of you,''
continued the Young Fawn, ssI would take
You to our humble home and show you this |
sweet mother of mine. She is fair as you, for |
l take not this dark brow and these jetty tres
ses from her,"
ssWe will CO., said Oscar, quickly. ssIt |
will not take long, and we can tie our horses to
one OF the trees. The sun is still high in the |
heavens, and if we should be ont after night
fall, we shall have the full moon to guide us
on our way.'
The horses wese accordingly fastened to a
tree near by, and left to nbble the fresh grass,
while the dark maiden and her companions
proceeded to the little skitf which was moored |
beneath the bank, and were soon floating over
the smooth surface of the stream. They land
ed just where huge dark rock threw its shad-
ow over the rich velvety turf, which stretched
back from the rivers brink, and stepping forth
from the fairy bark, the graceful girl bounded
around the projecting cliff, followed by the
young strangers. The scene was lovely, as
they emerged from the heavy shade and look |
ed around. Giant trees that had for centuries |
pointed with their INTERVIEWING boughs to